Kim Jae Joong has unveiled his much-anticipated 20th-anniversary album, FLOWER GARDEN, accompanied by a stunning music video for the title track, “Glorious Days.” This marks Jae Joong’s first full-length album released in South Korea in the past two years, showcasing his versatility across a wide range of genres including rock, R&B, and ballad.

STREAM THE MV HERE:

FLOWER GARDEN is Jae Joong’s fourth full-length album and a testament to his enduring influence in the music industry. Since the establishment of his new agency, iNKODE, Jae Joong has poured his heart into this project, contributing to the lyric writing on the majority of the tracks. 

The album’s title is symbolic, representing the myriad colorful experiences and milestones that have blossomed over his 20-year career. Like a garden blooming with diverse flowers, FLOWER GARDEN encapsulates the richness of Jae Joong’s artistic journey.

The album boasts 14 tracks, each reflecting different facets of Jae Joong’s musical prowess. It features the pre-release single “I AM U”, which dropped on June 11th, and a special CD-only track titled “201208”, entirely written, composed, and arranged by Jae Joong himself. 

Highlighting the album’s collaborative spirit, FLOWER GARDEN includes notable partnerships with Moonbyul of MAMAMOO on “The Light” and Japanese rock star MIYAVI on “Dopamine.”

With FLOWER GARDEN, Kim Jae Joong invites fans to join him in celebrating two decades of musical excellence and personal growth. This album is not just a collection of songs, but a heartfelt homage to the journey and the fans who have been with him every step of the way.

 

Spotify, the world’s most popular audio streaming subscription service, has announced it will host 'RADAR Radio Live feat. RIIZE' on July 10. This event is a key part of Spotify's RADAR campaign for the K-Pop group RIIZE.

Hosted as part of Spotify's RADAR campaign for the group, RADAR Radio Live feat. RIIZE will shine the spotlight on the rookie artist while bringing fans in on the celebrations of the release of their first mini album, “RIIZING”. 

RADAR, Spotify's global music program for emerging artists, has played a pivotal role in catapulting the growth of rising talent. RIIZE is the first K-Pop boy group to enter the program, joining more than 900 other artists from around the world who have thrived under the initiative since its inception in 2020. Through RADAR, Spotify had previously supported artists including The Kid LAROI, Lauv, NMIXX, LE SSERAFIM,  Zior Park and more. RADAR artists have been featured on over 5,000 Spotify editorial playlists, and on average, tracked a 40% growth in monthly listeners and increased streams by over 30% in the six months since entering the program. 

Since their entry into RADAR Korea in April this year, Spotify has bolstered the growth of RIIZE with its best-in-class editorial and marketing support to fuel music discovery and foster deeper connections with listeners. In addition to a 40% growth in monthly streams, the group has also tracked a 13% increase in monthly listeners and a 12% rise in listener-generated playlists that include at least one RIIZE track .  

With nearly 4 million monthly listeners and over 210 million streams amassed since their debut last year , RIIZE’s music has scaled the globe, transcending language and cultural boundaries. The top markets streaming the group now span Japan, Indonesia, the United States, the Philippines, Thailand, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, India and Canada . 

RADAR Radio Live feat. RIIZE

RADAR Radio Live, an initiative under the RADAR program, was conceptualized to broadcast RADAR Korea artists and their unique colors to a broader audience through interactive experiences. Set to take place in Seoul on the evening of the 10th of July, the next RADAR Radio Live event by Spotify promises fans a host of exciting activities that will immerse them in the vibrant world of RIIZE. In addition to a live talk show, the event will also feature a screening of RIIZE’s RADAR mini film, and fun activities to engage with the members in-real-life.  

RADAR Radio Live feat. RIIZE will be hosted for exclusively Spotify users, and event registration is now open till the 4th of July via the campaign microsite. The event will also be livestreamed for BRIIZE around the world on Spotify’s K-Pop ON! YouTube channel.

“It’s been thrilling to witness the growth of RIIZE as a RADAR artist," said Jungjoo Park, Spotify’s Head of Music, South Korea. "We look forward to continuing our journey with them and showcasing their diverse appeal to more listeners and fans worldwide. Through the RADAR program, Spotify aims to support various Korean artists in reaching and connecting with more listeners around the world."

GYUBIN has released her second single, “Satellite” along with an accompanying music video. While her January 2024 debut single, “Really Like You,” delved into the exhilarating emotions of falling in love for the first time, “Satellite” explores the deeper, often overlooked experiences of teenage life—confusion, worry, and the comfort sought during these tumultuous times.

“Now we’re halfway through 2024, I recently think about how fast time flies, and I’ll soon meet the end of my teenage days and step into the new journey of my 20s. Then I realized that ‘I’ am the true beginning of every new step that I’ll take along life’s journey, which gave me the trust to get over the fear.” – GYUBIN

The music video for “Satellite” serves as a continuation of the narrative established in “Really Like You.” The earlier video ends with a meteor falling, setting the stage for the new video, which was shot in the picturesque landscapes of Serbia. In “Satellite,” fans follow GYUBIN on a quest to find this meteor, with another version of GYUBIN guiding her like a satellite. This visual journey through Serbia’s vast nature mirrors GYUBIN’s personal exploration and her transition into adulthood, offering fans a glimpse into her more mature side.

“When I listen to this song, I feel overwhelmed by the grand sound filled with vocals and instruments and become emotional by being reminded of many lonely nights filled with too many thoughts while following the lyrics in the verse where I sang calmly. At the same time, I am encouraged by the exploding hook and elevating bridge, which gives me the desire to move forward powerfully.It is a mysterious song that will present various pictures like stars or satellites, just like the title, in the night sky, vast space, and cool summer wind depending on how each listener feels.”  GYUBIN explains. 

