There are so many gorgeous female idols of the fourth generation, it’s seemingly impossible to name just one to represent the top visual of the new era of girl groups.

Minji (NewJeans) Wonyoung (IVE)

With idols like IVE‘s Wonyoung, aespa‘s Karina, and NewJeans‘ Minji taking the industry by storm with their beauty as well as their talent, K-Pop has more deserving women to stan than ever before!

Karina (aespa) Sullyoon (NMIXX)

Recently, another often-called top visual of the fourth generation of girl groups — NMIXX‘s Sullyoon — gained attention on an online forum post thanks to some stunning behind-the-scenes photos from one of the group’s recent promotions for their upcoming album A Midsummer NMIXX’s Dream.

[NMIXX] 3rd Single ‘A Midsummer NMIXX’s Dream’

Concept Photo: Forest: Nocturnal ver.#SULLYOON #설윤

2023.07.11 6:00PM (KST)#NMIXX #엔믹스#A_Midsummer_NMIXXs_Dream#Party_O_Clock pic.twitter.com/gd2kcA2W0n

— NMIXX (@NMIXX_official) June 28, 2023

The pictures show Sullyoon getting her makeup done for the photoshoot, giving a close-up look at her flawless, dewy skin and natural beauty.

| @nmixx_official/Instagram

She doesn’t appear to even be wearing very much makeup in the pictures, showing just how gorgeous she is all on her own!

| @nmixx_official/Instagram

She gives off such an aura of magical, ethereal beauty, she looks just like a fairy or other mythical being you would find in an enchanted forest.

| @nmixx_official/Instagram

The concept for their upcoming album just seems like it was made for her, given how perfectly she fits the theme.

| @nmixx_official/Instagram | @nmixx_official/Instagram

Comments on the forum post are full of netizens praising her beauty, as well as acknowledging that she’s much more than just a pretty face with how musically gifted she is!

We’re excited to see what else Sullyoon and the rest of NMIXX have in store for their new album!

On June 30, MAMAMOO‘s Hwasa has been reported to be in a relationship with a non-celeb businessman.

MAMAMOO’s Hwasa | @_mariahwasa/Instagram

Following the report that claimed Hwasa and her alleged significant other have been together for five years, K-Pop fans have re-visited the idol’s appearance on Life Bar.

MAMAMOO’s Hwasa Is Reportedly Dating A Businessman 12 Years Older

Back in 2018, Hwasa and her teammate Wheein guested on Episode 78 of Life Bar, talking about their love lives and dating preferences.

MAMAMOO’s Wheein | @whee_inthemood/Instagram

In this episode, Hwasa revealed that she “puts all [her] pride down and goes all in, head-over-heels,” when she’s interested in someone. Then, Hwasa explained that such relentless pursuit of a man once had Wheein in tears.

Hwasa: I realized during a past relationship, though, is that when I find someone I love, I put all my pride down and go all in, head-over-heels.

Kim Heechul: Like, there’s no playing hard-to-get or anything like that?

Hwasa: Not at all. So, I was interested in a non-celeb. And he kept turning me down because, as a celeb, I had that ‘tough girl’ reputation going for me. So he thought I’d be headstrong and hard to date. But, for a whole year, I kept pursuing him because I liked him so much.

Han Hye Jin: Did you end up dating him, though?

Hwasa: I did! We dated for two and a half years.

Wheein recalled a time when Hwasa came forward and told her about a new relationship. Having watched Hwasa struggle so much with romance—or, more so her unreciprocated feelings, Wheein found it exhilarating enough to end up shedding tears about it.

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I’ve been with Hwasa through all of her love interests. She’s always finding herself in one-sided, unreciprocated crushes. And I watched her pursue this person, too. I heard all about her struggles. But I told her to keep going because I felt like he’d end up with her somehow. Then, one night, she came home and told me that she was able to make it official and that she was finally in a relationship with the person! Then, for some reason, I started bawling. I was so excited for her! We even held hands and twirled around in so much happiness.

