Read on Mobile

[ASKKPOP] Weekly Recap: tragedy strikes, banned banned banned, and Western love for K-pop

So much can happen in just 7 days, from joyful baby announcements to amazing concerts to sorrowful tragedies. Catch up with the events that happened in the K-pop world this past week.


Rest in peace Jung In Ah



Tragic news hit the world of K-pop about the unfortunate death of model and actressJung In Ah.While practicing skydiving for an upcoming movie, she met with bad weather that led to animproper and unsafe landing. After three days of searches, her body was ultimately found.


Our condolences to her family and loved ones, and may she rest in peace.


EXO-L's Breathe A Little Easier


Following last week's rumors ofopening his own studio,Taoreportedly filmeda solo Chinese CF. The new commercial is supposedly related to food, although the brand name is still unknown.




However,EXO-Lswere relieved withthe announcement of an upcoming paper toy setofEXOmembers. Despite talks of departure from the group as well as his solo activities in China, a paper toy for Tao was included in the set.


Epik High Concert

Theaskkpopstaff was lucky enough to attendEpik High'sNew York Cityconcert! The trio definitely threw some awesome performances of songs from their latest albumShoeboxas well as fan favorites like "Fly," "Umbrella," and "Happen Ending." We even got to see glimpses of their awesome personalities and hidden agendas here and there, fromTablo's comments on everything toMithra's wish to "spread the Korean language in America." Plus, it turns out that the trioreally, really lovesShake Shack!


Don't forget to relive the experience here!



'JYJ Law' fails to pass



The 'JYJ Law,' proposed byChoi Min Heeas a measure to protect artists,failed to pass. While this law aimed to help artists by banning broadcast companies' actions of unjustifiably prohibiting the appearance of artists, the bill was instead put on hold on continuous evaluation as it was said to need further revisions. Let's hope a law like this one can get passed soon to protect our favorite K-pop idols.


Western love for K-pop



The West showed its love and appreciation for all things K-pop!


American wrestlerXavier Woodsrevealedhis status as a Shawol.Tweeting a screenshot ofShinee's "Alive," he gushed, "On repeat all day & is now my Gym Jam - about to learn these romanized lyrics SHINee I think I'm a Shawol."Welcome to the club Mr. Woods!




Meanwhile, American actressChloe Moretzcontinued to appear on 'We Got Married.' To have a little bit of fun, she joinedHenry,Yewon,Eric Nam,U-KISS'sKevin, and15&'sPark Ji Minin somehilarious rounds of karaoke. She even sampleda collection of unique Korean dishes, likesoondae(pig intestines stuffed with blood and rice),sannakji(live octopus), spicyramen, andbundaegi(steamed silkworm pupa)!


Banned Banned Banned



Unfortunately forVIPs,Big Bangwasbanned fromSBS's 'Inkigayo'as a penalty for previously missing a live broadcast: "It has always been problematic when a 1st place group does not appear on the live broadcast unless they had an unavoidable reason."While Big Bang was filming for an MV, this apparently was not a big enough reason to excuse their absence from the show.


Despite the ban, Big Bang went on towin the 14th's episode of 'Inkigayo.' Congratulations to them!


What's the difference between Big Bang, Shinee, and EXO? Ask G-Dragon.



Amidst the flurry of comebacks,G-Dragonbravely responded to a questionon what set Big Bang apart from fellow idol groupsSHINeeandEXO. "What sets us apart is that we make our own songs, which appeals to the public, and the public likes the songs,"he said. When he was reminded of EXO-L andShawols' potential angry responses, he casually said, "They might get mad, but it's true, so there's nothing that can be done about it."


The Girls Are Back


Looks like we'll be seeing a lot more ofGirls' Generationthis summer than we thought! In addition to their scheduled summer comeback, the girls are preparing fora group appearanceonSBS's 'Running Man.' MembersYuri,Tiffany, andHyoyeonwill also be making individual appearances as well as continuing their current roles on various variety programs.


And if that's not enough Girls' Generation for you, do not fear! The girls are gearing up to star intheir very own reality show! We'll be able to see the girls candidly talk about fashion, beauty, and their favorite 'hot spots.' Hold onto your seatsSONEs!


Welcoming future K-pop idols!

This week brought some happy news of future Korean stars!



Celebrity coupleLee Bo YoungandJi Sungwelcomed their first child,a healthy baby girl! Both mother and daughter are doing well, with Lee Bo Young reporting through her agency, "With all your support and love, I was able to give birth to a healthy baby. Although it was a long wait, I'm just so grateful that she has come to us healthy. I'll try to greet you all with a good production as soon as possible.Thank you."




Yoon Sang HyunandMaybeealso revealed thatthey are expecting their first child! The two were married back in February and jumped straight into married life without a honeymoon. She is currently 15 weeks pregnant.




Kim Tae Wooexcitedly announced that his wife is currentlypregnant with their third child! He revealed, "I'm a father of a daughter, daughter, son. I'm going to work even harder. I have everything now."


Congratulations to these proud parents!




Get the best of AKP in your inbox