#yglife

[스포츠서울=신혜연기자] iKON kept their no. 1 spot in music charts for the 7th day since the new song’s release, stabilizing their position as big-time artists. As of January 31, at 9 AM, the title song ‘LOVE SCENARIO’ from iKON’s 2nd official album was placed at no. 1 in real-time charts in Mnet and Melon, which is Korea’s largest music streaming platform. This record surpasses iKON’s previous record of ‘MY TYPE’, which maintained its no. 1 spot for 6 consecutive days, and is an indication that the song is steadily receiving love from the listeners with its catchy melody. Some people even state that ‘LOVE SCENARIO’ is iKON’s new representative song. The results are meaningful since iKON had strong competitors in the process, including girl-groups Red Velvet and TWICE who showed strong performances in various charts. Red Velvet became a top girl-group by achieving success 3 consecutive times with songs ‘Rookie’, ‘Red Flavor’, and ‘Peek-A-Boo’. Their new single ‘Bad Boy’ is also on the rise, and is marked at 2nd place following iKON’s ‘LOVE SCENARIO’. The other competitor TWICE also has numerous hits and have shown strength in music charts, which makes iKON’s no. 1 even more meaningful. Solo artists Suzy and Sunmi also made comeback with songs ‘In Love with Someone Else’ and ‘Heroine’ respectively, and were ranked high. However, they had to give up the no. 1 spot due to iKON’s new album.

The choreography video for ‘LOVE SCENARIO’ is also gaining massive popularity. The video surpassed 1.9 million views and almost reached 2 million views, while the music video is also raising views faster than ever, surpassing 7.4 million views. The group’s amazing performance displayed in music broadcasts raised attention on the group’s choreography through word of mouth. iKON is currently on the rise with their 2nd official album ‘RETURN’, an official album by iKON released in 2 years and a month. The album that has a meaning of looking back into one’s first intentions and starting point, is an album which the listeners can feel iKON’s growth in musicality.

Last year, iKON released ‘NEW KIDS:BEGIN’ on May and released double-title tracks ‘BLING BLING’ and ‘BIRTHDAY’. However, the results were a bit disappointing. While the group focused on the Japanese market, other skilled idol-groups came up as competitors and took iKON’s spot. iKON promised a new start to overcome their frustrating results and display their strengths as ‘Monster Rookies’ of 2015. As the album title states, iKON has made a perfect ‘RETURN’, and is on the spotlight with the title song ‘LOVE SCENARIO’. The album displayed iKON’s charms in musicality and is more meaningful since leader B.I participated in the writing and composing of all 12 tracks. During the promotional period, iKON is planning to make appearances in not only music broadcasts but also in variety programs, such as ‘Weekly Idol’, ‘Sugar Man 2’, and ‘Knowing Bros’ to appeal their personal charms. They will also continue their active promotion in Korea by directly communicating with their fans.

[동아닷컴=전효진 기자] How could we have seen BIGBANG’s faces without any makeup if TAEYANG didn’t appear on MBC’s I Live Alone?

The second part of TAEYANG’s I Live Alone episode aired on August 25. He had dinner with DAESUNG, SEUNGRI, and head choreographer Lee Jae Wook, and they played baduk games, the loser of which had to receive a jiu jitsu penalty. It was a chance to see the friendship and bond between members of a 11-year old group.

The key topic of TAEYANG’s second episode was “Korean Food Table”, “coughing” and “pajamas”.

TAEYANG invited DAESUNG and SEUNGRI to his house. After practicing for his concert, TAEYANG met with DAESUNG and brought him to his house. TAEYANG said to him, “Let’s change into pajamas first. Something sexy.” Then, TAEYANG changed into his fourth pajamas of the day. They both changed into pajamas, and TAEYANG cooked steamed pork and kimchi for DAESUNG.

According to TAEYANG and DAESUNG, BIGBANG members play baduk games when they are on tours. TAEYANG said, “G-DRAGON’s specialty is omok, and DAESUNG’s an alkkagi genius. G-DRAGON practices omok on his phone. He comes back better on every tour.”

