Latest news with #Suga
Indian Express
a day ago
- Business
- Indian Express
BTS' 2026 announcement just made HYBE's global staff 6.21 million KRW richer, here's how
BTS' return from military service is already paying off for everyone at HYBE. After a noticeable dip during the 18 months when all seven members, V, Jungkook, RM, Jin, J-Hope, Suga, and Jimin, were enlisted, the label finally saw its stock bounce back in June. And just before the septet returned, the agency announced every full-time HYBE employee, not just in Korea but across the globe, is getting 20 restricted stock units (RSUs), worth around 6.21 million KRW each at current value, according to Business Korea. That's roughly $4,500 per person, just a straight-up reward for riding out the BTS drought. Also read: BTS' Suga's students didn't know he was a star: 'He always arrived early, read my 500-page textbook, wasn't just a donor,' says hospital's professor In BTS' absence, the K-pop agency led by Bang Si Hyuk spread its wings to America, partnering with Scooter Braun. But even as it expanded, HYBE took some serious hits, starting with CEO backlash, followed by the ADOR mess and NewJeans drama, with Min Hee Jin's resignation and courtroom appearances dragging the company down. Now, with the Dynamite crooners finally back, hope's back too. Reports say that with BTS' upcoming project, HYBE's shares are expected to climb higher, which also means the final bonus could end up being way more than what's on paper. RSUs aren't instant cash. They're granted now, but only come through when certain terms are met. Which means, staff might walk away with more than just 6.21 million KRW once it's all said and done. Also read: K-pop group, once bigger than BTS, lost everything to controversy but never disbanded This is a first for HYBE as well, who, unlike previously, when they awarded RSUs only to a handful of executives (34 people in December, 32 employees recently), are now doing so for thousands of employees. With the full comeback expected in March 2026, HYBE clearly wants to boost employee morale and motivation before they go all out with global promotions, aiming for Grammys and sold-out arenas again. Currently, HYBE's shares have outperformed those of its peers, including YG Entertainment (home to BLACKPINK), SM Entertainment (home to NCT, BoA, EXO), and Kakao Corp (which houses Jay Park, Chungha, FTISLAND, CNBLUE, and more). Analysts say BTS's return could trigger a major spike in HYBE's sales, especially in high-profit areas like concerts and merchandise. Mirae Asset Securities even raised HYBE's stock target from ₩345,000 (around $250 USD) to ₩390,000 (about $280 USD).
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
BTS' Suga's students didn't know he was a star: ‘He always arrived early, read my 500-page textbook, wasn't just a donor,' says hospital's professor
BTS' Suga wasn't just a donor for Severance Hospital. Unlike the other six BTS members, the rapper (Min Yoongi) served in the public sector during his military duty due to an old shoulder injury. In a recent YouTube video, Professor Cheon Keun Ah from the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry shared how Suga didn't just show up to tick a box or fix his DUI image. He came in prepared, had read her 500-page research paper, asked sharp, professional-level questions, and brought real intent to be involved. His sincerity didn't just impress, it convinced the whole team to create MIND: Music, Interaction, Network, Diversity. Also read: BTS' Suga mobilises global ARMY to raise over 200 million won in 24 hours with one quiet, heartfelt gesture According to the professor, before putting any financial donation on the table, Suga first wanted to see if music could actually change the lives of the autistic kids he was hoping to help. And for that, he offered his musical talent first. 'The sessions use music to help children build social and emotional skills through instruments, singing, and writing,' she said. Suga showed up every single weekend —ten sessions, 90 minutes each. 'He never missed a session, showed up before everyone else to practice, he tried hard to meet the kids at their level. His joy was visible, and we were all moved by his sincerity,' Cheon added. 'He wasn't a guest. He was one of us.' None of the children had a clue who he really was, to them, he was just a kind man who played music and made them laugh, she said. 'Thanks to Suga, the children were able to experience the harmony of words and music.' The centre in development is already being seen as a game-changer for autism treatment in Korea. Cheon said it had been her dream project for years, but it only became real when the BTS member got involved. 'His joy was visible,' she repeated. 'He truly cared.' Also read: BTS' Suga hit with TV ban petition over 'dangerous influence' after DUI case The professor recalled how the Daechwita crooner first approached her in November 2024 — about three months after his DUI, which caused a dent in his career and put him under global scrutiny. 'He came to meet me and showed a deep interest in child and adolescent mental health and autism,' she said, adding, 'He had read large portions of a 500-page textbook I wrote, and his questions were sharp and insightful.' He didn't want his name slapped on a plaque. He wanted to actually help. That's how the therapy program took shape. Before returning to his music career, the rapper told her he wanted to stay involved for as long as he could. Suga later donated a staggering ₩5 billion (around $3.6 million) to establish the Min Yoongi Treatment Centre, a special facility set to open this September. As soon as news of Suga broke in public, BTS fans across the globe stepped in to help. Within just a few hours, ARMY raised more than ₩200 million (around $145,000) to support the facility. The numbers are still growing, and hospital staff are overwhelmed with the love and support they are garnering from around the globe. So many donations poured in that the hospital's parent institution, Yonsei University Health System, added a permanent donation button for the Min Yoongi Centre on their website. Suga earlier said that he realised how powerful music can be when used the right way, not just to entertain, but to heal. 'It made me happy to be part of the treatment process for children with autism,' he said. 'I want to keep working so that more kids can live as full members of society.'