— Wheein

At the time when the episode aired, MAMAMOO fans applauded Hwasa’s courage to speak about her love life without hesitation. Fans also found it amiable that Hwasa was “like the rest of [us]” when it came to dating.

| tvN/YouTube “I love this. Idols can date. What’s the big deal? I appreciate her talking to us about these things. Idols are in their prime dating ages. I hope more of them go on and seek love while there’s time.” “It seems that Hwasa has a lot of self-love. She’s confident with herself and honest about a lot of things. I love that about her.” “I like that she’s telling us about it all. As her fan and as one person to another. And I 100% agree that love makes us see new things about ourselves that we’ve never seen before.” “Wow. Hwasa is so open and honest. Of course, love makes us stupid. Finding the right person can do that. It’s great that she’s not afraid to share things like that with her fans. What a woman!”

Fast forward to 2023, K-Pop fans believe—based on the interaction told in the episode—that the latest dating speculation might be true as it suggested Hwasa having pursued the relationship while the businessman hesitated to “accept Hwasa’s affection.”

He couldn’t easily accept Hwasa’s affection because she is a well-known public figure 12 years younger than him. I think there was a lot of concern because of the age gap and the fact that there is a difference between celebrities and regular citizens.

— Insider

Meanwhile, Hwasa has not responded to the report; Some believe the postponement in official statements must be due to her being mid-switching agencies from RBW to P Nation.

MAMAMOO’s Hwasa Iconically Signs Her New Management Contract With P Nation, Live On Stage

Watch the Life Bar episode here.

BLACKPINK‘s Lisa and Shin Ye Eun are two gorgeous and talented stars, making their marks in their parts of the entertainment industry.

BLACKPINK’s Lisa | BVLGARI Actress Shin Ye Eun | DAZED Korea

Recently, both stars had the chance to wear wedding gowns at the same event!

On June 26, BVLGARI held a special event celebrating one of its jewelry collection’s 75th anniversary. Shin Ye Eun attended the event wearing a strapless white gown featuring ruffles.

The gown is the Haisley white maxi dress from LoveShackFancy and retails for around $1,000 USD. Shin Ye Eun look every bit a princess bride!

Lisa wore a different style, showing skin in the Simone, a gorgeous backless gown from Danielle Frankel. The dress retails for $4,600 USD.

Lisa attracted attention for her gorgeous visuals and the unexpected accessory she wore with the dress!

Both of these women looked beautiful, but do you have a style you prefer?

South Korean comedian Lee Su Ji gained massive fame in 2013 when her Gag Concert skit as a Korean Chinese voice phishing scammer became a hit.

Comedian Lee Su Ji | @comediansuji/Instagram

Since then, she has remained one of the most popular female comedians in the nation—with her imitation of regional accents being her best-selling talent.

Since her latest appearance on YouTube‘s “bbungkurt” series, however, Lee Su Ji is receiving some backlash for being insensitive and racist.

At the beginning of the episode, Lee Su Ji and co-host MIRAE‘s SON DONGPYO are seen interacting with random citizens on the streets of Seoul—getting them to guess the guest’s identity.

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The two flag down a man and he tells them he “can’t speak Korean well.” When the man reveals that he’s from China, Lee Su Ji starts speaking gibberish Chinese.

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Sorry. I can’t speak Korean well. I’m from China.

— Man

Upon hearing the comedian’s nonsense Chinese, the man tries to laugh it off—but is later seen sighing. The interaction comes to an end with Lee Su Ji telling the man, “You’re not that good at Chinese.”

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Lee Su Ji: (Gibberish in Chinese-like accent)

Man: That’s… not Chinese.

Lee Su Ji: (Gibberish in Chinese-like accent)

Man: [sighs]

Lee Su Ji: You’re not that good at Chinese, I see. Your Korean is good, though.

