Latest news with #VDay
Pink Villa
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
‘Bangtan's hidden gem': BTS ARMY celebrates 12 years since V got introduced as BTS' final member ahead of debut
For most fans, it was just another early summer day. But for the K-pop world? It was the calm before a global storm. Because exactly 12 years ago today, something wild happened: BigHit Entertainment dropped a bombshell—BTS doesn't have six members, it has seven. And the face that appeared? Mysterious. Mesmerizing. Magnetic. That face belonged to Kim Taehyung, now known to millions simply as V, the final piece of BTS' puzzle, and their ultimate 'Secret Weapon.' On June 2, 2013, BTS ARMY first met V. Now, in 2025—12 years later—ARMYs are still celebrating that unforgettable moment with huge passion and love. The Phantom Trainee: V's 2 Years in the Shadows V joined BigHit in 2011 after randomly auditioning while accompanying a friend. He wasn't supposed to be there. But after a whirlwind tryout where he sang, danced, and even busted out a saxophone solo. But here's the plot twist: while RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, and Jungkook were introduced one by one to fans in 2012, V was kept in the dark. For two whole years, he trained in secret, unannounced, unseen, unheard. Even BTS stans had no clue there was a seventh member. In an industry built on visibility, V was the ghost in the machine—a phantom idol. Why the secrecy? BigHit later revealed they wanted to save Taehyung as a surprise. A strategic move. A mic-drop moment which eventually worked. When he was finally revealed on June 2, 2013—just 11 days before BTS's official debut—the internet lost its mind. 'I Felt Like a Shadow…' The glow-up is real, but don't get it twisted—V's rise wasn't without struggle. In interviews, the Slow Dance singer shared how hard it was to be left out while his fellow trainees recorded logs, shot content, and built early fanbases. 'I was very sad,' he admitted. To cope, he secretly recorded videos of himself, talking to the camera like someone trapped in a time capsule. 'Today is this day of this month in 2013,' he'd say. 'This probably won't get released, right?' Netizens Reaction As soon as June 2 hit, ARMYs took over social media, flooding platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and other social media platforms with love for V. Hashtags like #12YearsWithV, #Taehyung, and #VDay trended worldwide within hours. Fans shared throwback clips, emotional fan edits, and heartfelt messages. The Glow-Up of BTS' Legend Fast forward to now: V is one of the most recognizable and adored idols in the World. His deep, honey-smooth voice. His cinematic visuals. His vintage soul trapped in a millennial body. Whether he's melting hearts with a ballad, dropping jaw-dropping visuals on Instagram, or rocking Celine on a Paris runway, V isn't just part of BTS—he's a cultural force of his own.
07-05-2025
- Politics
Putin's 3-day ceasefire goes into effect ahead of Victory Day celebrations
Russia's three-day ceasefire in Ukraine has gone into effect, ahead of Moscow's Victory Day celebrations. Russian President Vladimir Putin previously announced a temporary ceasefire during the 80th anniversary commemoration of what Russia celebrates as "V Day," which celebrates the victory of the Soviet Union over Nazi Germany in 1945. He declared the ceasefire will be in effect from May 8 until May 10. There was no negotiation process with Ukraine, with the Kremlin only saying that Kyiv "should follow" its lead. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had argued instead for a 30-day suspension of hostilities, in line with a U.S. proposal Ukraine had previously accepted. Chinese President Xi Jinping and other Kremlin-friendly world leaders are expected to attend the V Day celebrations. Celebrations will be held all over Russia, with the main event a military parade through Moscow overseen by Putin, top Kremlin officials and visiting world leaders -- among them Xi, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Ahead of the V Day celebrations, Ukraine launched a drone assault, with the Russian Ministry of Defense saying Wednesday it shot down 524 Ukrainian drones over the last day. Ukraine's continued strikes have already forced Russian authorities in occupied Crimea to cancel their planned Victory Day parade, with Sevastopol Gov. Mikhail Razvozhayev announcing the event would not go ahead due to security concerns, in a statement quoted by the state-run Tass news agency. Zelenskyy, meanwhile, said Wednesday that Russia attacked with ballistic strikes and more than 140 drones overnight in cities including Kyiv, Kharkiv and Sumy. "Ukraine's proposal for a ceasefire of at least 30 days still stands, we are not withdrawing it, as it offers a real chance for diplomacy," the Ukrainian president said in a statement on social media. "But it is Russia that the world sees giving no answer -- no response except for new strikes. This clearly and obviously shows who is the source of this war." "Russia must end its aggression -- and it will have to. The only question is time," he added. Putin previously declared a 30-hour "Easter truce" that started on April 20. There was some reduction in the intensity of hostilities then, though both sides accused the other of violating the ceasefire.
