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The Fiery Priest  Season 2 has returned with action, humor, and controversy. Directed by Park Bo Ram ( Through the Darkness 2022), this crime comedy K-drama continues the adventures of ex-NIS-agent-turned-priest Kim Hae Il ( Kim Nam Gil ) and detective Goo Dae Young ( Kim Sung Kyun ). Set five years after the events of Season 1, the duo battles growing criminal activities in "Gudam." The first season, released in 2019, became a massive hit with a 22% finale viewership rating. Fans eagerly awaited this sequel, now airing on Disney Plus Hotstar with 12 episodes, releasing two every Friday and Saturday. The season opened with an impressive 11.9% rating (According to Korea Times), showcasing its strong fan base. However, it hasn’t escaped criticism. Many argue the show glamorizes vigilante justice and undermines faith in real-life authorities. Similar debates surrounded recent dramas like The Judge From Hell  and I, the Executioner , which also portray justice outside the law. This debate also echoes discussions around The Glory , which critiques societal failures while portraying vigilante action. These narratives spark mixed reactions, with some praising their bold storytelling and others worrying about the practical implications. The much-awaited second season of The Fiery Priest  brings back fan favorites Kim Nam Gil as the fiery priest Kim Hae Il, Lee Ha Nee as prosecutor Park Kyung Sun, and Kim Sung Kyun as detective Gu Dae Young. Joining them is BIBI , portraying Gu Ja Young, the sister of Gu Dae Young. Along with Sung Joon joins as the main antagonist, Kim Hong Sik, a ruthless drug lord with plans to expand Korea’s drug trade. Season 2 comprises 12 episodes, with two airing weekly on Fridays and Saturdays. Episodes 5 and 6 will be released on November 22 and 23, exclusively on Disney Plus Hotstar. Is The Fiery Priest  Season 2 a step forward in K-drama storytelling, or does it pose ethical concerns about justice? Share your thoughts below! #TheFieryPriest #KimSungKyun #KimNamGil

Over the past couple of weeks, there has been speculation about BTS member, Jin , leaving the K-pop mega group. Is this true or just another rumor? We dig deeper to find out! Following the release of his solo album, BTS member Jin decided to clear up the rumors and end the speculation that suggested that he was leaving the K-pop band BTS , and instead, switching to a solo artist. After his highly awaited solo album Happy , released on November 15, 2024, rumors suggested that Jin is planning to make a huge change from being a member of BTS and becoming a solo artist in his own right. ARMY fans of course had opinions on this speculation, and as kind as Jin is, not wanting to let his fans down the K-pop idol iterated his loyalty to the band BTS and also reflected on his debut solo album. "But at the end of the day, my roots and connection to music will always be with BTS." — Jin on whether or not he is leaving BTS. In a later conversation with Billboard, Jin broke his silence over the rumors saying, "The only band I, now and forever, will be part of is BTS. Band music is a genre I'm personally interested in, and I enjoy exploring different styles as a solo artist. But at the end of the day, my roots and connection to music will always be with BTS." Let's check out some of the ARMY's opinions on this! Jin as a solo artist also had the opportunity to work with the British band Coldplay for his song "The Astronaut" which was released before he was enlisted in his mandatory military service, and he is also the last member to release his solo album. Having completed his enlistment he has had some amazing opportunities to appear on many variety shows, including Run Jin , and The Tonight Show more recently. So what should we expect to see from Jin in the future? Let us know what you would like to see Jin appear in, in the comments below. #BTS #bts #army #jin #kpop #kculture #tonightshow #jimmyfallon

