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Red Velvet‘s Seulgi is vocal about her poor eyesight. Those who also have astigmatism can totally relate to her struggles with constant squinting, not recognizing her own photos, and more. Check out these 8 moments where she showed just how much the struggle is real!

1. When she couldn’t even recognize herself in a photo

She didn’t realize until the photo was enlarged that it was actually herself!

2. When she couldn’t get any closer to what she’s reading

She’s just trying her best.

3. Her constant squinting face

On the plus side, it’s absolutely adorable.

4. When the younger members have better eyesight than her

However, she refuses to reveal her own prescription!

5. Struggling in everyday life

Seeing the scoreboard at Idol Star Athletic Championship proved to be a difficult task.

6. Warning her fans about her eyesight

She doesn’t need to tell fans twice to stay close to her!

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Right in front of her will do!

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7. Finding the camera

Someone protect her at all costs, please.

8. The one time her eyesight functioned properly

Seulgi couldn’t help but notice Wendy’s sexy choice of clothing!

Park Eun Seok was recently hit with an animal abandonment controversy when netizens questioned where his past pets went following his appearance on MBC‘s I Live Alone with his new dog, Molly.

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| @_____silverstone_____/Instagram

It was revealed by fans and those around him that he has had quite a few pets in his life, which are now nowhere to be seen.

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| @_____silverstone_____/Instagram

And while it was clarified by Park Eun Seok’s agency as well as his cousin that due to unforeseen circumstances, the animals were passed on to family and friends, the criticisms against his “abandonment” animals continued.

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“I Live Alone” | MBC

Following various clarifications, Park Eun Seok took to his Instagram to apologize for the trouble his actions have caused.

Hello, this is Park Eun Seok. Before I say anything else, I’d like to sincerely apologize for causing trouble during this difficult time rather than doing anything to help.

— Park Eun Seok

He then went on to admit that he does not deny the dissolution of the adoption of his pets.

I don’t want to deny the dissolution of the adoption of my pets. It’s wrong not to take responsibility for an animal’s entire life. I acknowledge that I made a mistake. And I’m reflecting upon my actions. Because my mindset about pets need to change for others to learn. I don’t want to make excuses.

— Park Eun Seok

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| @_____silverstone_____/Instagram

Park Eun Seok thanked his family and friends for posting updates about how well his former pets are doing while stressing that he failed to be responsible.

Thankfully, my family and friends posted about how well the animals are doing now. I thought I was living responsibly, but that was a selfish perception that only applied to myself.

— Park Eun Seok

He concluded by thanking those who enlightened him and promising to do better in the years to come.

I learned from this, so thank you to those who enlightened me. I’ll try to do better from now on so that I can show a better version of myself.

— Park Eun Seok

Karaoke is often seen as a staple of modern South Korean culture. Unlike karaoke in western culture, South Korean karaoke centred on the noraebang which is a private (and usually soundproof!) room where people are free to sing their favorite songs.

South Korea karaoke noraebang
| Heyelise

For many South Koreans and tourists, it has been easy to find noraebangs everywhere, even in isolated areas in the country. It has become an entrenched habit in Korean culture, and has been one of the many South Korean cultural exports, with noraebangs popping up in the biggest cities around the world.

South Korea karaoke noraebang

Yet, despite the widespread nature of noraebang, news reports have been documenting that karaoke has been falling out of style for the past few years. The number of noraebangs reached its peak with 35,316 noraebangs in 2011, but since then it has declined by more than 2,000.

South Korea karaoke noraebang

The decline seems to be accelerating, as in the first half of 2019, South Korea lost almost 400 noraebangs. Traditionally, singing has been viewed as a way for Koreans to relieve stress, which been perfect for the development of a noraebang culture. It has been considered a fun and easygoing activity, even if you can’t sing.

South Korea karaoke noraebang

One of the most common aspects of noraebang culture was for co-workers to go to karaoke as a way to bond with each other or alleviate the stress from work.

South Korea karaoke noraebang

Given that South Korea’s corporate culture had traditionally been one of the most overworked in the world, noraebang was considered as the perfect way of combining leisure and gaining good favor from a person’s co-workers or even their boss.

