GOKPOP | Exclusive K-News in Malaysia & Singapore

[EXCLUSIVE] Major9's New K-POP Girl Group Bling Bling Talked About Their Journey to Debut

Saturday, June 19, 2021

Rising K-POP girl group, Bling Bling draw attention from worldwide fans with their catchy hits and unique vocals since debut last year. The group composed of Korean members Cha Ju Hyun, Yubin, Narin, Choi Ji Eun and Japanese members Ayamy and Marin - where each member delivers brightness and healthy energy in their way as Bling Bling.

Recently, the group returned with their first mini-album 'CONTRAST', which features the title track 'Oh MAMA', side track ‘Milkshake’, as well as their two previous releases ‘G.G.B’ and ‘LA LA LA’. Fresh off the release of the group's new mini-album, GOKPOP had the chance to speak with Bling Bling via a written interview about their rising popularity, the album and their journey to debut as the member of Bling Bling.

Q: Bling Bling has garnered lots of love and support from overseas fans since debut last November, how do you feel receiving such good responses?

A: We heard that many international fans are cheering for us and we saw the supporting messages through comments as well. Can't believe there are so many people cheering for us from afar, we're really grateful for that.

Q: Tell us more about your first mini album 'CONTRAST' and 'Oh MAMA'.

A: Our first mini album 'CONTRAST' is an album that shows the contrasting sides of Bling Bling - both chic and cool, as well as our lovely charms. Our title track 'Oh MAMA' tells about a cool person who fell in love and found themselves not being able to hold back their feelings. It's a track that used exclamation 'Oh MAMA' to express their feelings in a fun way.

Q: Any behind-the-stories you would like to share while promoting for this comeback?

A: Through this album promotion, we had the chance to meet the fans in person for the first time through fan meeting and fan signing event. We have been meeting the fans online but this time, we really had a great time meeting the fans directly. Hope we'll have more opportunity to meet the fans in person.

Q: Tell us your journey debut as Bling Bling.

A: For Korean members, we joined the company through audition, went through trainee life and made our debut. For Japanese members Marin and Ayamy, both of them were students at a dance academy where they got the chance to audition in our company through the introduction of their dance instructor. And after that, they came to Korea and started their trainee life and made their debut.

Q: What was the first thing you wanted to do after debut?

A: We wanted to perform in front of our fans. We were sad on the fact that we couldn't perform during our debut album promotion but this time, we're happy that we get meet the fans in person through the fan meeting and fan signing event.

Q: What's next for Bling Bling? Any exciting lineup in the 2nd half of 2021?

After this promotion, we are planning to comeback with a new album this year. We'll be back with a different concept so please look forward to it!

Q: Any message to fans in Malaysia?

Fans in Malaysia! Thank you so much for supporting us from afar. We'll keep working hard until the day we can meet. Please keep support and wait for us. Thank you.

Check out Bling Bling's Greetings to Malaysian fans:

Check out Bling Bling's Oh MAMA MV:

*Special thanks to Global PR and Marketing by MJ TONZ Entertainment

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Falling in love 'Nevertheless'... A Steamy Romance Series You Do Not Want To Miss!

Saturday, June 19, 2021

On 18th of June, Netflix held an online press conference for their upcoming Korean drama "Nevertheless" featuring lead actress Han So-hee, lead actor Song Kang and director Kim Ga-ram.

The drama tells the story of a blossoming romance between two art school classmates portrayed by actors Song Kang and Han So-hee. Yu Na-bi (Han So-hee) doesn’t trust love but wants to date, while Park Jae-eon (Song Kang) enjoys flirting but thinks dating is a nuisance. Despite their differing viewpoints on love and dating, they begin a flirty friends-with-benefits relationship.

The 10-episode series is based on a popular webtoon of the same name, which has been enjoyed by fans all over the world. Producing director Kim Ga-ram and Han So-hee also mentioned that they are fans of the original webtoon.

Song Kang talked about how the script had appealed to him because “it had that sweetness of romance that we expect of young love, but there were other things that differentiated the story and made it stand out.” He shared that Park Jae-eon is someone with an icy image who does not talk or show his inner feelings. Song Kang said, "I put a lot of effort in pulling it off".

"Jae-eon's weakness is love. He thinks being in a relationship is frivolous but he still seeks out romance. His growth after his encounter with Nabi would be something the audience can anticipate", Song Kang added.

Kim Ga-ram talked about the title of the series and how relatable it will be for viewers. She explained how despite knowing that you’ll be hurt, you can fall for someone. Nevertheless depicts the romance that happens despite all of the hurt and despair.

Han So-hee also shared how she “hopes the audience will find my character relatable” and how she “wanted to be real and raw” in portraying her character’s emotions.

