Latest news with #BalmingTiger
Indian Express
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
BTS' Jimin said he felt ‘suffocated' listening to RM's track, knew something was wrong: ‘I wonder what kind of jerks he's met'
Ever since BTS' leader RM, aka Kim Namjoon, returned from the military, there has been a lot of talk about his struggle, and how the 18 months inside the unit may not have been as smooth as fans assumed. RM earlier admitted to breaking down at night and even seeking medical help. It takes us back to a year ago, when the rapper was gearing up for his second solo album, Right People, Wrong Place and had invited Jimin over to his place for a first listen of the pre-recorded tracks. That's when the Filter looked concerned, almost instinctively sensing the pressure RM had been carrying, the weight of being a leader. As he listened to the lyrics, Jimin paused, wondering who RM was really referring to. 'What kind of jerk made him write something this fierce?' he thought. Also read: After Ronaldo and Messi, this BTS star becomes Instagram's most influential celebrity, beats Selena Gomez, Billie Eilish, and more Before enlistment, every BTS member kicked off their solo career. During one of their conversations, RM revealed he was actually supposed to enlist with Hobi but held it off after the Balming Tiger directors approached him with the idea to collaborate on a new record. 'Namjoon's albums are always kind of like a diary,' Jimin said. RM then explained the theme of his project, saying, 'I think everyone goes through this at some point, whether you're part of an organisation, society, or just an industry.' That's when he started questioning himself, Am I the only one who feels like a stranger here, even when everything seems to be going fine? He added, 'I'm the right person, but maybe I'm just in the wrong place.' Later, in front of the camera, Jimin admitted, 'I don't know if I should say this, but when I heard the album, it felt like reading a diary. I had so much going on in my head, it felt a little suffocating.' He paused, then added, 'He poured everything into that album. And I knew, I just knew, he was having a really hard time.' Also read: BTS' Suga warns 'the market's not the same' as group confirms 2026 comeback and tour RM has never shied away from calling out the scrutiny BTS constantly faces and the unrealistic pedestal K-pop idols are expected to stand on, something he's always been vocal about. The Indigo hitmaker opened up about the time BTS was going through a really rough patch, especially when the whole military enlistment exemption debate blew up in the country. He recalled being in public spaces, like a bar, and overhearing people talk about them without realising he was right there. 'Is it really right for them to do that?' he remembered people whispering. 'We heard that so many times. And around the same time, a lot was happening to me personally, I had so much in my head. I didn't know what to do, so I just poured it all out and left a record,' he said, referring to his album before enlistment. Namjoon may have said those words a year ago, but fans still believe he's carrying the weight, especially now with the pressure of rebranding the group once they return. On the work front, BTS announced a spring comeback last year. The members are currently in the U.S., reportedly filming for new music.
South China Morning Post
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
South Korean ‘alternative K-pop' collective Balming Tiger on Hong Kong and having fun
For 'alternative K-pop' collective Balming Tiger, 'having fun' is what matters most. That is why the group is returning to Hong Kong – its members fondly recall how the enthusiastic crowd pelted them with 'shoes and slippers' during their first performance in the city at the 2023 Clockenflap Music and Arts Festival. 'The energy that Hong Kong people brought to the festival was something else. They were hyped and going crazy,' says frontman and rapper Omega Sapien. 'Usually, we get that when we're in the US or Europe, not in Asia [where] it's calmer. I really loved the energy there. It was quite unforgettable.' Balming Tiger brought out a wild side of Hong Kong two years ago but has been loved worldwide since June 2018, when the group debuted the single 'I'm Sick'. Its energetic music video was nominated for best of the year at the 2019 Korean Hip-hop Awards and has garnered more than 4.7 million views on YouTube. The Seoul-based collective is known for a creativity that crosses musical genres. Their quirky visuals and choreography defy the immaculately polished image of the South Korean entertainment industry. Balming Tiger have collaborated with K-pop giants such as singer-songwriter IU and BTS' leader RM, as well as British rapper Little Simz.
