BTS's Jimin has once again shown his incredible popularity around the world! A photocard of the superstar recently sold for an eye-popping 3 million KRW (~2,250 USD) on a global marketplace, leaving fans and netizens amazed.

On November 28, the online platform Bungaejangter shared its "Global K-POP Merch Trend Report 2024." According to the report, "Star Goods" is the most popular category in the global section, especially photocards, which have seen some of the highest transaction prices.

In October, a Jimin photocard set the record for the highest price ever sold on the platform, with Bungaejangter describing the craze as "EVERYBODY WANTS Jimin’s FACE (Photo card)." This record-breaking transaction highlights the undeniable demand for Jimin’s collectibles among fans worldwide.

This isn’t the first time’s influence has been so evident. Back in 2021, a Louis Vuitton T-shirt he wore during a virtual interview with the late Virgil Abloh sold out globally despite its hefty price of 850,000 KRW (~640 USD). Jimin’s influence was also a key factor in BTS being chosen as global ambassadors for Louis Vuitton.

Additionally, his official merchandise designs sold out in mere seconds, further proving his unmatched star power. His name, "Park Jimin," even topped the U.S. "Clothing and Accessories" category in NetBase Quid's "Trending Insights of the Week," surpassing major fashion icons like Yves Saint Laurent and Bella Hadid.

Even while serving in the military, Jimin's presence remains strong. Recently, he donated 100 million KRW (~75,000 USD) to the Army’s Comradeship Fund and 30 million KRW (~22,500 USD) to the "Busan Habitat Challenge," helping vulnerable elderly individuals. Fans continue to praise him not only for his talent but also for his big heart.

Jimin’s ability to inspire and connect with fans is truly unmatched, and his photocard craze is just another example of his incredible global impact!

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Actor Gong Yoo has finally addressed a controversial comment he made over 20 years ago about the late President Park Chung-hee, which has resurfaced recently due to political discussions.

On December 5, Gong Yoo (real name Gong Ji-cheol, 45) sat down for an interview with Star News at a cafe in Jongno, Seoul, where he spoke about the 2005 interview with Vogue Girl. In the interview, he had said, "The most handsome men, in my opinion, are my father, Michael Jordan, and Park Chung Hee." The remark has attracted renewed attention after recent political events, including the declaration of a state of emergency by President Yoon Suk-yeol on December 3.

Gong Yoo explained, "For the past 20 years, this statement has followed me like a label. It’s not that I feel wronged, but I often feel like people try to use me in political situations because I’m a public figure. I’ve never given any political opinions or expressed any political stance. But on platforms like YouTube, some people have taken my words and added their own interpretations, making it seem like I was pushing a certain agenda. This makes me uncomfortable, but I also wonder if I even need to explain myself."

He continued, "I made that statement when I was in my early to mid-20s, and I didn’t fully understand the entertainment industry. It was an interview for a fashion magazine, not a deep or reflective conversation. I wasn’t as thoughtful or careful as I am now. A simple sentence I said in that interview has followed me ever since, especially when political issues come up. Looking back, I realize my words could have been misinterpreted, and I understand that it made some people uncomfortable. I should have been more cautious with what I said. What’s clear is that I’ve never had a wrong sense of history or morality—that’s the truth."

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