While the situation had intended to be comedic, Korean viewers pointed out that it’s no longer acceptable to mock another language—in her 2013 Gag Concert era humor.

| @sangchu.now/Instagram “Imagine if foreigners stopped a Korean person overseas and started talking to them in fake Korean after hearing their background. Would we be able to laugh about it then? Come on. We know how frustrating it is to be met with the clueless ‘ni hao’ and ‘gonnichiwa’ when we’re outside Korea.” “Isn’t this kind of rude…? (Just sayin’)” “I’m sure she meant no harm. But what she’s doing is so rude and embarrassing for her. Even if she didn’t intend on being racist, it is considered racist. She needs to be more thoughtful.” “There isn’t a single Chinese word in what she said. But she nailed the intonations, I guess… It’s kind of rude, though.” “These comments pass the vibe check for sure. It makes me relieved to know that we’ve become more aware of what is considered racist humor.” “It was OK the first time. But she keeps going… It’s disrespectful.”

Lee Su Ji has not responded to the concerns shared.

SHINee is in the middle of promoting their latest album, HARD, which was released on June 26. The legendary second-generation K-Pop group has been putting on some phenomenal performances (though Onew is definitely missed due to his hiatus to take care of his health), reminding fans why they’re such a huge force in the industry!

Recently, they released a performance video for “HARD” on the Studio Choom channel, and the three active members of the group showed the kind of charisma and energy that one would expect in a rookie group, not one that has been around for 15 years.

Key, Minho, and Taemin all bring their own personality and flair to the performance, but the one among them that has been the subject of a post on an online forum due to his stage presence is Key.

Key (SHINee) | SM Entertainment

He’s been described as looking like a “crazy f*cker” in the most flattering way possible, because of how intense and believable his wild expressions are when he performs.

김기범 완빡으로 추면서 시선처리하는 거 너무 좋아요.. 표정 진짜 잘 씀 pic.twitter.com/QiKzOGu3PK

— 제갈프란₈ (@___taemtation) June 28, 2023

The way he uses his eyes is particularly impressive, and fans are loving how his makeup also extenuates the crazed aura that he gives off during the Studio Choom video.

김기범 표정 연기 진ㅉㅏ미친놈이라 대가리 깨징 거 같음 pic.twitter.com/vy67CCrtsR

— 범사₈ (@Bumsa_) June 28, 2023

Key has always been an ace in the K-Pop industry, and he definitely deserves all the praise and attention that he’s getting now!

Korean netizens have nothing but positivity and compliments to give the talented K-Pop idol, which we certainly agree with.

| The Qoo “He’s wearing makeup that gives him an extra crazy edge. I mean that in a good way.” “How is he so good at this?!” “Personally, I was impressed-AF by the second video. Haha. He’s good at what he does.” “F*cking amazing.” “You can see the crazy in his eyes. In a good way.” “Sigh. I love you, Kim Kibum.” “How does he even make those facial expressions?” “I love that he actually goes hard for this.” “His parts from the Studio Choom performance are exhilarating. LOL. His dance moves are clean. But his facial expressions are on another level. He’s crazy good.”

International K-Pop fans share similar sentiments!

We’re excited to see what other undoubtedly impressive performances SHINee gives us for the promotions for HARD!

Actress Han So Hee will be starring in the music video for BTS Jungkook‘s solo, “Seven.”

Actress Han So Hee | @xeesoxee/Instagram

According to an exclusive report from OSEN, Han So Hee was in Los Angeles for the shoot. OSEN confirmed that the shoot is over and that the actress returned to Korea on June 22.

BTS’s Jungkook | HYBE

Read more about Jungkook’s solo drop below.

BTS’s Jungkook Gives Two Major Spoilers About His Upcoming Solo Activities

With K-Pop album sales higher than ever these days, there have been many albums that have come out within the last couple of years that have broken records for the artists. And yet, there are also albums from years past — some as far back as the mid-1990s! — that still remain some of the best-selling K-Pop albums to date. Here are all 25 of the best-selling K-Pop boy group albums in the history of the industry, all of which have made over 1.5 million sales!

25. ODDINARY by Stray Kids

Released on March 18, 2022, this album (Stray Kids’ 6th mini-album) has sold a total of 1.87 million units to date!

24. Minisode 2: Thursday’s Child by TXT

Released on May 9, 2022, this album (TXT’s 4th mini-album) has sold a total of 1.91 million units to date!

23. Sector 17 by SEVENTEEN

Released on July 18, 2022, this album (SEVENTEEN’s 4th repackaged album) has sold a total of 1.94 million units to date!

