Why May 2021 Is Going To Be An Awesome Month With Numerous K-Pop Comebacks
Get ready for May as it is going to be filled with amazing comebacks from K-Pop groups!
JeonAe, Kpopmap Editor 3 min to read ·
Published : Apr 16, 2021
BTS Official Facebook
Even though it is only mid-April, many K-Pop groups have already made the announcement for their impending comeback in May!
With that being said, K-Pop fans are already talking about how they are going to be busy with the amount of amazing content that will be provided. Adding on, the competition is going to be strong.
If you are curious to find out which group is making their comeback in May, check out our schedule here.
BTS Official Facebook
Not long ago, it was reported by Korean media that BTSwill be releasing a new single on May 21. While the news is yet to be confirmed by Big Hit Entertainment, many fans believe that it is true because the upcoming "Billboard Music Awards" will be taking place on May 23.
There is a high chance they might be making their comeback on the award ceremony.
KCON Official
OH MY GIRLhad confirmed their comeback and it will be happening on May 10. Fans are already looking forward to their return as their last comeback with 'Non-stop' was a hit.
NCT DREAM Official Twitter
We are not missing out on NCT DREAMand the boys will be making a comeback on May 10 with their 1st full album "Hot Sauce". Mark will be joining this comeback too!
ONEUS Official Twitter
On April 16, it was also reported that ONEUSwill be making a comeback in May.
The boys have shown us mature images and impressed fans with how much they had improved every time they release new music.
Highlight Official
Of course, Highlightis making a return too. It is the first time they are releasing a new album after all the members had completed their military services in 3 years time. They are bound to impress fans once they release their album.
In lieu of their return, they will also be having their reality series which will air the first episode on April 16 on wavve.
Tanghuru? Yakgwa? Foods That Went Viral In Korea In 2023 And The K-Celebs That Made Us Crave Them More
Here are some of the foods that were all the rage in Korean in 2023.
Kay Sesoko, Kpopmap Editor 3 min to read ·
Published : Dec 5, 2023
· Updated : Mar 27, 2024
BLACKPINK Jennie's Instagram / WM Entertainment
Korea is a trendsetting nation in every sense of the phrase. For instance, Korea is known for its nearly unmatched food culture and it seems that a new food item is released or trending every other day.
Would you try mint-chocolate-flavored fried chicken? Are you curious about the endless varieties of croffle that seem to be available in Korea? These are some of the food trends that took precedent in Korea in recent years. As we've said, however, the food trends in Korea are always changing. As such, we've decided to look at some of the most recent ones.
In case you missed it, we've listed some of the foods that went viral in Korea in 2023 and were endorsed by some of your favorite celebrities.
1. Tanghuru
Tanghuru (탕후루 in Korean) is a Chinese traditional snack that has taken Korea by storm. The snack, which is made from fruits covered in a sugar coating, can be found at almost every corner of the city. Some of the fruits used to make tanghuru include grapes, cherry tomatoes, tangerines, strawberries, pineapples, kiwiㄴ, etc.
K-Celebs have been showing their love for this snack throughout the year as it has gained popularity. It has become trendy content to show yourself eating tanghuru for the first time, 새ㅐ.
For example, when Chuu tried tanghuru for the first time, she explained how she had never eaten it before because of how unhealthy it looked but ended up saying it was delicious.
Recently, model Han HyeJin also went viral for her reaction to the super sweet treat considering that she's a health fanatic. Despite not usually eating sweet things, even Han HyeJin was surprised at how much she enjoyed this treat.
Even BLACKPINK's JiSoo and Jennie are known for loving the snack and making it at home. In this video, the duo expertly speak about how important the sugar ratio of good tanghuru is. This video was taken 3 years ago, before tanghuru became extremely popular. Trust the trendsetting icons to be ahead of the trend!
2. Yakgwa
Yakgwa (약과 in Korean) is a Korean traditional dessert in the form of a honey cookie. It has a coated sweet exterior and a warm slightly gooey texture on the inside that tastes like honey delight.
2AM's Jo Kwon did a detailed review of the different kinds of yakgwa treats that are available at the moment. This includes the original yakgwa, financiers, cookies, pretzels, cake, and more. He truly showed how delectable the dessert is with some honest and entertaining commentary. Jo Kwon's video also highlighted how the yakgwa trend spread as the traditional dessert took on numerous modern adaptations. These days one can even find yakgwa ice cream at the convenience store!
