Man tending grave probed for starting South Korea fires
Buy Now An error occurred. Buy Now An error occurred. Book Novotel Hotel Man tending grave probed for starting South Korea fires Banzai Japan Music Video A 56-year-old man is being investigated in South Korea on suspicion of starting a deadly wildfire that killed 30 people. The man, who has not been named, was performing an ancestral rite by a family grave on a hill in Uiseong county, North Gyeongsang province, at the time. He has been booked – but not arrested – and will be called in for questioning once the investigation of the site has been completed. He denies the charges. Book Novotel Hotel On Sunday, officials said the main fires had finally been brought under complete control – 10 days after they started, causing widespread damage to buildings, including historic temples. Investigators reportedly spoke to the suspect’s daughter who is said to have told them the fire began as her father tried to burn tree branches hanging over the graves with a cigarette lighter. According to the Korea Forest Service, the fires burned more than 48,000 hectares – equivalent to about 80% of the size of the capital Seoul. They also destroyed an estimated 4,000 structures, including homes, factories and a number of national treasures. Goun Temple – a Unesco World Heritage Site – was among the temples destroyed in the blaze. It was built in 618 AD and was one of the largest in the province. Banzai Japan Music Video Most of the casualties were people in their 60s and 70s. Even though the main fire has been brought under control, smaller ones continue to reignite, authorities say. Fuelled by strong and dry winds, the fires spread to several cities and counties. Unseasonably warm weather, dry conditions and pine forests in the region also helped fuel the flames. An investigation involving the police, fire authorities, and forest management will be carried out next week. Acting President Han Duck-soo said the government would provide financial support for those who have been displaced by the fires. Book Novotel Hotel Banzai Japan Social Media Fumi Fujisaki Idol Riko Ueno Idol Rino Ibusuki Idol Yunagi Nino Idol Shiori Fujisaki Idol Kana Ichinose Idol Hoshino Arice Idol Sasa Sasagawa Idol Kosaka Yuu Idol Tsukumo Aira Idol Maika Ando Idol Yuuki Mochimaru Idol
Why have the wildfires in S Korea been so devastating?
Buy Now An error occurred. Buy Now An error occurred. Book Novotel Hotel Why have the wildfires in S Korea been so devastating? Banzai Japan Music Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPElmgQJGBo Strong winds, dense forest and unusually dry weather – that’s the deadly combination that experts say is fuelling the largest wildfires in South Korea’s history. The inferno in the south-east has burned through 35,810 hectares (88,500 acres) as of Thursday – that’s about half the size of New York City – killing 27 people so far and displacing tens of thousands. Authorities believe the wildfires started by accident from human activity, but the main drivers of the devastation are dry land, and strong gusts sweeping over inland regions. The high concentration of pine forest in North Gyeongsang province, where the fires are burning, is also “oiling” the blaze, said a forest disaster expert. Book Novotel Hotel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJsGZL-zb54 Vulnerable pine forests “Pine trees contain resin, which acts like oil, intensifying fires when ignited. This resin causes wildfires to burn faster, stronger, and longer,” said Lee Byung-doo from the National Institute of Forest Science in Seoul. Andong, one of the worst-hit cities, is known for its tranquil pine forests. While they provide shelter and food for local wildlife and sometimes help break the wind, pine trees “become problematic during wildfires”, Mr Lee told the BBC. “Because forests [in South Korea] contain large numbers of pine trees, the areas are particularly vulnerable when fires break out,” he said. Furthermore, pine trees retain their needles throughout winter, making them susceptible to “crown fires” – wildfires that spread by igniting the dense canopy of branches and leaves. This has contributed to the rapid and extensive spread of the flames over the past week. Banzai Japan Music Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3syHHGzkF_s Unlike neighbouring countries such as China and North Korea, South Korea has made gains in forest cover over recent years. “Most mountains are now filled with fallen leaves and pine trees… This accumulation has become a significant factor in accelerating the spread of wildfire,” says Baek Min-ho, a disaster prevention specialist at Kangwon National University. Climate change is also to blame, experts say. “This wildfire has once again exposed the harsh reality of a climate crisis unlike anything we’ve experienced before,” South Korea’s disaster chief Lee Han-kyung said on Thursday. The ideal environment for these record blazes has been