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Putin declares temporary truce during Victory Day anniversary celebrations
Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced a temporary ceasefire to come into effect during the 80th anniversary commemoration of V Day, which celebrates the victory of the Soviet Union over Nazi Germany in 1945. The ceasefire will come into effect on May 8 and end on May 10, the Kremlin announced in a statement posted to its official Telegram channel Monday. "Based on humanitarian considerations, the Russian side declares a truce during the 80th anniversary of the Victory Day," the statement said, attributing the decision to Putin. "For this period, all hostilities are stopped," it added. "Russia believes that the Ukrainian side should follow this example," the statement continued. "In the event of violations of the truce by the Ukrainian side, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation will give an adequate and effective response." "Once again, the Russian side reiterates its readiness for peace talks without preconditions aimed at eliminating the root causes of the Ukrainian crisis and for constructive cooperation with international partners," the Kremlin wrote. There was no immediate response from Ukraine. On Sunday, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy again suggested Moscow was feigning its readiness to negotiate a U.S.-brokered deal to end its 3-year-old invasion of Ukraine "We are keeping our positions strong so that we have every opportunity for proper diplomacy," Zelenskyy wrote in a message to Telegram. "The Russians talk a lot about their alleged readiness to accept American proposals, but so far, there have been no signs of the Russian army preparing for real silence," he added. "On the contrary, since Easter, the occupier has resumed its usual assault activity -- of course, at the cost of significant losses, the Russians are trying to advance." MORE: Putin says North Korean 'friends' helped Russia push Ukraine out of Kursk "Every day of such battles at the front proves that Russia is really trying to deceive the world -- to deceive America and others -- and to further prolong this war," the president said. "And that is why we need pressure. Pressure is indispensable to make the Russians take all the steps -- whatever is necessary to stop the war." This is a developing story. Please check back for updates. ABC News' Guy Davies and Tanya Stukalova contributed to this report. Putin declares temporary truce during Victory Day anniversary celebrations originally appeared on
28-04-2025
- Politics
Putin declares temporary truce during Victory Day anniversary celebrations
LONDON -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced a temporary ceasefire to come into effect during the 80th anniversary commemoration of V Day, which celebrates the victory of the Soviet Union over Nazi Germany in 1945. The ceasefire will come into effect on May 8 and end on May 10, the Kremlin announced in a statement posted to its official Telegram channel Monday. "Based on humanitarian considerations, the Russian side declares a truce during the 80th anniversary of the Victory Day," the statement said, attributing the decision to Putin. "For this period, all hostilities are stopped," it added. "Russia believes that the Ukrainian side should follow this example," the statement continued. "In the event of violations of the truce by the Ukrainian side, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation will give an adequate and effective response." "Once again, the Russian side reiterates its readiness for peace talks without preconditions aimed at eliminating the root causes of the Ukrainian crisis and for constructive cooperation with international partners," the Kremlin wrote. There was no immediate response from Ukraine. On Sunday, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy again suggested Moscow was feigning its readiness to negotiate a U.S.-brokered deal to end its 3-year-old invasion of Ukraine "We are keeping our positions strong so that we have every opportunity for proper diplomacy," Zelenskyy wrote in a message to Telegram. "The Russians talk a lot about their alleged readiness to accept American proposals, but so far, there have been no signs of the Russian army preparing for real silence," he added. "On the contrary, since Easter, the occupier has resumed its usual assault activity -- of course, at the cost of significant losses, the Russians are trying to advance." "Every day of such battles at the front proves that Russia is really trying to deceive the world -- to deceive America and others -- and to further prolong this war," the president said. "And that is why we need pressure. Pressure is indispensable to make the Russians take all the steps -- whatever is necessary to stop the war."
South China Morning Post
12-02-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Your Hong Kong food guide for Valentine's Day weekend, February 14-16
Published: 4:15pm, 12 Feb 2025 Yes, Friday is Valentine's Day , but that doesn't mean singles miss out on wining and dining in Hong Kong. Whether you're celebrating the day or not, restaurants in the city are offering a host of special menus and limited-time meals this weekend, so we've rounded up three exclusive dining experiences to treat yourself to. For those with a finer taste in dining, our 100 Top Tables list has more foodie suggestions, perfect for date night or otherwise. Ink Café is hosting a Not a Valentine's Day Magic and Quiz Night for Singles. Photo: Handout For those giving V Day a Galentine's twist, or forgoing celebrations altogether, Ink Café is hosting a themed quiz night for singles and friends alike. Experienced quizmaster Mark Swinkles will lead participants through five rounds of trivia, interspersed with two magical performances by British-born, Hong Kong-raised magician Matthew Owen. Teams will compete to test their knowledge in the three categories of entertainment, music and around the world, while enjoying classic bar snacks and drinks, which are included in the price. Where? G/F, Hong Kong Museum of Art on The Avenue of Stars, Tsim Sha Tsui When? Friday, February 14, from 7.30-9.30pm Price: HK$380 per person
