Barbie: LeBron James to join line of famous Ken dolls
Basketball player LeBron James will be the first male athlete to get his very own Ken doll, as part of the famous Barbie toy brand.The Los Angeles Lakers basketball star has said that he's proud to be a "Kenbassador", saying that he wants to "instil confidence, inspire dreams, and show kids that they, too, can achieve greatness."It's even an inch taller than the standard Ken doll to reflect LeBron James' height - he is over two metres tall, or around 6ft 9in.But which other celebrities have done Ken-ough for this honour?Here's some of the famous faces that Barbie have made into Kens of their own...
Ryan Gosling
Probably one of the most famous Kens ever, thanks to 2023's Barbie movie, Ryan Gosling has had many Kens made in his image.The actor fully embraced his inner Ken-ergy, performing music from the movie at the 2024 Oscars and wearing pink to premieres and awards.As well as Ryan Gosling, there were many other Kens in the film, including Ncuti Gatwa - who plays The Doctor in Doctor Who!
BTS
The South Korean K-pop megastars, who are currently on an extended break, were given their own line of Kens back in 2019.There was a Ken doll for each member of BTS - V, Jin, RM, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin and Jungkook. But BTS haven't been the only musicians to become Barbie branded...
Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley, who many call the King of Rock and Roll, has had lots of Ken dolls made in his image.Elvis was one of the most popular pop and rock singers ever, and made his name in the 1950s and 1960s with hits that inspired other musicians like The Beatles.Mattel, who are the company that make Barbies, has made lots of Elvis Kens, including a set of his wedding day.
Prince William
Another wedding saw Prince William get his very own Ken doll.The set was released in 2012 to celebrate the first wedding anniversary of Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales.It was a limited edition set and it's even displayed at the National Portrait Gallery!
Daniel Radcliffe
The Harry Potter star has inspired many Ken dolls made of the famous boy wizard from the extremely popular film and book series'.Barbie has made many dolls of the Harry Potter stars, including Ron Weasley, played by Rupert Grint, and Cedric Diggory, played by Robert Pattinson. The new Harry Potter TV series, due to be released in 2026 or 2027, has announced its casting of Dumbledore - but we don't know who will be taking on the iconic roles of Harry, Ron and Hermione yet.
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Scotsman
an hour ago
- Scotsman
BTS' RM and V complete military service
The pair were greeted by 200 fans as the great BTS reunion inches closer this week. Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... BTS members RM and V have completed their mandatory military service overnight The pair thanked fans but asked them to 'wait' for any BTS reunion to be undertaken Two more members are expected to be discharged this week - Jimin and JungKook From the BTS Army to the South Korean military, and now, once again, back with the BTS Army faithful – RM and V have been discharged from the military. As reported by The Associated Press, the members completed their mandatory military duty and were met by 200 fans in Chuncheon City this morning (June 10, 2025). The article stated that fans from all over the world came to see the popular duo finally return to civilian life. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Addressing the fans and media in attendance, V told the assembled crowd: 'To all the ARMYs who have waited for us in the military, I want to say I am truly, truly grateful. Please wait just a little longer and we will return with a really cool performance.' RM and V are the latest K-Pop idols to have completed their mandatory military service - but are there exemptions for K-Pop acts? | Getty Images RM and V began their service in December 2023, while three other BTS members — Jin, J-Hope, and Suga — were already months into their conscription. Jin, the oldest member of the K-pop supergroup, was discharged from the army in June 2024. J-Hope was discharged in October. Jimin and JungKook are scheduled to be discharged tomorrow, Wednesday, June 11. The seventh member, Suga, is fulfilling his duty as a social service agent, an alternative to military service, and is expected to be released later this month. Though several of the band members have released solo projects over the past 18 months, with many going on to earn accolades through their soloist works, the band paused all BTS-related activity until all their members had completed their service Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Why aren't K-Pop acts exempt from mandatory military service? In South Korea, a conscription