This release of “Satellite” comes two months after completing her collaboration project trilogy that began ahead of GYUBIN’s official debut. The trilogy is comprised of “Special” featuring Kim Jong Wan of NELL (April 2024), “Start To Shine” with GAEKO of Dynamicduo (November 2023), and “Scribble” with Wonstein (September 2023). As each song for this project was released, GYUBIN’s popularity has continued to soar and earned her the title of “super rookie.” “Really Like You” has now been streamed over 12 million times on Spotify and entered the Viral 50 Spotify Chart in various countries such as South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. 

In a groundbreaking move that seamlessly blends Eastern and Western influences, Jackson Wang's TEAM WANG design and Pharrell Williams' JOOPITER have joined forces, marking a historic first for a Chinese brand partnering with the iconic Pharrell Williams. This innovative collaboration not only underscores Jackson Wang's visionary approach but also propels TEAM WANG design into an exhilarating new chapter.

At the heart of this partnership lies the reimagined Tang suit, a traditional Chinese garment that has been elevated to new heights under Wang's creative direction. By infusing modern aesthetics into this classic piece, TEAM WANG design has crafted a collection that epitomizes cultural fusion. This revamped Tang suit, along with the rest of the collection, is currently making waves at Paris Fashion Week, highlighting the immense global influence and creativity emanating from Chinese fashion on one of the industry's most prestigious stages.

The collaboration's debut at Paris Fashion Week is more than a showcase of cutting-edge design; it is a testament to the dynamic presence and growing impact of Chinese fashion in the global industry. The collection’s reception has been overwhelmingly positive, reflecting a deep appreciation for the nuanced integration of traditional elements with contemporary flair.

To celebrate this momentous collaboration, Jackson Wang and Pharrell Williams co-hosted an exclusive dinner, bringing together influential figures from the fashion community. This event not only highlighted the inclusive and collaborative spirit inherent in TEAM WANG design but also served as a powerful statement about the unifying potential of fashion.  

As TEAM WANG design and JOOPITER continue to captivate audiences worldwide, this partnership stands as a powerful reminder of fashion's ability to transcend boundaries and create meaningful connections across different cultures. The TEAM WANG design x JOOPITER collaboration is more than a collection; it is a milestone in the ever-evolving narrative of global fashion, heralding a future where East meets West in perfect harmony.

On June 22, 2024, The Star Vista in Singapore buzzed with anticipation as fans gathered for Hwasa's first fancon, aptly named "Twit." The event, which lasted for nearly three hours, was a testament to Hwasa's remarkable stamina and dedication to her fans.  

Hwasa kicked off the night with her hit song "TWIT," instantly energizing the crowd. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody were the perfect opener, setting a high-energy tone that carried throughout the evening. Following this, she performed "I Love My Body," a powerful anthem of self-love and empowerment that resonated deeply with the audience.

Hwasa’s versatility shone as she delivered stunning covers of popular English songs. Her rendition of SZA’s "Snooze" captivated the audience with its soulful depth, while her cover of Dionne Warwick’s classic "Walk On By" added a touch of elegance to the night. These performances highlighted her ability to seamlessly blend into different musical genres while making each song uniquely her own.

Midway through the fancon, the spotlight shifted to fan interaction. Emcee April Kim expertly guided the session, keeping the energy high and the conversation flowing with Hwasa. During this segment, Hwasa shared previously unseen dance videos, answered questions from fans collected on post-it notes, and even took on the popular "Mala Tanghulu Challenge," much to the delight of the crowd.

This intimate session also featured a touching moment when Hwasa performed a brief cover of Meghan Trainor’s "Remind Me." She revealed that the song has been a source of comfort during vulnerable times, and her heartfelt performance moved many fans to tears. The concert’s second half continued to impress. Hwasa delivered powerful performances of "I’m a B" and "LMM." "LMM," which stands for "Lost My Mind," is a deeply personal song for Hwasa, reflecting her own struggles with insecurity and her desire to offer comfort to those feeling sorrow or hopelessness.

During this part of the show, Singaporean Twits surprised Hwasa with a special event. They presented a heartwarming montage celebrating their unwavering support for her. The surprise brought Hwasa to tears as she thanked her fans for their steadfast love. Adding to the heartfelt moment, fans had prepared a cake, and at Hwasa’s request, everyone sang together, celebrating with a sense of unity and affection despite the absence of her fellow MAMAMOO members.

Hwasa continued the show with performances of "INTRO: Nobody else" and her iconic solo hit "Maria," songs from her first EP that the audience adored. The night reached a fever pitch when she launched into a MAMAMOO medley, sending the MOMOOs into a frenzy as they passionately joined in the fan chants.

As the show seemed to wind down, Hwasa performed "Travel," an upbeat MAMAMOO track that had everyone dancing. However, the night was far from over. Fans were treated to multiple encores, beginning with another rendition of "LMM." Hwasa didn’t just stay on stage—she ventured into the crowd, serenading fans up close, interacting with them, and even taking pictures, creating a memorable experience for all.

Hwasa’s promise of multiple encores was more than fulfilled, leaving Twits feeling deeply appreciated. Her exceptional vocals and commanding stage presence filled the theatre, making it a night of pure magic. Hwasa's first fancon in Singapore was not just a concert; it was a heartfelt celebration of music, emotion, and the special bond she shares with her fans. Twits left The Star Vista with hearts full of joy, already looking forward to Hwasa’s next performance.

We'd like to thank CK Star Entertainment for the invitation

Photo Credit: CK Star Entertainment Singapore

Article by Tabitha