3. Sogeum bbang
Sogeum bbang (소금빵 in Korean) is literally translated to 'salt bread' and is a combination of different bread styles to create a salted butter roll. It has been all the rage with different versions of the bread being sold all over Korea.
In an episode of "I Live Alone", famous golfer Park SeRi ventured to a popular bakery in the Seongsu neighborhood of Seoul in search of sogeum bbang. Unfortunately, the hot item was already sold out. This only shows how popular this pastry is.
Other K-Celebs have also shown their love for their bread, posting it on their social media feeds. For example, DAVICHI's Kang MinKyung has posted several times on her Instagram (both on her Instastories and her feed) about the bread. She even took to her Instastory, sharing a photo of sogeum bbang and asking why there are so many delicious things to eat in this world. Well, that's a question that we're all asking ourselves!
DAVICHI Kang MinKyung's Instagram
4. Mara tteokbokki
Last but not least, we have mara tteokbokki. If rosé tteokbokki and maratang were the food trends in Korea in 2022... 2023 is all about mara tteokbokki which combines the classic tteokbokki with mara sauce. Mara sauce gives off a spicy but slightly tangy and flavorsome taste. This tteokbokki combines the mara sauce with the usual offerings that go into a maratang such as meat, tofu ingredients like noodles, and more.
OH MY GIRL's Mimi ate mara tteokbokki on her famous mukbang channel quite recently. Despite the dish being super spicy, Mimi kept emphasizing how tasty the dish was. It's no wonder that it has become so popular, especially among fans of spicy foods.
Would you try any of the foods that we mentioned? Let us know which one you'd try out in the comments!
Ahead Of The "Asia Star Entertainer Awards 2024", Final Voting Begins On IDOLCHAMP
Final voting on IDOLCHAMP has started for the "Asia Star Entertainer Awards 2024", which will be head at Yokohama, Japan in April.
Dyllan Mykel, Kpopmap Editor 2 min to read ·
Published : Mar 21, 2024
"ASEA 2024" Official
Ahead of the 1st "Asia Star Entertainer Awards 2024" ("ASEA"), the final voting to determine the winners has begun on IDOLCHAMP, starting from 10AM on March 15th. The glamorous event looks to become a place where music, stars, and fans become one.
【ASEA2024日本開催決定!!】
アジアを代表するトップアーティストが出演し、世界中のファンと音楽で一つになる授賞式「ASIA STAR ENTERTAINER AWARDS 2024(ASEA 2024)」、その記念すべき第1回目が2024年4月10日に日本で開催される事が決定!!!#ASEA2024pic.twitter.com/O0T8APQVVu
In the ASEA final voting categories, a large number of internationally loved K-Pop artists are nominated for the following categories: 'Best Male/Female Group Award', 'Best Male/Female Soloist Award', 'Trot', 'Virtual', 'Rookie Award', and 'Popularity Award'.
Check out the artists you can vote for down below.
Final Nominees
Best Male Group Award
Stray Kids
TXT
EXO
TREASURE
SEVENTEEN
Best Female Group Award
NiziU
VIVIZ
TWICE
OH MY GIRL
Kep1er
Best Male Soloist Award
Lim YoungWoong
SHINee's TaeMin
BTS' JungKook
Kang Daniel
BTS' Suga
Best Female Soloist Award
TWICE's JiHyo
BLACKPINK's JiSoo
MAMAMOO's HwaSa
SunMi
Red Velvet's SeulGi
Trot Award
YoungTak
Lee ChanWon
Jung DongWon
Kim HeeJae
Hong JiYoon
Virtual Award
PLAVE
SUPERKIND
MAVE
ISEGYE IDOL
RE:Revolution
Rookie Award
JD1's Jung DongWon
ZEROBASEONE
PLAVE
TWS
POW
Popularity Award
Lim YongWoong
BTS' JiMin
BTS' V
Stray Kids
Kang Daniel
EXO
SHINee's TaeMin
BTS' Suga
BTS' JungKook
NiziU
You can participate in the "ASEA" final voting through the mobile fandom apps, IDOLCHAMP and PODOAL. Once the final voting period ends, the results will be announced at "ASEA", which will be held at K-Arena Yokohama in Yokohama, Japan on April 10th.