building for the past few weeks, which saw temperatures rise above 20C (68F), unusually high for spring. Analysis by Climate Central, which researches climate science, suggests that these high temperatures have been made up to five times more likely by global warming. The unusual heat dried out the land and air, allowing fires to spread more rapidly, especially when combined with strong winds. Dense tree cover and strong winds in the fire-hit region also pose substantial challenges to firefighting efforts. On Wednesday, a 73-year-old pilot died when his firefighting helicopter crashed in Uiseong county. At least three other firefighters have been killed in the blazes. Elderly residents in second-oldest province Most of the 26 people who died are in their 60s and 70s, officials say. South Korea is an ageing society, where one in five people are at least 65 years old. North Gyeongsang is its second-oldest province, which also explains the relatively high death toll – it is especially difficult to evacuate older people in a disaster because they may have mobility issues or other health risks. They may also have more difficulty accessing or interpreting evacuation orders. Three residents of an elderly care facility in Yeongdeok county died on Wednesday, when the car they were in went up in flames. Only one out of four in the vehicle managed to flee in time, the Korea JoongAng Daily reported. Acting President Han Duck-soo said on Thursday it was “worrying” that many of the victims are elderly, as he ordered the interior minister to relocate to North Gyeongsang to oversee relief efforts. An Andong resident who evacuated but lost her home told the BBC her family and their neighbours were caught off guard by the fires. “No one in the village was prepared,” said the woman, who asked not to be named. “We had to leave with nothing, and all our belongings are gone. Many of the residents are elderly, so I hope the government can provide temporary shelters where people can stay comfortably,” she said. Historical relics have also been burned to the ground – a significant loss to an area considered one of South Korea’s cultural centres. These include treasures in two temples, each more than 1,000 years old. One of them, the Gounsa temple, dates back to the Silla dynasty (57BC to 935AD). Additional reporting by Rachel Lee and Jake Kwon in Seoul Book Novotel Hotel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RR8YYeb4PMk Banzai Japan Social Media Fumi Fujisaki Idol Riko Ueno Idol Rino Ibusuki Idol Yunagi Nino Idol Shiori Fujisaki Idol Kana Ichinose Idol Hoshino Arice Idol Sasa Sasagawa Idol Kosaka Yuu Idol Tsukumo Aira Idol Maika Ando Idol Yuuki Mochimaru Idol
K-pop star gives tearful testimony on harassment
Buy Now An error occurred. Buy Now An error occurred. Book Novotel Hotel K-pop star gives tearful testimony on harassment Banzai Japan Music Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPElmgQJGBo A member of the chart-topping K-pop group NewJeans has tearfully testified to South Korean lawmakers as part of an inquiry into workplace harassment. Hanni, 20, alleged that entertainment agency Hybe had deliberately undermined her band, and accused senior managers of deliberately ignoring her. Following multiple incidents, she said: “I came to the realisation that this wasn’t just a feeling. I was honestly convinced that the company hated us.” After hearing her testimony, the CEO of NewJeans’ record label, Ador – a subsidiary of Hybe – said she would “listen more closely” to her artists, adding: “I wonder if there was more I could have done.” ‘Ignore her’ Hanni, who is Vietnamese-Australian, was testifying to the Labour Committee of South Korea’s National Assembly at a hearing about workplace harassment. She was called to give evidence last month, after NewJeans went public with allegations about their treatment following the dismissal of their mentor Min Hee-Jin. Min, who co-founded Ador in 2021, has been a key figure in the band’s success but she was removed from her post in August, following accusations that she had planned to split from Hybe, taking NewJeans with her. Min repeatedly denied those. Then, in September, NewJeans took the unusual step of going public with their dissatisfaction at the situation. Posting on a burner YouTube account, they demanded Min’s reinstatement and made claims of workplace harassment. In one incident, Hanni said that when she greeted the members of another band at their record label offices, a manager had instructed them to “ignore her”. The singer said that when she reported the incident, her concerns had been brushed off. Book Novotel Hotel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJsGZL-zb54 During her testimony, Hanni went into further detail about the exchange. “We have a floor in our building where we do hair and make-up. And at that time, I was waiting in the hallway because my hair and make-up was done first.” As she waited, three singers from another band