Monday, December 16, 2024

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Summary:

1. Established an anti-drug foundation

2. Donates 300 M KRW under his fandom's name

3. Donated 1,6 B KRW proceeds from a charity auction

4. Donated 1% of his music revenue

5. Donated his prize money from You Quiz on the Block

+His contributions from the previous years include:

Donated 100 M KRW to Seoul national University Children's Hospital

Donated 160 M KRW for a Lou Gehrig's Disease Hospital

Donated 100 M KRW for the Ice Bucket Challenge

Donated 81,8 M KRW for refugee relief

Donated to fish farms in Haiti, rice donations, and more. He has been consistently donating over the years.

13 years ago, GD started declining birthday gifts, saying that he'd receive the thoughts instead of the thoughts. Since then, fans have been donating billions of KRW under his name instead. Starting this year, fans have been making donations directly to the public foundation GD established.

No matter how much money you have, it's incredibly impressive to donate that much. What's even more impressive is that he established a foundation which requires ongoing funding and effort, not just one-time donations. He's really cool

ㅠㅠㅠㅠ

This is the letter G-Dragon wrote after being accused of using drugs last year: 



Hello, this is Kwon Jiyong.

I really wanted to meet with you all in person and share my thoughts directly, but unfortunately, I couldn’t, which is very regretful.

I spent a lot of time concerning about how to greet you all in the new year and what message to deliver. As you all know, I went through a difficult time recently, but thanks to the encouragement from those around me, I was able to overcome it. I am sincerely grateful to everyone.

During this incident, I came to see things I hadn’t noticed before.

From the news, I learned that there are an average of 20,000 drug offenders per year in Korea, and the number of juvenile offenders involved in drugs is alarmingly increasing. However, among the 20,000 offenders, less than 500 receive treatment annually due to a lack of treatment facilities. Learning this heartbreaking fact made me realize the need for action.

I decided to actively work toward eliminating and preventing drug abuse, especially for the youth who are exposed to it without proper protection and for those who don’t realize they’re heading down a dangerous and wrong path. I want to create opportunities for those who lack access to treatment. Additionally, I want to stand by and protect those who are powerless and vulnerable from unfair treatment. As a brother, senior, or peer, I want to build a system that supports and defends them.

To carry out these activities sincerely and continuously, I decided to establish a foundation.

Through this foundation, we aim to stand against societal prejudices and injustices, supporting those who suffer due to these issues. We hope to create a society where everyone is respected equally and can coexist fairly.

Through the music and artistic activities that I, Kwon Jiyong, and my fans love, I plan to address societal issues like drug prevention, inequality, and injustice. I also want to support artists who lack opportunities and nurture the next generation of talents who will continue this work.

I believe that by planting these seeds through the foundation, we can work with many talented artists and fans worldwide who resonate with this cause to create impactful campaigns like peace initiatives or a prejudice-free world campaign. Together, we can dream of a more harmonious and inclusive world.

This is how I want to start 2024.

I will take responsibility not only as an artist but also socially, and I hope each of you will also take responsibility in your own roles.

I believe the world changes when ideas and hearts come together to inspire action.

This past year has been a challenging one for me. However, I was able to keep going because I knew I wasn’t alone. Knowing that we are together all over the world, I reminded myself not to give up and to keep fighting.

I want to express my gratitude to VIPs, who treated my challenges as their own and embraced me with love. Thanks to you, I never lost my spirit and didn’t feel lonely.

Because I am grateful, I want to dedicate myself as a singer to creating music that makes the world better. For the foundation’s first donation, I want to contribute in the name of all of you.

This meaningful new start with my new partner, Galaxy Corporation, was made possible thanks to YG, which helped shape who I am today. From my trainee days to BIGBANG and my solo career, the past 20+ years have been filled with shared efforts and results with everyone at YG. I will carry this gratitude with me forever.

I hope you all wrap up 2023 well with your family and friends, and I hope we can take steps together toward a brighter society.

Let’s all love one another!!

From Kwon Jiyong.

2023.12.21

pann
[+231][-22]

1. [+53][-2] This is what it means to be The King.

2. [+51][-2] It's very cool of him to use the money he earns for great causesㅋㅋㅋ I always respect celebrities who donate.

3. [+48][-2] He’s ranked #1 in Individual Brand Reputation, and the positive sentiment ratio is 91%. Lately, GD’s public image seems to be at its highest point since his debut.


