• NewJeans Show Respect for Jeju Air Tragedy with Black Ribbons During Japanese Live Broadcast, Winning Big Despite Heavy Hearts

    NewJeans made a powerful statement during a live broadcast in Japan as they appeared wearing black ribbons to mourn the victims of the Jeju Air disaster.

    On December 30, the group attended the 66th Brilliant! Japan Record Awards (referred to as the "Record Awards"), a prestigious event that was broadcast live. NewJeans took home the Excellence Award for their hit song "Supernatural", making it their second consecutive win after receiving the same honor last year for "Ditto".

    South Korea is currently in a national mourning period until January 4, following the tragic Jeju Air crash.

    In a heartfelt statement, their agency ADOR shared, "We extend our deepest condolences to those who lost their lives in this tragic accident and heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families enduring profound grief."

    They further explained their decision to continue with scheduled events, saying, "After comprehensive consideration of the potential impact on the event organizers, we have decided to proceed with the scheduled activities. However, it is with a heavy heart that we engage in these events at this time. We ask for the understanding of our fans."

    To show respect and honor the lives lost, NewJeans wore black flower-shaped ribbons on their outfits during the event. The group also shared a touching post on their "jeanzforfree" account with the caption, "With condolences in our hearts."

    Photos from the event captured the members performing on stage, their black ribbons standing out as a solemn tribute amid the dazzling lights.

    After their emotional appearance at the Record Awards, NewJeans is set to perform at "Countdown Japan 24/25", one of Japan's biggest year-end indoor festivals, on December 31.

    Meanwhile, the Jeju Air flight 7C2216, which departed from Bangkok, Thailand, and was bound for Muan Airport, crashed on December 29. The plane attempted to land at Muan Airport without its landing gear deployed, leading to a catastrophic collision with airport structures and a fire.

    This tragedy claimed 179 lives out of the 181 people onboard, including passengers, pilots, and crew members. In response, the South Korean government has declared a seven-day national mourning period.

    NewJeans’ heartfelt gesture serves as a reminder of the grief shared by the nation, even as they continue to shine on the global stage.

    Source: [1]

  • BTS's Jimin Breaks Records in Japan with "Who" as it Earns Prestigious 'Gold' Streaming Certification

    BTS’s Jimin is once again proving his global dominance, especially in Japan, where his solo music continues to break records!

    Jimin's hit song "Who", from his second album MUSE, has just been awarded the prestigious Gold streaming certification from the Japan Record Association (RIAJ).

    This honor comes after "Who" surpassed a remarkable 50 million streams in February, making it the first solo song by Jimin to receive this certification in Japan!

    The Japan Record Association certifies music based on total streams, with Gold for 50 million streams, Platinum for 100 million, and Diamond for a massive 500 million.

    This achievement adds another significant milestone to Jimin’s growing solo career.

    Previously, Jimin also earned a Platinum certification for his first album FACE (for 250,000 units shipped) and a Gold certification for MUSE (for over 100,000 units shipped).

    With the Gold streaming certification for "Who", Jimin now holds a total of three prestigious certifications from the Japan Record Association, solidifying his place as a solo artist.

    Not only that, but "Who" made waves on the Billboard charts, staying on the Billboard Hot 100 for an impressive 33 weeks, setting a record for the longest-charting K-pop solo song! It also spent 32 weeks on the Billboard Japan Hot 100, showing just how much love fans have for his music.

    Jimin’s solo success doesn’t stop there, as GOLDEN also spent 20 weeks on the Billboard Japan Hot Albums chart, and Jimin continues to dominate the Billboard Japan Artist 100, where he has now charted for 47 weeks! Clearly, Jimin’s popularity is unstoppable!

    Source (1)