Pink Villa
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Watch: IU stars in emotional A Beautiful Person music video with Cha Eun Woo amid military enlistment announcement
IU has unveiled a visually captivating music video for A Beautiful Person featuring Balming Tiger, a touching B-side track from her remake album 'Kkot Galpi 3' (A Flower Bookmark Pt. 3). Released through her agency EDAM Entertainment, the video has drawn widespread attention for its emotional depth and a surprise appearance by ASTRO 's Cha Eun Woo. IU and Cha Eun Woo's A Beautiful Person MV: The narrative-driven video plays out like a modern fable, centering on a boy born as a being of light, cherished by all but gradually overwhelmed by his uniqueness. As time passes, he begins to wear a mask to hide his glow. He eventually encounters a girl who also hides her face, and the two form a quiet, powerful connection. In a pivotal rooftop scene, the characters—played by IU and Cha Eun Woo—remove their masks, symbolizing acceptance and vulnerability. A Beautiful Person is part of IU's latest album, which reimagines beloved Korean classics with her signature emotional delivery. The narrative is further elevated by heartfelt voice-overs from both IU and Cha Eun Woo, which infuse the story with emotional depth and nuance. Their compelling on-screen presence stands out, reminiscent of their previous collaboration for a jewelry brand campaign earlier this year. Since its debut, the video has quickly gained traction, earning acclaim for its powerful message, striking visuals, and standout performances. Fans Reaction: This collaboration between IU and Cha Eun Woo has deeply resonated with fans, blending music, narrative, and striking visuals into a powerful artistic experience. The video's exploration of identity, emotional connection, and healing continues to leave a lasting impression, marking another standout achievement in both artists' evolving careers. One fan commented, 'It's beautiful—the meaning, the track, the lyrics, and of course, Cha Eun Woo.' Another added with admiration, 'So basically, IU is paying tribute to Cha Eun Woo's beauty.' Cha Eun Woo's Military Service Date Announced: Alongside the buzz surrounding the music video, Cha Eun Woo made headlines with personal news. His agency, Fantagio, confirmed that he has been accepted into South Korea's Army Military Band and will begin his mandatory military service on July 28, 2025. Fans expressed a mix of pride and sadness, offering words of support and encouragement for his upcoming enlistment.
GMA Network
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
IU tells unique love story in ‘A BeautifulPerson (feat. Balming Tiger)' MV, Cha Eun Woo appears
IU shares a different kind of love story in the music video for 'A Beautiful Person (feat. Balming Tiger).' The video begins with a guy born as a being made of light, which IU's character observes from afar. The man is loved by everybody since childhood. However, a girlfriend leaves him in the cinema as he glows in the dark room. The man starts wearing a mask to hide his light, and sees another person wearing one. The two bond and it is later revealed that IU and Cha Eun Woo are the people behind the masks. Released early on Thursday morning, the MV for "A Beautiful Person" has already generated a million views on YouTube as of writing. 'A Beautiful Person (feat. Balming Tiger)' is one of IU's tracks from her new remake album, 'A flower bookmark Pt. 3,' which was released earlier this week. IU is best known for the songs "Lilac," "Palette (feat. G-Dragon)," "BBIBBI," "Eight (Prod. And Feat. Suga of BTS)" and many more. IU was in the country in 2024 for her H.E.R.E.H. concert tour at the Philippine Arena. She is also an actress and recently starred in the K-drama series "When Life Gives You Tangerines." — Nika Roque/LA, GMA Integrated News
Pink Villa
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Was Cha Eun Woo replaced by Heo Nam Jun as male lead in IU's Never Ending Story MV? All we know about ASTRO member's cameo
IU's highly anticipated comeback with her remake album A Flower Bookmark has stirred major buzz in the Korean entertainment world. And it's not just because of her stunning vocals or the sentimental tracklist. Early reports from Korean media revealed that popular actor and ASTRO member Cha Eun Woo would appear in IU's new music project. This led many to believe he would star as the male lead in the title track's music video. But when Never Ending Story finally dropped, it wasn't Cha Eun Woo who appeared alongside IU. Actually, it was rising actor Heo Nam Joon who took center stage, catching many fans off guard. For many fans, the biggest surprise was the casting. Despite IU's agency previously confirming Cha Eun Woo's participation in the music project, he was nowhere to be seen in the lead role of the title track MV. Instead, Heo Nam Joon, an actor born in 1993, the same year as IU, delivered a compelling and grounded performance. His portrayal introduced him to a broader audience. It adds to the growing attention he has received through roles in dramas like Sweet Home, The Impossible Heir, Your Honor, and When the Phone Rings. Cha Eun Woo's cameo reports According to new reports, Cha Eun Woo's appearance will be in the form of a cameo in another music video from the album. While his exact role remains under wraps, the news has sparked speculation that IU may release additional visuals for her other tracks. Given the storytelling quality of Never Ending Story, fans are hoping for more narrative-driven MVs as part of her album promotions. About IU's A Flower Bookmark IU's album A Flower Bookmark is a remake project filled with reimagined versions of iconic Korean tracks. Each song offers a nostalgic journey through Korean music history, carefully selected and updated through IU's unique voice and artistic sensibilities. The album includes six songs: Never Ending Story, October 4th, Last Scene (featuring Wonstein), Beauty (featuring Balming Tiger), Square Dream, and Red Sneakers. The music video for Never Ending Story tells a heartfelt tale set in a quaint, retro-inspired DVD and book rental store. Heo Nam Joon plays a reserved employee whose quiet interactions with IU's character blossom into a subtle, deeply emotional romance. The story is one of quiet connection and unfulfilled longing. It captures the essence of nostalgic love and missed timing. With soft cinematography and touching moments, the MV has received widespread praise. By fusing old-school charm with modern presentation, IU has created an album that bridges generations of music lovers. And with Cha Eun Woo's cameo still unrevealed, anticipation continues to grow for what's to come next in this nostalgic yet fresh musical chapter.