With 2024 coming to an end, the biggest names in K-pop are ready to see who fans have chosen as their favorites! The 2024 Melon Music Awards are set to take place on November 30, 2024, in Incheon. We have the full list of nominees plus where to cast your votes! The 2024 Melon Music Awards are set to take place at the INSPIRE Arena in Incheon on November 30, 2024. The music awards celebrate 2024's hottest names in the K-pop industry, and awards artists for their hard work and creativity, as well as welcoming new and upcoming artists, who we hope to see blossom in 2025. Ahead of the awards ceremony, Melon Music Awards have released the list of artists who have been selected as nominees by category. The list includes K-pop sensations Seventeen, New Jeans, Aespa Jungkook, and many more! To qualify, tracks must have dropped between November 2, 2023, and October 30, 2024. Top K-pop bands like Aespa and Seventeen, and artists including Jungkook are in the race for Artist Of The Year. According to Melon, winners (except the Top 10) are decided by 60 percent of streaming/download stats, 20 percent of judge scores, and 20 percent of fan votes. For the Top 10, it’s 80 percent stats and 20 percent votes. K-pop Fans can cast their votes until November 29, 2024. Let's take a look! Artist of the Year: A espa DAY6 (G)I-DLE IU Jungkook NewJeans PLAVE RIIZE SEVENTEEN TWS Album of the Year: Aespa – “Armageddon” DAY6 – “Fourever” (G)I-DLE – “2” ILLIT – “SUPER REAL ME” IU – “The Winning” Jungkook – “GOLDEN” LE SSERAFIM – “EASY” PLAVE – “ASTERUM : 134-1” Taeyeon – “To. X” TWS – “Sparkling Blue” Song of the Year: Aespa – “Supernova” BIBI – “Bam Yang Gang” (G)I-DLE – “Fate” ILLIT – “Magnetic” IU – “Love wins all” Changsub – “Heavenly fate” Lee Mu Jin – “Episode” Lim Jae Hyun – “Rhapsody of Sadness” Taeyeon – “To. X” TWS – “plot twist” Millions Top 10: Aespa – “Armageddon” Baekhyun – “Hello, World” BOYNEXTDOOR – “19.99” DAY6 – “Band Aid” Doh Kyung Soo – “BLOSSOM” Doyoung – “YOUTH” Hwang Young Woong – “On Your Side” IU – “The Winning” IVE – “IVE SWITCH” Jaehyun – “J” Jimin – “MUSE” Jeonghan X Wonwoo – “THIS MAN” Jungkook – “GOLDEN” Lee Chan Won – “bright;” Lim Young Woong – “Warmth” NCT 127 – “WALK” NCT DREAM – “DREAM()SCAPE” NewJeans – “How Sweet” PLAVE – “ASTERUM : 134-1” Red Velvet – “Chill Kill” RIIZE – “RIIZING” SEVENTEEN – “SPILL THE FEELS” Stray Kids – “ROCK-STAR” Taeyeon – “To. X” Taeyong – “TAP” THE BOYZ – “TRIGGER” TXT – “minisode 3: TOMORROW” Young Tak – “SuperSuper” ZEROBASEONE – “MELTING POINT” Zico – “SPOT!” New Artist of the Year: BABYMONSTER ILLIT MEOVV Pagaehun TWS Best Solo – Female: BIBI BOL4 IU Lee Young Ji Taeyeon Best Solo – Male: Jungkook Changsub Lee Mu Jin Lim Jae Hyun Zico Best Group – Female: Aespa (G)I-DLE ILLIT LE SSERAFIM NewJeans Best Group – Male: DAY6 PLAVE RIIZE SEVENTEEN TWS Best OST: 10CM – “Spring Snow” ( “ Lovely Runner ” OST) Crush – “Love You With All My Heart” ( “Queen of Tears” OST) ECLIPSE – “Sudden Shower” (“Lovely Runner” OST) Roy Kim – “Whenever, Wherever” ( “My Demon” OST) Taeyeon – “Dream” ( “Welcome to Samdalri” OST) Best Pop Artist: Ariana Grande Ayumu Imazu Benson Boone MAX Sabrina Carpenter Track Zero Choice: bongjeingan – “Know You Did” Danpyunsun and the Moments Ensemble – “Independent” HANRORO – “H O M E” HYUKOH, Sunset Rollercoaster – “Young Man” Kim Sawol – “Default” O’KOYE – “O’KOYE (Feat. Yun Seok Cheol)” Savina & Drones – “Nobody Knows” SUMIN & Slom – “WHY, WHY, WHY” THE SOLUTIONS – “N/A” wave to earth – “annie.” Make sure to cast your votes here! https://www.melon.com/mma/home.htm Let us know your favorite artists in the comments below! #musicawards #2024music #melonmusic #kpop #kpopawards #melonmusicawards