"ASEA 2024" is hosted by Newsen, Korea's leading entertainment and sports media outlet which boasts 19 long years of valued tradition. They are also joined by '앳스타일' (@star1), an online entertainment media outlet that has been steadily publishing Star & Style Magazine for 12 years. The prestigious event is organized by ASEA Organizing Committee and Japan's ZOZOTOWN.
Additionally, "ASEA 2024" will have world renowned K-Pop artists and Asian singers who've accomplished several significant achievements over the past year take the stage. They will create an extraordinary experience, mesmerizing fans in the audience and watching from home.
Kpopmap Exclusive IDOLCHAMP Coupon Sale
Kpopmap
For those looking to support their favorite artist via IDOLCHAMP, Kpopmap is here to help! In partnership with the mobile fandom app, Kpopmap users are able to purchase IDOLCHAMP coupons at a Kpopmap exclusive discount price!
You can head here to purchase IDOLCHAMP coupons today and help your favorite K-Pop artist win "ASEA 2024"!
BTS' V Is A Heartwarming Vocalist That's Able To Top Every Playlist
Let's take a look at BTS V's vocal journey and marvel at his wonderful singing voice.
Dyllan Mykel, Kpopmap Editor 3 min to read ·
Published : Mar 20, 2024
BIGHIT MUSIC
BTS have become a world-renowned idol group, recognized all across the globe. Their star presence is second to none, effectively leading K-Pop to newer heights with every step of their career. Despite all members currently carrying out their mandatory military service, they've filmed and recorded enough content so ARMY will be unable to feel their absence during the time apart.
Just recently, BTS V's newest single, 'FRI(END)S', dropped to the excitement of fans everywhere. It's a love song at its core, raising question marks over undefined relationships but also reveling in the heartwarming feelings that come with it.
One of the things millions can agree on is that V's voice is absolutely heaven-sent, dripping with a tantalizing sweetness that you quickly become addicted to. Although he's so deeply tied to being a member of BTS, the idol has his own vocal color that screams unique and original.
V has come a long way and is now recognized as one of the world's most loveliest vocalists.
Discovering A Master Vocalist
BIGHIT MUSIC
The start of BTS' career was explosive with a hip-hop focused title track that may surprise some newer fans. During this period there were small snippets of V's vocals, but nowhere near as much as we hear it today. Even looking at his debut concept photo, you would never expect that the idol carried such a refreshing vocal tone.
But as time would go on, fans and netizens alike would start to discover V's tender vocals. This is highlighted most especially in his cover of 'Someone Like You'.
The cinematography screams homemade video for the family as V broodingly walks down a random alleyway. However, accompanied by his amazing voice in the background, your heart begins to melt a million times over. For those discovering the idol's voice for the first time with this cover, it's a revolutionary moment that they surely have not forgotten.
Cover Songs Galore With A Sprinkle Of OSTs
Luckily for fans, V did not stop there. From that point onward, he began to create even more opportunities for ARMY to hear his voice outside of BTS recordings. At first, he simply uploaded covers onto his group's official YouTube channel. His renditions of songs like 'Hug Me' put millions in a state of shock and awe.
Then, there's also K-Drama soundtrack V. While his first OST appearance was for a series he was starring in, due to his strong bond with the Wooga Squad he gladly lent his voice for his dear friends. This gave way to heartwarming hits in 'Sweet Night' and 'Christmas Tree'.
Hearing V's voice in the background of such moving dramas elevated numerous scenes to the next level, with a growing appreciation towards the drama and the BTS member himself. Even after these series concluded, fans continued to listen to V's wonderful OST soundtracks.
Original Music
Even while focusing on group promotions, V continued to remain passionate about his own music. While standing on stage as a member of BTS, he simultaneously released original songs like 'Scenery' and 'Winter Bear'. Through these tracks he continued to showcase himself as a sentimental vocalist, much different from the energetic idol that fans often witnessed dancing on stage.
It wasn't until 2023 that V finally came out with his solo debut album, "Layover". It was a true testament of V as an artist and the type of unforgettable vocalist he's become over the years. The entire album tugged on fans' heartstrings, making them vulnerable and softhearted right until the very last note.
Now there's no doubt in anyone's mind that V's angelic vocals deserves so much praise and more. He's come a long way as both a group member of BTS and as an established soloist. While he's fulfilling his military service, fans are sure to listen to V's voice a million times over, waiting patiently until he's able to join ARMY once again.
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