[Kang Il-hong's Issue Talk] BTS, First K-Pop Group to Achieve Platinum in Italy...South America Tour Concludes

Cha Ye-ryun, reiterates denial of school violence allegations... ultimately resorts to legal actionRESCENE monopolizes TOP5 in personal brand reputation for 'Jilju', 'Melon TOP20''Moomyeongjeonseol', focusing on TOP7 without guests... complete overhaul of costumes and song selection[THE FACT|Reporter Kang Il-hong] After successfully concluding a global concert in a South American country last weekend, BTS, BTS, has written a new chapter in the Italian music market with their 5th full-length album 'Arirang'.Following their achievement as the first K-pop artist to receive platinum certification in Italy, they have once again proven their status as global superstars by consecutively selling out concerts on their world tour spanning North, Central, and South America, and Europe.The Italian Music Industry Association, FIMI, awarded 'Arirang' with platinum certification on the 2nd, local time. Platinum certification is awarded for achieving cumulative sales of 50,000 units, combining physical album sales, digital downloads, and streaming.This record is particularly significant as it is a first for a K-pop artist. BTS had previously received gold certifications for 'Love Yourself: Answer', 'Map of the Soul: Persona', 'Map of the Soul: 7', 'BE', and 'Proof', and now they have made history with the higher tier of platinum.The album's success continued into their world tour. In North America, all 31 performances across 12 cities were sold out, attracting approximately 1.92 million spectators. Their European concerts also achieved a perfect sell-out for all 10 shows.The enthusiasm was even hotter in South America. All 14 performances in five countries, including Colombia, Peru, Chile, Argentina, and Brazil, were sold out, with a total of 853,000 fans joining BTS.BTS will now embark on their Asian tour, starting with Kaohsiung, Taiwan, followed by Bangkok, Thailand, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Singapore, and Jakarta, Indonesia.With BTS setting new K-pop records in Italy through their album and filling stadiums worldwide with their concerts, 'Arirang' is not just a comeback album but is opening up new possibilities for K-pop in the global music market. BTS's global syndrome is still ongoing.Another entertainment issue this week. Actress Cha Ye-ryun has once again strongly denied school violence allegations and has announced legal action against the spread of false information.The agency has taken strong action as past unverified stories have spread beyond simple online accusations. What is the background behind Cha Ye-ryun's side announcing such a strong response?HB Entertainment reaffirmed its existing stance in an official statement on the 4th, stating that the claims regarding Cha Ye-ryun's past school violence, raised online, are groundless. The problem is that anonymous accusations and speculative posts continue to spread even after that.In particular, the controversy has escalated as stories related to past golf caddying have been mentioned online without verification. However, even these additional claims have not been objectively confirmed to date.This is precisely what Cha Ye-ryun's side is concerned about. Unverified stories are solidifying as facts, leading to criticism not only of the individual but also of their family, causing severe damage to their image and reputation.Previously, on the 29th of last month, a post claiming school violence by an actress born in '85 was uploaded to an online community, and Cha Ye-ryun was identified based on her birth year and school.The agency immediately refuted the claims as groundless, and the post was subsequently subject to temporary measures under the Information and Communications Network Act. On the 4th, the agency announced that it would respond responsibly by securing relevant data and conducting legal reviews regarding malicious dissemination of false information and personal attacks.This response goes beyond a simple clarification; it is interpreted as a strong will to prevent the further spread of unverified allegations and to protect the actress's reputation and her family.Of course, school violence allegations are not issues to be taken lightly. However, claims that have not been fact-checked should not be spread indiscriminately either. Ultimately, isn't the core of this controversy about objectively verifying the truth of the accusations and preventing secondary damage caused by false information?The momentum of the rookie girl group RESCENE is truly formidable. In the November rookie idol personal brand reputation rankings, RESCENE members set an astonishing record by sweeping the top 5 spots.With Won-i at 1st place, Jena at 2nd, Minami at 3rd, Lib at 4th, and May at 5th, one group has virtually monopolized the top ranks in the personal brand reputation of rookie idols, encompassing both boy and girl groups.Notably, Won-i's brand reputation index reached 5,383,565, a staggering 74.77% increase from the previous month. Minami also saw a surge of over 221%, demonstrating explosive growth.What's even more surprising is the group's overall competitiveness. RESCENE also ranked first in the rookie group star brand reputation, showcasing their presence both individually and as a team. Furthermore, their musical achievements are also remarkable. It is noteworthy that their 4th mini-album 'PULSE' has 10 songs charting within the Melon TOP20, receiving a heated response.So, what is the secret to RESCENE's popularity? First, each member possesses distinct charms. Won-i's unpretentious appeal and friendly communication, along with the unique personalities of members like Jena and Minami, attract different fan bases.Second, their teamwork allows interest to spread across the entire group, rather than focusing on just one or two members. Third, their content competitiveness effectively translates buzz into actual music consumption.Ultimately, RESCENE is simultaneously showcasing three weapons: individual member buzz, a solid team brand, and music chart performance. RESCENE is creating a new paradigm in the rookie idol market; how far will this hot upward trend continue? RESCENE is now etched as a name K-pop should pay attention to.The national tour concert of 'Moomyeongjeonseol' will officially kick off its second half of the year tour starting with a performance at the EXCO Convention Hall in Daegu on November 21st. This second half of the year tour is particularly special.Having proven their immense popularity by selling out most of their first-half performances, what will be different about Moomyeongjeonseol's upcoming shows? There are three main changes to watch out for.First, a complete overhaul of stage costumes. They will present a completely different style from what was seen in the first half of the tour. The aim is to showcase the new charms and stage presence of the TOP7 members with more sophisticated and stylish outfits.This means not just changing clothes, but presenting a new visual and atmosphere befitting the second half of the tour.Second, a major change in song selection and setlist. Not resting on the laurels of the popular songs from the first half, they are reconfiguring the entire song selection. The strategy is to provide a completely different kind of fun and emotion even for fans who have already attended their concerts.Expectations are high as they are preparing new attractions that will make even those who have already seen the show want to visit again.Third, the stage will be filled solely by the TOP7 members, without any guest performers. Unlike the first half of the tour, this time, the stage will be centered entirely on the TOP7 members, allowing for a greater focus on each member's vocals, individuality, and skills.The TOP7 are reportedly determined to showcase their true charms to the fullest. Baek Eun-young, CEO of concert producer Concert Garden, stated, "We have prepared extensively during the one-month hiatus in October," and added, "We will meet with audiences in nine locations, including encore cities like Seoul, Busan, and Daegu, until February of next year."Starting with Daegu, the national tour will continue through Gangneung, Incheon, Suwon, Busan, Gwangju, Cheonan, and Andong, before concluding in Seoul. With new costumes, different songs, and a more solid stage centered on the TOP7, Moomyeongjeonseol is returning with a distinctly different appearance from the first half. What new stages and emotions will the TOP7 deliver in the second half of the tour? Fans' expectations and interest are growing hotter.eel@tf.co.kr