On May 27, 2024, aespa held a showcase for their comeback with “Armageddon.” During the interview, reporters brought up the recent topic involving HYBE’s Bang Si Hyuk.

Previously, Bang Si Hyuk had sent ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin text messages asking her to “crush aespa.”

The exchange became an internet meme. When asked if this topic added pressure during their comeback preparations, Karina responded with humor:

“We know all about it. Since it’s our first full-length album, we’ve put in our best effort. We appreciate the support and love we’ve received. This album marks a great start, and we’re thankful to the public, as well as for our SM family and our hardworking members.”

— Karina

Winter added that they focus on their own growth rather than comparisons:

“Music is objective. We compete with ourselves, not others. Each artist has unique colors and charms.”

— Winter

The girls handled the tough questions gracefully!

What are your thoughts on this situation?

Source[1]

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]