G-Dragon ranked #1 in Individual Boy Group Member Brand Reputation

BIGBANG’s G-Dragon took the top spot in December 2024 for boy group member brand reputation rankings. The brand reputation index is derived from big data analysis, which measures how consumers' online habits influence brand consumption. According to the Korea Corporate Reputation Research Institute, "In the linkage analysis, 'comeback,' 'Outstanding,' and 'Unchanged' ranked high, while in the keyword analysis, 'Home Sweet Home,' 'Power,' and 'MAMA' were dominant. In the positivity-negativity analysis, he recorded a positive ratio of 91.49%."

4. [+43][-2] He seems like someone who's working on becoming a more positive person. It seems like he's gained a lot of wisdom.

5. [+40][-2] It's really touching how his fans are also donating alongside him...

6. [+11][-0] Right now, GD promised to donate 100 M KRW if he gets 1st place in the Gayo Daejeon voting.

7. [+10][-0] You can donate just by listening to GD’s songs ㅋㅋ He’s donating 1% of his music revenue.

8. [+9][-0] People are criticizing him for making his donations publicㅋㅋThe 300 M KRW donation, announced during when the foundation was first established, was made under his fans' name, so it had to be disclosed. Plus, the charity event had many well-known attendees, so it naturally became public. In the past, GD donated anonymously, but his name was revealed on high-donor lists of facilities where he contributed. People nitpick over the most ridiculous things.

9. [+9][-1] What’s with the people disliking and leaving hate comments on a post about donations?

10. [+8][-0] ㅋㅋ There are so many celebrities out there who don't donate.... So GD deserves to be praised for this.

Whoa... GD donated 2 B KRW this year alone

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“It’s really us” ... NewJeans launches new SNS account as ‘NewJeanz,’ Min Heejin likes their posts

Girl group NewJeans rebrands as ‘NewJeanz’ with a new SNS account.

On December 14, NewJeans (Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, Hyein) launched a new official SNS account under the name 'Jeanz for Free.'

The group uploaded four videos to greet fans for the first time. Danielle and Hanni confirmed the account was created by them, saying “It’s really us.”

Minji added, “It feels a bit awkward since it’s been a while, but I missed you. It’s freezing in Korea, so we’ve prepared warm meals for you all. Please make sure to eat well.”

Can't they keep their original name?

pann
[+163][-25]

1. [+165][-32] What's wrong with the people who are blaming NewJeans? It's obvious that HYBE wouldn't hand over the trademark rights, that's why they changed their nameㅋㅋ

2. [+144][-31] Why are HYBE stans so salty?ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ It’s clearly because of Bang Sihyuk’s greed.

3. [+133][-15] That pig would never give up the trademark anyway... So the girls got no other options than changing their group name. Still, I hope they stay strong.

4. [+132][-16] Didn't Haboong-ies say they don't need NewJeans anymore?ㅠㅠ Didn't they say they're going to start fresh? Please let NewJeans go at this point then~~~~

5. [+127][-168] But still... Is it okay to just leave like that??

6. [+92][-5] They said they're gonna ditch NewJeans and start fresh. Therefore, NewJeans no longer has the reason to stay in that company now.

7. [+77][-8] NewJeans never die...ㅠㅠ Whether it’s NewJeanz, Bunnies, or even Denim Girls... Regardless of the group name, I’d still be happy as long as they come back.

8. [+70][-83] But wouldn’t earning revenue under a new name just give HYBE more evidence for their case?

9. [+37][-74] I used to support them, but their attitude toward the world makes it harder to cheer for them.

10. [+25][-9] Honestly, HeeJeans sounds better.

Did NewJeans really change their group name?

A small gift for Bunnies and K-pop Fans. You can receive it under the name "Bunnies" with just your lightstick, no matter the artist!

1. Auto Gimbap Yeouido Direct Store
Menu: Auto Gimbap / Beverages
Quantity: 110 servings of Auto Gimbap + 100 drinks (2,000 KRW)

2. Coff Café
Menu: Oatmeal Latte / Americano / Green Tangerine Tea
Quantity: 50 cups each

3. Gobong Samgyetang
Menu: Yaksoo Herbal Samgyetang
Quantity: 100 bowls

4. Pyeonggaok Yeouido Store
Menu: Beef Soup / Dumpling Soup (Beef)
Quantity: 50 bowls

NewJeans' members are so kind ㅠㅠ

pann
[+548][-204]

1. [+167][-52] They must be going through a lot too, but they're taking care of fans and people. I really hope NewJeans does well...

2. [+157][-44] IU faced attacks from the political-fanatic Ahjussis when she showed support to her fans, and I bet they're going to come after NewJeans soon. I'm 100% sureㅋㅋ

3. [+153][-41] It doesn't matter if it's political or not, they're just taking care of the fans attending the protest. NewJeans is cool. They take care of all K-pop fans, not just their own. So heartwarming.