Typically, a big part has been hweshik or after-work dinners, where co-workers are obligated to attend as this was considered important for staff to bond. However, this has been popularly characterized by the tense and awkward atmosphere, even if it involved stopping for karaoke.

South Korea karaoke noraebang

Yet, this corporate culture has also been changing. While traditionally, money and work-centered lifestyle has been the major priority for many South Koreans, there has been a shift towards a work-life balance.

With average working hours decreasing in Korea and hweshik culture changing, workers and professionals have been choosing to focus on their own lives, rather than on spending additional time with co-workers.

hweshik

Instead, it has been reported that increasingly many South Koreans would rather go home early, to spend time with themselves or with their families, rather than thinking about work. One of the consequences has been the decreased utilization of noraebang, with thousands of these iconic karaoke rooms shutting down over the past decade.

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Regardless, noraebang continues to be everywhere in South Korea, and will always be on the to-do-list of anyone travelling to South Korea.

There’s no doubt that IZ*ONE had a tremendous year in 2020. They already started out successful at their debut, but last year saw their album sales skyrocket and their popularity go even higher than it already was.

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They released three Korean language albums in 2020: BLOOM*IZ, Oneiric Diary, and One-reeler / Act IV. They all made a tremendous amount of sales, and with such widespread publicity, it can be interesting to see how the lines were distributed between all 12 members, especially since some of them are Japanese and possibly not as familiar with the language.

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Here are the line distributions for all 23 Korean language songs they released in 2020, as well as the album totals and overall total lines each member had throughout the year.

BLOOM*IZ

1. “Eyes”

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2. “Fiesta”

meta-chart - 2021-01-23T170059.737

3. “Dreamlike”

meta-chart - 2021-01-23T170159.757

4. “Ayayaya”

meta-chart - 2021-01-23T170305.938

5. “So Curious”

meta-chart - 2021-01-23T170434.723

6. “Spaceship”

meta-chart - 2021-01-23T170532.813

7. “Destiny”

meta-chart - 2021-01-23T170647.761

8. “You & I”

meta-chart - 2021-01-23T170802.336

9. “Daydream”

meta-chart - 2021-01-23T170913.359

10. “Pink Blusher”

meta-chart - 2021-01-23T171010.915

11. “Someday”

meta-chart - 2021-01-23T171109.083

12. “Open Your Eyes”

meta-chart - 2021-01-23T171210.858

Album Total:

meta-chart - 2021-01-23T171316.582

Most lines: Yuri (13.9%)

2nd: Chaewon (11.5%)

3rd: Yujin (11.4%)

4th: Yena (10.2%)

5th: Eunbi (9.4%)

6th: Wonyoung (9.2%)

7th: Hitomi (7.1%)

8th: Minju (6.7%)

9th: Chaeyeon (6.3%)

10th: Nako (5.8%)

11th: Sakura (4.8%)

12th: Hyewon (3.7%)

Oneiric Diary

1. “Secret Story of the Swan”

meta-chart - 2021-01-23T172451.921

2. “Pretty”

meta-chart - 2021-01-23T172715.915

3. “Merry-Go-Round”

meta-chart - 2021-01-23T173136.298

4. “Rococo”

meta-chart - 2021-01-23T173353.390

5. “With*One”

meta-chart - 2021-01-23T173613.604

Album Total:

meta-chart - 2021-01-23T174533.793

Most lines: Yuri (14.1%)

2nd: Chaewon (11.5%)

3rd: Wonyoung & Yena (9.1%)

4th: Eunbi (9%)

5th: Yujin (7.9%)

6th: Minju (7.7%)

7th: Hitomi (7.5%)

8th: Chaeyeon (7.2%)

9th: Nako (6.5%)

10th: Sakura (5.8%)

11th: Hyewon (4.6%)