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
K-pop group, once bigger than BTS, lost everything to controversy but never disbanded
Today, the world knows BTS as the face of K-pop, a seven-member boy band dubbed South Korea's soft power, single-handedly boosting the country's tourism and global influence. But before BTS, before BLACKPINK, Stray Kids, SEVENTEEN, and any group selling out arenas across the U.S. and beyond, there was, and still is, a second-generation K-pop group that rewrote the rules. BIGBANG, the five-member boy band, didn't just perform, they created. They were the first to bring self-written songs and original compositions to the idol scene, pushing the second wave of Hallyu across Asia and even into the West. Often called the 'Kings of K-pop,' they introduced lightstick culture, changed the fandom game, and were hailed as creative geniuses. But one by one, YG Entertainment's crown jewels got dragged into controversy. Each member took a hit, and the group slipped into an indefinite hiatus. Also read: BTS' Suga mobilises global ARMY to raise over 200 million won in 24 hours with one quiet, heartfelt gesture In South Korea, BIGBANG, originally comprising of G-Dragon (Kwon Ji Yong), Taeyang (Dong Young Bae), Daesung (Kang Dae Sung), Seungri (Lee Seung hyun, retired), and T.O.P (Choi Seung hyun, now officially out), are still considered one of the most influential groups, with some even placing their impact above BTS. While all members have launched solo careers, most are still stronger than half the K-pop groups out there. It's wild that the group never disbanded. They went on hiatus in 2018, but fans, aka V.I.P, are still holding out for a comeback. BIGBANG was YG Entertainment's first idol group, launched when the agency was already a major player, unlike BTS, who debuted under BigHit, a label barely known back then. So that comparison doesn't hold. But, in today's world, where RM, Suga, and J-Hope are praised for their songwriting and producing, it was G-Dragon who started that fire first. BIGBANG debuted with a sharp hip-hop influence, bold for its time, and quickly stood out. They weren't just about music; their fashion smashed boundaries. Stage presence, unmatched. Songs, ubiquitous. And their fandom is still ride-or-die since their debut. Also read: BTS' Suga hit with TV ban petition over 'dangerous influence' after DUI case BIGBANG's rise peaked from the mid-2000s to the early 2010s. Back then, only those with a real ear for music knew what they were witnessing. Stats don't lie: of the 18 domestic singles they dropped since the Circle Chart was created in 2010, 11 hit at number 1. The rest, no. 2 or no. 3, are usually blocked by their own song already sitting at the top. Before BIGBANG, concertgoers used to show support for their idol groups through colourful balloons. G-Dragon reportedly designed the 'Bang Bong' in 2006 as a unique symbol to spot their fans, called the This invention sparked a new trend of every K-pop group having its own official lightstick. Before BIGBANG, it was also rare, almost impossible, for a group member to pursue a solo career, but they opened the floodgates. Particularly G-Dragon and Taeyang, who launched a highly successful solo venture, with Heartbreaker and Wedding Dress. The group was also the first to hold a large-scale global world tour, BIGBANG's Alive Galaxy Tour in 2012–2013, extending to North and South America. The group debuted in 2006, and after over a decade, when they were finally at the peak of their career, it all started crashing down. Daesung's car accident: In 2011, Daesung was involved in a car accident that reportedly claimed the life of a motorcyclist, who was said to have already been lying on the road before the incident. The court ruled in Daesung's favour, he was acquitted, as it was deemed that the individual had died before the collision. He was only fined for speeding. The singer had to take a hiatus for self-reflection. In 2019, he was struck again when reports surfaced that one of his buildings was dragged into the Burning Sun scandal, over allegations that it housed illegal entertainment businesses, including those suspected of prostitution. T.O.P's drug usage: T.O.P made his successful comeback with Squid Game, but his drug use derailed his career, and he was forced to leave BIGBANG. He was indicted for smoking marijuana with a female trainee. He was found guilty and sentenced to 10 months of suspended prison time. G-Dragon's marijuana use, plagiarism, and special treatment: G-Dragon, as the leader of the group and still one of the most influential K-pop stars with a strong solo career, was hit with charges of marijuana use. He denied the claims, saying he took a drag from someone and didn't know it was marijuana. His solo debut track 'Heartbreaker' also faced plagiarism allegations. During his military service, some even accused him of receiving preferential treatment. G-Dragon was recently investigated again for alleged drug use, but was let go due to insufficient evidence. Seungri (The Burning Sun scandal and the most devastating): This remains the biggest controversy yet. It ended with Seungri's retirement from entertainment and eventual jail time. He officially left BIGBANG in 2019. The allegations centred around the Burning Sun nightclub, where Seungri was a director and part-owner.