4. [+144][-38] Political extremists Ahjussis are useless. Any reasonable Korean would think it's normal to remove a president who declared martial law. Calling it a political move only exposes their own political biasㅋㅋ I support NewJeans.

5. [+134][-36] It's very amazing of them to take care of their fans despite going through difficult times themselves. I noticed they also have been generous with donations. Everything they do is really cool.

6. [+42][-27] While various associations are keeping their mouths shut despite the current situation, NewJeans lends their hands to help... This only shows how ugly and disgusting the behavior of those Gae-jusshi areㅋㅋㅋ

7. [+41][-9] I saw a lot of NewJeans lightsticks in the protest, Bunnies must feel so proud.

8. [+39][-6] Whoa.. This is amazing. NewJeans must be struggling as well, and yet they're paying for food for other fans tooㅠ I like them.

9. [+33][-7] To the losers who are still hating on NewJeans... In reality, you're just losers who do nothing good but complain from behind your keyboard in the corner of your sad rooms... And yet you think you're better than NewJeans? Turn off your computers and go touch some grass. Bashing young female idols must be your life's greatest achievement, huh?

10. [+31][-5] The Gae-jusshis are going to be mad and start bashing NewJeans again.

NewJeans prepares gifts for K-pop fans who are going to the protest today

Sunday, December 15, 2024

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Jung Woosung addresses the cheating rumors, “I never loved Moon Gabi”

It's his fault, anyway. He should've just stayed quietㅠ His kid will grow up and find all this out later.

pann
[+868][-62]

1. [+444][-9] That's so f*cking Hannam of him... Looking for sex through DMs.

2. [+382][-10] He has been living off his good image. I couldn't f*cking believe this at first. Regardless of the shock, I didn't expect him to have a conscience as a father of the kid... But this? I have a lot to f*cking say, but I won't.

3. [+372][-13] I feel so f*cking bad for the kid. How tough must it be for him later when he realizes he's the child at the center of a huge scandal in South Korea?

4. [+288][-5] If he didn’t love her and got her pregnant, isn’t that even worse?

5. [+278][-10] Right... He’s supposed to be a famous actor, but isn’t he managing his image too poorly?...

6. [+126][-108] But... Moon Gabi didn't do anything right either and yet everyone's cheering for herㅋㅋㅋㅋ

7. [+122][-0] He’s not being criticized for cheating, though... But look at the excuse he’s making to cover it upㅋㅋㅋ Is he stupid?

8. [+117][-3] He says he didn’t love her but still had sex with her?ㅋㅋㅋㅋㄱ He’s really digging his own graveㅋㅋㅋㅋㄱ

9. [+112][-3] There’s no easier job than being a male celebrityㅋㅋ

10. [+108][-0] The kid will grow up, use the internet, and hear rumors like ‘Is your dad Jung Woosung ?' 'Your dad didn’t marry your mom, he married someone else' 'You have a half-sibling, right?' 'Your dad doesn’t love your mom' 'He doesn’t visit you often, does he?' It's obvious what this kid is going to face later when he grows up. What did he do wrong to deserve this?ㅠ

Isn't Jung Woosung being too much here?

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Looks like Haerin posted it herself. She's so f*cking cute... 



[+243][-57]

1. [+61][-4] Whoa... She grew up exactly the same. So freaking pretty...

2. [+54][-5] So cuteㅠㅠ

3. [+48][-4] Such a babyㅠ Her cheeks are so cuteㅠㅠㅠ

4. [+47][-3] She looks exactly the same as nowㅠㅠㅠ She's so cute... She looks so pretty when she smiles.

5. [+42][-4] Aww... Babyㅠ

6. [+28][-21] Meow

7. [+22][-2] She looks so f*cking gorgeous in person

8. [+19][-1] I think Haerin is a natural beauty. She looks almost the same in her pre-debut pictures.

9. [+19][-1] ❤️❤️

10. [+18][-0] Crazy... She's so freaking cuteㅠㅠㅠㅠ

NewJeans Haerin's new pre-debut picture revealed

, ,

Isn’t she a vampire?

Irene, Jang Wonyoung, Karina, Sullyoon... Beautiful women keep coming out in every generation, but I think the 2nd generation is the prettiest in the world. 

Among them, SNSD's Yoona is truly iconic. 

The Yoong-Suj-Sul (Yoona, Suzy, Sulli) were named the Queenka from that time.

pann
[+176][-29]

1. [+28][-8] The fact that her thick Aegyo sals are natural is insane.

