• "Was it necessary?" — NewJeans controversial use of iPhones in 'Inkigayo' stage sparks netizens' discussions

    Opinions among internet users are split over NewJeans' decision to use iPhones for the ending shots during their performance on stage.

    A post on an online forum praised the group for their "innovative techniques" in concluding their song "ETA" on the recent episode of 'Inkigayo.' Each member took turns holding an Apple iPhone 14 Pro to record themselves.

    Fans quickly recognized that the phone used in the performance was the same one featured in the official "ETA" music video as part of a corporate commission.

    While some netizens found the gesture fresh and innovative, others criticized it, arguing that using product placement on stage was excessive.

    https://twitter.com/Minggom_16/status/1685555964270018560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1685555964270018560%7Ctwgr%5E4a27652df73e243b1ecfe043b472698d7f332e7f%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.allkpop.com%2Farticle%2F2023%2F07%2Fnetizens-split-over-newjeans-inkigayo-ending-shots-taken-with-iphones-promoting-their-commission

    Additionally, one user raised the question of whether the broadcasting station, SBS, received compensation for the promotional display.

    Despite the mixed reactions, netizens collectively acknowledged that this might be the first-ever case of product placement in a music program.

    While sponsorships from luxury clothing brands are common, this instance introduced a unique commissioned product on stage in the form of a camera.

    Netizens comments:

    "I'm not sure if this was the right move for a music program, though."

    "Seems like they suddenly decided to go for product placement… it's a bit odd."

    "I personally didn't find it uncomfortable at all. In fact, I thought it was pretty innovative."

    "I love the creativity of using a phone for the ending shots!"

    "The image quality difference between the phone and a studio camera is noticeable."

    "Wow, I never even considered the possibility of product placement in a music show."

    "I think it was a bad move. The phone's camera isn't on par with a studio camera's techniques."

    "It feels like this is taking capitalism to the extreme."

    What are your thoughts?

    Source[1]

  • BTS's Jimin Makes History by Winning 'Fan’s Choice Grand Prize' at the 2024 MAMA Awards

    BTS member Jimin made history at the 2024 MAMA AWARDS, becoming the first solo artist ever to win the prestigious Visa Fan’s Choice of the Year award.

    On November 22, Jimin was honored with the Fan’s Choice of the Year award at the 2024 MAMA AWARDS JAPAN, held at the Kyocera Dome in Osaka, Japan. This marks a huge milestone in his career, especially considering his ongoing military service.

    Jimin made history as the first solo artist to win the Fan’s Choice of the Year award, a category that BTS had dominated for six years since its debut in 2018.

    In addition to this achievement, Jimin also took home the Fan’s Choice Grand Prize, making him a two-time winner at this year’s awards.

    Although Jimin couldn't attend the ceremony due to his military service, his name was met with loud cheers from fans when announced.

    His incredible win continues to prove his global influence as a solo artist. Jimin had also won Best Male Artist at the 2023 MAMA AWARDS, marking back-to-back wins at the event.

    The MAMA AWARDS praised Jimin for his groundbreaking achievements, saying, “As the first K-pop solo artist to reach 4 billion streams and set the longest-running #1 record for a Korean artist, Jimin has proven his influence as a world-class artist and global pop star.”

    Jimin's win also made him the first solo artist to claim a grand prize at the MAMA AWARDS in 10 years, with his achievement sparking excitement worldwide.

    On X (formerly Twitter), the hashtag “CONGRATULATIONS JIMIN” topped the trends, while “우리지민이상받았네” (Our Jimin Got the Award) reached the #1 spot in Korea.

    Jimin’s ongoing success continues to shine even during his military service. He was also recently named Best K-pop at the 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards and continues to be recognized for his charitable efforts, including a recent donation of 100 million KRW to the National Defense Soldier and Veteran Love Fund.

    Source: [1]