One-reeler / Act IV

1. “Mise-en-Scène”

meta-chart - 2021-01-23T175422.056

2. “Panorama”

meta-chart - 2021-01-23T175759.490

3. “Island”

meta-chart - 2021-01-23T180024.725

4. “Sequence”

meta-chart - 2021-01-23T180320.496

5. “O Sole Mio”

meta-chart - 2021-01-23T180523.263

6. “Slow Journey”

meta-chart - 2021-01-23T181414.290

Album Total:

meta-chart - 2021-01-23T183115.986

Most lines: Yuri & Chaewon (11.3%)

2nd: Yujin (11.1%)

3rd: Yena (11%)

4th: Eunbi (9.3%)

5th: Wonyoung (8.6%)

6th: Minju (7.9%)

7th: Chaeyeon (7.7%)

8th: Nako (6.8%)

9th: Hitomi (6.1%)

10th: Sakura (4.7%)

11th: Hyewon (4.2%)

Overall Total:

meta-chart - 2021-01-23T184544.474

Most lines: Yuri (main vocalist): 13.1%

2nd: Chaewon (lead vocalist, lead dancer): 11.4%

3rd: Yujin (lead vocalist, lead dancer) & Yena (main rapper, lead vocalist, lead dancer): 10.1%

4th: Eunbi (leader, main dancer, lead vocalist): 9.2%

5th: Wonyoung (lead dancer, sub-vocalist, sub-rapper, center, maknae): 9%

6th: Minju (lead rapper, sub-vocalist, visual): 7.4%

7th: Chaeyeon (main dancer, lead vocalist, lead rapper): 7.1%

8th: Hitomi (lead dancer, sub-vocalist, sub-rapper): 6.9%

9th: Nako (sub-vocalist): 6.4%

10th: Sakura (sub-rapper, sub-vocalist, visual): 5.1%

11th: Hyewon (lead rapper, sub-vocalist, visual): 4.2%

Looking at the members’ positions, it can give more insight into why the lines are distributed the way they are — more of the main or lead vocalists have more lines, whereas more of the sub-vocalists and sub-rappers, as well as those more focused on dancing, tend to have less lines. The Japanese member also had less lines in these songs, but likely have a lot more lines in their Japanese language albums!

The BTS hyungs love teasing Jungkook, and they once teased him for his “obsession” with cosmetics.

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BTS’s Jungkook

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BTS’s J-Hope | @BTS_twt/Twitter

During the 2015 BTS FESTA, there was a sticky note that read “thief” to Jungkook.

| Bangtan Subs/YouTube 

J-Hope, who wrote the message, explained how they usually receive lots of cosmetics from “the makeup salon’s director.”

| Bangtan Subs/YouTube 

However, all of these products usually get taken by Jungkook! Jungkook then defended himself, telling J-Hope that he could use the products as well.

| Bangtan Subs/YouTube 

Once this was shared, V mentioned how Jungkook “goes nuts” over cosmetics.

| Bangtan Subs/YouTube 

Jungkook has so many cosmetics that Suga wonders if he even uses them all. Jungkook assured the members that he does eventually use all of his cosmetic products.

| Bangtan Subs/YouTube 

The members concluded by sharing that Jungkook gets “a sense of healing” when he looks at his cosmetics.

| Bangtan Subs/YouTube

Here’s the full video below!

We’ve looked at the overall most-watched K-Pop music videos from 2020, but the list looks a bit different if you break it down by releases from each month!

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There are still many expected MVs that show up on the list, but there are other artists included that might not otherwise get recognition for their views.

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Here are the top 3 most-watched K-Pop music videos released each month in 2020!

