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This week in Korean entertainment delivered a whirlwind of emotional reunions, controversy, high-profile announcements, and major franchise updates. The biggest moment came on June 13, when BTS reunited as OT7 during J-Hope’s HOPE ON THE STAGE encore concert. It marked the first time all seven members, including SUGA—currently in military service—were seen together in 18 months. While most members supported J-Hope from the audience, Jungkook shocked fans by appearing on stage. His live performance of “I Wonder” and “Seven,” with J-Hope covering Latto’s rap, sent ARMYs into a frenzy, proving BTS’ bond is as strong as ever.
However, Jungkook’s joyful return was quickly clouded by controversy. During rehearsals, he was seen wearing a cap with the phrase “Make Tokyo Great Again,” sparking backlash due to its politically sensitive implications. Given the historical tensions between Korea and Japan, many fans found the slogan inappropriate. Jungkook addressed the issue on Weverse with a heartfelt apology on June 14, admitting his oversight and promising to be more cautious in the future. He confirmed the cap had been discarded, but the incident temporarily overshadowed his otherwise exciting return to the spotlight.
Meanwhile, actor Kim Soo Hyun found himself in legal trouble as one of his luxury properties in Seoul’s Galleria Forêt was seized. The move follows a lawsuit filed by skincare brand Classys, which claims he failed to deliver on endorsement obligations, seeking damages of around 3 billion KRW (approx. $2.19 million USD). Kim’s legal team denounced the seizure as unjust and linked it to defamation campaigns, including rumors of a relationship with the late Kim Sae Ron—rumors they insist are misleading and malicious.
In lighter news, BLACKPINK’s Rosé surprised fans by confirming her collaboration with singer Alex Warren. After weeks of cryptic social media hints—including Warren wearing a name tag labeled “ROSE” and reposting fan theories—the two dropped a TikTok preview of their new song “On My Mind,” set for release on July 18, 2025. The track is part of Chapter 2 of Warren’s debut album You’ll Be Alright, Kid, and marks Rosé’s first major feature in the post-BLACKPINK era.
Lastly, Squid Game fans received a bittersweet update. At a press event in Seoul, director Hwang Dong Hyeok confirmed that Season 3—premiering June 27, 2025—will be the final chapter of the hit series. While there are no plans for a fourth season, Hwang left the door open for possible spin-offs, expressing interest in exploring side stories. With Lee Jung Jae, Wi Ha Joon, and Lee Byung Hun returning, the final season promises to deliver a gripping and emotional conclusion to one of Netflix’s most iconic franchises.
From unforgettable reunions and music releases to legal battles and the closing of a global phenomenon, this week’s headlines proved just how fast-paced and multifaceted the Korean entertainment world continues to be.