Filled with laughter, educational talks, and cultural exchange, Australia and South Korea showcased a monumental partnership in music. Music students got a chance to enjoy contemporary music from both countries and discover new opportunities for themselves! Read on to find out more about this exciting event! An amazing opportunity for not only cultural exchange but also career opportunities! Blessed with the sweet harmonies from the collaboration from both the SJA Music Institute (SJA) and the Australia Institute of Music (AIM), attendees experienced the unique opportunities between the two programs with a hint of K-culture and K-pop! Held at the highly appropriate art and trendy district of Hongdae , Seoul, the event was a huge success! The partnership is a big move between the two countries signaling the power of music connecting people from around the globe. Keynote speakers shared their personal experiences from graduating from AIM to presenting career opportunities in both the Australian and South Korean music scene. Both schools announced a partnership to offer official academic credits to participating students. For more information on how you can participate, visit AIM and SJA in the links below! SJA Music Institute: http://www.sja.co.kr/intro/ Australia Institute of Music: https://aim.edu.au/ Comment below with your thoughts! #AustralianInstituteofMusic #SJAMusicInstitute

Bringing back the popular comedic film Miss Granny (2014), Kim Hae Sook and Jung Ji So star in the upcoming remake Who Is She ! We cover why this is a must-watch in your winter K-drama playlist! Who Is She is set to be all about romance, humor and everything about older Korean women or "halmoni" (grandmother),. Over the years the famous film has had multiple remakes in other countries, however, this up-and-coming series is set to be something special! Let's see why! Synopsis The series follows a woman in her 70s, Oh Mal Soon (Kim Hae Sook Mr. Plankton 2024) who suddenly transforms into a 20-year-old with a different name, Oh Doo Ri ( Jung Ji So The Glory 2022), and gets a second chance at living out her dream as a singer. The humorous trailer shows the elderly Oh Mal Soon stepping up to the mic as a contestant in a singing contest, which to us screams everything classic Korean! Later, as she sings her heart out at Karaoke, she complains in a voice-over "Is it a crime to be old?" Later, to Oh Mal Soon's surprise, she transforms into a young Oh Doo Ri, who looks young, but still talks and acts exactly like Oh Mal Soon. As she adjusts to her new body, Oh Doo Ri asks in confusion, “In your eyes, do I look like an old woman or a young miss?” Next, idol producer Daniel Han (B1A4’s Jung Jinyoung ) shocks Oh Doo Ri by telling her that she has exactly three months left until her debut. “I have faith in you," he says, leading Oh Doo Ri to exclaim, “I’m in disbelief.” However, as she passionately practices for her girl group debut, Oh Doo Ri declares, “So what if this is a dream or a curse? When I’m this young and fresh right now.” What fans are saying! Fans have also commented on the YouTube trailer with their excitement and opinions on the new remake! Don't forget to tune in on December 18, 2024, at 21:50 KST on KBS 2TV for this new and exciting K-drama! Let us know if you will be tuning in to watch this new series in the comments below! #missgranny #whoisshe #kdrama #kculture #drama #comedy #romance #remake

NewJeans is once again engaged in an internal battle with their parent company HYBE to break their contract unless their terms are met! We have all the details you need to know about whether this global girl group will have a future or not! As we have written about previously, NewJeans have been having disagreements with their agency HYBE . Since then, they have sent a certified letter to ADOR , warning them that they would terminate their contracts with the label if their demands were not met. If the group did terminate their contacts then they will have to pay a penalty fee, however, this amount is currently unknown. NewJeans has generated revenue since its debut in 2022, estimated at around 190 billion won (USD 125,600,000). However, the get-out clause of their contract is speculated to be around 300 billion won (USD 214,911,259). It appears that within the letter from the K-pop group, eight major demands were made, which mostly touched upon recent controversies surrounding the group, such as punishing the person who wrote internal documents stating, "Get rid of New Jeans and start a new road map" and also receiving an official apology from the manager who told other artists to ignore NewJeans member Hanni . Our Opinion Due to the bad publicity that NewJeans has been garnering recently, it does not put them in a good light publicly. Although they have generated a good profit over a very short period and gained a lot of popularity globally, if we were HYBE, we would be hesitant to give in to their unrealistic demands. Fan Opinions That said, it all does stem from when they called or more like ordered the return of ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin . Let's take a glimpse back to that moment: “Please return ADOR to what it was from the moment when NewJeans signed its official contract until March 2024 when we were happy,” the members said in the document. “We miss the NewJeans that was so full of dreams about the music, stage, and creativity, which we were going to show along with [former] CEO Min Hee Jin.”   Let us know your thoughts on this article in the comments below. #Newjeans #Kpop #HYBE #contract #kculture #entertainment #music