2. [+23][-6] Even the Super Junior members said that. They started as trainees when they were in elementary school, and when they first saw her, she was so pretty and grew up just the same. They said they gained a lot of benefit from her being in the music videoㅋㅋ

3. [+21][-6] This Unnie was my first love as well. I truly fell in love with her the first time I saw her. She has the visual of a romance Manhwa comic character.

4. [+19][-5] She's unbeatable. How is she so beautiful even without makeup?

5. [+16][-0] She was also in TVXQ's music video when she was 15.

6. [+10][-3] The 4th generation can never beat the 2nd generation. Yoong-Suj-Sul is the perfect combination of elegance and innocence with natural beauty. The 4th generation might be trendy beauties, but there are mixed opinions. The 2nd generation is something that every Korean can’t help but loveㅠㅠ

7. [+10][-2] I really love Yoona's pure and innocent beauty.

8. [+9][-3] Yoona was the prettiest during the 'Lion Heart' era.

9. [+9][-4] Before Jang-Ka-Sul (Jang Wonyoung, Karina, and Sullyoon), there was Yoong-Suj-Sul...

10. [+8][-1] She is even more beautiful because of her kind heart. I hope she is always happy. 

Yoona Unnie is truly a legend


Last weekend, the Inspire Arena in Yeongjong Island, Incheon, was packed with fans who came to see the Japanese project unit, Yoasobi, perform. Over the two days of the concert, Yoasobi attracted a total of around 26,000 attendees. They proved their huge popularity in Korea by selling out the arena for both days. In particular, the audience for their concert this time was three times larger than their performance in Korea last year, showing their rapid rise in popularity.

(Cont'd)

J-pop is gaining significant popularity in South Korean's music market. J-pop singers are filling up not only arena-sized performance halls but also large-scale performance halls that accommodate a massive number of audiences, selling out all tickets for their concerts. Not only that, the number of people listening to J-pop on music platforms is also noticeably rising. It's easy to find social media accounts and channels about J-pop that have many subscribers and are actively operating. J-pop, which had long been seen as a niche subculture in Korea, is now gaining mainstream popularity, particularly among the MZ generation. According to Melon’s analysis of J-pop listeners by age group in the first half of this year, the highest number of listeners were among those in their 20s and 30s, and the majority of attendees at J-pop concerts in Korea are also in the 10s to 30s.

Why has J-pop become so popular among the MZ generation? The first reason is the active use of short-form platforms and social media, which align with the MZ generation’s sensitivity to trends. Songs like IMASE's Night Dancer, Yoasobi's Idol, Yuurii's Betelgeuse, and Kenshi Yonezu's Lemon gained popularity through short-form videos on platforms like TikTok, Reels, and Shorts, eventually spreading by word of mouth to Korean listeners. As J-pop songs gained popularity through short-form videos, the accessibility of J-pop to the MZ generation skyrocketed, leading to increased interest for J-pop. Additionally, K-pop idols, who are popular with the MZ generation, also gave shot outs to J-pop, which contributed to J-pop’s rise in popularity.

J-pop’s unique concepts, distinctive lyrics, and melodies also aligned with MZ generation who desires to be different. For the MZ generation, who openly express their preferences and pursue unique styles, J-pop offers an attraction distinct from K-pop, which has contributed to the J-pop's popularity among this generation.

Ki, born in 1995, who has attended several J-pop concerts recently, shared their thoughts on the reasons behind J-pop’s popularity: "The songs and concepts are interesting because they are not common in the Korean market. From grand, extravagant songs like anime themes to singers who hide their faces or wear masks, J-pop has so many unique concepts. This uniqueness is what makes J-pop so interesting."

theqoo

-I don't even know who they are.

-It's mostly just Hannam, so what do you mean by popular?ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-Who the hell says they're popular?ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-Did they really fill 26,000 seats?

-I f*cking hate this.

-No, seriously, J-pop is trash, stop thisㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ First of all, their singing skills are so awful, I can't bring myself to listen to them. They will never be popular.

-Who?

-What?

-I can't believe there are still people who are sucking up to Japan.

-What kind of f*cking nonsense is this?

-Only Hannams like J-popㅡㅡ

-??? It's not popular, though?

-I'm a J-pop fan, but it's not popular at all... It's f*cking minor....

-I don’t buy music from far-right singers, and I wish Korean singers who collaborate with them would stop.

J-Pop artists filled arenas, what made J-pop become so popular in South Korean music market?


