Dating rumors surrounding BIGBANG’s T.O.P and Kim Ga Bin have surfaced online, and YG Entertainment has responded.

On May 20, Chinese media outlet Sina reported that T.O.P was in a relationship with Kim Ga Bin, who appeared on Mnet’s romance reality show “Love Catcher 2” last year. Sina’s report shows a photo of T.O.P smiling with his arms around Kim Ga Bin’s shoulders. The photo had been uploaded onto Kim Ga Bin’s Instagram account and deleted.

The report also includes photos of Kim Ga Bin taken in a room with an ocean view that she uploaded on her Instagram account, alongside photos of a similar ocean view that T.O.P had uploaded to his own account. It was also pointed out that the two appear to own pajamas of the same design.

Following the report, a source from T.O.P’s agency YG Entertainment stated to Newsen, “We cannot confirm the details of our artist’s personal life. We ask for your understanding.”

Meanwhile, Kim Ga Bin signed with SM C&C and announced plans to promote as an actress in February.

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Top Left Photo Credit: Xportsnews

May 18, the first episode of Taeyang’s documentary “White Night” was unveiled through BIGBANG’s and Taeyang’s official YouTube channels.

The episode features footage of Taeyang from before the release of his third studio album “WHITE NIGHT” in 2017.

Fellow BIGBANG members and staff members talked about Taeyang, saying, “He is very clear on his own opinions and views, but he’s also very considerate of others,” “He always has an optimistic point of view,” and “He’s so human.”

On what values he’s pursuing as a person and artist, Taeyang said, “I have to always progress. I need to people to see me as my real self. That’s ultimately the reason why I make music, and why I make art.”

People close to Taeyang further commented on the singer. His old friend and colleague said, “He’s an open person, and he always works hard. It’s great seeing how he never changes.” One bodyguard said, “[Taeyang] is a model person. He’s up early in the morning and is out and about at the same time.” Taeyang’s tour manager added, “I could clearly see how he takes care of the production staff, dancers, and the band [on tour], and it made feel just how good of person he is.”

On the day of his album release, Taeyang said, “I’ve decided to leave everything to the heavens.” He shyly added, “This is the first time I’ve been this nervous.”

When asked if he has a prediction for chart performance, he said he doesn’t know and commented, “I just hope that the results are as great as the process. More than anything, I hope the people that I worked with are happy.”

People around Taeyang gave further testimony on his work ethic, saying, “When he starts on a project, he’s focused 24 hours a day,” and “When people see how hard he works, they push themselves to do better.”

Taeyang said, “Whenever I release an album, I treat it like it’s my last. I’m a realistic person. I always think it could be my last.”

Watch the first episode of the documentary here:

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The Korean Business Research Institute has revealed this month’s brand reputation rankings for individual boy group members!

The rankings were determined through an analysis of the consumer participation, media coverage, communication, and community awareness indexes of 630 boy group members, using big data collected from April 14 to May 15.

BTS’s Jimin topped the list for the 17th consecutive month with a brand reputation index of 7,496,181. High-ranking phrases in his keyword analysis included “Lie,” “Filter,” and “ARMY,” while his highest-ranking related terms included “perfect,” “join,” and “reveal.” Jimin’s positivity-negativity analysis also revealed a score of 80.83 percent positive reactions.

EXO’s Baekhyun rose to second place in the rankings this month, scoring a total brand reputation index of 5,608,321 for May.

Finally, ASTRO’s Cha Eun Woo took third place with a brand reputation index of 5,406,125, marking an impressive 78.15 percent increase in his score since April.

Check out the top 30 for this month below!

1. BTS’s Jimin
2. EXO’s Baekhyun
3. ASTRO’s Cha Eun Woo
4. BTS’s Jungkook
5. BTS’ Suga
6. BTS’s V
7. Super Junior’s Kim Heechul
8. BTS’s RM
9. BIGBANG’s G-Dragon
10. BTS’s Jin
11. BTS’s J-Hope
12. EXO’s Suho
13. NU’EST’s Minhyun
14. CNBLUE’s Jung Yong Hwa
15. NU’EST’s JR
16. NU’EST’s Ren
17. NU’EST’s Baekho
18. EXO’s Chanyeol
19. SHINee’s Taemin
20. TVXQ’s Changmin
21. BTOB’s Yook Sungjae
22. TVXQ’s Yunho
23. HOTSHOT’s Ha Sung Woon
24. GOT7’s Jinyoung
25. ASTRO’s Moonbin
26. NCT’s Jaehyun
27. BTOB’s Eunkwang
28. EXO’s Chen
29. SF9’s Rowoon
30. NCT’s Haechan

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K-pop is a music genre that welcomes and encapsulates all other genres within. Aside from Korean rock bands like Nell and Hyukoh, K-pop/rock groups such as DAY6 and CNBLUE, and idol groups known to have mastered the rock genre like DreamCatcher (to name a few), some other idols — soloists and groups — have experimented with rock.