One of the most-watched TV shows in the U.S., The Tonight Show, will host BTS member Jin as a solo debuting guest! We have all the details plus what fans are eagerly anticipating! Since taking a break from BTS, due to many members completing their mandatory military service in South Korea, member Jin has taken this opportunity to debut his appearance on one of the most-watched late-night talk shows in the US as a lone guest. The US hit talk show, The Tonight Show, released a trailer ahead of Jin's special appearance. The trailer has fans everywhere talking about his upcoming appearance! Let's check out the teaser and fan reactions! Who is Jin? Jin is one of the members of the famous K-pop band BTS which formed in 2010. Jin is now scheduled to debut as a solo artist for the first time on American TV on November 20, 2024. Here, he will take center stage on Jimmy Fallon's The Tonight Show to promote his first solo album "Happy". Even though BTS has performed on the show several times before as a group, this will be Jin's first appearance on the show as a solo artist. A solo album awaits Jins first solo album Happy was released on November 15, 2024, which marks a significant turning point in his career. The album features six songs that show off his unique voice and creativity as an artist. "Running Wild" , the lead single, is expected to be a powerful demonstration of Jin's developing sound and lyrical complexity. Take a look! Furthermore, the poignant melody and sentimental lyrics of the pre-release song "I'll Be There" have already generated a lot of excitement. It is significant to note that one of the most highly anticipated tracks on Happy is "Heart on the Window", a collaboration with Red Velvet’s Wendy . Be sure to tune in tomorrow night, November 20, 2014! Let us know your thoughts on this hot topic in the comments below! #BTS #Jin #army #UStalkshow #tonightshow #kpop #jimmyfallon

Song Jae Rim , a much-loved K-actor recently passed away unexpectedly. We honor his contributions to K-entertainment and share fans' condolences in this heartbreaking article. Song Jae Rim is a much-loved Korean actor who was born in 1985, and he gained popularity through working with the Korean broadcasting channel MBC. This later led to opportunities to work on the renowned drama The Moon Embracing the Sun . After this major breakthrough role, this led to the handsome man gaining a reputation within the industry, and later being given the chance to work on other dramas such as Two Weeks , Goodbye Mr. Black , and I Wanna Your Song among others. He was also known for his appearance on We Got Married alongside actress  Kim So Eun  in 2014. Sadly, on the afternoon of November 12, 2024, according to recent reports, a two-page letter was found at the scene in the actor's apartment in Seoul's Seongdong District. However, there appeared to be no foul play involved in his death. The actor's funeral took place a few days later at Seoul's Yeouido St Mary's Hospital funeral hall, where it is said that his family took charge of all of the arrangements, with his resting place at Seoul city crematorium. Of course, this news is a shock to the actor's fans. The news of his passing was sudden, without any lead-up to the event, so there are still questions left unknown at this stage. However, there has been some speculation due to his Instagram handle being changed to 'A Long Journey Begins', and this handle change came days before his death. Fan Responses This is not the first time that a K-star has passed away at such a young age. Could this be the pressure that exists in Korean society? Let us know what you think about this in the comments below. #kactor #kdrama #knews #passed #songjaerim