January

3. “Answer” by ATEEZ

Release date: January 6

Views: 66.7 million

Likes: 1.48 million

2. “Any Song” by Zico

Release date: January 13

Views: 89.4 million

Likes: 1.46 million

1. “Interlude: Shadow” by BTS

Release date: January 9

Views: 91.9 million

Likes: 6.20 million

February

3. “Outro: Ego” by J-Hope

Release date: February 2

Views: 91.6 million

Likes: 5.62 million

2. “DUN DUN” by EVERGLOW

Release date: February 3

Views: 183.8 million

Likes: 2.92 million

1. “ON” by BTS

Release date: February 27

Views: 226.1 million

Likes: 10.4 million

March

3. “Kick It” by NCT 127

Release date: March 4

Views: 99.5 million

Likes: 2.89 million

2. “Black Swan” by BTS

Release date: March 4

Views: 231.0 million

Likes: 8.99 million

1. “WANNABE” by ITZY

Release date: March 9

Views: 266.1 million

Likes: 3.90 million

April

3. “Nonstop” by Oh My Girl

Release date: April 27

Views: 58.8 million

Likes: 744.0k

2. “Not by the Moon” by GOT7

Release date: April 20

Views: 71.2 million

Likes: 2.21 million

1. “Oh My God” by (G)I-DLE

Release date: April 6

Views: 129.4 million

Likes: 2.16 million

May

3. “Candy” by Baekhyun

Release date: May 25

Views: 52.8 million

Likes: 2.43 million

2. “Eight” by IU ft. Suga

Release date: May 6

Views: 115.2 million

Likes: 4.96 million

1. “Daechwita” by Agust D

Release date: May 22

Views: 185.4 million

Likes: 9.12 million

June

3. “God’s Menu” by Stray Kids

Release date: June 17

Views: 179.3 million

Likes: 4.06 million

2. “More & More” by TWICE

Release date: June 1

Views: 228.0 million

Likes: 4.48 million

1. “How You Like That” by BLACKPINK

Release date: June 26

Views: 746.1 million

Likes: 18.8 million

July

3. “Inception” by ATEEZ

Release date: July 29

Views: 55.8 million

Likes: 1.36 million

2. “NUNU NANA” by Jessi

Release date: July 30

Views: 78.9 million

Likes: 2.02 million

1. “Monster” by Red Velvet’s Irene & Seulgi

Release date: July 6

Views: 82.4 million

Likes: 3.07 million

August

3. “Not Shy” by ITZY

Release date: August 17

Views: 132.3 million

Likes: 3.04 million

2. “Ice Cream” by BLACKPINK & Selena Gomez

Release date: August 27

Views: 478.6 million

Likes: 15.4 million

1. “Dynamite” by BTS

Release date: August 20

Views: 797.1 million

Likes: 23.7 million

September

3. “I LOVE YOU” by TREASURE

Release date: September 18

Views: 53.2 million

Likes: 1.89 million

2. “LA DI DA” by EVERGLOW

Release date: September 21

Views: 78.7 million

Likes: 1.47 million

1. “Back Door” by Stray Kids

Release date: September 14

Views: 123.9 million

Likes: 3.45 million

October

3. “Make a Wish (Birthday Song)” by NCT U

Release date: October 12

Views: 146.3 million

Likes: 3.07 million

2. “I Can’t Stop Me” by TWICE

Release date: October 26

Views: 213.4 million

Likes: 4.19 million

1. “Lovesick Girls” by BLACKPINK

Release date: October 1

Views: 331.2 million

Likes: 11.5 million

November

3. “90’s Love” by NCT U

Release date: November 23

Views: 70.1 million

Likes: 1.93 million

2. “Black Mamba” by aespa

Release date: November 17

Views: 109.3 million

Likes: 2.52 million

1. “Life Goes On” by BTS

Release date: November 19

Views: 243.4 million

Likes: 13.1 million

December

3. “W.ALL” by GHOST9

Release date: December 10

Views: 10.8 million

Likes: 40k

2. “Panorama” by IZ*ONE

Release date: December 7

Views: 34.8 million

Likes: 624.9k

1. “Resonance” by NCT

Release date: December 4

Views: 61.1 million

Likes: 2.07 million

BTS‘s V is gaining attention from non-fans after Louis Vuitton posted a video of BTS on Instagram.

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The video shows the members receiving their invitation to watch Louis Vuitton’s presentation of the Men’s F/W 2021 fashion show.

Following the release of the video, V’s name rapidly rose to the #1 most-searched term after “Louis Vuitton” on Google.