To look more in-depth into their versatility, here is a list of K-pop artists who gave rock a try (and rocked it!).

1. Kim Heechul (ft. TRAX’s Jung Mo Kim) – “Close Ur Mouth”

Kim Heechul paired up with TRAX’s Kim Jung Mo to form “M&D,” which stands for “Midnight and Dawn.” The duo picked rock as their signature style and released a fair share of songs where they showed off their talent. To take you back to where it all started, check out their first-ever single “Close Ur Mouth,” composed and played by Jung Mo and written and performed by Heechul.

2. Younha – “Dark Cloud”

Younha is no stranger to rock. Her music is heavily influenced by the genre that her signature sound is a mix of piano rock and modern ballads that she has carried with her since debut. This following sweet tune would appeal to ballad and rock lovers alike.

3. EXO’s Suho – “Let’s Love”

Another idol to bring back laid-back rock music to the table is Suho in his debut release as a solo artist. In his title track “Let’s Love,” he sends us on an emotional journey through warm lyrics that perfectly match the slow-tempo instrumental.

4. BIGBANG’s G-Dragon – “Crooked”

G-Dragon has explored many concepts throughout the years, and rock is no exception. In fact, “Crooked” from his album “Coup D’Etat” happens to be one of his most memorable releases. The single embodies a pop-ish punk rock sound that is vividly represented through the lyrics, the instrumentals, and the visual performance.

5. INFINITE’s Sunggyu – “60 Sec”

Sunggyu’s story with rock started way before he became an idol. When he was in high school, he was part of a rock band called Coma Beat. Later, he auditioned in the hopes of becoming a rock singer but he ended up being signed as an idol. Nonetheless, Sunggyu’s passion lived as he finally got to make his dream come true via his solo debut “60 sec,” where he got to become one with his favorite genre.

6. BTOB’s Hyunsik – “Swimming”

Hyunsik is yet another group member who chose to venture into rock music as a solo artist. Infused with an indie vibe, this is the perfect combination for fans who appreciate both genres. The sentimental track sends listeners on an emotional rollercoaster while being serenaded by the mellow beat.

7. BTS – “Boy In Luv”

Throwback to BTS’s early years during the “Skool” trilogy era, where they made quite an explosive comeback with their promising hit “Boy In Luv.” The septet stays true to their musical identity, as they usually fuse genres just like they did with hip hop and rock in this track. Combine these two with a powerful performance and a rebellious attitude, and you get yourself quite the rock show!

8. JJ Project – “Tomorrow, Today”

If you ever want to host a rock-themed concert during a long drive, you definitely want “Tomorrow, Today” on your playlist. The drum intro alone beautifully encapsulates the genre, followed by the inspiring lyrics co-written by Jinyoung and JB. Adding their smooth vocals to the mix makes this duet a soft rock song that is simply perfect for field trip days.

9. WINNER’s Kang Seung Yoon – “Wild and Young”

Before WINNER came to be and Kang Seung Yoon became their leader, he briefly debuted as a soloist in 2013. He integrated rock in his early releases, namely “Wild and Young,” which literally screams rock n’ roll. This genre fits perfectly with Seung Yoon’s strong vocals and matches his wild and young aura. Enjoy the nostalgia!

10. B.A.P – “Bang X2”

B.A.P has always been known for their energetic and fiery style, and they have delivered again. Co-written by Bang Yong Guk, this song adopts a typical rock concept and invites the audience to party hard rock star-style and to keep their worries behind.

11. PENTAGON – “Spring Snow”

Pentagon has given us a taste of many genres throughout their music releases, and incorporating rock was only a matter of time. Behind the cheerful spring vibe lies a fun, alternative rock melody that was composed by Kino. It goes without saying that this song is set to get you on your feet and jam to it carefree!

What other K-pop idols have pulled off the rock genre? Let us know in the comments below!

Esmee L. is a Moroccan lively dreamer, writer, and Hallyu enthusiast.

K-pop is a music genre that welcomes and encapsulates all other genres within. Aside from Korean rock bands like Nell and Hyukoh as well as K-pop/rock groups such as DAY6 and CNBLUE to name a few, some other idols — soloists and groups — have experimented with rock.

To look more in-depth into their versatility, here is a list of K-pop artists who gave rock a try (and rocked it!).

1. Kim Heechul (ft. TRAX’s Jung Mo Kim) – “Close Ur Mouth”

Kim Heechul paired up with TRAX’s Kim Jung Mo to form “M&D,” which stands for “Midnight and Dawn.” The duo picked rock as their signature style and released a fair share of songs where they showed off their talent. To take you back to where it all started, check out their first-ever single “Close Ur Mouth,” composed and played by Jung Mo and written and performed by Heechul.