22. Summer by DJ DOC

Released in July 1996, this album (DJ DOC’s special album) has sold a total of 1.95 million units to date!

21. 2 Baddies by NCT 127

Released on September 16, 2022, this album (NCT 127’s 4th full album) has sold a total of 1.99 million units to date!

20. Candy by NCT DREAM

Released on December 19, 2022, this album (NCT DREAM’s special mini-album) has sold a total of 2.07 million units to date!

19. Glitch Mode by NCT DREAM

Released on March 28, 2022, this album (NCT DREAM’s 2nd full album) has sold a total of 2.10 million units to date!

18. Hot Sauce by NCT DREAM

Released on May 10, 2021, this album (NCT DREAM’s 1st full album) has sold a total of 2.18 million units to date!

17. Seo Taiji and Boys II by Seo Taiji and Boys

Released on June 21, 1993, this album (Seo Taiji and Boys’ 2nd full album) has sold a total of 2.22 million units to date!

16. Seo Taiji and Boys IV by Seo Taiji and Boys

Released on October 5, 1995, this album (Seo Taiji and Boys’ 4th full album) has sold a total of 2.41 million units to date!

15. Sticker by NCT 127

Released on September 17, 2021, this album (NCT 127’s 3rd full album) has sold a total of 2.44 million units to date!

14. Attacca by SEVENTEEN

Released on October 22, 2021, this album (SEVENTEEN’s 9th mini-album) has sold a total of 2.61 million units to date!

13. The Name Chapter: TEMPTATION by TXT

Released on January 27, 2023, this album (TXT’s 5th mini-album) has sold a total of 3.14 million units to date!

12. Love Yourself: Tear by BTS

Released on May 18, 2018, this album (BTS’s 3rd full album) has sold a total of 3.14 million units to date!

11. Love Yourself: Her by BTS

Released on September 18, 2017, this album (BTS’s 5th mini-album) has sold a total of 3.14 million units to date!

10. Butter by BTS

Released on July 9, 2021, this album (BTS’s second single album) has sold a total of 3.20 million units to date!

9. Love Yourself: Answer by BTS

Released on August 24, 2018, this album (BTS’s 3rd repackaged album) has sold a total of 3.39 million units to date!

8. MAXIDENT by Stray Kids

Released on October 7, 2022, this album (Stray Kids’ 7th mini-album) has sold a total of 3.44 million units to date!

7. PROOF by BTS

Released on June 10, 2022, this album (BTS’s anthology album) has sold a total of 3.52 million units to date!

6. Face the Sun by SEVENTEEN

Released on May 27, 2022, this album (SEVENTEEN’s 4th full album) has sold a total of 3.81 million units to date!

5. BE by BTS

Released on November 20, 2020, this album (BTS’s 7th mini-album) has sold a total of 3.81 million units to date!

4. Map of the Soul: Persona by BTS

Released on April 12, 2019, this album (BTS’s 6th mini-album) has sold a total of 4.65 million units to date!

3. Map of the Soul: 7 by BTS

Released on February 21, 2020, this album (BTS’s 4th full album) has sold a total of 5.04 million units to date!

2. ★★★★★ (5-STAR) by Stray Kids

Released on June 2, 2023, this album (Stray Kids’ 3rd full album) has sold a total of 5.23 million units to date!

1. FML by SEVENTEEN

Released on April 24, 2023, this album (SEVENTEEN’s 10th mini-album) has sold a total of 5.85 million units to date!

BTS‘s Suga appeared on the Bighit Music Record Melon station to share the instrumental songs he listens to before he goes to bed. Here are all eight tracks to add to your own bedtime playlist.

1. “Ice Pond” – Second Moon

“Ice Pond” is a 2005 song from Second Moon’s eponymous debut studio album. If you’ve never heard of Second Moon before, they’re a South Korean ethnic fusion band blending jazz, folk, and world music; you may have heard their OSTs on dramas like KBS2‘s Love in the Moonlight and SBS‘s Legend of the Blue Sea.