system mandates that all able-bodied men aged 18 to 28 perform 18-21 months of military service. This law is in place primarily to deter aggression from rival North Korea. While certain individuals are granted exemptions, K-Pop stars and other entertainers are not typically afforded such privileges. Special exemptions are generally reserved for athletes, classical and traditional musicians, and ballet and other dancers who have achieved top prizes in specific competitions and are deemed to have enhanced national prestige. Although the law does not exempt K-Pop acts, a revision to the Military Service Act by the National Assembly allowed K-Pop stars, including members of BTS, to postpone their enlistment until age 30. This change came amidst significant public debate regarding potential special exemptions for BTS members. Ultimately, in 2022, the group's management agency announced that all seven members would fulfill their military duties. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad What other K-Pop stars are currently undertaking their mandatory military service? According to KPopping and Koreaboo, the following K-Pop idols are currently enlisted for their mandatory military service (correct as of writing): Taedong (OMEGA X): Enlisted April 24, 2025 Wonwoo (SEVENTEEN): Enlisted April 3, 2025 Jinsung (1THE9): Enlisted April 1, 2025 Yunseong (DRIPPIN): Enlisted March 24, 2025 Lue Younghoon (Black Level): Enlisted March 21, 2025 Sangyeon (THE BOYZ): Enlisted March 17, 2025 Seoho (ONEUS): Enlisted February 17, 2025 Hangyeom (OMEGA X): Enlisted February 6, 2025 Kim Woojin (Stray Kids): Enlisted January 20, 2025 Rie (OnlyOneOf): Enlisted January 20, 2025 Jewon (NINE.i): Enlisted January 14, 2025 Chanyoung (D-CRUNCH): Enlisted December 10, 2024 Louis ( Enlisted December 5, 2024 Dylan (D-CRUNCH): Enlisted November 12, 2024 Jaehyun (NCT): Enlisted November 4, 2024 Wooseok (UP10TION): Enlisted November 4, 2024 Hwi (Ciipher): Enlisted October 15, 2024 Jeonghan (SEVENTEEN): Enlisted September 26, 2024 Ren (NU'EST): Enlisted September 26, 2024 Seongsoo (ABLUE): Enlisted September 26, 2024 Kim Jonghyeon (NU'EST): Enlisted September 23, 2024 Gwangil (LUCY): Enlisted September 3, 2024 Choi In (E'LAST): Enlisted September 2, 2024 Song (iKON): Enlisted August 13, 2024 Hamin (BZ-Boys): Enlisted August 5, 2024 Sebin (OMEGA X): Enlisted July 16, 2024 Hwichan (OMEGA X): Enlisted July 4, 2024 Dawon (SF9): Enlisted July 1, 2024 Kim Jaehwan (Wanna One): Enlisted July 1, 2024 Chan (iKON): Enlisted June 27, 2024 Bobby (iKON): Enlisted June 3, 2024 Yeo One (PENTAGON): Enlisted May 28, 2024 Hanbin (4MEN): Enlisted May 13, 2024 Sungkook (VANNER): Enlisted May 7, 2024 Taeyong (NCT): Enlisted April 15, 2024 O.V (D-CRUNCH): Enlisted March 26, 2024 Hwang Min Hyun (NU'EST): Enlisted March 21, 2024 Junghoon (GreatGuys): Enlisted March 11, 2024 Minki (GreatGuys): Enlisted March 11, 2024 Jinyoung (D1CE): Enlisted March 4, 2024 Leellamarz (Soloist): Enlisted February 22, 2024 Woodz (UNIQ): Enlisted January 22, 2024 Sehun (EXO): Enlisted December 21, 2023 Shinwon (PENTAGON): Enlisted December 21, 2023 Heejun (KNK): Enlisted December 12, 2023 Jimin (BTS): Enlisted December 12, 2023 Jungkook (BTS): Enlisted December 12, 2023 Zelo (BANG&JUNG&YOO&MOON): Enlisted December 12, 2023 Changjo (TEEN TOP): Enlisted November 20, 2023 Woorim (Forestella): Enlisted November 20, 2023 Dawn (HyunA&DAWN): Enlisted October 12, 2023 Hamin (ENOi): Enlisted October 10, 2023 Suga (BTS): Enlisted September 22, 2023 Mini (DUSTIN): Enlisted February 7, 2023
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Kate Middleton's £10,000 keepsake honouring her love story with Prince William
Though the Princess of Wales owns one of the most famous engagement rings in history, she has recently been seen without it at several public appearances. Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton in 2011 with a dazzling heirloom: a 12-carat oval blue Ceylon sapphire encircled by 14 solitaire diamonds, designed by the esteemed London jeweller Garrard. The ring, originally purchased by Prince Charles for Princess Diana in 1981 for £28,000, is now valued at over £300,000. Given its significant value and delicate design, it's understandable that Kate occasionally opts not to wear it - especially during informal outings or active engagements, such as her recent appearance in a Scouts promotional video. Comfort and practicality are likely considerations as well. Kate has been known to remove her engagement ring during hospital visits, presumably due to health and safety protocols. In its place, Kate has adopted a more understated but equally meaningful look - a stack of eternity rings that express her personal style and love for her family. Jewellery experts at Steven Stone estimate her stack to be worth close to £10,000. Maxwell Stone told MailOnline: 'Kate's choice of rings suggests that she values subtlety and meaning over grandeur, while still maintaining an air of elegance and sophistication. 