Latest news with #BIGHIT
Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
J-hope reveals BTS and TWICE took a pic together on Sana's 'Fridge Interview': ARMY and ONCE demand to see the photo
BTS' powerhouse performer J-hope has been actively promoting his latest single Killin' It Girl, but it was his guest appearance on TWICE Sana's Fridge Interview that truly captured fans' attention. Released on June 19, the episode radiated charm as two of K-pop's most beloved idols came together, sharing lighthearted moments, heartfelt stories, and undeniable chemistry. While their easygoing chemistry was enough to charm both ARMY and ONCE, it was J-hope's unexpected revelation that truly caught everyone off guard - BTS and TWICE once took a group photo together. The twist? It's never been released. That single moment has now sent fans into a frenzy, demanding the release the photo online. When was this photo taken? According to J-hope, the photo was snapped backstage at a music show during BTS' Boy With Luv promotions. "When we were promoting Boy With Luv," he said - referencing to the time around 2019. Fans from both fandoms quickly went into detective mode and zeroed in on a possible date that matched J-hope's description: April 26, 2019, when BTS and TWICE both appeared on Music Bank. TWICE was promoting their hit song FANCY during the same period. ARMY and ONCE demand to see the photo The two fandoms have now taken to X (formerly Twitter) tagging BTS and TWICE, urging them to release the long-lost picture. One fan wrote, "WHERE IS THE PHOTO @JYPETWICE @BTS_twt???????" WHERE IS THE PHOTO @JYPETWICE @BTS_twt ??????? Another said, "GATEKEEPING BWL X FANCY PICTURES THEY TOOK TOGETHER — I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS????" GATEKEEPING BWL X FANCY PICTURES THEY TOOK TOGETHER ICB THIS???? One demanded, "@BIGHIT_MUSIC @jypnation you had one job — and it's still not too late." ✨️2019 April 26th✨️ on Music day they took a picture together😭@BIGHIT_MUSIC @jypnation you had 1 job and it's still not too late Another shared, "They're both so smiley and sweet to each other. It makes you wonder why it took BTS and TWICE so long to have an official interaction. My new Roman Empire is that unreleased BTS x TWICE Boy With Luv/FANCY photo." they're both so smiley and so sweet to each other and it makes you wonder why it took bts and twice so long to have an official interaction and my new roman empire is now that unreleased bts twice boy with luv fancy era photo One fan even declared, "If BTS and TWICE release that 2019 photo, I'll buy everyone who interacts with this tweet an album of their choice." If BTS and TWICE releases the photo that they took in 2019, I'll buy everyone who interacts with this tweet an album of their choice Sana and J-hope dance to 'Killin' It Girl' The episode also treated fans to an adorable dance challenge, with J-hope and Sana grooving together to a snippet of Killin' It Girl. The clip was later posted on BTS' official social media accounts, quickly gaining traction. #제이홉 & #사나 없이 사나마나 💜🔗 #jhope_KillinItGirl #jhope#TWICE #트와이스 @JYPETWICE #SANA On TikTok alone, the video has already surpassed 6.7 million views and close to 2 million likes (at the time of writing). While J-hope released Killin' It Girl (featuring GloRilla) on June 13 to mark BTS's 12th debut anniversary, TWICE is gearing up for a comeback with their fourth full-length album, THIS IS FOUR, set to drop on July 11. For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here.
Pink Villa
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
BTS' RM and V thank TXT for supportive letters on military discharge, praise BIGHIT MUSIC juniors' Love Language
Finally, it's D-day for RM and V's military discharge. The much-awaited occasion not only thrilled fans, but also fellow K-pop stars. The BTS duo received bouquets, cake and also special set-up from the BIGHIT team for conducting a live broadcast. They engaged with fans after a 18-month long period and shared their military experience with them. They also showed-off the welcome gifts their TXT hoobaes (juniors) gave them, thrilling fans. See how TXT members welcomed back BTS seniors RM and V Kim Namjoon (aka RM) and Kim Taehyung (aka V) received pretty bouquets and handwritten letters from the TXT members. RM took all of their names and thanked Soobin, Yeonjun, Beomgyu, Taehyun and Hueningkai for the meaningful gesture. He called them "our friends from TXT" while reading the letters alongwith V. The BTS leader stated, "thank you so much for writing rolling papers for us" and V, moved by the heartfelt write-up, exclaimed with a "Wow." Both RM and V expressed how "touched" they were on receiving a welcome message for their only BIGHIT MUSIC juniors– TOMORROW X TOGETHER. If you are wondering about the other labelmates, they are all part of HYBE's subsidiaries and not part of BIGHIT. More BTS X TXT crumbs During the June 10 live broadcast, RM revealed that he heard TXT's recent release, Love Language, and shared his positive review with a thumbs up, saying "it's good." It seemed like one of the members mentioned the song in the letter, asking if the BTS members heard it. RM mentioned coming across the song as he searched for workout playlists in some music streaming app. "I always have my algorithm set to K-pop music when I work out, including TXT," he revealed. Overall, V and RM basked in the warm welcome from the TXT members. The camaraderie and affection between the labelmates were on full display, highlighting the strong bond that they share. ALSO READ: BTS' RM spills on what's coming next during live with V following military discharge: 'Made some plans…'
Time of India