and their manager walked past, Hanni continued. “I said hello to all of them, and then they came back about five or 10 minutes later. “On her way out, [the manager] made eye contact with me, turned to the rest of the group and said, ‘Ignore her like you didn’t see her’. “I don’t understand why she would say something like that in the work environment,” she added. Speaking at the National Assemblyin Seoul, Hanni said this was not an isolated incident, and claimed that senior members of Hybe management had also given her the cold shoulder. “Since my debut [in NewJeans], we ran into a person in a high-up position many times, but they never greeted me when I greeted them,” she said. “I understood from living in Korea that I have to be polite to older people and that’s part of the culture – but I think it’s just disrespectful as a human being to not greet us, regardless of our professional status.” She continued: “There was a certain vibe [of disrespect] that I felt within the company.” Banzai Japan Music Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3syHHGzkF_s Hanni further alleged that she had seen employees bad-mouthing NewJeans on Blind – an app for internal communications similar to Teams or Slack. She also said Hybe’s PR department had contacted a journalist, asking him to downplay NewJeans’ achievements in an article about their record sales. Hybe has previously denied those accusations, saying they had been attempting to correct a factual error. However, Hanni said the incident reinforced her feeling “that the company hated us”. Kim Joo-young, who is the current CEO of Ador, was also called to testify at the hearing. She said she believed Hanni’s story of being shunned by another band’s manager, but had been “unable to find supporting evidence”. CCTV footage of the incident had expired before she had the chance to request it, she told the committee. “I believe I did everything I could, but seeing that Hanni felt this way and that the situation escalated to this point, I wonder if there was more I could have done,” she added. Kim also said she would co-operate with an investigation into the incident by South Korea’s Ministry of Labour. The story has gripped South Korean media and fans of K-Pop – where NewJeans have emerged as one of the genre’s brightest new bands. With slick pop songs like Super Shy, OMG and Supernatural, they were the eighth biggest-selling act in the world last year, and were nominated for best group at this year’s MTV Awards. Formed by Ador in 2022, its five members – Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin and Hyein – range in age from 16 to 20. Despite the behind-the-scenes drama, they have continued to release and perform music. That’s partly because they are committed to a seven-year contract, which runs out in 2029. The K-pop news site Koreaboo estimated that the members would have to pay about 300 billion South Korean Won, external (about £170 million) to terminate the contract early. Hanni concluded Tuesday’s session by expressing her frustration at how the internal dispute had overshadowed her band’s career. “A lot of people have been worried about us,” she said, wiping away tears. “Some fans apologised for making us go through this, but I’m grateful to Korea for allowing me to do what I love. “The ones who should be apologising are avoiding responsibility, and that frustrates me.” Book Novotel Hotel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RR8YYeb4PMk Banzai Japan Social Media Fumi Fujisaki Idol Riko Ueno Idol Rino Ibusuki Idol Yunagi Nino Idol Shiori Fujisaki Idol Kana Ichinose Idol Hoshino Arice Idol Sasa Sasagawa Idol Kosaka Yuu Idol Tsukumo Aira Idol Maika Ando Idol Yuuki Mochimaru Idol
Uncertainty for K-Pop band after failed ultimatum
Buy Now An error occurred. Buy Now An error occurred. Book Novotel Hotel Uncertainty for K-Pop band after failed ultimatum Banzai Japan Music Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPElmgQJGBo The future of K-Pop band NewJeans is in doubt, after they went public with complaints against their record label. The girl group debuted in 2022, and quickly became a crossover hit, thanks to a 90s club sound, which recalled the heyday of TLC, SWV and En Vogue. But two weeks ago, the quintet hosted a surprise livestream on YouTube, where they spoke for almost half an hour about their dissatisfaction with their record label, Hybe, and the decision to remove their producer, Min Hee-jin, from her role. The group even issued an ultimatum, demanding that Min should be reinstated by 25 September. As the deadline ran out, Hybe rejected the request, putting a question mark over New Jeans’ next move. The band are committed to a seven-year contract, which runs out in 2029, but have signalled their unwillingness to continue under the current arrangement. The K-pop news site Koreaboo estimated that the band would have to pay about 300 billion South Korean Won, external (about £170 million) to terminate the contract