2. “Kiss the Rain” – Yiruma

“Kiss the Rain” is a 2003 song from Yiruma’s third studio album, From the Yellow Room. Yiruma is one of South Korea’s most renowned pianists, reaching no.1 on the Billboard Classical chart last year after one of his old albums resurged during the pandemic.

3. “Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence” – Sakamoto Ryuichi

Suga is a big fan of Sakamoto Ryuichi, so much so that he included three of his songs in this playlist. “Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence” was originally an OST from the Japanese-British war film of the same name, released in 1983.

4. “Chihiro’s Waltz” – w

“Chihiro’s Waltz” is one of the beloved piano songs from Studio Ghibli‘s Spirited Away. Originally composed by Joe Hisaishi, the song is named after Spirited Away‘s 10-year-old protagonist, Chihiro Ogino. The version on Suga’s playlist is a rendition by Elizabeth Bright.

5. “A Flower is Not a Flower” – Sakamoto Ryuichi

The next Sakamoto Ryuichi song to appear on Suga’s playlist is “A Flower is Not a Flower.” This 2005 release is a popular piece around the world and has been played in several television shows over the past 15 years.

6. “Rain” – Sakamoto Ryuichi

Last but not least, Suga’s final Sakamoto Ryuichi song is “Rain.” “Rain” was originally released in 1987 as part of the soundtrack for the Oscar award-winning epic biographical drama film The Last Emperor.

7. “Time” – Hans Zimmer

“Time” is a 2010 piece by Hans Zimmer originally released as part of the soundtrack for Inception. The song is known for the unique way it reflects movie’s narrative structure, alternating between lively strings and subdued sub-bass.

8. “Romance (Reminiscence)” – Yuhki Kuramoto

Finally, the last song on Suga’s sleep playlist is “Romance” by Yuhki Kuramoto. The song appeared in the ending of the South Korean neo-noir action movie A Bittersweet Life starring Lee Byung Hun.

Right before TWICE performed one of their hit songs “Alcohol-Free”, a hilarious mishap between the hosts and the group occurred!

Prior to hitting the stage, members Dahyun, Nayeon, Sana, Tzuyu, and Mina went backstage for a short interview with the hosts, TXT‘s Soobin and Oh My Girl‘s Arin.

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Before anything, they were asked to introduce themselves and say a few words to their fans. Mina went first, happily noting that the group finally returned to the music scene. “ONCEs, TWICE is back!”

Tzuyu also greeted them with a sweet message. “Long time no see, ONCEs. We hope you look at us favorably.”

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Sana cutely tilted her head while asking, “Did you listen to our new album, ONCE?”

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Just as Nayeon was about to say something during her turn, however, Soobin accidentally interrupted her!

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Okay, nice to—

— Soobin

Her reaction was everything! She instantly turned to the TXT member with wide eyes just as he apologized, saying, “Oh, I’m sorry.”

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Everyone in the waiting room erupted in laughter at the accident. Nayeon couldn’t help but giggle when she finally delivered her message.

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I missed you, ONCE!

— Nayeon 

The interview ended positively with Soobin bowing repeatedly as if to say sorry. Nayeon made sure to wave her hands as her way to tell him there was nothing to apologize for.

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What an adorable mishap! Watch their interaction in the full video below.

Since it was announced that former IZ*ONE member Choi Yena‘s comeback included a single titled “Hate Rodrigo,” featuring (G)I-DLE’s Yuqi, as part of her album HATE XX, netizens expressed confusion and concern over its implications. Some wondered if it was even a diss track toward singer and actress Olivia Rodrigo.

@chaecolaa

♬ original sound – cola

olivia rodrigo seeing hate rodrigo on the tracklist: pic.twitter.com/ev85lFi8Wo https://t.co/35aDrJ10it

— mars ✧ (@misamotruther) June 18, 2023

Choi Yena guested on Jonathan Thona‘s TheKstarNextDoor and clarified the song’s meaning. Rather than a “diss” toward Olivia Rodrigo, it’s actually just playful “jealousy” as the K-Pop idol admires her so much.

