BTS’ Jungkook scores first solo entry on Billboard Hot 100 with ‘Stay Alive’

Starlight by Dave becomes the British rapper’s first Number 1 on the Official Irish Singles Chart.

BTS singer Jungkook has commented on how strange it was performing live in his home country once again yesterday, more than two years on from the group’s last shows there, and while South Korean COVID-19 rules effectively ban audiences from expressing their enjoyment.Different countries have taken different approaches to allowing live music to return after its lengthy pandemic hiatus. In the UK, we have the classic “fuck it, it’ll probably be fine” approach. Swinging very much in the opposite direction, BTS’s record label Big Hit Music recently informed fans heading to shows in Seoul that “cheering loudly, yelling, chanting and standing up” would be banned, in order to adhere to South Korea’s current rules for staging live performances.The group played the first of a three night run at Seoul’s Jamsil Olympic Stadium yesterday with a show called ‘Permission To Dance On Stage’ – the last two words added to the end of the name of their 2021 single seemingly to make it absolutely clear where dancing would be permitted.Afterward, Jungkook posted a video on Instagram, telling fans how it felt to return to live performances in his home country under such strange conditions.“Finally, after two years, although it felt like 23 years, I got to perform in Korea”, he said, according to Koreaboo.

Central Cee storms to Number 1 on the Official Albums Chart this week, fighting off strong competition from Tears For Fears in what proved a thrilling race to the finish. 

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Olivia Rodrigo praised prior female songwriters and music artists for giving her strength while accepting Billboard’s 2022 Woman of the Year award.The former teen actor turned pop star was awarded during the event Wednesday night at the YouTube Theater in Inglewood, California.

Big Bang member T.O.P is reportedly working on his debut solo album.The rapper reportedly spoke to lifestyle-luxury magazine Prestige Hong Kong about his hopes for the future, following his departure from long-time management agency YG Entertainment last month, as well as his plan to release a debut solo album soon.Further details on what his upcoming solo release might entail are expected to be detailed in the rapper’s cover story with the magazine, which is due out on March 7. According to the magazine, T.O.P will also “break his silence” on his disappearance from the public eye and speak about his “love for art and music”.A post shared by Prestige Hong Kong (@prestigehk)Last month, YG Entertainment announced that the rapper decided to part ways with the agency after 16 years.

The Squid Game stars are so stylish! HoYeon Jung, Lee Jung-jae and more cast members of the Netflix show posed side-by-side at the SAG Awards 2022.

The first trailer for “Pachinko” has been released, offering a first look at the upcoming Apple TV+ adaptation of Min Jin Lee’s sprawling multigenerational saga chronicling how one family’s journey from Korea to America over the course of decades, told in three different languages: Korean, Japanese and English.

Ed Sheeran claims the highest new entry on this week’s Official Singles Chart with The Joker and the Queen at Number 2.

Megan Thee Stallion is bringing her music chops to “F*cking Identical Twins”.

Angelique Jackson NBA legend Bill Russell is getting the definitive documentary treatment from Netflix.The Boston Celtics great is the subject of a yet-to-be-titled documentary directed by Oscar nominee Sam Pollard (“MLK/FBI,” “Citizen Ashe”), with a team of producers including Larry Gordon (“Field of Dreams,” “Die Hard”), Ross Greenburg (“Magic & Bird: A Courtship of Rivals,” “Miracle”) and Mike Richardson (“Hellboy,” “The Umbrella Academy”).Produced by High Five Productions, LLC, the film will feature personal interviews with Russell and make use of the sprawling personal archives from the life and career of the five-time NBA MVP, 12-time All-Star and Olympic gold medalist.The official synopsis explains that the documentary serves as the “definitive bio-doc” on “the greatest champion in the history of American sports,” tracing Russell’s history on the court and off, paying special reverence to his work as a Civil Rights pioneer. When President Barack Obama awarded Russell with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011, he described the Hall of Fame player as “someone who stood up for the rights and dignity of all men.” “From the humblest of beginnings, Russell went on to lead each and every one of his basketball teams to championships — two California State High School Championships, two back-to-back NCAA titles, a gold medal at the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games and 11 championship titles in his 13-year career as a Boston Celtic (his last two as the first Black head coach in NBA history, while still playing for the Celtics),” the description reads.

Jordan Moreau Showtime has released the first trailer for the upcoming anthology series, “The First Lady,” which follows presidential couples throughout American history.The former U.S. presidents, first ladies, their families and colleagues will be played by a company of A-list stars. The Obamas, Fords and Roosevelts are among those portrayed on the series.Viola Davis will play Michelle Obama opposite O.T.

B.I is set to be managed by Billie Eilish‘s agent following a new deal with WassermanEarlier today (February 17), the South Korean musican’s label IOK Company announced that B.I has officially signed with United States-based talent management company Wasserman, per Korea JoongAng Daily. Wasserman is home to several noteworthy musicians in the music industry, including Coldplay, Imagine Dragons, Ed Sheeran, Skrillex, Billie Eilish and more. Notably, Eilish’s agent, Tom Windish, will also be managing B.I as part of his promotions in South and North America, as well as Australia.According to B.I’s new profile on the Wasserman website, the K-pop idol is said to be preparing for several new projects for international promotions.

Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift look set to claim this week’s highest new entry at Number 2 with The Joker and the Queen; following Ed’s show-stopping BRIT Awards performance of the track. The single could out-peak the pair’s last collaboration Everything Has Changed, which managed Number 7 in 2012.

Olivia Rodrigo makes it 16 weeks at Number 1 on the Official Irish Albums Chart with SOUR.