TAEYANG and DAESUNG watched Korean Food Table together while waiting for SEUNGRI. TAEYANG is a big fan of the show, so much so that he watches two episodes a day. He said, “I envy Choi Bul-am the most”. Jun Hyun-moo, the emcee of I Live Alone, commented, “MBC should make a show called ‘TAEYANG’s Food Table’”.

SEUNGRI arrived at TAEYANG’s house while they were watching TV. Earlier on, TAEYANG and DAESUNG expected SEUNGRI to turn up wearing his jiu jitsu clothes and a medal. As expected, SEUNGRI was in jiu jitsu clothes and he brought his medal with him, making everyone laugh. TAEYANG commented, “I knew SEUNGRI would do that. He wants to show us that he is always working hard on something.”

SEUNGRI was high maintenance. Although he is 28, TAEYANG had to hand him the towel and turn on the water for him for his shower. But, he is good at doing business and he was carefree although he was a celebrity, and TAEYANG and DAESUNG showed their envy for him. They responded to everything that he did and said, which lifted SEUNGRI’s spirit.

While they were waiting for SEUNGRI, TAEYANG and DAESUNG talked about their health. They said things like “Nowadays, my body aches after concerts”, “This makes me sad, but I can’t run on the stage anymore because my thighs hurt”, and “I can’t exercise as much as I used to. I strained myself too much when I was younger.” They seemed down for a while, but SEUNGRI appeared in cherry printed pajamas and made them laugh. SEUNGRI leads a DJ label, and he turned on some music. He made jokes and entertained TAEYANG and SEUNGRI while they were cooking.  

They were joined by Lee Jae Wook, the head choreographer for BIGBANG. TAEYANG explained, “He is the sixth member of BIGBANG. He knows everything about us.” The four of them spent time together playing omok and alkkagi. TAEYANG lost to SEUNGRI, and SEUNGRI did a jiu jitsu move on him as penalty. TAEYANG commented, “When I’m with BIGBANG members, I feel like I’m 16 or 17 years old again.” The cast members saw the footage and said, “They are like junior high school kids”.

TAEYANG rounded off his episode nicely by giving presents to the cast members in the studio.  

2017. 8. 26.

[헤럴드POP=박서현기자] iKON will hold their first official fan-meeting in Korea on March 11. On January 1 at 2 PM, YG Entertainment revealed the poster for ‘iKON 2018 PRIVATE STAGE [RE·-KONNECT]’ through their official blog (www.yg-life.com). ‘PRIVATE STAGE’ is YG’s new fan-meeting brand that aims for high-quality performances based on communication between artists and fans. The unique individual charms of all 7 members of iKON displayed in the poster captured the eyes of viewers, while the poster also noticed a special meeting that will be held at Olympic Hall, Bangyi-dong, Seoul on March 11. Also, iKON’s chic but warm visuals took the hearts of female fans. The upcoming Private Stage by iKON has a lot of meaning. The ‘·-’, which is part of the title [RE·-KONNECT], is a symbol created by turning the ‘i’ from iKON sideways. As the two dots meet each other to create a line, the title indicates that iKON and their fans ‘iKonic’ will connect to become as one. It is said that the members are staging the performances themselves, and are actively suggesting ideas on special events. iKON’s Private Stage will be available for pre-order on February 6 at 8 PM through Auction Ticket for the fans, while the general ticketing will start on February 9 at 8 PM. iKON, who released an official album in 2 years, is currently maintaining its no. 1 spot for 8 consecutive days in major music platforms including Melon, which is Korea’s largest music platform. Furthermore, they have proved their global popularity by topping iTunes Album Charts in 17 different countries and topping the iTunes Comprehensive Album Chart in Japan as soon as the album was released. Also, ‘LOVE SCENARIO’ was selected as Apple Music’s ‘Best of the Week’ in the United States, while dominating both real-time and daily charts of QQ Music, which is China’s biggest music streaming platform. Meanwhile, iKON will continue communicating with listeners by making a guest appearance on MBC’s radio program, ‘Kangta’s Starry Night’ today at 10:05 PM.

