• BTS' Jimin Once Again Hits 100,000 Units in US Sales for 'FACE' Album

    BTS's Jimin continues to prove his global appeal with another impressive achievement in the United States.

    The opening track 'Interlude: Dive' from Jimin's debut solo album 'FACE' has recently crossed the 100,000 units mark in US sales, making every song on the album surpass this milestone.

    Known as 'Jimmerica' (Jimin + America), Jimin has become a major figure in K-pop in the US. Last June, his 'FACE' album achieved gold certification by selling 500,000 units, making history as the first Korean solo and Asian non-English EP to do so, recognized by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

    The title track 'Like Crazy' from 'FACE' also earned platinum certification as a single in August 2023, officially certified in December due to a delayed process by the agency. Solo tracks like 'Filter' (700,000 units), 'Serendipity Full Length' (800,000 units), and 'Lie' (820,000 units) from BTS albums received gold certifications from the RIAA.

    Additionally, 'Set Me Free Part 2' and OST 'Angel Part 1' from 'Fast & Furious 10' are close to hitting 500,000 unit sales. Tracks such as 'Vibe' (275,000 units), 'Promise' and 'With You' (100,000 units each), and 'Closer than This' (125,000 units) demonstrate Jimin's strong musical influence, with a total of 13 tracks exceeding 100,000 unit sales in the US.

    Looking ahead, after the success of 'FACE' with 'Like Crazy' topping the Billboard Hot 100, Jimin is preparing to release his second solo album 'Muse' after about a year and four months. The pre-released track 'Smerraldo Garden Matching Band' entered the Hot 100 chart at 88th place without any promotions, marking his fifth entry and setting the stage for his upcoming album.

    Source (1)

  • NewJeans Minji writes touching letter on her birthday during activity halt: “We didn’t stop and we won’t stop”

    NewJeans' Minji touched fans' hearts with a handwritten letter on her birthday — even while the group is currently unable to promote due to legal issues.

    On May 7, Minji celebrated her birthday by sharing a heartfelt message on the group’s personal SNS account, which the members opened themselves to stay connected with fans.

    Minji began her letter with honesty, writing, “I think I’m living a busier life than I expected. When I finally looked up, it was already May, and it was my birthday.”

    She admitted that she had a lot she wanted to say, but her thoughts felt “messy.” Still, her message to fans was clear, “I just hope that I, our members, and Bunnies can all be happy. Happiness is the biggest goal in my life.”

    Minji then opened up about her personal journey and struggles, saying, “I sometimes think that running toward my happiness by doing what I love might look foolish to others. But isn’t giving up your happiness now for the sake of a future that might not even come… too harsh on yourself?”

    Despite everything, she ended on a hopeful note, “I really miss the times when we shared our feelings through the good music we made together. But I always look forward to what’s ahead."

    She added, "We didn’t stop here, and we’re not going to stop! It might look like we’re standing still, but I believe we’re growing deeper.”

    Her message comes during a difficult time for NewJeans. The group announced last year that they were cutting ties with ADOR, their original agency, after trust was broken. They later began working independently under the new name ‘NJZ’.

    However, ADOR responded with legal action — claiming the exclusive contract with NewJeans was still valid and asking the court to stop the group from promoting or signing deals.

    The court sided with ADOR and granted an injunction, forcing NewJeans to pause their activities. Their appeal was rejected, and they’ve now filed a second appeal.

    Through it all, Minji’s message proves one thing — even when forced to stop, NewJeans' hearts are still moving forward.

    Source: [1]