 As the culture of prepaying for drinks and food at businesses near Yeouido for participants in protests calling for President Yoon Sukyeol's impeachment has trended, some netizens reveal their disappointment over the 'profit-driven behavior' of certain shop owners.

On the 14th, a post titled 'Bitter experience with businesses receiving prepaid orders' was uploaded on an online community. The OP, A, said, "This post is not directed at those who made the prepaid orders, but to the businesses that received them.

A explained, "I’m in Yeouido right now, and before heading to the protest, I thought I’d grab some kimbap from a shop where orders had already been prepaid. When I got there, about 30 people were already in line ahead of me, and more delivery orders kept coming in."

A continued, "When delivery orders come in, they have to be prepared quickly otherwise their ratings would get reduced. You know how that works. Because of this, prepaid orders kept being delayed due to ongoing delivery requests."

A claimed that despite waiting for 45 minutes, only five customers had moved through the line.

A said, "If there are nearly 50 prepaid customers waiting, wouldn't it make sense to pause delivery orders temporarily?" Adding, "I eventually gave up and left halfway through, thinking I wouldn't be able to eat before the protest ended."

A also remarked bitterly, "As expected, the women waiting were being too quiet and patient."

A went on to share another experience at a cookie shop with prepaid orders, "When I mentioned the name of the person who prepaid, the owner said, 'Not right now,' and then proceeded to take orders from the customers behind me."

A explained, "It wasn’t that the prepaid items were sold out, but rather that the store was too busy at the moment to fulfill them. I understand that the owner must be busy, but prepaid orders are still customer orders. They shouldn’t treat us as if they’re giving out free meals to beggars."

Netizens expressed outrage over the situation, saying, "There's no way to confirm if the prepaid amount has been used up, making it easy for businesses to take advantage, "They're also receiving money from the prepaid orders, though," "Expose these exploitative businesses," "So this is how they're taking advantage of people's goodwill?" "So, they’ve already pocketed the money, huh?" "People who prepaid should check how many items were given out, and if there's any leftover, they should get a refund in cash or goods," "There are probably many prepaid stores pulling this kind of scam," etc.

theqoo

-Why don't they just refuse to take prepaid orders? They want to make money but don't want to be busy. What do they want?

-Let's just expose the store names, are they out of their minds?

-If they're gonna act like that, they shouldn't have accepted prepaid orders in the first place. Ugh, f*ck this.

-That is so mean.

-I'm sure some shops lie about running out of stock...

-Honestly, I can't trust those businesses. I mean, how do we know if they really run out of stock or not? I'm sure there are still some businesses that are honest, thoughㅠ

-Food trucks seem like a better idea... No need to give the name of the person who prepaid, and the owners can prepare quantities in advance.

-I mean... They can just stop accepting delivery orders and finish the prepaid orders first, though...?

-They should be ashamed.

-I knew this would happen. They would do whatever they please since you can't check if all the prepaid orders have been used up or not.

-It wasn't like they were able to get through deliveries either. The crowd was so big at the protest that no one could even move around.

"Prepaid shops delay protesters’ orders, prioritize delivery and walk-in orders… Do they think they're giving out free foods for beggars?"



Netflix Original Series 'The Whirlwind'

This drama was released on Netflix this June.

Regardless of whether people like or dislike the show itself, many viewers have commented on how the drama presents the prosecutor-turned-politician as someone trying to change the world is unrealistic and out of touch with reality.

theqoo

-This drama is trash.

-I can’t watch this. Ew.

-I started watching because people said it was fun, but as I watched more, there were a lot of parts that made me go, ‘Wait… something’s off,’ and I eventually dropped it.

-Is this drama glorifying prosecutors?

-I watched it for the writer, but there were so many scenes that felt off.

-Righteousㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ prosecutor?ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-Righteous prosecutor’?ㅋㅋㅋ Even dogs would laugh at that.

-Did a prosecutor write this?

-The moment they brought in a ‘righteous prosecutor,’ it flopped.

-Wow... The worst storyline ever.

-Prosecutors 🤮🤮🤮

-The writer is Park Kyung-soo. He also glorified prosecutors and government power in his past works.

-Why would a prosecutor try to change the world?ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ They’re fighting to keep things the sameㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ I would've thought the genre of this drama was comedy🤢🤮

-I stopped watching halfway through the first episode. Complete trash.

-Does this make sense?ㅋ Prosecutors are just thugs.

-The only righteous prosecutor is a dead prosecutor^^

-I absolutely can’t bring myself to watch this.

-With that kind of storyline, of course, this drama flopped and disappeared quietly.

A drama where a prosecutor-turned-prime minister and an activist-turned-economy minister fight to become the president