2. Younha – “Dark Cloud”

Younha is no stranger to rock. Her music is heavily influenced by the genre that her signature sound is a mix of piano rock and modern ballads that she has carried with her since debut. This following sweet tune would appeal to ballad and rock lovers alike.

3. EXO’s Suho – “Let’s Love”

Another idol to bring back laid-back rock music to the table is Suho in his debut release as a solo artist. In his title track “Let’s Love,” he sends us on an emotional journey through warm lyrics that perfectly match the slow-tempo instrumental.

4. BIGBANG’s G-Dragon – “Crooked”

G-Dragon has explored many concepts throughout the years, and rock is no exception. In fact, “Crooked” from his album “Coup D’Etat” happens to be one of his most memorable releases. The single embodies a pop-ish punk rock sound that is vividly represented through the lyrics, the instrumentals, and the visual performance.

5. INFINITE’s Sunggyu – “60 Sec”

Sunggyu’s story with rock started way before he became an idol. When he was in high school, he was part of a rock band called Coma Beat. Later, he auditioned in the hopes of becoming a rock singer but he ended up being signed as an idol. Nonetheless, Sunggyu’s passion lived as he finally got to make his dream come true via his solo debut “60 sec,” where he got to become one with his favorite genre.

6. BTOB’s Hyunsik – “Swimming”

Hyunsik is yet another group member who chose to venture into rock music as a solo artist. Infused with an indie vibe, this is the perfect combination for fans who appreciate both genres. The sentimental track sends listeners on an emotional rollercoaster while being serenaded by the mellow beat.

7. BTS – “Boy In Luv”

Throwback to BTS’s early years during the “Skool” trilogy era, where they made quite an explosive comeback with their promising hit “Boy In Luv.” The septet stays true to their musical identity, as they usually fuse genres just like they did with hip hop and rock in this track. Combine these two with a powerful performance and a rebellious attitude, and you get yourself quite the rock show!

8. JJ Project – “Tomorrow, Today”

If you ever want to host a rock-themed concert during a long drive, you definitely want “Tomorrow, Today” on your playlist. The drum intro alone beautifully encapsulates the genre, followed by the inspiring lyrics co-written by Jinyoung and JB. Adding their smooth vocals to the mix makes this duet a soft rock song that is simply perfect for field trip days.

9. WINNER’s Kang Seung Yoon – “Wild and Young”

Before WINNER came to be and Kang Seung Yoon became their leader, he briefly debuted as a soloist in 2013. He integrated rock in his early releases, namely “Wild and Young,” which literally screams rock n’ roll. This genre fits perfectly with Seung Yoon’s strong vocals and matches his wild and young aura. Enjoy the nostalgia!

10. B.A.P – “Bang X2”

B.A.P has always been known for their energetic and fiery style, and they have delivered again. Co-written by Bang Yong Guk, this song adopts a typical rock concept and invites the audience to party hard rock star-style and to keep their worries behind.

11. PENTAGON – “Spring Snow”

Pentagon has given us a taste of many genres throughout their music releases, and incorporating rock was only a matter of time. Behind the cheerful spring vibe lies a fun, alternative rock melody that was composed by Kino. It goes without saying that this song is set to get you on your feet and jam to it carefree!

What other K-pop idols have pulled off the rock genre? Let us know in the comments below!

Esmee L. is a Moroccan lively dreamer, writer, and Hallyu enthusiast.

BIGBANG’s Taeyang’s has shared an exciting sneak peek of his upcoming documentary series!

On May 14, Taeyang’s first solo documentary “White Night,” which will follow the singer over 215 days in the time leading up to his military enlistment, released a trailer ahead of its premiere. The upcoming documentary will give viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the production and release of Taeyang’s 2017 solo album “White Night,” his ensuing solo world tour, and his marriage to actress Min Hyo Rin.

The newly released trailer begins with Taeyang declaring his desire to keep working and growing as an artist, followed by those around the singer describing his passion for music and impressive work ethic. The clip also gives viewers a glimpse of other sides of the star, like his love of food and his outspoken personality—as well as a frightening incident in which he was injured during his world tour.

Taeyang also talks about why he decided to marry his wife Min Hyo Rin, remarking, “Even now, she’s the only person who continues to change me as a person. And I think those changes always make me into a better, more fully-formed person. So I thought, ‘Ah, I need to spend the rest of my life together with this person.'”

He ends the trailer by remarking, “Rather than saying that I want people to recognize and see my true self, I just think it’d be good to naturally let them see who I am as a person. In a way, that’s a goal I want to achieve.”

“White Night” will premiere on May 18 at 7 p.m. KST. In the meantime, watch the full trailer for the documentary with English subtitles below!