Korean Newsmakers Of The Week: BTS' Military Enlistment, BLACKPINK's Contract Renewal, Han So-hee's Look Wins The Internet And More

This Sunday, we bring forth the week's most talked-about Korean stars that made headlines. Be it BTS' military services or Stray Kids' Felix being called the main event at GQ night in Korea, we have you covered. 

Here are top five newsmakers in the entertainment industry of the week, all the way from South Korea. 

RM, Jimin, V, Jung Kook's Military Enlistments

This week, the biggest boy band in the world BTS' agency BIGHIT Music officially confirmed the highly anticipated military enlistment details for the remaining BTS members - RM, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook. The statement explicitly read, "RM, Jimin, V and Jung Kook will fulfill their required time with the military by enlisting in the army. RM and V will be enlisting according to their respective procedures, while Jimin and Jung Kook are scheduled to enlist together. Please note that there will be no official event on the day of their entry." According to various reports, RM and V are set to enlist on December 11, while Jimin and Jung Kook will begin their basic training together on December 12. However, no official announcements regarding their units or enlistment dates have been made yet. In other news, they went on a livestream a few days ago to discuss their military plans and have candid conversations with their fans for the last time till 2025. 

BLACKPINK Renews Contract With YG Entertainment

Confirmed on December 6, YG Entertainment renewed an exclusive group contract with Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa of the girl group BLACKPINK. The official statement declared, "We are pleased to announce that our board of directors has successfully come to an agreement on the signing of exclusive group contracts for all four members of BLACKPINK, our talented artists. BLACKPINK will continue to do its best to shine more brightly in the world music market as an artist representing K-POP, and we will continue to give them unwavering support and faith in their actions." This renewal is a big thing as they have a huge fan following, not just in South Korea, but all across the globe. YG Entertainment's dedication to supporting the Queens of K-POP symbolizes a commitment to amplifying their growth and influence in the international music industry. However, the details about their individual contract renewals are still under wraps.

ASTRO's Agency 'Fantiago' Shuts Down Moonbin's Memorial 

Following controversies surrounding financial gains, the entertainment company Fantagio announced the immediate closure of Moonbin's recently established memorial site - Seonunsa Temple Moon Space. The unsettlement occurred when fans raised suspicions regarding the relationship between Fantagio and Seonunsa Temple following the relocation. In response to all the suspicions and queries, the agency clarified, "Fantagio has not entered into any kind of agreement or contract with Seonunsa and has no financial interest whatsoever. The reason for relocating the Moon Space from Gukcheongsa Temple to Seonunsa Temple was due to safety concerns for visitors in the winter and for enshrining a permanent memorial tablet for Moonbin. We decided to relocate because Gukcheongsa Temple is a branch temple belonging to Seonunsa Temple." With this statement, it is clear that the shifting was done for the sole purpose of the safety of the visitors, and not because of money. The agency sought to reassure fans and the public, affirming their dedication and respect to Moonbin's memorial.

Han So-hee's Look For The 'Omega' Event Leaves Fans Stunned

On December 8, Omega, the Swiss luxury watch brand, held an event in Hong Kong for the opening of two new stores. It was graced by the presence of renowned South Korean actress Han So-hee, who is also the global brand ambassador. Omega's CEO and President, Raynald Aeschlimann, expressed admiration for the 'Nevertheless' actress. He said, "We’ve been so impressed by So-Hee Han’s career and personality. She represents many of the fine qualities that we value, and we’re very pleased that she’s taken the step to join our brand." She dazzled everyone in a chic mini black dress, later sharing pictures from the event on her Instagram account, captivating the internet with her stunning visuals. Fans flooded the comments section with praise, love and affection, highlighting her humility and admiring her beauty while showing immense support for her acting career and continued success in getting big partnerships with prestigious, luxurious brands such as Omega, Balenciaga and more, alongside delivering memorable performances on the big screen. 

Stray Kids' Felix Hailed As The 'Main Event' At GQ Event Night

Felix, a member of the popular South Korean boy band Stray Kids, was recently seen in a fashion film shot for GQ Korea. He also made a name for himself by being given the honour of being the 'Man of the Year' in GQ Korea's December edition, becoming the first fourth-generation K-pop idol to receive this honor in the year 2023. During the shoot, the 23-year-old rapper was seen in an elegant all-black attire, which included a black jacket, leather pants, and a white shirt. With his blonde hair styled back, Felix's entrance made fans fall in love, and they went on to name him as "the main event." But it doesn't end there. The idol's look with a striking red Louis Vuitton bag at the GQ Night is to be emphasized upon as he recently became the global brand ambassador for the esteemed French luxury fashion house. According to reports, with just three social media posts after gracing the Louis Vuitton Men pre-fall fashion show in Hong Kong, he has single-handedly increased the brand's visibility and has contributed to a remarkable $6.2 million increase in sales, as well.