1. Blackpink released the first trailer for their upcoming movie!
View this video on YouTube
The one-minute trailer depicts a highlight reel of the group's five-year career together, including tour performances and behind-the-scenes footage. The members' voices can each be heard throughout the trailer as they comment on Blackpink's chemistry, touring experiences, and more.
"I think we shine the most when the four of us get together and challenge ourselves with new things," said Jisoo. A smiling, yet teary-eyed Lisa added: "I want to say thank you for always supporting me."
The film is part of the group's "4+1 Project," which celebrates Blackpink's career and their relationship with their fans. In addition to Blackpink the Movie, the group has also unveiled a limited edition photobook and will join the fan community platform Weverse in August as part of the project.
Blackpink the Movie hits theaters on Aug. 4. You can find out more information about the movie, including how to purchase tickets and find your local theater, here.
2. BTS answered some ~surprising rumors~ about the group and performed their single "Permission to Dance" for the first time on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
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In between stellar performances of their hit "Butter" and the television debut of their single "Permission to Dance," BTS rose to the challenge of addressing a few of the internet's biggest "burning rumors" about the group on The Tonight Show this week.
In the first question, the group was asked about whether or not their fandom, ARMY, was almost called Bell instead. RM confirmed that the rumor was true. "When you say 'BTS,' it stands for 'bangtan' in Korean, not 'Beyond the Scene,' for your information," he revealed. "When you say 'bell' in Korean, it sounds like ‘bang-wool.' It starts with the same word 'bang.'" Despite the similarity in sound, RM shared his relief that they didn't end up going with Bell and chose ARMY instead. "Thank god. ARMY’s so much better, actually," he said.
Each of the group's members took turns answering questions about themselves, including Jin offering to make kimchi fried rice for Fallon and Suga confirming that the first album he ever purchased was an Eminem CD. And Jimin admitted that he nearly debuted under the name 'Baby J' instead of his own. “I had both Baby J and Baby G as an option," he said. "But when I thought about saying, ‘Hi, I’m Baby J,’ that sounded really weird, so I just decided to go on with my real name.”
In addition to answering questions about the group, BTS also chatted with Fallon about touring and working with Ed Sheeran on their new single "Permission to Dance," so be sure to check those out too!
3. Monsta X's Shownu announced that he will make his military enlistment this month.
4. BTS revealed that they will perform at Global Citizen Live in September.
Honestly we can’t believe we’re saying this either but… @BTS_twt is joining us for #GlobalCitizenLive!! The 6-continent, 24-hour broadcast and livestream event will be unlike anything you’ve ever seen! Learn more: https://t.co/JEtQ4yGPOH
The 24-hour livestream event will take place on Sept. 25 and feature incredible performances by some of the biggest artists — including BTS — to rally the world together for a great cause.
The event is part of Global Citizen’s Recovery Plan for the World, which aims to "help end COVID-19 by calling on governments, philanthropists, and the private sector for financial commitments to kickstart a global recovery," according to a press release.
The event's star-studded lineup features performances from artists in six different continents, including BTS, Lizzo, Billie Eilish, Doja Cat, Green Day, Shawn Mendes, Usher, and more. Each of the artists will perform from multiple historic locations around the globe, including London, Rio de Janeiro, New York City, Lagos, Seoul, and Sydney, so it's bound to be a truly unforgettable experience.
Global Citizen Live will air on Sept. 25 on ABC, ABC News Live, BBC, FX, iHeartRadio, Hulu, YouTube, and Twitter, so make sure to tune in!
5. Blackpink's Rosé received a special gift from John Mayer!
John Mayer sent Rosé an electric guitar with the note "I should be thanking you". I'm so happy for her 🥺💖 @blackpink
On June 29, Blackpink's Rosé wowed the world with her breathtaking performance of John Mayer's single "Slow Dancing in a Burning Room" on the South Korean show Sea of Hopes. Among those impressed was Mayer himself, who complimented her cover and called it "gorgeous."
Now, it seems like Mayer wanted to repay Rosé's gift to the world of music with a little gift of his own. On July 15, Rosé shared two images on her Instagram story of a brand-new, baby-pink electric guitar that Mayer had sent her.
Inside the guitar case was a note from Mayer, which read: "Rosé, I should be thanking you! (So thank you.)" In response, Rosé thanked Mayer for the instrument and shared her own excitement about receiving such a thoughtful gift from the singer. ".....!!!!!" she wrote. "Life is complete."
6. And Astro, Blackpink's Lisa, Sunmi, and more announce that new music is on the way!
That's it for this week! Have a lovely weekend, and be sure to catch up on last week's news if you missed it! ✨
