1. Elton John sang and danced to BTS's "Permission to Dance" this week!
🎶When the nights get colder, And the rhythms got you falling behind 🎶 @BTS_twt #permissiontodance
On Aug. 6, Elton John took to Twitter to share two short clips of himself singing and dancing along to BTS's latest single, "Permission to Dance."
The Billboard No. 1 single includes a cheeky reference to Elton in its lyrics, with leader RM singing, "When it all seems like it's wrong, just sing along to Elton John." Elton was quick to return the compliment, tweeting BTS shortly after the song's release: "When it all seems like it’s right, I sing along to [BTS]."
In one video, Elton can be seen trying his hand at the song's dance challenge by performing choreography from its chorus. In the second clip, the "Tiny Dancer" singer performs a short rendition of the song before thanking BTS and their fanbase. "Thanks, BTS," Elton said. "Love to the ARMY." Now, if Elton and BTS could perform the track together, then that would be the icing on the cake!
2. ONF's new single "Popping" is the summer anthem you need to hear!
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Hey you, there, hey you, there, please don't sing sad songs — listen to "Popping" instead! Released Aug. 9, the feel-good, tropical track is the lead single from ONF's latest mini album and will give you the energy boost you need to get up and dance.
From its catchy chorus to its mystifying music video, "Popping" is truly the summertime pick-me-up that everyone needs to have on their K-pop playlist. While the track's effervescent lyrics describe the never-ending thrills and limitless joy that only summertime can bring, its music video takes a slightly mysterious turn. What initially begins with the group dancing and playing basketball together quickly dissolves into an interstellar adventure that transports ONF from a hot summer day to the icy arctic tundra.
With callbacks to their past music videos carefully weaved into its storyline, the video's open ending will leave viewers on the edge of their seats as they try to connect the dots together — what happened at the space station? Where did ONF land? What does the huge video camera represent? (Please share your theories in the comments!)
This week also saw the release of Hyo's "Second" (feat. Bibi), the Boyz' "Thrill Ride," Ha Sung Woon's "Strawberry Gum" (feat. Don Mills), Ten's "Paint Me Naked," Park Jihoon's "Gallery," and Omega X's "Omega X," so be sure to give them all a listen!
3. Ryan Reynolds and Stray Kids' Bang Chan discussed Free Guy and Stray Kids' music together!
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Back in May, Bang Chan and Ryan Reynolds struck up an adorable online friendship after Ryan saw Stray Kids' Deadpool-inspired performance on the South Korean television show Kingdom. The actor and the K-pop idol quickly became fast friends and even sent care packages to each other.
The duo finally got to meet this week as part of the press tour for Ryan's upcoming action film Free Guy. After admitting he was "very nervous" to chat with the Deadpool star, Chan asked multiple questions about the film, including Ryan's favorite stunts and the film's overall message.
When the interview was over, however, Ryan got to show his appreciation for the Stray Kids leader. "I love you guys. I'm such a huge fan," he revealed to a bashfully grinning Chan. "Not only do I love what you guys do, but I love how you do it. Because you do it with joy and you do it with authenticity, and you guys do it in inventive ways."
Ryan continued, "You guys really, really nail it, and I'm super proud I get to kind of know you now."
Chan also only had high praise for the actor. "In our perspective, our performance role model is you as well," he replied. "So thank you so much for inspiring us." We stan a supportive and adorable friendship!
4. BTS, Twice, (G)I-dle, Monsta X, Seventeen, and Blackpink were all nominated for MTV Video Music Awards!
Who had the BEST K-Pop Video this year? ✨ @G_I_DLE ✨ @BLACKPINK @selenagomez ✨ @BTS_twt ✨ @OfficialMonstaX ✨ @pledis_17 ✨ @JYPETWICE Vote vote vote at https://t.co/jpKQNi7sQk 🤩 Catch the 2021 #VMAs on September 12 on MTV!
On Aug. 11, (G)I-dle's "DUMDi DUMDi," Blackpink and Selena Gomez's "Ice Cream," BTS's "Butter," Monsta X's "Gambler," Seventeen's "Ready to Love," and Twice's "Alcohol-Free" were all nominated for the Best K-Pop Video category at the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards!
In addition to their nomination for Best K-Pop Video, BTS is also nominated for four more awards: Song of the Year for their single "Dynamite," Best Pop Video for "Butter," Best Choreography for "Butter," and Best Editing for "Butter."
Congratulations to all of the nominees! Be sure to vote for your favorite artists here, and the winners will be revealed when the Video Music Awards are held Sept. 12 at 8 p.m. ET on MTV!
5. KCON announced that the fifth iteration of KCON:TACT will be held in September!
Time for the artists and fans to connect, KCON:TACT HI 5 🖐💗 Are you ready to enjoy the show on KCON:TACT HI 5? Get ready for the upcoming show by watching what we have for KCON-ers! 💌 WHEN : SEP 18(SAT)~26(SUN), 2021 ▶ https://t.co/s9kvVfMOCe #KCON #KCONTACTHI5
KCON:TACT is back! The fifth iteration of the virtual K-pop festival, titled "KCON:TACT HI 5," is coming back in September and will be better than ever. The nine-day event will be held Sept. 18–26, and its introductory video promises exciting new ways to allow artists and fans to connect online via meet and greets, concerts, and more.
In addition to announcing the festival dates, KCON also took to Twitter to ask its audience which solo artists, girl groups, and boy groups they'd like to see perform on the KCON:TACT stage, so be sure to share your favorite artists!
Will you be attending "KCON:TACT HI 5" this year? Let us know in the comments!
6. And BtoB, CL, Ateez, and more announced that new music is on the way!
BTOB SPECIAL ALBUM [4U : OUTSIDE] 2021.08.30 18:00 (KST) Coming Soon #비투비 #BTOB #4UOUTSIDE
* BtoB announced that they will be making a comeback Aug. 30 with a special album titled 4U: Outside!
* Mirae revealed the first concept photos, promotional schedule, album preview, and track list for their second mini album, Splash, which will be released Aug. 25.
* Ateez shared the track list and first set of concept photos for their upcoming collaboration album with Kim Jong Kook of Turbo! Titled Season Songs, the album will be released Aug. 16.
* Pentagon's Wooseok, Yuto, and Kino shared the first concept photos for their digital single Cerberus, which will be released Aug. 18.
* CL shared an iconic 13-second teaser trailer ahead of the release of the first single from her upcoming album, Alpha. According to the promotional schedule shared online, the first single will be released Aug. 24, followed by an additional single in September, then the entire album in October.
That's it for this week! Have a lovely weekend, and be sure to catch up on our previous K-pop news coverage if you missed it! ✨
