
BTS's Jin transformed into a 'messenger of happiness' and delivered happiness to fans. On November 17, at the Changchun Gymnasium in Jung-gu, Seoul, a fan showcase 'Jin 'Happy' Special Stage' was held to commemorate the release of his solo album 'Happy'. After his discharge in June, Jin has been active in various fields, including fan events like '2024 FESTA', variety shows, and self-produced content 'Run, Seokjin'. With a wish to deliver happiness to fans, he released his solo album 'Happy' on the 15th of this month. During the finale of the two-day fan showcase, he expressed, 'Since returning to society, I have been waiting for the day to meet ARMY directly. Thank you for filling the seats today. I was nervous thinking about meeting ARMY last time, but today I have a different excitement and nervousness.' He greeted the audience, saying, 'My 1st solo album 'Happy' was made for ARMY, so I came here confidently to make you all happy today.' He expressed his happiness, saying, 'I am happy because of you, ARMY. Let's prepare to be happy today.' After performing the title track 'Running Wild', he joyfully revealed, 'I feel like a king' in response to the fans' cheers. He shared episodes from the album's production process during the presentation corner. 'Happy' started with the desire to enjoy the performance with fans and carries a message to embark on a journey to find important 'happiness' together. He spoke candidly about his thoughts on happiness and expressed his wish for ARMY to also feel happy while listening to the songs. Among words that make him happy, he chose 'ARMY' as the top word, showcasing his special affection for them during the presentation. Jin shared, 'I struggled with what kind of music to show ARMY after a long time, but I realized that I can only be happy if ARMY is happy. I thought I had to create an album that would make ARMY happy.' He also shared stories about songs like 'I'll Be There', 'Heart on the Window (with WENDY)', and 'Nostalgia', expressing his feelings of longing for ARMY and the stage during his military service. Fans got a glimpse of the shy 'young Kim Seokjin' enjoying games. Particularly about 'Nostalgia', he mentioned, 'I noted various words I felt after leaving society. When I was discharged, I wrote lyrics with those words, pouring in emotions that could only be felt at that time. There is a chat room with the members. We are in the army all day, mumbling. When I asked 'J-HOPE, how do you feel?' he said, 'I don't know what that feels like.' I conveyed the members' recent situations and made fans laugh. Jin continued, 'I hadn't performed for a long time after going to the army. I missed it right after I enlisted. I thought, 'I really want to perform. I want to meet ARMY, but how do I express this feeling?' and noted that feeling. I felt longing right after I enlisted, so the title became 'Nostalgia'. I think I wanted to meet ARMY because I hadn't performed for several years. That was my feeling.' Jin revealed all songs from the album, including pre-released tracks 'I'll Be There', 'Another Level', 'Falling', 'Heart on the Window (with WENDY)', and 'I will come to you', as well as beloved solo songs 'Super Tuna', 'Moon', and 'The Astronaut'. The set designed with four elements highlighted the concept photos of the new album and the objects featured in the music videos for the title and pre-released songs. Jin showcased his vocal skills amidst rich band sounds, presenting a charm distinct from BTS's full group performances. The showcase featured a surprise appearance by Red Velvet's Wendy, who joined him on stage for 'Heart on the Window'. After the performance, Wendy shared her thoughts, saying, 'When I first heard the song, it was so good, and it was great during practice and when meeting the composer for recording. I'm very nervous now. I've only sung in front of my fans, but singing in front of ARMY feels like a re-debut.' She encouraged fans to have a happy time together. Jin continued to communicate with fans through a balance game segment called 'Happiness World Cup', maintaining a relaxed talk and humor. Regarding the keyword 'looking at yourself in the mirror for 24 hours', Jin joked, 'You should also try looking in the mirror for 24 hours. It's tough.' Ultimately, he showed his love for fans as they suggested. He concluded the showcase with 'Running Wild'. Jin expressed, 'As we live, we feel immense happiness. I thought this happiness was the end, but there has been happiness after that. I believe happiness will continue to come if we wait. I am very happy because of you all,' and left words of gratitude, saying, 'I will come back with good songs. I hope ARMY is always happy.' Jin will hold a special fan event 'Merry Run Around' with 50 fans on the 24th at the Merry-Go-Round in Lotte World Adventure in Songpa, Seoul. Prior to this, he will appear on the popular American show 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon' on the 21st at 1:35 PM (Korean time) to perform the title track 'Running Wild' from his new album 'Happy'.
Justin and Hailey Bieber completed their schedule in Korea and returned home via Incheon International Airport. The text also mentions BTS member Jungkook’s impressive physique and visible abs on stage, which drew attention and even prompted a reaction from Justin Bieber, and notes that Korean fashion brand Dunst is making its first Japan debut with a pop-up in Shibuya starting February 6.
Some K-pop artists, including IVE, KiiiKiii, FIFTY FIFTY, and Park Hyo-shin, submitted songs for the Grammy’s new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category, along with Japanese and other Asian acts. But BTS, Stray Kids, and other major-label artists declined, amid debate over whether the category helps or isolates Asian music.
According to Spotify, BTS’s 5th full album ARIRANG passed 5 billion cumulative streams as of the 14th, the most among 2026 releases. Every one of its 14 tracks topped 200 million streams, and the title track SWIM neared 1 billion. The album also set Billboard 200 records, including three straight weeks at No. 1.
Park Sae-mi suddenly announced that she will get married this week, posting wedding photos on SNS. She expressed affection for her groom-to-be, florist Kim Joon-young, and apologized for not being able to notify everyone personally. The couple, who met through a trainer, reportedly dated for about two years.
BTS’s “ARIRANG” Japan tour Blu-ray and DIGITAL CODE will go on preorder on October 2, 2026, and be released on December 23, 2026. It includes the Tokyo Dome Day 1 performance from April 17, featuring songs like “Hooligan,” “FAKE LOVE,” and “Butter,” plus an 84-minute behind-the-scenes video.
The Recording Academy has decided to keep the controversial Best Asian Pop Music Performance category for the 2027 Grammys. CEO Harvey Mason Jr. said the decision followed weeks of talks with Asian music leaders and creators, including critics and supporters, and that the Academy believes it is the right choice for the music industry.
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