• Former ASTRO member Rocky honestly opens up about parting with his teammate, Moonbin

    Former ASTRO member Rocky opened up about the deep bond he continues to share with his members, despite having parted ways with the team. 

    On November 22, Rocky released his 1st mini album 'RockyST' and signaled his new beginning as a solo artist under his self-established label, One Fine Day Entertainment. First, he said, "The members all listened to my new album and said it was good. They always only say good things. They are like old, comfortable roommates.

    We don't necessarily give one another advice about really serious stuff. We just talk about daily life." 

    He also reflected on his decision to leave Fantagio and ASTRO, commenting, "At the time, launching a solo career wasn't really on my mind. I was just really tired and lost, and I didn't know what to do. Combining the time that I spent as a trainee, I've been in this industry for nearly 15 years, and that was when I was thinking to myself, 'Maybe I don't need to continue on this path'." 

    Then, soon after his decision to leave his team, Rocky lost a longtime friend and teammate, the late Moonbin

    "I think I've sent him off in my own way. To be honest, it was so painful. I think the pain was so great that I couldn't even fathom it," the musician described.  Later on, Rocky was asked what Moonbin might say after listening to his solo album.

    He answered, "He's visited me in my dreams before. But I think he would just nod. We practically grew up together, and back then, we fought all the fights we needed to fight, and even if we didn't necessarily open up, time would resolve everything for us. Rather than saying anything fancy, hyung would just smile and nod."

     Rocky then pointed to his heart, and assured, "He is aways here with me."  Finally, Rocky stated, "I hope to become known as an artist who experiments and takes risks. I would be grateful if people listened to this album with that impression in mind." 

    Rocky's 1st mini album 'RockyST', with its title track "Lucky Rocky", is now available for streaming. 

    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]