She said, "I feel 50% similar with Na-bi. She knows that the relationship with Jae-eon is dangerous yet she falls into it anyway. I used to be like Nabi, but since I've experienced that and move past it, we are no longer the same. But I do resonate with her."

The casting of Song Kang and Han So-hee garnered a lot of attention and buzz for being alike with the character in the webtoon. Kim Ga-ram said, “When I read the original webtoon, I thought of Song Kang and Han So-hee. Thankfully, they really liked the webtoon and wanted to work with me.” Both actors have been praised for being in sync with their characters.

Song Kang and Han So-hee talked about how being the same age helped them develop a friendship and contribute to great chemistry. On complimenting each other, Song Kang thinks Han So-hee is a very flexible person, and whatever he throws at her during filming, she will receive and respond it well.

He added that, "when I first knew about this offer, I think Han So-hee really looks a lot like Nabi from the webtoon. She has a frank character and I am very happy to work together with her."

Meanwhile, Han So-hee thinks Song Kang is a bubbly person who always bring good energy to people around him.

Han So-hee: "Everyone who has ever been in love know what kind of feeling they will go through. While watching Nevertheless, some people might reminisce about the past and spark hope to fall in love again!"

There will also be some episodes rated 19+ in order to show their flirtatious and sexy relationship. Song Kang teased, “There’s a lot of heart-fluttering scenes in our drama.” Fans can only stay tuned to find out!

Don’t miss out on the romance when the first episode of Nevertheless premieres on 20 June at 12AM MYT with new episodes every Sunday, only on Netflix!

Image courtesy to Netflix

K-drama

Song Seong-heon is Back on Screen with The Highly Anticipated 'Voice 4'

Saturday, June 19, 2021

BTS

BTS And Coway Inspire Malaysians Towards Life-Changing Sleep

Friday, June 18, 2021

Another BTS storm has hit Malaysian shores as the international K-pop phenomenon joins forces with the leading Life Solution Company, Coway. The global superstar BTS that is currently taking the world by storm is back with yet another exciting collaboration to ensure fans have a good night’s sleep.

Needless to say, this K-pop sensation has already been giving fans a good night’s sleep with their latest chart-topping hit song and album release. Or the fact that their faces and presence have been seen and felt everywhere, enticing the public to dress, eat and embrace daily life like them through various collaborations with other notable brands.

Now, BTS encourages all to experience quality sleep with Coway PRIME Series Mattress − promising a life-changing, BTS-approved sleep to recharge and take on the world every day.

This boy band sensation, who is also Coway’s global brand ambassador, knows how important a good night’s sleep is and together with Coway, they want to ensure everyone can afford to sleep like a superstar! Thanks to Coway’s rental subscription scheme for the PRIME Series Mattress, customers can enjoy five-star hotel quality mattress in the comfort of their homes for less than RM5 per night.

“BTS has won the hearts of many Malaysians and we are on the path to winning their minds and souls by promoting quality sleep for a healthier lifestyle. Together, we can conquer the hearts, minds and souls of both the younger and older generations through the language of music and a well-deserved luxurious sleep!” said Kyle Choi, Managing Director of Coway Malaysia.

Just like how BTS values the quality of their music, Coway values the importance of quality sleep; as a bed is the one place where you can feel comforted, secured and rested especially after a long day. During this unprecedented time where most are homebound, it is more crucial than ever to own a bed like the Coway PRIME Series Mattress, the first premium mattress rental with regular care service.

This mattress is a perfect hybrid mattress as it is a combination of only the best materials for an excellent holistic sleeping solution. It has a five-zone pocket spring, 100% natural latex, memory foam, coconut fibre, foam and anti-static fabric.

Aside from that, the Coway mattress also strives to help customers ensure the optimum level of sleep hygiene with its Coway Mattress Care Service and the changeable topper. The Sleep Foundation suggests changing one’s mattress every eight years but with the Coway Mattress Care Service, sleep hygiene is maintained in a cheaper and smarter way.

Just like the BTS seven-member band, Coway’s thoughtful and comprehensive mattress care service comes with 7–steps and is performed by professional Homecare Technicians once every four months. It is done using only the latest hi-tech equipment to clean and care for the mattress and includes dust level measuring, frame cleaning, frame wiping, side edge cleaning, mattress cleaning, dust mite repellent and UV sterilisation.

“As the saying goes, sleep is not a luxury but a necessity. Ensuring good sleep hygiene in this day and age is also a life-saving necessity. At Coway, we are determined to change the lives of our community − basically translating to a Healthier Environment, for a Happy Nation!” he added.

So, be sure to sign up for Coway’s mattress care services because it is time to protect your family and change the way you sleep forever! More information about this BTS and Coway mattress collaboration can be found at Coway Malaysia’s YouTube channel or website.