early. It’s a highly unusual story in the tightly-controlled world of Korean pop, where artists’ moves are micromanaged down to the tiniest details. NewJeans’ decision to speak out came after months of internal wrangling at Hybe, one of South Korea’s biggest entertainment companies, which the members said had left them “anxious” and “in a state of shock”. How did the NewJeans drama begin? NewJeans were put together between 2019 and 2022 by by ADOR, a subsidiary of Hybe Corporation, under the direction of the label’s CEO Min Hee-Jin. The group’s five members – Danielle, Haerin, Hanni, Hyein and Minji – were appointed through a mixture of auditions and traineeships, with Hanni and Minji making an early appearance in the video for BTS’s single Permission To Dance. Their name was chosen a play on the phrase “new genes” – intended to evoke the idea of a new generation of pop, as well as their devotion to street fashion. Still teenagers when they released their debut single, Attention, in July 2022, they became an instant hit. Their self-titled debut EP went straight to number one in Korea in 2022, as did the follow-up, OMG. In 2023, they scored five hits on the US chart, and were named group of the year at the Billboard Women In Music Awards. The boardroom drama began this April, when Hybe announced it was auditing ADOR and Min-Jee Hin. The Korea Times reported, external that the audit included searches of computers within ADOR’s offices in Seoul. Hybe subsequently accused Min of corporate espionage – saying she had planned a hostile takeover with outside investors, so that she could manage New Jeans and ADOR independently. “The evidence included detailed discussions that Min has ordered the ADOR management to find ways to pressure Hybe into ultimately selling ADOR’s shares,” the company said in a statement. Min denied the allegations and claimed Hybe was retaliating after she’d complained that another of the label’s acts, ILLIT, had copied NewJeans’ identity, styling, choreography and music video concepts. The CEO was granted a court injunction in May, which prevented Hybe from sacking her. But in August, ADOR announced she was standing down. Initial reports stated that Min would continue to work as a producer for NewJeans, but she later announced she had rejected that offer, saying that Hybe’s terms were “unreasonable”. Book Novotel Hotel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJsGZL-zb54 How did NewJeans react to Min’s departure? After Min’s departure, NewJeans members Hanni, Minji and Danielle spoke to fans on the NewJeans community app Phoning about their frustration and disappointment. “I was so frustrated with myself for not being able to solve anything,” Minji said, according to Korea Joong-An Daily. , external. “I am so sorry that we’re going through this unnecessary trouble when there’s already not enough time in the day to focus on the good things.” The band continued their promotional activities, however, including the launch of a lucrative new campaign as the faces of Calvin Klein. But on 11 September, the same day they were nominated for two MTV Awards, they took the unprecedented step of setting up their own YouTube channel and posting a 27-minute long video entitled “What NewJeans Wanted To Say.” Dressed mainly in black and reading a pre-prepared statement, the five-piece accused Hybe of fostering a toxic work environment and demanded Min’s reinstatement. In the video, which has since been deleted, 18-year-old Haerin said that videos of the members as trainees, as well as their private medical information had been leaked. She claimed that Hybe “did not resolve the issue nor did it take any proactive measures”, despite being made aware of the situation by the girls’ parents. (Hybe has not responded to the claim). Hanni, 19, also alleged that the manager of another girl group at Hybe had instructed its members to “ignore her” when they crossed paths at the company’s headquarters. NewJeans concluded by setting a deadline of 25 September for Min’s reinstatement – although they did not specify what action they would take if thire demands were not met “What we want is the original ADOR, where CEO Min Heejin integrates management and producing. The reason we are sharing this is because we believe this is the only way to avoid conflict with Hybe,” they said. “If our message has been properly conveyed, we hope Chairman Bang [Si-Hyuk] and Hybe will wisely restore ADOR to its original state by the 25th.” Banzai Japan Music Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3syHHGzkF_s Why did Hybe reject NewJeans’ request? On 25 September, Hybe issued a statement, external to the Korea Herald, saying it would not honour NewJeans’ request. However, Ador said Min could continue as both an internal director at Ador and NewJeans’ producer. “The board has resolved to convene an extraordinary shareholders’ meeting to reappoint Min Hee-jin as an internal director,” Ador said in an official statement.