[OSEN=이소담 기자] iKON B.I and BOBBY were chosen as special MCs for ‘Music Core’. On MBC’s music broadcast program ‘Show! Music Core’ which will air live on February 3, B.I and BOBBY will make appearance as special MCs. It’s the first time for B.I and BOBBY to become MCs for a music program. Since iKON promised active communication with Koran fans in the promotion of their new album, they decided to accept and challenge the role of becoming a special MC. People are wondering what kind of synergy effect B.I and BOBBY will create to lead ‘Music Core’. iKON is currently placed at no. 1 in music charts for 7 days with their title-song ‘LOVE SCENARIO’, which is iKON’s biggest hit yet. Furthermore, they are getting positive results in music markets overseas by being placed at no. 1 in iTunes Album Charts in 17 different countries, while topping the Japan iTunes Comprehensive Album Chart.

[스포츠조선=조윤선 기자] Group iKON held their first fan signing event to celebrate the release of their 2nd official album. On January 30 at 4 PM, YG Entertainment released the behind-the-scenes video from iKON’s fan signing event held to celebrate the release of their 2nd official album ‘RETURN’, through their official blog (www.yg-life.com). The video clip contained the scenes from iKON’s fan signing event held on Lotte World Mall in Jamsil Seoul, which was crowded with a lot of fans. Even fans from overseas came to the event to support iKON, proving iKON’s global influence. The members stated, “It’s a beautiful opportunity to communicate with our fans”, expressing their excitement in meeting their fans in a while. While BOBBY wore a headband with a character gifted by a fan, DK captured the hearts of female fans by throwing finger hearts. Members also did handshakes with every individual fan, expressing their gratitude towards them. Lastly, iKON stated, “We will get closer to the fans and the public. We will do our best to be remembered as good friends”. iKON, who successfully completed their first fan signing event after making their comeback, is planning to create more opportunities to communicate with the fans in Nuridream Square located in Sangam on February 2 and in Starfield located in Goyang on February 3. Meanwhile, iKON kept their no. 1 spot in various real-time and streaming charts including Korea’s biggest music streaming platform Melon, stabilizing their status as ‘megatrend artists’. They were even placed at no. 1 in iTunes Album Charts in 17 different countries, in Japan iTunes Comprehensive Album Chart while being selected as Apple Music’s ‘Best of the Week’ in the United States. They also dominated the real-time and daily charts in QQ Music, which is China’s biggest music streaming platform.

[서울경제=이하나 기자] Group iKON’s BOBBY is soon to come back as a solo artist for the first time. On September 2, YG Entertainment confirmed BOBBY’s solo album release by distributing official press release. YG also unveiled teaser posters for BOBBY’s first solo full album on the company’s official blog. BOBBY gained recognition from the public for the first time in Mnet’s audition program “WHO IS NEXT: WIN” aired in 2013. In 2014, he stood under a big spotlight by becoming the final winner of Mnet’s “Show Me the Money 3”. BOBBY boasted his remarkable talent in songwriting, rapping, and dancing in the two TV programs, to prove his potential from even before his debut. Notably, BOBBY created many unforgettable scenes with his flagship groovy rapping in “Show Me the Money”. BOBBY was the first-ever idol trainee who became the winner of the show. The four songs BOBBY sang in the show all topped music charts. Then, BOBBY made an official debut in September 2015, as the main rapper of idol group iKON and released debut album “NEW KIDS: BEGIN”. In the same year, BOBBY also performed in unit team “MOBB” with WINNER’s SONG MINHO, to draw attention by presenting impressively intense hip-hop music including “HOLUP!” The reason why BOBBY’s new solo album has all the more special meaning is because it is released in the form of a full album. There has been no case so far for a singer who belongs to an idol group of YG to release a solo full album, except for the members of BIGBANG who is the main pillar of the company. That shows how much trust and confidence YG has in BOBBY. BOBBY suggested that he will present a new style and image differently from him in iKON so far, in the teaser posters for his new album. In the posters, BOBBY is showing a tender and warm image differently from his energetic style presented so far. YG did its best to reveal BOBBY’s hidden appeals, even hiring a new stylist to give him a whole new hairstyle and makeup.