SM Entertainment has officially confirmed Seunghan’s solo debut, marking a new chapter in his career following his departure from RIIZE . The debut, planned for the second half of 2025, comes after his indefinite hiatus due to personal controversies and his subsequent exit from the group. Seunghan's departure stirred significant debate among fans, with many questioning the circumstances surrounding his exit. On social media, international fans have expressed mixed emotions, celebrating his solo journey while others continue to push for a return to RIIZE as seven members. Seunghan left RIIZE amidst controversy before the group’s debut. SM Entertainment stated his departure was a mutual decision to protect the group and Seunghan from escalating issues. The news of his solo debut, however, has revived discussions about the challenges he faced and how the company handled his departure. Many international fans, in particular, feel that Seunghan was unjustly mistreated due to the toxic fan culture and lacked adequate support from SM Entertainment during the controversies. SM Entertainment’s confirmation of his solo debut seems to be a step towards allowing him to shine independently. SM added to their statement " Seunghan is determined to showcase a new side of himself as he embarks on his journey as a solo artist and carries out his talents and dreams. " This reassurance from SM has been a source of comfort for his supporters, who have long demanded justice and a chance for Seunghan to regain his footing in the industry. While some fans support SM’s decision to allow Seunghan to focus on his solo career, others remain confused. They question the group’s future without one of its original members and believe RIIZE’s identity is incomplete without all seven. Fans of the group have been vocal on social media, trending hashtags like #RIIZEas7 and #BringBackSeunghan, expressing their desire to see the group return to its original lineup. As Seunghan prepares for his solo debut, fans are eager to see how he evolves as a solo artist. However, his departure has sparked deeper conversations about the pressures idols face and the need for more supportive environments from agencies and fandoms alike. The situation underscores the importance of creating healthier relationships between idols, agencies, and fans. Will Seunghan’s solo career succeed in silencing the critics, or will RIIZE see a reunion with its former member? What are your thoughts on Seunghan’s solo debut? Should RIIZE return as seven, or is this the beginning of a new chapter for both? Share your opinions below! #Seunghan #RIIZE #RISEandREALIZE #RII7EISSEVEN

Fans have voted, and the 2024 Korea Grand Music Awards celebrated the best in Korean music this year, recognizing achievements across different genres. Organized by Ilgan Sports, the annual event honored artists who have significantly impacted the global music scene. This awards ceremony is one of Korea's biggest nights for K-pop music and fans. The winners are selected through fan votes, both domestic and international, and the awards are based on the musicians' performance over the past year. This event has taken place every year since 1986! Are you cashing in? NewJeans' speech! NewJeans have been in the headlines countless times this year, and they even admitted themselves during a speech at the awards, that they are not sure how long they have left as a band at this moment. Let's take a look. Of course, NewJeans were not the only K-pop idols at the event, as this star-studded event was packed with some of K-pop's hottest names. Let's dive in and take a look at some of the winners of the night. Here is the full list of winners from the awards ceremony! Best Artist For Best Artist, the night recognized an impressive roster of performers, including EXO ‘s D.O. , ZEROBASEONE , STAYC , P1Harmony , SHINee ‘s Taemin , Lee Young Ji , NewJeans , and (G)I-DLE , all of whom have left an indelible mark on the music scene this year. IS Rising Star JD1 was recognized as the breakout act to watch, demonstrating immense potential and making a strong impression on the industry. Best R&B The Best R&B category saw EXO’s D.O. and BIBI celebrated for their captivating and soulful music. Of course, fans have also taken to social media to express their excitement. New and upcoming artists are also showcased at the event, to give them a glimpse into what's to come in their career. Otherwise known as "Next Generation" artists who joined the already star-studded line-up. These artists, represent the MZ generation and are expected to be leading figures in the future of K-Pop, further raising anticipation for the event. Let us know your thoughts on the 2024 winners in the comments below. #kpop #musicawards #awards #2024awards #2024kpopawards #grandmusicawards