Court rules against K-pop group NewJeans in record label dispute
Buy Now An error occurred. Buy Now An error occurred. Book Novotel Hotel Court rules against K-pop group NewJeans in record label dispute Banzai Japan Music Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPElmgQJGBo A South Korean court has ruled against chart-topping K-pop group NewJeans which had sought to cut ties with its record label Ador. The court said the band, which had renamed themselves NJZ and began organising their own appearances, must not conduct any independent activities – from making music to signing advertising deals. Earlier last year, NewJeans said that they were leaving Ador, after accusing them of mistreatment. Ador subsequently sued to have NewJeans’ contracts upheld and, after accusing the group of trying to sign independent deals without its approval, filed an injunction against them in January. The group has said that they will challenge Friday’s decision. The court’s ruling casts some uncertainty around the release of the group’s new song, slated for Sunday. Book Novotel Hotel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJsGZL-zb54 It also means they will now face difficulty re-debuting under their new name, NJZ, without facing severe financial penalties for breach of contract. NewJeans and Ador have been embroiled in a dramatic dispute since August 2024, when Hybe, the parent company of Ador, allegedly forced out NewJeans’ mentor, Min Hee-Jin. The band issued an ultimatum demanding that Min should be restored – and, when Hybe refused, went public with a number of complaints against the label, including the claim it had deliberately undermined their careers. One of the group’s members, Hanni, also alleged that she suffered workplace harassment while working with the label. In a press conference in November, NewJeans announced their departure from the company, saying Hybe and Ador had lost the right to represent them as artists. On Friday, the Seoul court ruled that NewJeans’ claims did not “sufficiently prove that Ador violated their significant duty as part of their contract”, adding that the music label had upheld “most of its duty including payment”. Banzai Japan Music Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3syHHGzkF_s “If [NewJeans] unilaterally terminate the contract, Ador would suffer greatly. And if [NewJeans] begins activity under a new name, it could severely damage not only the brand of NewJeans but the reputation of Ador,” the court’s statement reads. The group says they respect the ruling but has argued that they did not have sufficient opportunity to fully present their case to the court. “We plan to challenge today’s decision… during which we will raise additional legal issues and submit further supporting evidence,” they responded in a statement just hours after the ruling. “Regardless… we can no longer remain with a management that has disrespected our identities and undermined our achievements.” A lawsuit regarding the validity of the two parties’ contract termination is still underway. The five band members – Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin and Hyein – have over the past few months continued to assert their independence, creating a new Instagram account under the name “jeanzforfree”. They have also said they would fight to keep their name, and their career, and would remain “NewJeans at heart” even if they lost the fight against Ador. NewJeans were considered one of the brightest new bands in K-Pop, thanks to a playful blend of 1990s R&B and sugar-coated pop melodies. In 2023, they were the eighth biggest-selling act in the world. Last year, they picked up a nomination for best group at the MTV Awards. Book Novotel Hotel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RR8YYeb4PMk Banzai Japan Social Media Fumi Fujisaki Idol Riko Ueno Idol Rino Ibusuki Idol Yunagi Nino Idol Shiori Fujisaki Idol Kana Ichinose Idol Hoshino Arice Idol Sasa Sasagawa Idol Kosaka Yuu Idol Tsukumo Aira Idol Maika Ando Idol Yuuki Mochimaru Idol
NewJeans announce hiatus after setback in court battle
