Natalia Kabenge

​Former miss A member Min has entered a new era with the release of her first-ever EP PRIME TIME. The singer is ready to tell the world that it’s her time to shine—and she’s doing it on her own terms. The release party was held in Chelsea’s Racket NYC, which welcomed a lively crowd eager to witness the performances Min prepared for her fans that evening. 

Following a glowing introduction from her MCs for the evening, Min made her first appearance of the night with the second song on her EP “SHIMMY (Skip)”. The MCs kept fans engaged while Min prepared for the next stage, holding a raffle for merchandise commemorating the evening’s celebration. Fans kept a competitive streak going as cheers and groans sounded throughout the venue while ticket numbers were called, making many others laugh. 

She returned to the stage with the third EP track “M.A.W”, which she explained stood for ‘might as well’. While talking about the song, she would tearfully share with the crowd how meaningful the message of the song was to her. Aligning perfectly with the ‘just do it’ attitude of the EP, “M.A.W” reminds listeners that they alone are the makers of their destiny. Despite the hardships she’s endured to make it to where she is today, Min has persevered with the help of her close friends and team, whom she thanked repeatedly throughout the show. Those unable to attend recorded video messages for Min to watch after her performances. The videos were sent from fans as well as close friends, congratulating Min on her new project as well as sending birthday wishes. Not only did this celebration mark the release of her first EP—which has been about a year in the making, but it was also her 33rd birthday. To share such a special day with fans was an immense display of trust and admiration that many were honored to be a part of. 

During the show, she took a moment to explain the heartfelt meaning behind the fourth track on her EP, entitled “HAPPY PLANT (A Call from Grandma)”. The track isn’t a song, but a phone call between the singer and her grandmother. In the call, her grandmother tells her that a plant that she keeps at home—which very rarely blossoms—has bloomed, and because of this, she would receive good luck, but wanted instead to gift that luck to her granddaughter. The story moved many fans to tears and was followed by a slideshow of pictures of Min and her grandmother throughout the years. 

The night ended on a fiery note, as Min closed the show with her title track PRIME TIME featuring rapper Lil Cherry. The song’s choreography was the highlight of the evening—intense, electrifying, and perfectly executed, Min demonstrated her ability to own the stage with this performance. With the knowledge that many fans have been with her since her debut, she gave them a little surprise—performing an encore of miss A’s “Good Girl Bad Girl”, which every single person in the venue sang and danced along to. Though the song was the last performance of the night, Min joined the crowd shortly afterward, thanking everyone for coming. Her genuine and kindhearted personality truly shined in the way she made her way around the venue, taking the time to talk to fans and enjoy the atmosphere of the event. Her hard work and dedication to her craft haven’t gone unnoticed--PRIME TIME is a strong EP that showcases her desire to remain true to herself, and we can’t help but admire her boldness through it all.

Photo Gallery Credit: Natalia Kabenge

Maria Toombs

Summer is here, marking the arrival of June and the much-anticipated celebration: Pride Month!

While loving and expressing oneself knows no bounds, June radiates with sunshine and invites everyone to embrace their true selves, regardless of their identity.

In the K-pop industry, fans and idols unite to celebrate diversity and support each other's journeys. Idols, in particular, have used their platforms to champion LGBTQ+ rights and visibility.

Here's a glimpse into how K-pop idols have shown solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community, along with empowering songs to uplift and inspire you during this season of self-expression:​

Holland

Debuting in 2018 with the release of single “Neverland”, Go Tae-Seob, famously known as Holland also became one of the first openly gay K-pop idols in the industry.

Constantly expressing his love for the community knows no boundaries as he shows love and self expression and all it is encompasses in songs like “Nar_C”, “NUMBER BOY” and “I’m Not Afraid”. 

It also goes to mention featured actor in the “NUMBER BOY” music video, Kim Ji Woong from Zerobaseone, holds an immense sense of pride after starting his acting career starring in two BL’s (Boy-Love) series titled “Kissable Lips” and “Roommates of Poongduck 304”. Stating proudly on the Boy’s Planet survival stage that the series were indeed BL’s, he made his dreams come true and debuted as the oldest member in the fifth-generation group. 

Wheein (Mamamoo)

With the release of single “Goodbye” in 2019, Mamamoo member Jung Whee-in incorporated yearning and heartbreak through the life of two women in her music video.

In her “soar” Making Prologue #2 video, she discussed her thought process for this heartbreaking ballad and expressed how she believes various forms of love exist in the world. 

