Latest news with #BLACKPINK
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
After BTS' V and BLACKPINK's Jennie, Jin and Jisoo spark dating rumours; TikTok fans go 'my Jinsoo!'
After the whirlwind of V and Jennie's dating rumours, it seems fans are now searching for the next BTS and BLACKPINK couple. This time, the spotlight has landed on Jin and Jisoo - and social media is ablaze with speculation. The reason? A single, unexpected detail. In the hyper-vigilant world of K-pop, where every glance is dissected and every outfit can launch a thousand theories, Jin and Jisoo - two of the industry's most legendary visuals - have ignited a playful yet explosive "shipping'" storm. The trigger? A plaid shirt that looked just similar enough to send fans spiraling. The dating rumour between BTS Jin and BLACKPINK Jisoo Both Jin and Jisoo, celebrated as top-tier visuals in the industry, are currently busy on their respective global schedules. But fans recently spotted a peculiar coincidence that sent imaginations spiraling: matching outfits. Jin, currently lighting up stages on his solo world tour, recently stepped out in a checked shirt and straw hat - a look so effortlessly charming it had fans swooning. Around the same time, BLACKPINK's Jisoo, known for blessing Instagram with dreamy travel snaps from their global tour, shared a set of countryside photos. In them? A checked shirt strikingly similar to Jin's. Not identical, but close enough to send the internet spiraling. It didn't take long before a cheeky "dating edit" TikTok emerged, hinting at a romantic link between the two K-pop powerhouses. The video went viral in no time, with fans diving headfirst into speculation. And while there's not a shred of confirmation - just coincidence and coordinated chaos - the mere idea of the Worldwide Handsome and the BLACKPINK singer being "shipped" together has lit a fire under both fandoms. More about BTS Jin and BLACKPINK Jisoo Both global icons are gearing up to perform on July 22, setting the stage for a major night in K-pop. Jin will be captivating fans with his solo RUNSEOKJIN_EP.TOUR at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, marking another milestone in his post-military comeback. Meanwhile, BLACKPINK will bring their electrifying DEADLINE tour to life at Rogers Stadium in Toronto, continuing their reign as one of the most powerful girl groups in the world. For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here.
TimesLIVE
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
A look into the star-studded Labubu launch in South Africa
One of the most sought-after items of 2025 isn't a designer handbag or the latest tech gadget — it's a plush elf with a snaggletoothed grin. Over the years, it has been spotted on the bags of pop singers such as Dua Lipa, Rihanna, and Lisa from the K-pop group BLACKPINK, and most recently artists like Megan Thee Stallion have added to the list. Soul Gallery, renowned for its curated collectibles, recently launched it's biggest drop in South Africa, which saw local stars including Olympic champion Caster Semenya, rappers Gigi Lamayne and Reason attend the event to be among the first people to grab the toy. The toy's popularity has skyrocketed due to social media buzz, celebrity endorsements and the thrill of collecting 'blind box' versions. This has led to record-breaking sales for Pop Mart, and even record-breaking auction prices for rare Labubu figures. 'The Labubu toy series, an artistic creation by the visionary artist Lung, first captured international attention after the release of The Monsters trilogy. However, it wasn't until Lung's collaboration with Chinese toy giant POP MART in 2019 that Labubu truly became a worldwide phenomenon,' Josh Weinberg, founder of Soul Gallery told TimesLIVE. 'This marks the largest and most anticipated drop ever in South Africa, captivating collectors and enthusiasts alike.'
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
BLACKPINK Lisa shows off her Rs 2.5 crore Supercar; proves she is living her best life
BLACKPINK's Lisa dropped some serious fire on her Instagram with a series of photos that prove she is living her best life. The Thai-born K-pop sensation posted multiple shots with the caption "Keep scrolling" - and honestly, we couldn't stop even if we wanted to! The photos show Lisa rocking a casual crop top and jeans combo while posing effortlessly next to what appears to be a multi-crore sports car. For context, we're talking about a vehicle worth approximately ₹2.5-3 crores. Living That Superstar Dream What makes these photos even more relatable (in the most unrelatable way possible) is how Lisa captured those everyday moments - sitting in her luxury ride, casually filling up gas, and just chilling like it's no big deal. BLACKPINK's Unstoppable Journey Continues Meanwhile, Lisa's group BLACKPINK is currently killing it with their world tour "DEADLINE," covering 16 cities across 31 shows. They also dropped their latest track "뛰어" (Jump) on July 11th, which has been making waves in the music scene. It's fascinating how K-pop stars like Lisa have managed to build such massive wealth at such a young age - something that resonates deeply with Indian youth who dream of making it big in entertainment, tech, or business. A Reflection on Success and Dreams Lisa's latest Instagram post isn't just about showing off wealth - it's about celebrating the journey from a trainee to becoming one of the world's biggest pop stars. The casual confidence in her photos speaks to a generation that believes in working hard, dreaming big, and not being ashamed of success when it comes. Whether you're a K-pop fan or not, there's something universally inspiring about seeing someone live their dreams.