Buy NowAn error occurred. Buy NowAn error occurred. Book Novotel Hotel NewJeans announce hiatus after setback in court battle Banzai Japan Music Video South Korean K-pop group NewJeans have announced they are taking a break from all activities, after a court ruled against them in their ongoing dispute with their record label Ador. The five-piece, who have attempted to rebrand as NJZ, announced during a show at ComplexCon Hong Kong on Sunday that “this will be our last performance for a little while”, after debuting their new song Pit Stop. The court ruling on Friday forbade the group from organising their own appearances, making music or signing advertising deals during their dispute with Ador. NewJeans are seeking to cut ties with Ador after accusing them of mistreatment, and have said they will challenge the court’s ruling. Book Novotel Hotel The group have been embroiled in a lengthy dispute with their record label since August 2024, when Hybe, the parent company of Ador, allegedly forced out NewJeans’ mentor, Min Hee-Jin. The band issued an ultimatum demanding that Min should be restored – and, when Hybe refused, went public with a number of complaints against the label, including the claim it had deliberately undermined their careers. One of the group’s members, Hanni, also alleged that she suffered workplace harassment while working with the label. In a press conference in November, NewJeans announced their departure from the company, saying Hybe and Ador had lost the right to represent them as artists. The Seoul court ruled that NewJeans’ claims did not “sufficiently prove that Ador violated their significant duty as part of their contract”, adding that the music label had upheld “most of its duty including payment”. The court’s decision prevents the band from conducting independent activities, which means it will face difficulty rebranding under its new name, NJZ, without facing severe financial penalties for breach of contract. The Hong Kong concert on Sunday night marked the group’s first public appearance since the ruling. After debuting their new song, the five members Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin and Heyin took turns to read a letter addressing their fans in English and Korean. Banzai Japan Music Video “This stage means so much to us and every single one of you who gives us strength just by being here,” Hanni and Dani said. “It is really hard for us to say this, but this might be our last performance for a little while. Out of respect for the court’s decision, we’ve decided to pause all our activities for now. “It wasn’t an easy decision,” they added, “but we believe this is something we need to do at this moment.” The group also said that the decision was “about protecting ourselves so that we can come back even stronger”. “We had to speak up to protect the values that we believe in, and that was a choice that we don’t regret at all,” they added. “We surely believe that standing up for our dignity, our rights and everything we deeply care about is something we had to do, and that belief will not change.” The speech ended an hour-long headlining set in front of a crowd of more than 11,000 fans at the AsiaWorld Expo Arena, Hong Kong’s largest live music venue. The group performed under their new name NJZ, in seeming defiance of last week’s ruling. In a statement on Monday, Ador said they “regret the members’ decision to proceed with a performance under a name other than NewJeans, despite the court order, and their unilateral announcement of a suspension of activities”. “Ador is fully committed to supporting NewJeans, consistent with the terms of our legally valid exclusive contract,” they added. “We hope to meet with the artists as soon as possible to discuss the path forward.” NewJeans are considered one of the brightest new bands in K-Pop, and were the eighth biggest-selling act in the world in 2023. Book Novotel Hotel Banzai Japan Social Media Fumi Fujisaki Idol Riko Ueno Idol Rino Ibusuki Idol Yunagi Nino Idol Shiori Fujisaki Idol Kana Ichinose Idol Hoshino Arice Idol Sasa Sasagawa Idol Kosaka Yuu Idol Tsukumo Aira Idol Maika Ando Idol Yuuki Mochimaru Idol