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Truly evil': Fired BIGHIT staff mentions BTS in explosive post exposing HYBE
It's June — the month the fandom, ARMY, has been eagerly awaiting, as it marks the discharge of the world's biggest group, BTS, from their mandatory military service in South Korea. However, this month has also seen the group's agency, HYBE, land in hot water. Now, amid the issues plaguing HYBE, a former employee has come forward to share their experience with the company. Former BIGHIT Communications Director Elly Chae Eun has publicly criticized HYBE and its chairman, Bang Si Hyuk. Fired BIGHIT staff exposes HYBE In a recent social media post, she spoke about the toxic work environment and unethical corporate practices at the company. Chae Eun, who claims she was dismissed in 2017 for not aligning with the company's preferences, described a highly demanding work culture at HYBE. She recounted experiences of late-night work communications, significant weight loss, and hair loss due to stress. In the post made on her Threads account, she wrote in Korean: "[Truly Evil]… This is the hidden story behind the process of being promoted to an executive — something even I didn't know. It was normal to receive work instructions through KakaoTalk or phone calls in the middle of the night. I used to sleep with my phone next to me at all times. I lost 7kg over two years after joining the company and even experienced symptoms of hair loss. I poured my heart into my work, taking care of the company's male idols — 'sons of others' — rather than my own precious children." She also alleged that after her departure, HYBE handed out billions (₩50–100 billion) to insiders who hadn't contributed during its early days. This ties into ongoing Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) investigations into Bang Si Hyuk's alleged IPO-related fraud and insider profits. "And yet, the company just dismissed me, saying I 'no longer suited their preferences.' Later, they went into business with acquaintances and handed them hundreds of billions of won (₩50 billion, ₩100 billion) without hesitation. These people hadn't contributed even once when the company was struggling and trying to grow." Elly Chae Eun mentions BTS However, she also mentioned BTS in her statement, clarifying that the group was not involved in any wrongdoing. Notably, BTS members were each allocated approximately 68,000 shares prior to HYBE's public listing in 2020, amounting to around $6.7 million per member. In contrast, Bang Si Hyuk reportedly earned approximately $300 million through the IPO, leading to public criticism over the stark disparity in profit distribution. "I sincerely congratulated the BTS members when they were given shares and became wealthy. They absolutely deserved everything they achieved — those seven were the beginning of HYBE itself. But the ones who later swooped in and devoured shareholders' stocks at cheap prices, who went behind people's backs… people who played golf with corporate cards, lounged in luxury rooms, drank alcohol — they are the real evil ones. Truly evil. I will fight to the end. Quietly, according to the law." As HYBE faces intensified scrutiny amid these allegations, BTS is preparing for a highly anticipated full-group comeback — their first reunion since completing military service. For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here.
Indian Express
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
BTS' V replies to fan's countdown post: ‘You waited… now what?'; from solo concerts to FESTA and art exhibits, here's what's next for the K-pop stars
BIGHIT has confirmed plans for BTS members V, Jungkook, RM, and Jimin once they finish their military service, and fans have already kicked off a wave of welcome projects. The excitement is clearly mutual. Recently, Kim Taehyung hopped on Weverse, and when a fan reminded him, 'Only nine days left before discharge — are you ready, Taehyung?' he instantly replied with, 'Yes! What should we do now? What do you want to do?' Meanwhile, HYBE is gearing up for solo concerts, fresh tracks, and a massive fan festival, though a full group comeback and album will take some time. V, aka Kim Taehyung, enlisted in the military alongside group leader RM and joined the counter-terrorism unit (SDT), keeping a low profile on social media since. Now, just days away from his return, he reacted to a screenshot of his military countdown app showing 'Sergeant Elio D-9.' Fans asked him what the deal was with the name Elio and the photo where he's feeding grass to a sheep. Taehyung explained, 'It's my English name from when I went to an English fairy tale school,' and joked, 'Yes, I even bought grass.' Asked if he planned to meet fans like Jin and J-Hope, he said, 'Of course, I need to see ARMY as soon as possible.' Then added, 'You waited, so what do you want now? Tell me everything.' Also read: 'When BTS members got shares…': Fired BIGHIT director's explosive post reveals 'evil' HYBE let 'alcoholics' devour shareholders' stocks Here's the military timeline: RM and V will finish their service on June 10, followed by Jimin and Jungkook on June 11. They will greet fans from Chuncheon and Yeoncheon, respectively. Suga, who is serving in a social service role as an alternative to active duty, will be discharged on June 21. The mandatory military enlistment of the group started back in December 2022 with Jin, who, along with J-Hope, already completed their service last year and has resumed solo activities. After Suga and J-Hope, the oldest member of the group, Jin his first solo fan concerts called '#Runseokjin_EP.Tour'. The Epiphany crooner made his comeback with the second full-length album Echo in April 2025. The concert is an extension of his solo variety show 'Run Seokjin'. After his Seoul concerts, Jin will hit the road with 18 shows across nine cities worldwide. J-Hope is wrapping up his global world tour, where he ruled sold-out stadiums with his latest solo singles. His final encore concert, 'Hope on the Stage Final,' is set for June 13-14 in Osaka. During the concert, J-Hope will also debut a new digital single, 'Killin' It Girl (feat.. GloRilla).' 