Latest news with #Suga
Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
BTS' Suga, Jimin and Jungkook reunite for Jin's Seoul concert; Min Yoongi breaks his Instagram hiatus after two years
After RM (Kim Namjoon) and V (Kim Taehyung) showed their support on the opening night of Jin's (Kim Seokjin) RUNSEOKJIN_EP.TOUR, the second day (June 29) turned into another mini BTS reunion as Suga (Min Yoongi), Jimin (Park Jimin), and Jungkook (Jeon Jungkook) arrived at Goyang Stadium to cheer on the eldest hyung. With all members now discharged, the concert felt like a soft prelude to the full group's long-awaited return. Fans were quick to spot the trio in the crowd offline, and those online were equally rejoiced as Suga marked the moment by breaking his almost two-year-long Instagram hiatus. Suga, Jimin and Jungkook attend Jin's solo concert in Seoul Jin's concert is turning out to be never let them know your next move for the BTS ARMY. After they got a surprise appearance from V and RM on Day 1, Day 2 turned into another memorable day after the remaining three members, Suga, Jimin, and Jungkook, were spotted cheering for Kim Seokjin in the crowd. Representing introverts everywhere, all three showed up masked and effortlessly low-key, but still turned heads. Jungkook stayed true to his signature minimalist style in an all-black ensemble, blending comfort and edge in the most Jungkook way possible. Meanwhile, Jimin and Suga unintentionally twinned, both rocking black beanies, crisp white T-shirts, and loose black shorts. Despite trying to keep things under the radar, their presence wasn't unnoticed. Fans at the venue quickly picked up on their subtle style cues and shared clips of the trio keeping to themselves, vibing while cheering on Jin. Behind them was spotted TXT's Beomgyu, who is a certified Jin fan. YOONGI, JIMIN AND JUNGKOOK ARE HERE TO SUPPORT SEOKJIN TOO!! #JIMIN #JUNGKOOK AND #SUGA ARE HERE !! 😭💜 Suga breaks his Instagram hiatus Just when fans thought the moment couldn't get any better, Suga surprised everyone by breaking his nearly two-year-long Instagram hiatus. He posted an Instagram Story, giving a glimpse of the cheering crowd as Jin performed on stage, and that single photo was enough to send ARMYs around the world into an emotional spiral. It was a show of support, perfectly in line with Yoongi's subtle way of expressing love. Notably, his last update on Instagram was back in August 2023, making this all the more meaningful for fans who had been patiently waiting for his return. OMG #SUGA POSTED ON INSTAGRAM STORY AT #JIN CONCERT 😭💜 BTS reunion at J-Hope's concert With all remaining BTS members now officially discharged from military service, June marked a major turning point for the group and their fans. RM and V completed their service on June 10, followed by Jimin and Jungkook on June 11, and Suga — who served as a social service worker — wrapped up his duties on June 21. Jin and J-Hope had already been discharged earlier in 2024, making this the first time all seven members were out of service. Fittingly, the full group reunited on June 13 at J-Hope's HOPE ON THE STREET encore concert event in Seoul, which coincided with BTS' 11th debut anniversary. It was a historic moment, signalling the long-awaited return of OT7 and the beginning of a new era for BTS and ARMY alike. Meanwhile, as for BTS' official comeback, fans are still waiting for confirmation from Big Hit Music. However, several Korean media reports have suggested that the group is planning to release a new album in March 2026. Until then, ARMY can look forward to the members' pursuits, solo projects, and heartwarming appearances like these that continue to keep the BTS spirit alive. For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here.