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“V” becomes #1 related topic to search term “Louis Vuitton” on Google. | Naver

Simultaneously, Louis Vuitton’s Instagram post was flooded with people asking for the name of the “guy with the brown turtleneck.”

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In the video, he sports a taupe sweater and lets his good looks do the talking!

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| @taehyvngpics/Twitter

He’s effortlessly stunning — and totally boyfriend material.

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| @louisvuitton/Twitter

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| @louisvuitton/Twitter

 

To cop his full look from the sweater to the accessories, you’ll need to be prepared to spend at least a few thousand USD.

However, V’s visuals make the whole look priceless!

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| @taehyvngpics/Twitter

Check out the video from Louis Vuitton below.

On January 22, 2021, RBW Entertainment announced that the girls of MAMAMOO are currently undergoing contract renewal discussions with the company.

According to news outlets, RBW Entertainment’s representatives believe that the members of MAMAMOO have built up a strong trust towards each other and the company, and although their current contract period has not expired, the company wished to give the girls ample time for consideration. Hence, the company brought up the discussions for renewal early, in order to convey their desire to work with MAMAMOO in the long run.

image_readtop_2021_71619_16112807094515939
| RBW Entertainment

The company decided to official release a statement to the press to prevent rumors from going around. It was reported that Solar and Moonbyul have already completed renewals while Hwasa and Wheein are positively discussing their opinions with the company. The company expressed that due to the members’ strong love and pride for the group, they are anticipating a positive result.

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| Andar

MAMAMOO debuted in 2014 and has since seen huge success, being branded and proven as a multi-talented girl group destined for stardom. 2021 marks their 7th year into their careers.

BTS‘s Jungkook recently revealed his tattoo sleeve on an episode of Run BTS! Although it has been hard for fans to deduce the meaning of his tattoos given that it is often covred up for the camera, the reality show treated fans to a full view. Here’s the meanings of all his discovered tattoos so far!

unnamed-8
| @jkookjae/Twitter

1. The most beautiful moment in life

Jungkook has the hanja characters for Hwayang Yeonhwa, the most beautiful moment in life, tattooed on the inner side of his sleeve. The album was an incredibly meaningful one for BTS.

2. Microphone

He has a microphone tattoo on the top of his forearm. Mixed in with the sleeve, it is hard to spot but once you do, it’ll be the only thing you see! It is an obvious referral to his job and passion.

3. The handsign

He has a handsign, the signature ending pose for “Boy in Luv” tattooed near the wrist. The song itself is one dedicated to fans.

unnamed-7
| @jkookjae/Twitter

4. ARMY

Naturally, he had to put his move for ARMY on his skin!

5. Purple heart

Meant to represent the iconic borahae line.

6. Bulletproof

The tiny logo below the Y is BTS’s bulletproof official logo.

pannapp_2021-01-20_15_44_22
| SBS

7. The interlocking “X” of words

Jungkook tattooed two phrases in the shape of an X on his sleeve. One line reads, “make hay while the sun shines” and the other, “rather be dead than cool“. Since his debut, his motto has been, “it is better to be dead than to live without passion“.

pannapp_2021-01-20_15_44_23
| BTS Bomb

8. 0613

Self-explanatory, this is BTS’s debut date.

9. The eye

He recently got an eye tattoo that was part of a drawing he once drew!

pannapp_2021-01-20_15_44_26
| Bighit Entertainment

10. Tiger lily

The tiger lily is Jungkook’s birth flower, as explained on an episode of Run BTS! where they had a floral arrangement session.

11. Please love me

The meaning of the tiger lily is “please love me“, inspiring Jungkook to get it together with the flower.

pannapp_2021-01-20_15_44_24
| BigHit Entertainment

Each of his tattoos have a special meaning to them, just as much as they are nice to look at.

MONSTA X’s I.M will be releasing his first solo single! On January 20, Sports DongA reported that I.M is working on producing music for his upcoming solo single release at the end of February. Following reports, a source from Starship Entertainment confirmed, “I.M is preparing to release a solo single at the end of February.” […]

The post MONSTA X’s I.M To Release First Solo Single In February appeared first on Soompi