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
BTS' Suga hit with TV ban petition over ‘dangerous influence' after DUI case
BTS member Suga, post returning from military service, penned a long note apologising to fans—again—for the disappointment caused by his DUI controversy last year. However, despite this, on June 24, YTN News reported that the rapper was hit with a petition calling for his TV ban, specifically targeting appearances on the KBS network, known for blacklisting celebrities considered a bad influence on youth. This comes just a day after reports of the rapper's massive 5 billion won donation for the development of a special autism centre. Suga was found by police lying next to his electric scooter, with a blood alcohol level reportedly at 0.227%, almost three times South Korea's legal limit of 0.08%. His license could've been revoked, but the court instead ordered him to pay a fine of 15 million KRW (around $11,000). That didn't sit well with a section of the Korean public, who argued he should be held to the same standard as anyone else. Also read: BTS' Suga mobilises global ARMY to raise over 200 million won in 24 hours with one quiet, heartfelt gesture Suga was discharged from military service on June 21, and just a day later, a petition on the KBS Viewers' Petition Board (the official channel where Korean viewers raise complaints or suggestions to the broadcaster) went viral. The complaint was titled 'Request for Appearance Sanctions Regarding SUGA's DUI Fine.' The petitioner argued that drunk driving is a serious crime, and a public figure as big as Suga, with massive youth influence, should be held accountable. The concern is that letting him appear on TV right after his return and comeback talk sends the wrong message. They said it risks making drunk driving seem like an ignorant mistake, which it's not, especially in South Korea. 'Drunk driving is a serious crime that can cause direct harm to others. He is a public figure who has a significant influence on young people, and there is concern that appearing on TV with such influence could lower social awareness of drunk driving crimes,' an excerpt of the complaint reads. Also read: BTS' Suga apologises for 'disappointment' caused over DUI; thousands flock to HYBE HQ to cheer him on. Watch The petition further urged KBS to hold a meeting of its Broadcast Appearance Regulation Review Committee, a formal panel that decides whether a certain celebrity should be allowed on air. KBS has previously suspended or restricted appearances of several artistes and actors involved in similar controversies, including Kwak Do Won, Kim Sae Ron, Kim Ho Joong and others. Most of them were blocked from KBS content, even if they weren't legally jailed, because their crimes caused public backlash. This might be a big deal, and a pretty sensitive one, for BTS right now, as a full-group comeback is on the horizon. BTS appearing on Korean music shows, variety programs, and interviews is almost a given, and since KBS is one of the biggest South Korean networks to host such shows, a few possibilities arise: either BTS promotes as a six-member group, which is very unlikely to happen; or BTS skips KBS shows entirely, which would be bad for the network's TRP; or KBS makes an exception, which could lead to massive backlash and boycott threads targeting the channel. The petitioner claims KBS delayed action earlier because the case outcome wasn't public.
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
BTS' Suga mobilises global ARMY to raise over 200 million won in 24 hours with one quiet, heartfelt gesture
BTS' Suga aka Min Yoongi, had been quietly working on a special project for the last seven months without public knowledge. The K-pop member, who recently completed his public service and is now preparing for a major musical comeback, reportedly donated 5 billion won (around $3.6 million) to Severance Hospital in Seoul. The donation is to build a treatment centre for children with autism. K-pop media outlets reported that the Daechwita crooner didn't just donate the sum, he was also directly involved in the project, having worked with doctors, visited kids, and funded a special music-based therapy program. As soon as the news broke, thousands of fans across the globe flooded the donation centre with generous contributions. Also read: Every BTS member's brand power ranked after military discharge; Jimin, Jungkook lead June K-pop reputation index According to Korea JoongAng Daily, on Tuesday around 9 a.m., public donations for the Autism Centre had crossed 200 million won, approximately $145,000 USD, just hours after Suga's contribution was made public, Severance Hospital said in a statement. (Within just six hours, donations topped 100 million won.) The revelation came during the facility's groundbreaking ceremony, and at the time of writing, donations continue to pour in. The new centre, named the Min Yoongi Treatment Centre and currently under construction, is expected to open in September 2025. It will include dedicated facilities for children's mental health care, offering therapy for language, behaviour, and emotional development. Another wing of the department will focus on combining clinical treatment with academic research. On social media, Korean netizens helped translate the donation instructions into multiple languages and shared them to let people from around the world contribute. In response to the overwhelming support, Yonsei University Health System (which manages the hospital) even added a permanent donation section on their website for the Min Yoongi Centre. Also read: BTS is home: But why ARMY's energy just isn't the same anymore; analysing 5 factors For the project, Suga partnered with Dr. Chun Geun A, a top child psychiatrist at Severance Hospital, and together they came up with the idea of MIND (short for Music, Interaction, Network, Diversity). The initiative will let autistic kids use music as a way to express their emotions and connect better with others. During his military service in the public welfare sector, Suga spent weekends at the hospital. It was reported that the singer often spent a lot of time in the hospital playing guitar for the kids, volunteering, and doctors noticed real improvements in how the kids communicated. Earlier, the rapper had said, 'I realised that music can be a powerful way to express feelings and communicate with the world. It made me happy to be part of the treatment process for children with autism. I'll keep working so more children can live as full members of society.' The centre is now shaping up to become one of South Korea's most progressive facilities for autism therapy.