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
BTS' 2026 announcement just made HYBE's global staff 6.21 million KRW richer, here's how
BTS' return from military service is already paying off for everyone at HYBE. After a noticeable dip during the 18 months when all seven members, V, Jungkook, RM, Jin, J-Hope, Suga, and Jimin, were enlisted, the label finally saw its stock bounce back in June. And just before the septet returned, the agency announced every full-time HYBE employee, not just in Korea but across the globe, is getting 20 restricted stock units (RSUs), worth around 6.21 million KRW each at current value, according to Business Korea. That's roughly $4,500 per person, just a straight-up reward for riding out the BTS drought. Also read: BTS' Suga's students didn't know he was a star: 'He always arrived early, read my 500-page textbook, wasn't just a donor,' says hospital's professor In BTS' absence, the K-pop agency led by Bang Si Hyuk spread its wings to America, partnering with Scooter Braun. But even as it expanded, HYBE took some serious hits, starting with CEO backlash, followed by the ADOR mess and NewJeans drama, with Min Hee Jin's resignation and courtroom appearances dragging the company down. Now, with the Dynamite crooners finally back, hope's back too. Reports say that with BTS' upcoming project, HYBE's shares are expected to climb higher, which also means the final bonus could end up being way more than what's on paper. RSUs aren't instant cash. They're granted now, but only come through when certain terms are met. Which means, staff might walk away with more than just 6.21 million KRW once it's all said and done. Also read: K-pop group, once bigger than BTS, lost everything to controversy but never disbanded This is a first for HYBE as well, who, unlike previously, when they awarded RSUs only to a handful of executives (34 people in December, 32 employees recently), are now doing so for thousands of employees. With the full comeback expected in March 2026, HYBE clearly wants to boost employee morale and motivation before they go all out with global promotions, aiming for Grammys and sold-out arenas again. Currently, HYBE's shares have outperformed those of its peers, including YG Entertainment (home to BLACKPINK), SM Entertainment (home to NCT, BoA, EXO), and Kakao Corp (which houses Jay Park, Chungha, FTISLAND, CNBLUE, and more). Analysts say BTS's return could trigger a major spike in HYBE's sales, especially in high-profit areas like concerts and merchandise. Mirae Asset Securities even raised HYBE's stock target from ₩345,000 (around $250 USD) to ₩390,000 (about $280 USD).
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
BTS' Suga's students didn't know he was a star: ‘He always arrived early, read my 500-page textbook, wasn't just a donor,' says hospital's professor
BTS' Suga wasn't just a donor for Severance Hospital. Unlike the other six BTS members, the rapper (Min Yoongi) served in the public sector during his military duty due to an old shoulder injury. In a recent YouTube video, Professor Cheon Keun Ah from the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry shared how Suga didn't just show up to tick a box or fix his DUI image. He came in prepared, had read her 500-page research paper, asked sharp, professional-level questions, and brought real intent to be involved. His sincerity didn't just impress, it convinced the whole team to create MIND: Music, Interaction, Network, Diversity. Also read: BTS' Suga mobilises global ARMY to raise over 200 million won in 24 hours with one quiet, heartfelt gesture According to the professor, before putting any financial donation on the table, Suga first wanted to see if music could actually change the lives of the autistic kids he was hoping to help. And for that, he offered his musical talent first. 'The sessions use music to help children build social and emotional skills through instruments, singing, and writing,' she said. Suga showed up every single weekend —ten sessions, 90 minutes each. 'He never missed a session, showed up before everyone else to practice, he tried hard to meet the kids at their level. His joy was visible, and we were all moved by his sincerity,' Cheon added. 'He wasn't a guest. He was one of us.' None of the children had a clue who he really was, to them, he was just a kind man who played music and made them laugh, she said. 'Thanks to Suga, the children were able to experience the harmony of words and music.' The centre in development is already being seen as a game-changer for autism treatment in Korea. Cheon said it had been her dream project for years, but it only became real when the BTS member got involved. 'His joy was visible,' she repeated. 'He truly cared.' Also read: BTS' Suga hit with TV ban petition over 'dangerous influence' after DUI case The professor recalled how the Daechwita crooner first approached her in November 2024 — about three months after his DUI, which caused a dent in his career and put him under global scrutiny. 'He came to meet me and showed a deep interest in child and adolescent mental health and autism,' she said, adding, 'He had read large portions of a 500-page textbook I wrote, and his questions were sharp and insightful.' He didn't want his name slapped on a plaque. He wanted to actually help. That's how the therapy program took shape. Before returning to his music career, the rapper told her he wanted to stay involved for as long as he could. Suga later donated a staggering ₩5 billion (around $3.6 million) to establish the Min Yoongi Treatment Centre, a special facility set to open this September. As soon as news of Suga broke in public, BTS fans across the globe stepped in to help. Within just a few hours, ARMY raised more than ₩200 million (around $145,000) to support the facility. The numbers are still growing, and hospital staff are overwhelmed with the love and support they are garnering from around the globe. So many donations poured in that the hospital's parent institution, Yonsei University Health System, added a permanent donation button for the Min Yoongi Centre on their website. Suga earlier said that he realised how powerful music can be when used the right way, not just to entertain, but to heal. 'It made me happy to be part of the treatment process for children with autism,' he said. 'I want to keep working so that more kids can live as full members of society.'