'We're preparing thoroughly so that J-Hope's signature explosive energy and immersive performance can be felt to the fullest,' BigHit said earlier. 'Given how both J-Hope and Jin have showcased more mature versions of themselves, it's likely that BTS' new music will reflect that evolution. The members' individual identities will likely stand out even more in the group's next chapter,' Grace Kao, a sociology professor and expert on K-pop from Yale, told Korea Herald. Also read: BTS' RM, V, Jimin and Jungkook to greet fans at designated locations post-discharge; BIGHIT says, 'Refrain from visiting' BTS FESTA is set for June 13-14 at Kintex, Goyang, Gyeonggi Province. For those not in the know, it's the annual bash marking BTS's debut anniversary every June. This year, BTS hits 12. The festival promises to be bigger than ever, with over 20 exhibition booths and a massive 'Army Bomb' light show. While surprise appearances by the members aren't confirmed yet, fans can expect a 'Voice Zone' featuring recorded messages, a 'Trophy Zone' showcasing BTS's awards, and a 'BTS Locker' displaying personal items from the group. Apart from FESTA and solo tours, the agency is also set to debut Presence in Absence: Chapter 2, BTS Art. It will open in Seoul's Seongdong District and run until June 29, featuring works by 20 artists from 13 countries. Organisers say it's the largest independent BTS fan art exhibition ever, both in terms of international participation and the number of artists. The exhibition will focus on the individual personalities of each BTS member.
Indian Express
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘When BTS members got shares…': Fired BIGHIT director's explosive post reveals ‘evil' HYBE let ‘alcoholics' devour shareholders' stocks
BTS' comeback as OT7 after two long years is due this week. This would mark the first time since the legendary K-pop singers enlisted in the military that their agency, HYBE, has finally seen a decent uptick in the stock market. But just when things were starting to look up, the agency's chairman and CEO, Bang Si Hyuk found himself under the FSS scanner in a suspected stock fraud case. A search and seizure were carried out days ago. And now, Elly Chae Eun, former communications director at the company, has broken her silence. In a blistering social media post, she tore into the toxic work culture at HYBE and even mentioned BTS, while making it clear the boys had no part in the mess. Also read: BTS mastermind Bang Si Hyuk may face life in prison over suspected $290 million fraud; HYBE shares plunge Elly Chae Eun was allegedly fired in 2017, claiming the company dismissed her because she 'no longer suited their preferences.' On June 7, Elly posted a statement on Threads calling out HYBE's deep-rooted greed. In a post titled, 'This is the hidden story behind the process of being promoted to an executive — something even I didn't know,' she said she was asked to leave despite sacrificing years of her life, both physically and mentally (translated via Koreaboo). Elly wrote, 'I used to sleep with my phone next to me all the time. I lost 7kg over two years after joining the company and even had symptoms of hair loss. I poured my heart into my work, taking care of the company's male idols — 'sons of others' — rather than my own precious children.' Then came the real sting. According to Elly, after she left, HYBE handed out huge sums (₩50-100 billion) to their inner circle, people who, she says, weren't even around when BIGHIT was struggling in its early days. This timeline matches the Financial Supervisory Service's allegations accusing Bang Si Hyuk of manipulating shareholders into selling their shares cheaply by denying IPO plans, only to go public later anyway. Also read: BTS' RM, V, Jimin and Jungkook to greet fans at designated locations post-discharge; BIGHIT says, 'Refrain from visiting' In 2020, each BTS member became a shareholder in HYBE, which originally started as BIGHIT with the seven-member boy band. In her post, Elly cleared BTS of any wrongdoing. She said she genuinely celebrated when BTS members received shares and grew wealthy, calling them the real foundation of the company. 'They absolutely deserved everything they achieved — those seven were the beginning of HYBE itself.' However, she claimed the real problem lies with the corporate suits who swooped in later. 'The ones who later swooped in and devoured shareholders' stocks at cheap prices, who went behind people's backs… people who played golf with corporate cards, lounged in luxury rooms, drank alcohol — they are the real evil ones.' Bang Si Hyuk is currently being accused of pulling off a shady deal that helped his close allies buy investor shares at dirt-cheap prices, right before HYBE went public in 2020. The profit was a whopping ₩400 billion (around $290 million), with Bang reportedly getting a huge cut, around 30%, through a secret deal with a private equity fund set up by someone close to him. South Korean law demands full transparency when it comes to IPO filings, and according to the officials, Bang failed to do that. Misleading investors like this could land someone in prison for life. HYBE, for their part, has denied everything.