'Though her engagement ring has been seen less frequently, her continued display of commitment to Prince William through her eternity rings speaks to her desire for personal and understated expressions of love.' Mr Stone added that the rings reflect her preference for sentimental jewellery: 'The rings showcase her affinity for classic, timeless pieces that reflect her role as both a mother and wife - they've been carefully chosen to be meaningful rather than overtly luxurious, which aligns with her image of grace, modesty and a strong connection to family.' Traditionally, royal jewellery is passed down through generations, with engagement and wedding rings serving as treasured heirlooms. Kate's sapphire engagement ring and Welsh gold wedding band follow this custom. However, her eternity rings mark a quiet evolution in royal jewellery - favouring modern, personal symbolism over formality. Here's a breakdown of the rings that now make up Princess Kate's signature stack. Sapphire and diamond band - estimated value: £4,700 Kate's Cartier 'Étincelle' band features 19 brilliant-cut diamonds, totalling 0.24 carats, alongside 19 matching sapphires, totalling 0.34 carats. First seen in 2024, it's believed to be a thirteenth wedding anniversary gift from William. The more subtle alternative to her engagement ring, it reflects Kate's enduring love for sapphire jewellery. Slim diamond band - estimated value: £1,000 While its origin remains a mystery, this white diamond band brings understated elegance to Kate's ring stack, capturing the attention of fans and jewellery enthusiasts alike. Mr Stone notes that the delicate design is 'a thoughtfully chosen piece, complementing her other rings while maintaining a refined simplicity.' Diamond eternity ring - estimated value: £1,500 Gifted by William following the birth of Prince George, this pave-set ring from Annoushka's Eclipse collection is crafted from 18-carat white gold and hand-set with 0.23 carats of diamonds. Kate has worn the piece both with and without her sapphire engagement ring and Welsh gold wedding band. Sentimental value plays a major role in Kate's jewellery choices, making this a fitting favourite in her collection. Wedding band - estimated value: £2,300 Crafted from Welsh yellow gold, Kate's wedding ring is part of a royal tradition, shared by the Queen Mother and Queen Elizabeth II. While its gold content may not hold high retail value, Mr Stone explains, 'considering the nugget of gold it was made from, and the legacy of the lady who wears it, it is likely to be worth a lot more in the coming years.'
The Guardian
5 hours ago
- The Guardian
BTS stars RM and V discharged after completing military service in South Korea
K-pop superstars RM and V from the band BTS have been discharged from South Korea's military after fulfilling their mandatory military service. They each saluted upon their release on Tuesday in Chuncheon City as about 200 fans, some of whom travelled from Mexico, Turkey and Brazil, cheered. Reina Lorena Quintero Sevilla spent nearly 18 hours on a plane from Mexico City. 'I swear, it didn't feel that long because we're so excited to be here, to watch the boys get released, excited to be in South Korea, in the home towns of our boys, who we love, who we adore,' she said. RM and V began their service in December 2023, while three other BTS members – Jin, J-Hope and Suga – were already months into their conscription. Jin, the oldest member of the K-pop supergroup, was discharged from the army in June 2024. J-Hope was discharged in October. Jimin and JungKook are scheduled to be discharged on Wednesday. The seventh member, Suga, is fulfilling his duty as a social service agent, an alternative to military service. He is to be released later this month. The seven BTS members plan to reunite as a group sometime in 2025. In South Korea, all able-bodied men aged 18 to 28 are required by law to perform 18 to 21 months of military service under a conscription system meant to deter aggression from rival North Korea. The law gives special exemptions to athletes, classical and traditional musicians, and ballet and other dancers if they have obtained top prizes in certain competitions and are assessed to have enhanced national prestige. K-pop stars and other entertainers aren't subject to such privileges. The BTS members were able to postpone their service, however, after the National Assembly revised the Military Service Act, allowing K-pop stars to delay their enlistment until age 30. There was heated public debate over whether to offer special exemptions for BTS members, until the group's management agency announced in 2022 that all seven members would fulfil their duties.