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
K-pop group, once bigger than BTS, lost everything to controversy but never disbanded
Today, the world knows BTS as the face of K-pop, a seven-member boy band dubbed South Korea's soft power, single-handedly boosting the country's tourism and global influence. But before BTS, before BLACKPINK, Stray Kids, SEVENTEEN, and any group selling out arenas across the U.S. and beyond, there was, and still is, a second-generation K-pop group that rewrote the rules. BIGBANG, the five-member boy band, didn't just perform, they created. They were the first to bring self-written songs and original compositions to the idol scene, pushing the second wave of Hallyu across Asia and even into the West. Often called the 'Kings of K-pop,' they introduced lightstick culture, changed the fandom game, and were hailed as creative geniuses. But one by one, YG Entertainment's crown jewels got dragged into controversy. Each member took a hit, and the group slipped into an indefinite hiatus. Also read: BTS' Suga mobilises global ARMY to raise over 200 million won in 24 hours with one quiet, heartfelt gesture In South Korea, BIGBANG, originally comprising of G-Dragon (Kwon Ji Yong), Taeyang (Dong Young Bae), Daesung (Kang Dae Sung), Seungri (Lee Seung hyun, retired), and T.O.P (Choi Seung hyun, now officially out), are still considered one of the most influential groups, with some even placing their impact above BTS. While all members have launched solo careers, most are still stronger than half the K-pop groups out there. It's wild that the group never disbanded. They went on hiatus in 2018, but fans, aka V.I.P, are still holding out for a comeback. BIGBANG was YG Entertainment's first idol group, launched when the agency was already a major player, unlike BTS, who debuted under BigHit, a label barely known back then. So that comparison doesn't hold. But, in today's world, where RM, Suga, and J-Hope are praised for their songwriting and producing, it was G-Dragon who started that fire first. BIGBANG debuted with a sharp hip-hop influence, bold for its time, and quickly stood out. They weren't just about music; their fashion smashed boundaries. Stage presence, unmatched. Songs, ubiquitous. And their fandom is still ride-or-die since their debut. Also read: BTS' Suga hit with TV ban petition over 'dangerous influence' after DUI case BIGBANG's rise peaked from the mid-2000s to the early 2010s. Back then, only those with a real ear for music knew what they were witnessing. Stats don't lie: of the 18 domestic singles they dropped since the Circle Chart was created in 2010, 11 hit at number 1. The rest, no. 2 or no. 3, are usually blocked by their own song already sitting at the top. Before BIGBANG, concertgoers used to show support for their idol groups through colourful balloons. G-Dragon reportedly designed the 'Bang Bong' in 2006 as a unique symbol to spot their fans, called the This invention sparked a new trend of every K-pop group having its own official lightstick. Before BIGBANG, it was also rare, almost impossible, for a group member to pursue a solo career, but they opened the floodgates. Particularly G-Dragon and Taeyang, who launched a highly successful solo venture, with Heartbreaker and Wedding Dress. The group was also the first to hold a large-scale global world tour, BIGBANG's Alive Galaxy Tour in 2012–2013, extending to North and South America. The group debuted in 2006, and after over a decade, when they were finally at the peak of their career, it all started crashing down. Daesung's car accident: In 2011, Daesung was involved in a car accident that reportedly claimed the life of a motorcyclist, who was said to have already been lying on the road before the incident. The court ruled in Daesung's favour, he was acquitted, as it was deemed that the individual had died before the collision. He was only fined for speeding. The singer had to take a hiatus for self-reflection. In 2019, he was struck again when reports surfaced that one of his buildings was dragged into the Burning Sun scandal, over allegations that it housed illegal entertainment businesses, including those suspected of prostitution. T.O.P's drug usage: T.O.P made his successful comeback with Squid Game, but his drug use derailed his career, and he was forced to leave BIGBANG. He was indicted for smoking marijuana with a female trainee. He