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First Post
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- First Post
Is that Labubu fake? How Lafufus, copycat of the viral Chinese doll, are a cult hit
Bollywood actor Ananya Panday doesn't own Labubus, but its knockoff, Lafufus. As the monster plushie made by Chinese toy maker Pop Mart becomes a global sensation, its copycat version has flooded the markets. Lafufus are cheap, they are weirder than the original, and have a fan following of their own read more A man walks with two Labubu plush toys hanging from his backpack straps along a pedestrian street on The Bund in Shanghai. The toys are a hit and now fake versions, Lafufu, have flooded the market. AFP It's the accessory of the year. The Labubu is everywhere. From Rihanna to BLACKPINK's Lisa, everyone is flaunting one. Bollywood, of course, has jumped onto the bandwagon. Urvashi Rautela carried four Labubus to Wimbledon. Ananya Panday has been seen showing off the plush toy monster on her Chanel bag… Turns out her dolls are fake. It's not a Labubu but a 'Lafufu'. Wonder what's going on. We dive into the world of Labubus and their fake dopplegangers, the Lafufus. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How Labubu has become a global hit The quirky toy with mischievous eyes and sharp teeth from Chinese toy maker Pop Mart debuted in 2019. The viral elf-like creatures were storybook characters from a Hong Kong artist and author, Kasing Lung's 2015 'The Monsters' book series, before they became collectables. However, Labubu became a global sensation only a couple of months ago after celebrities like Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and Kim Kardashian started. What the rich and famous endorse, the ordinary folk want a piece of. The monster doll became a TikTok trend, and in no time, long queues were seen outside shops in Shanghai, Dubai and London to grab the headline-making dolls. Such is the craze that fans in the UK were fighting over them. What's the big deal about Labubu? It is hard to explain. The furry plushies come in several colours and are sold in blind boxes. It means you do not know which Labubu you have bought until you open the box. This surprise element is part of the appeal and the possibility that you could snap up a rare 'secret' Labubu. Labubus – often clipped to bags or belts – are sold from $20 (approx Rs 1700) to $30 (approx Rs 2,500). However, rare editions go for hundreds of dollars. Last month, a life-size doll sold for more than $170,000 (Rs 1.46 crore) at the first Labubu art auction hosted by Yongle Auction in China; it attracted over 1,000 bidders. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The popularity of the toy has sent Pop Mart's profits soaring. The Beijing-based company said it expects profits for the period to jump by at least 350 per cent as revenues more than tripled. Visitors look at a set of three Labubu sculptures from a series called 'Three Wise Labubu' at an exhibition of Yongle International Auction, in Beijing, China, June 6. The set was later sold for 510,000 yuan at the Yongle International Auction. Reuters Pop Mart is not selling Labubus in India. However, resellers are selling the dolls online – Rs 2,299 for the plushies. The blind box ones are going for more than Rs 3,000, and the limited edition Labubus are selling for anywhere between Rs 7,000 to Rs 12,000. However, their authenticity cannot be guaranteed. Knockoffs are flooding the markets. Fake versions are selling in India for Rs 899. They are being dubbed as Lafufu. People look at Labubu dolls at the flagship store of Pop Mart in Shanghai, China. The rise in demand has led to a shortage of the toys, with fake versions entering the market. Reuters How Lafufu, the fake Labubu, is winning fans The high demand for Labubu has led to copies of the doll being sold worldwide. Bollywood actor Ananya Panday ended up with fake dolls. A video shared by socialite Orry, a friend of Panday, revealed that she wasn't carrying Labubus, but Lafufus. 'My friend Ridhima was trying to start a Labubu business and she ordered 100 of them but she got the Lafufus,' Panday revealed. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, the actor is not the only one no qualms about the fake toy. Like Labubus, Labubus are growing in popularity. With original elf-like dolls being sold exclusively by Pop Mart, there is a growing scarcity. That has given birth to Lafufu. The knockoffs are sold on the streets and online at cheaper prices, and they are easier to get your hands on. And they look weirder. Victoria Bystritsky, a 25-year-old from California, brought three Labububs back in April from an e-commerce platform for $150 (Rs 12,957). Then her fiancé purchased a fake Labubu at a gas station, and she was taken by it, according to a report in The New York Times (NYT). '… when I unboxed that Lafufu, it was just so funny looking,' she said. Bystritsky said that the appeal for Lafufus was all about how they were a terrible copy of Labubu. The Lafufu purchased from the gas station had crooked ears and bright pink eyes, unlike the real doll. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, there is no shame in owing the Lafufu. Buying dupes is a growing trend among millennials and GenZers who look to normalise buying counterfeit luxury goods, reports NYT. TikTok and Instagram have several Lafufu unboxing videos. The Labubu community on Reddit sees several users who share secrets of the best places to find Lafufus. Shein and Alibaba are said to be popular. A woman walks through soap bubbles as people look at Labubu-themed toys on sale on a sidewalk in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Fake versions of the doll are growing in popularity across the world. Reuters How do you tell Labubu from Lafufu? The real version, the Labubu, has exactly nine teeth, nothing less, nothing more. It has a peach-pink face and comes in a matte box with an official QR code, which takes you to the Pop Mart website. The doll has a seal on its right foot that is visible only through a UV lamp. The Labubu has clean lines and the fabric is of good quality. Lafufus are hurriedly made, poorly stitched and often come apart. Are Lafufus bothering Pop Mart? China is cracking down on Lafufus, which are being sold across the country in roadside stores and on the streets. Chinese customs officials have seized tens and thousands of fake dolls recently. In China, the Lafufu costs 39 yuan (Rs 469) as compared to 159 yuan (Rs 1,913) for the original. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Amid the rising popularity of the counterfeit dolls, Pop Mart has applied to trade mark the name, Lafufu. It is a defensive move against copyright infringement. Authorities across the UK and Europe are also reportedly warning against Lafufus and confiscation counterfeit toys. The fake dolls are a choking hazard and are made with toxic chemicals. Close to 100 boxes have been seized from Wales, and 370 dolls from Scotland due to safety concerns, reports the Independent. Like the Labubu, the Lafufu too seems to be omnipresent. And it has a fan following of its own. With inputs from agencies
Pink Villa
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Omniscient Reader The Prophet VIP Premiere: Park Bo Gum, Ji Chang Wook, more support Ahn Hyo Seop starrer BUT where's Jisoo?
Omniscient Reader: The Prophet presents a star-studded cast, including Lee Min Ho, Ahn Hyo Seop, Chae Soo Bin, Shin Seung Ho, Nana, and Jisoo, making for a promising run at the box office. Adapted from the famed web novel Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint, the film has not been well-received so far by BLACKPINK's fans for the stark absence of the singer from its promotions. The same was seen at the VIP premiere of the film on July 21, ahead of its theatrical release a couple of days later. Jisoo skips solo project promotions for BLACKPINK: Know what it's about BLACKPINK's Jisoo has been missing from the promotions of the film, which began earlier this month; instead, she is currently touring alongside Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa. After sold-out shows in Goyang, the quartet has flown to the US for performances in Los Angeles and Chicago. They will next be seen at Rogers Stadium in Toronto, continuing their concerts in North America as a part of the DEADLINE World Tour. Meanwhile, the VIP premiere of Omniscient Reader: The Prophet saw a myriad of celebrities from the acting industry join the audience and enjoy the fun. Some of the biggest names include actors Park Bo Gum, Ryu Jun Yeol, Ji Chang Wook, Ryeoun, Hwang Min Hyun, Rowoon, Ong Seong Wu, Han Ji Eun, Park Sung Hoon, Im Soo Jung, Kang Dong Won, and Lee Jae Wook. Many singers were also spotted supporting the cast members at the premiere, including members of groups 2AM, ALL_H_OURS, and ITZY. Among the cast, Ahn Hyo Seop, Lee Min Ho, Chae Soo Bin, and Shin Seung Ho were also spotted making the camera flashes run wild. Jisoo's absence was largely felt as a main cast member of the film. BLACKPINK will wrap up their North American leg of the tour to head to Europe for a short while, covering Paris to London, and then return to Asia towards the end of the year. DEADLINE World Tour is set to conclude in January 2026, with rumors of China stop being added to the list soon.