The news of BOBBY’s new solo album is drawing keen attention, as it is released not long before the comeback of the complete team of iKON and it is the first official project for iKON since iKON’s fandom iKONIC declared boycott of official iKON goods. The fandom announced that they “decided to boycott all YG goods including DVD ‘iKON SUMMERTIME SEASON2 in BALI’ to be released on August 23” and then explained, “We wrote a 18-page-long complaint and sent it to YG, to officially raise complaints about excessive schedule for iKON, insufficient performances in Korea too less than overseas performances, repeated changes in the plans for their performances in Korea, no management of the artist’s image, no improvement of styling, and so on”. Then, YG’s CEO YANG HYUN SUK expressed his affection for iKON by saying on his social media account, “Worries for iKON is the most unnecessary worries in the world. Let’s wait until this September and October, the day when we will make happy smile all together”. That must have been a remark regarding BOBBY’s new full album to be released in September. YG explained in an official announcement, “This situation happened from mutual misunderstanding. iKON released a new single album in May this year and the team is now working on a new album. The members will actively appear in TV shows after their comeback this time”. As iKON’s fandom has had accumulated dissatisfaction about iKON’s long-time absence from the music scene and insufficient performances in Korea due to concentration on overseas performances, BOBBY’s solo album and the following new album of iKON will bear all the more significant meaning for the fans. Many people are paying keen attention to what kind of performances and music BOBBY will present in his new solo album, after proving his talent and enhancing his recognition among the public by showing innocent and witty appeals in TV shows including MBC “Living With”. People are also keenly interested in what influence BOBBY’s solo album will give to iKON’s new album. BOBBY’s first solo full album will be released on September 14.

[텐아시아=손예지 기자] Group iKON’s BOBBY will present a new color and style of music with “I Love You”, the title track of his first solo album. On September 4, BOBBY’s label YG Entertainment unveiled two teaser posters for “I Love You”, the title track of BOBBY’s new album, on the company’s official blog. The first poster shows innocent and carefree BOBBY against the backdrop of clear and blue autumn sky. In the second poster, BOBBY is showing shy and warm eye expression as if he is looking at a lover while lying down on the bed. Such images are different from BOBBY on the stage for the performances as iKON and for Mnet’s “Show Me the Money 3”.

Except for “I Love You”, the songs in BOBBY’s new album will have quick and exciting rhythm in new genres different from his songs that have been released so far. BOBBY wrote the lyrics of “I Love You” and the melody was written by BOBBY as well, jointly with YG’s hit-maker Kang Wook-jin and rookie songwriter Diggy. BOBBY has presented intense and powerful hip-hop music as a member of iKON and unit group MOBB with SONG MINHO, as well as a contestant of “Show Me the Money 3” so far. Now, music fans are paying keen attention to what kind of new appeals BOBBY will display with “I Love You”. BOBBY’s new album will be released on September 14 at 6PM.

[마이데일리=최지예 기자] Group iKON’s BOBBY has unveiled a teaser film for his solo debut. The film presents BOBBY’s boyish appeals and enthusiasm. On September 8 in the morning, YG Entertainment raised fans’ anticipation for BOBBY’s solo album by releasing a teaser film of his first solo album “LOVE AND FALL” on the company’s official blog. BOBBY diving and swimming in the water under the title of the album “LOVE AND FALL” in the teaser film leaves a strong impression. At the end of the film, BOBBY’s cool and heart-warming smile with his eyes catches viewers’ eyes. As such, BOBBY is presenting a tender image which makes a stark contrast with his masculine and intense style shown in the performances of “MOBB”, a unit team of BOBBY and SONG MINHO and in Mnet’s “Show Me the Money”. BOBBY asked for music fans’ interest in his first solo album, saying, “I tried to put more colors in the album, as it is a solo album. I worked really hard on the songs to make them present wide spectrum from an intense hip-hop music to a calm and tender one, so please look forward to it”. He added, “I’m really happy that I can meet you with my first solo album. I’ve worked really hard on it. Thank you for waiting for me for a long time”. DONGHYUK, another member of iKON, complimented BOBBY’s new album by saying, “BOBBY’s first solo album has an outstanding quality”. The title of “I LOVE YOU”, the main title track of BOBBY’s new solo album, as well as second title track “RUNAWAY” have been unveiled so far. As it is a full album, it has several other songs than the double title tracks, to reveal more diverse colors of BOBBY’s music. BOBBY’s first solo album will be released on September 14.