[SNS]#YENA #HATE_U_Challenge with Jonathan on TikTok!#최예나 #예나 #イェナ#CHOIYENA #HATE_XX #Hate_Rodrigo @YENA_OFFICIAL pic.twitter.com/hf7Nelr4H9

— YENA INTERNATIONAL (@YENA_INTL) June 28, 2023

Still, upon the release of “Hate Rodrigo,” it was met with backlash. Netizens felt the song was a “cheap marketing ploy.”

“I think their plan failed…” “Hate is a stronger word than dislike in English. I think it’s completely understandable why fans would be upset.” “Honestly, if someone sang about hating my bias while copying all of her concepts, music, and moves, I would hate them… The song is insulting to Olivia Rodrigo and her fans, as well as an insult to the fans who have supported Choi Yena until now.” “The song used the hashtag #haterodrigo, so when you type in ‘Rodrigo’, the word ‘hate’ comes up… That’s a hashtag you would use when canceling someone.” “Does that mean we can release a song called Hate Yena because she’s pretty, and I’m jealous of her? Seriously, have some common sense… Why did they choose (the title)?…” “Their marketing ploy failed.” “I’m pretty sure everyone she worked with knew what Hate means, LOL. This is simply a marketing ploy. I bet her (Olivia Rodrigo’s) fans hate the fact that when they type her name, Yena’s song comes out.” “Why is her label so brainless?” “What is wrong with her? I’m sure she would hate it if someone released a song titled, Hate Yena.”

Despite netizens’ mixed feelings regarding “Hate Rodrigo,” many were surprised when nearly everything related to the song disappeared online. TikTok videos were taken down, especially those with the hashtag #Hate_Rodrigo instead of #HATE_U_CHALLENGE and #HATE_XX. Likewise, the music video for “Hate Rodrigo” was no longer available on YouTube, and when clicked, it just showed an error before saying it was private.

Netizens speculated what happened as all this was taken down after the official release. They reasoned it was likely due to legal reasons with Olivia Rodrigo’s team.

Comment
by u/dB_Rider from discussion YENA’s “Hate Rodrigo” MV has been set to Private
in kpop

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by u/antadam18 from discussion YENA’s “Hate Rodrigo” MV has been set to Private
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by u/chancehugs from discussion YENA’s “Hate Rodrigo” MV has been set to Private
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On June 30, 2023, Yuehua Entertainment denied that the music video was removed due to Rodrigo’s management. Instead, Yena’s company claimed that it realized that copyrights, portrait rights, and trademarks were violated.

Hello. This is Yuehua Entertainment. This is our company’s statement regarding the music video for the title song of our company artist Choi Yena’s second single album, “Hate Rodrigo.”

We realized that there were scenes in the music video that has parts which violate copyrights, portraiture rights, and trademarks, and set the music video to private on June 29. We are currently reworking the music video. We are sorry about causing confusion by realizing about the above later, and for not making a statement about it prior. We will upload the music video quickly, as soon as it is finished being edited.

In addition, it is not true that we set the music video to private due to requests from Olivia Rodrigo’s management. We have never received such requests, and we hope that there will be no more misunderstandings between the artist and fans due to unconfirmed articles. We also hope that speculations will be refrained from in the future.

We thank you for showing lots of interest and love in Choi Yena’s album, and we will repay you by taking into account the varied opinions as we show you how serious we are towards music.

— Yuehua Entertainment

Sure enough, the “Hate Rodrigo” MV reappeared, but some significant changes were made.

The beginning of the music video begins very similarly. There are still subtle references present to Rodrigo’s own music videos, particularly “deja vu.”

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But as soon as viewers enter Yena’s bedroom, we see the significant edits made to “save the MV” from legal issues. Many shots that include Olivia Rodrigo posters on the walls have been either cropped or removed altogether so the images do not appear! So, while the song still mentions the singer’s name, there is no longer violation of portrait rights or copyright infringement.

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Consequently, there are a lot more shots of Yena herself. This includes more choreography scenes that have made the cut as a result.

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You can see even more differences between the two versions of the “Hate Rodrigo” MV below.

Additionally, it was recently announced that Choi Yena had canceled music show promotions due to health. Read more below.

Choi Yena Cancels “Music Core” Appearance For “Hate Rodrigo” Due To Issues In Health