• Instagram’s Update Messes with Idols' Feeds – See the Funny Mistakes on BLACKPINK, aespa’s Profiles

    Several popular K-pop idols have found themselves in a bit of a social media mess due to a recent change on Instagram.

    Instagram rolled out an update that changed the ratio of the feed images displayed on user profiles. Previously, profile pictures appeared in a square 1:1 format, but now they have been shifted to a 4:3 ratio, which is more rectangular.

    While this update hasn’t been applied to all users, many idols and brand accounts have seen unexpected issues.

    The main problem? These accounts often use a mosaic-style layout to create large, eye-catching promotional images that span multiple posts.

    The idea is that when you click on their profile, the images come together to form one big picture. But with this new update, the feed got messed up, leading to awkward and funny results for users.

    Big names like BLACKPINK, aespa, IVE, EXO’s Chanyeol, NCT WISH, (G)I-DLE, VIVIZ, and P1EVE were affected by the update. In some cases, parts of members’ faces or bodies got cut off, leading to hilarious reactions from fans.

    Even Bae Jin Young, a former member of Wanna One, saw his mosaic image ruined, with his arm being chopped off in the new ratio. Fans quickly turned this mishap into a meme, showing sympathy for the social media managers who now have to fix the mess.

    To deal with the situation, many accounts have already updated their feeds or removed old images. But some are still stuck with the broken profiles.

    Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri addressed the issue in a live broadcast, explaining that the update was meant to highlight vertical content, as most posts are now created in that format. He stated, “Since most content is created vertically, square cropping diminishes the content’s appeal”.

    Despite his explanation, users continue to express their frustration, and the debate over this update looks like it will stick around for a while.

    Source: [1]

  • BTS's Jin Breaks Records Again! Laneige Sees Biggest Sales Ever Thanks to His Star Power

    BTS’s Jin, the global ambassador for Laneige, has once again proven his incredible influence by helping the brand achieve its highest-ever sales record.

    Since expanding into the U.S. market in 2018, Amorepacific’s global beauty brand Laneige has experienced massive growth, largely fueled by the rising popularity of K-pop. However, Laneige hit a new milestone during the Black Friday & Cyber Monday (BFCM) event on Amazon U.S., recording an incredible 127% sales increase compared to last year. Many believe this success is due to Laneige’s decision to select Jin as its first-ever male global ambassador.

    Laneige’s rapid expansion has also had a ripple effect on Amorepacific’s overall sales. For the first time, the company’s sales in the Americas have surpassed those in Greater China, highlighting Jin’s massive brand impact.

    Laneige officially introduced Jin as its global ambassador on September 27, 2023, and his involvement led to an instant surge in product demand. His stunning campaign visuals received an overwhelming response, leading to numerous sold-out products and Laneige topping sales charts worldwide.

    According to WWD Japan, Laneige saw an unexpected sales boom thanks to the "Jin effect." The brand manager of Amorepacific Japan’s Laneige division stated, "With BTS’s Jin joining as an ambassador, sales of 'Cream Skin' lotion have significantly increased. Campaign revenue has doubled from our initial expectations, leading to major brand awareness growth."

    Laneige’s Cream Skin, which was heavily featured in Jin’s global campaign, became an absolute bestseller. It secured the No. 1 sales spot on Japan’s Qoo10 marketplace—not just in beauty, but across all product categories! This cemented Jin’s unstoppable global influence.

    In South Korea, Laneige Cream Skin took over Olive Young’s sales rankings across all gender and age groups. It even sold out in offline stores due to overwhelming demand. The product also dominated the sales charts for seven consecutive days on Laneige’s official U.S. website, earning Jin yet another ‘Sold-Out King’ moment.

    Internationally, the campaign’s success led to immediate sellouts in Hong Kong, the Philippines, and Singapore, while in Indonesia, it had to be restocked after being wiped out. A limited-edition mini photobook offered with Jin’s Laneige Cream Skin purchases instantly sold out on China’s top online marketplaces, Taobao and Tmall.

    But Jin’s selling power doesn’t stop at beauty brands! In July 2023, he became the first global ambassador for FRED, a prestigious French high-jewelry house. As expected, luxury pieces, including a $100,000 necklace, sold out immediately after his campaign launched.

    In August 2023, he was introduced as a global ambassador for Gucci, and his endorsement caused rapid sellouts in South Korea, the U.S., and Japan.

    Jin’s ambassadorship for Alo Yoga also made waves, with WWD reporting that his announcement alone generated $3.6 million in media impact value within just 24 hours! His influence also extends into technology and tourism, as he’s partnered with Dolby and served as Seoul’s tourism ambassador.

    His advertising power is undeniable even in the food industry. In 2022, Jin was selected as the model for Ottogi’s Jin Ramen, and the brand quickly saw its highest-ever ramen export sales. The food industry noted that Korea’s ramen exports experienced a huge boost following BTS’s Jin’s campaign, a trend similar to the worldwide ramen boom triggered by Parasite’s Oscar win in 2020.

    From beauty to luxury fashion, tech, and even food, Jin continues to dominate industries worldwide, proving once again why he is a top-tier global superstar.

    Source (1)