Voicing that “love is such a natural and obvious emotion” and “just like how everything has different shapes, love also has various shapes but they’re all the same, they’re all the same love” 

Yunjin (Le Sserafim) 

Always vocal about how love is unconditional and always sending out support to queer artists, Huh Yunjin from girl group Le Sserafim has shown support for the LGBTQ+ community ever since she’s debuted. 

Seen reading “Ashes and Foam” a fantasy/queer romance story that also addresses the issues women face in today’s society, posting on Le Sserrafim’s shared X account during pride month a throwback picture saying “I love you. Unconditionally”, amongst other comments on Weverse and in fan calls are some of the many things Yunjin has done to show support. 

Hongjoong (ATEEZ)

Leader of the eight-member boy group ATEEZ, Kim Hongjoong has stated many times that he wishes to create a clothing brand that is not only inclusive of all genders but also all body types.  

“Usually we go to shop and there is a mans side and a womans side, but I don’t want to make that, I think it will be with no gender,” Hongjoong said about his dream for a fashion brand in YouTube video “A K-pop Group Styled Me For A Week Feat. Ateez”. 

In the same video when asked about their styles member Park Seonghwa also stated that he likes a genderless and sleek type of look, as he always expresses just how fluid his fashion sense is. 

As many other K-pop idols show support for the LGBTQ+ community allowing K-pop to become this safe space for a lot of queer people in the world here are some songs to keep you motivated and love your true self this pride month: 

Omega X - Stay With Me (Jazz For Two Soundtrack) 

Also appearing in a BL drama member Hangyeom made his acting debut and all members of Omega X appeared on the soundtrack for this upbeat ballad “Stay With Me” about seeing the stars and staying with your loved one. 

Members Jaehan and Yechan also played lovers in BL drama A Shoulder to Cry On last year. 

“Stay with me as we are right now, my love 
Wake me up in the morning of my days 
Stay with me here, my love 
Will you quickly hold my hand?”

Hwasa (Mamamoo) - I Love My Body

Released on September 6th, 2023, Hwasa created the perfect “love yourself” anthem with “I Love My Body”. Listening to this song you can get some encouragement to love every part of yourself no matter how you look. 

“Whether I lost weight ot not, what’s it to you? 
It’s no longer good to see you 
Pointless greetings for who 
‘Cause my body’s more than that”

LOOSSEMBLE - Girl’s Night

Releasing their second mini-album “One Of A Kind” with title track “Girl’s Night” you get an empowering anthem about breaking free from what society expects of you, while also learning to fully embrace yourself in the process. 

“Show me everything, your real world inside the 
drawer of your heart
Fear doesn’t suit you”

OnlyOneOf - skinz 

Listen to what it means to be in your true skinz with this grunge take on being yourself despite what others think. 

“Face off, show me what’s behind the mask, under skin” sign along to skinz as you show the true you this June. 

Also, read this message under their music video for the track for another shot of dOpamine;

“It doesn’t matter who you are.
It doesn’t matter whether you are black, white, Hispanic, Asian, male, or female.
I’m saying that your mere skin doesn’t matter.
All that matters is you.”

Have a happy and safe pride!

​

Deborah Rodriguez 

​Get ready, Dreamers! DPR (Dream Perfect Regime) is thrilled to announce their highly anticipated world tour, "The Dream Reborn World Tour 2024." This electrifying tour will kick off in South Korea on July 13 at Seoul's iconic Olympic Hall, promising an unforgettable experience for fans worldwide.

Following the grand opening in Seoul, the tour will make its way across 15 cities in North America, bringing the dynamic sounds and captivating performances of DPR to fans across the continent. Next, the tour will head south to delight audiences in 3 major cities in South America and 9 cities in Europe, each ready to be captivated by DPR's unique artistry.

This year, the tour will feature the incredible talents of DPR ARTIC, DPR CREAM, and DPR IAN, each bringing their own flair and recent releases to the stage. DPR ARTIC set the tone earlier this year with his album "KINEMA," which quickly became a sensation. Following suit, DPR CREAM mesmerized fans with his album "psyche: red," leaving Dreamers in awe with its depth and creativity. Just last week, DPR IAN added to the excitement with the release of his EP "SAINT," completing a trifecta of phenomenal new music.

"The Dream Reborn World Tour 2024" is not just a series of concerts; it's a celebration of new music, innovative creative direction, and the unbreakable bond between DPR and their global fanbase. Dreamers can expect a brand-new show featuring this year's releases and an immersive experience that showcases the heart and soul of DPR.

Don't miss out on this extraordinary tour! Visit the official tour website for ticket and presale information: https://thedreamreborntour.com. Get ready to witness the dream reborn and join DPR on this exhilarating journey around the world!