was found guilty and sentenced to 10 months of suspended prison time. G-Dragon's marijuana use, plagiarism, and special treatment: G-Dragon, as the leader of the group and still one of the most influential K-pop stars with a strong solo career, was hit with charges of marijuana use. He denied the claims, saying he took a drag from someone and didn't know it was marijuana. His solo debut track 'Heartbreaker' also faced plagiarism allegations. During his military service, some even accused him of receiving preferential treatment. G-Dragon was recently investigated again for alleged drug use, but was let go due to insufficient evidence. Seungri (The Burning Sun scandal and the most devastating): This remains the biggest controversy yet. It ended with Seungri's retirement from entertainment and eventual jail time. He officially left BIGBANG in 2019. The allegations centred around the Burning Sun nightclub, where Seungri was a director and part-owner.
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
BTS' Suga hit with TV ban petition over ‘dangerous influence' after DUI case
BTS member Suga, post returning from military service, penned a long note apologising to fans—again—for the disappointment caused by his DUI controversy last year. However, despite this, on June 24, YTN News reported that the rapper was hit with a petition calling for his TV ban, specifically targeting appearances on the KBS network, known for blacklisting celebrities considered a bad influence on youth. This comes just a day after reports of the rapper's massive 5 billion won donation for the development of a special autism centre. Suga was found by police lying next to his electric scooter, with a blood alcohol level reportedly at 0.227%, almost three times South Korea's legal limit of 0.08%. His license could've been revoked, but the court instead ordered him to pay a fine of 15 million KRW (around $11,000). That didn't sit well with a section of the Korean public, who argued he should be held to the same standard as anyone else. Also read: BTS' Suga mobilises global ARMY to raise over 200 million won in 24 hours with one quiet, heartfelt gesture Suga was discharged from military service on June 21, and just a day later, a petition on the KBS Viewers' Petition Board (the official channel where Korean viewers raise complaints or suggestions to the broadcaster) went viral. The complaint was titled 'Request for Appearance Sanctions Regarding SUGA's DUI Fine.' The petitioner argued that drunk driving is a serious crime, and a public figure as big as Suga, with massive youth influence, should be held accountable. The concern is that letting him appear on TV right after his return and comeback talk sends the wrong message. They said it risks making drunk driving seem like an ignorant mistake, which it's not, especially in South Korea. 'Drunk driving is a serious crime that can cause direct harm to others. He is a public figure who has a significant influence on young people, and there is concern that appearing on TV with such influence could lower social awareness of drunk driving crimes,' an excerpt of the complaint reads. Also read: BTS' Suga apologises for 'disappointment' caused over DUI; thousands flock to HYBE HQ to cheer him on. Watch The petition further urged KBS to hold a meeting of its Broadcast Appearance Regulation Review Committee, a formal panel that decides whether a certain celebrity should be allowed on air. KBS has previously suspended or restricted appearances of several artistes and actors involved in similar controversies, including Kwak Do Won, Kim Sae Ron, Kim Ho Joong and others. Most of them were blocked from KBS content, even if they weren't legally jailed, because their crimes caused public backlash. This might be a big deal, and a pretty sensitive one, for BTS right now, as a full-group comeback is on the horizon. BTS appearing on Korean music shows, variety programs, and interviews is almost a given, and since KBS is one of the biggest South Korean networks to host such shows, a few possibilities arise: either BTS promotes as a six-member group, which is very unlikely to happen; or BTS skips KBS shows entirely, which would be bad for the network's TRP; or KBS makes an exception, which could lead to massive backlash and boycott threads targeting the channel. The petitioner claims KBS delayed action earlier because the case outcome wasn't public.