You Were Born to be Loved! Netflix’s recent K-drama Mr. Plankton , released on November 8, 2024, is a unique romantic comedy exploring loneliness and connection themes. The story follows Hae Jo, portrayed by Woo Do Hwan , who discovers he has limited time to live due to a brain tumor. On her wedding day, he reunites with his ex-lover, Jae Mi, played by Lee Yoo Mi, and sets off on a journey to find his biological father. The narrative also delves into Jae Mi's struggles with premature menopause and her husband Eo Heung’s attempts to bring her back home. The show combines heartfelt moments with comedy and drama, offering a layered exploration of relationships and life's unpredictability. Here are 5 meaningful life lessons we believe the makers aimed to share through this remarkable series! 1. Every Life Has Purpose Much like the significance of plankton in sustaining life, the drama emphasizes that every individual, no matter how small or overlooked, has value. Hae-jo’s journey from being useless to being everyone's love, inspires us to see beyond labels and recognize the purpose within ourselves. 2. Healing Happens Through Connection Hae Jo's interactions with strangers along his journey reveal the power of human connection in overcoming loneliness. The drama beautifully portrays how even a brief meeting with a stranger can spark personal growth and healing. 3. Live in the Moment Hae Jo’s carefree lifestyle reminds us to appreciate the present. Whether it’s a quiet sunset or a meaningful conversation, the drama urges viewers to find joy in life’s fleeting moments. 4. Forgiveness Frees the Soul The reconciliation between Hae Jo and his estranged father delivers a powerful message about forgiveness. Letting go of past wounds not only heals relationships but also provides personal liberation from guilt, rage, and trauma. Family is Built by Love, Not Blood Hae Jo’s quest to find his biological family ends with a profound realization: true family is created through love, trust, and shared experiences. Kkari provides stability, Jae Mi brings fun, Heung offers excitement, and Bong Suk symbolizes good fortune. Together, they help Hae Jo embrace his flaws and rediscover his worth. In the end, Mr. Plankton  teaches us that family is not destined but built through meaningful bonds. Why Fans Love Mr. Plankton ! Fans adore the drama’s emotional depth, stunning visuals, and relatable exploration of loneliness and healing. Woo Do Hwan's heartfelt performance as Hae Jo, combined with the universal themes of connection and acceptance, makes this series an unforgettable experience. Which of these lessons resonated most with you? Do you think Hae Jo’s story reflects the struggles of modern-day life? Share your thoughts and favorite moments from Mr. Plankton  in the comments! #MrPlankton   #WooDoHwan   #LeeYooMin

As if having a successful career in the prestigious K-pop industry isn't enough, BLACKPINK's Lisa is set to debut as an actress! Read on for all the details! Lisa has joined season three of White Lotus , along with a new image which we think is hot! This HBO series is currently keeping the K-pop starts role under wraps for now with speculations underway. The series is also set to be filmed in Lisa's native Thailand with spectacular locations such as the picturesque island of Koh Samui, Phuket and the tropical mega city of Bangkok. After finishing her contract with YG Entertainment , it was decided that LISA and the other members of K-po girl group BLACKPINK would continue working together for YG activities but not re-sign exclusive contracts. This has of course opened up heaps more opportunities, and acting is one of them. Check out this teaser image: Exact plot details are being kept under wraps aside from the fact it will follow a new group of guests at a White Lotus resort property, which Lisa also hopes will make her fans fall in love with Thailand even more! Let's take a look at this spoiler! Of course on LISA's resume acting is not currently on there, however she does have relatable experience, acting in her music videos, outstanding stage presence, preforming to thousands of fans, and as she said, "It's pretty new to me, but I think it's similar to shooting music videos. I'm excited for my fans to see it". And so are we! Let's take a look at some fan reactions: Lisa’s casting was first announced at the beginning of 2024 , along with confirmation she’d be credited under her given name Lalisa Manobal . She joined an extremely buzzy cast of superstars who are helming this season, including Parker Posey, Walton Goggins, Carrie Coon, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Aimee Lou Wood, and many more. Natasha Rothwell will also be reprising her Season 1 role as Belinda Lindsey, a spa worker at the Hawaiian White Lotus branch. Although the new teaser seems to suggest she’ll be experiencing the resort as a guest, not a worker, this time. This is not the first time that singers have tried their hand at acting, stars like Rihanna and Beyoncé have tried their hand at acting before, along with Lady Gaga, with most of them becoming really successful. Let's check out the official trailer! With all if this going on, Lisa is continuing her romantic relationship with her boyfriend and she can be seen enjoying her dates with him, and she could potentially become the daughter in-law of the Louis Vuitton family. Now that is something to add to the resume! Let us know your thoughts on this article in the comments below. #lisa #blackpink #debut #kpop #kdrama #acting #actress #kculture #koreanentertainment