Category Entertainment News

Two members of K-pop supergroup BTS were released from South Korea’s mandatory military service on Tuesday and announced they wanted to start performing again “as soon as possible”, prompting a fan frenzy.

BTS, South Korea’s most lucrative musical act, has been on a hiatus since 2022 while its seven members complete their military service.

Hundreds of fans gathered at a site near the two army bases where band leader RM — recently named “Favorite K-pop Artist” at the American Music Awards — and singer V were separately discharged.

Cheers broke out as they stepped out of different vehicles and hugged, with RM playing a quick song on the saxophone as V stood next to him smiling, holding bunches of flowers.

“What we want most right now is to perform again,” RM, still wearing his army uniform, told reporters and fans after his discharge.

“We’re working hard on the new album so we can return to the stage as soon as possible.”

RM said there had been “many difficult and painful moments” during his 18 months of military service.

“Since returning, I’ve grown closer with my father and old friends — many of whom had already completed their military service,” he added.

V said military service was “a time for me to reset and rebuild both my body and mind”.

“Now that I’ve done that, I truly want to run straight to ARMY as soon as possible,” he said, referring to the band’s official fandom name.

This week, four BTS members will complete their service. Two were discharged last year, and the final member, SUGA — who has been working as a social service agent for alternative non-active duty service — will be released later this month.

HYBE, the band’s agency, had urged fans not to go to the discharge location, citing safety concerns. Flouting the warning, dozens gathered outside V’s military base, eagerly awaiting the return of their star.

“Honestly, I came here with such high expectations,” Yang Ho-hee, 28, told AFP outside the base.

Reunion tour?

On a football field where the newly released BTS members spoke, hundreds of fans from around the world gathered, hoping to catch a glimpse of their idols.

“Actually, it’s mixed emotions. I feel like I’m crying already,” said Arlene Mendoza, a fan from the Philippines.

“I’ve been travelling to Korea so many times, but this is actually the first time I’ll see V.”

RM and V later held a live chat on their superfan platform, Weverse, where fellow member Jin joined.

“We have plans. Please wait just a little longer,” said RM.

“I’ve had time to recharge, so I’ll make something good and show it to you. We’ll make sure everyone knows that we’re back.”

In addition to the army releases, Friday is so-called FESTA — a celebration that marks the anniversary of the group’s debut and typically draws thousands of global fans to Seoul.

All the band members signed new contracts with their agency HYBE in 2023, and once SUGA is released on June 21, analysts expect profit-driving reunion activities.

“In the case of HYBE share prices, the current market consensus is seen as not fully reflecting BTS’s impact,” Lim Soo-jin, an analyst at Daishin Securities, told AFP.

Despite an ongoing police investigation into the company chairman for suspected insider trading and a recent raid by authorities, analysts say HYBE’s shares are up, rising by 10 percent over the past week through June 9.

GDP impact

Prior to their mandatory military service, the boy band generated more than 5.5 trillion won ($4 billion) in yearly economic impact, according to the Korea Culture and Tourism Institute.

That accounts for roughly 0.2 percent of South Korea’s total GDP, according to official data.

HYBE has hinted at a BTS comeback this year, but has also said the members “need time for reflection and preparation”.

“Normally, the process goes from song production to album release, then a tour,” Lee Jae-sang, CEO of HYBE, told a shareholder meeting in March.

“But since BTS have already become global top-tier artists, we are continuing discussions about their vision and what’s next,” Lee added.

Outside HYBE headquarters in Seoul, banners from fans read: “Thank you for making even the waiting feel joyful.”

The building was wrapped with the slogan “WE ARE BACK”, the official logo for the upcoming BTS FESTA.

Anais Gallagher made sure all eyes were on her holidaying in France with her boyfriend after it was reported she had been instrumental in Oasis’ reunion

Noel Gallagher’s daughter, Anais Gallagher, showed off her toned figure in a yellow bikini while she was on holiday with her boyfriend in France. The famous musician’s daughter gave fans a sneak peek into her holiday with a sizzling snap, following reports that she encouraged her dad’s band Oasis to get back together.

Anais looked loved up with her boyfriend Callum Scott Howells, who is rarely seen online, as they enjoyed their romantic holiday. Anais opted for a tiny patterned yellow bikini for the sunny day and styled her hair in blonde beachy waves. The model later shared another snap where she changed into a summery pink linen dress and cooked a pasta and salad dish as she cosied up to her boyfriend. Callum is known for his roles in It’s A Sin, The Way and The Beautiful Game.

READ MORE: Liam Gallagher breaks silence on Oasis rehearsals as he sweetly gushes over Noel

The couple has reportedly been dating since 2023, after they started spending more time together when Anais allegedly split from her long-term boyfriend, Julius Roberts.

The exes were dating for three years, but a source told Daily Mail that they ended their relationship in 2022 after Anais moved back to London after spending time on Julius’ family farm in Dorset.

Not only is Anais a fashionable influencer in her own right, but she has been labelled as the reason her dad, Noel Gallagher, and uncle, Liam Gallagher, have reunited for their new tour.

A source reported that after Noel’s split from Sara MacDonald, Anais was a huge source of comfort for him and pushed him to reconcile with his brother.

A source told The Sun: “Anais was one of the biggest sources of comfort and support for Noel following his divorce. She was the one who was helping him get back on his feet and return to doing things he loved that had fallen by the wayside.”

They continued: “Over the years, Noel had offered an olive branch to Liam, but he’d never taken it up. Anais could tell her dad really wanted both his brothers, Liam and Paul, by his side after the split, so was determined to get them back in touch.”

After the famous fallout between the brothers, Anais reportedly maintained a close relationship with Liam and his sons, Gene and Lennon.

The photographer, who is said to have played a part in picking the tour’s set list, recently spoke out in defence of younger Oasis fans, who were accused of not being able to appreciate the Britpop sensation’s music because they were not of the same generation.

Insisting her dad’s catalogue of hits was ‘timeless’, the photographer told Hello! magazine: ”I see this all the time actually – where someone will post a funny video or a cover song and people would say ‘[Oasis] would hate this’. No, no, you hate this.

”Sometimes people put this hyper-aggressive masculine ideology into what they think that my dad and my uncle are going to be like. They’re actually a lot more accepting than the fans are.”

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READ MORE: ‘I’m a fashion writer and found an unlikely retailer selling glitzy festival-ready outfits’

A resurfaced video shows the moment Diddy invited The Ring actress Daveigh Chase to a party for an MTV event back in 2003, with the rapper giving a chilling laugh as Chase agreed to come

A chilling video clip shows the moment a laughing Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs invites a 13 year old actress to an afterparty he’s throwing in 2003. The footage captures Combs extending an invitation to Daveigh Chase, star of The Ring, to join him at an MTV event party, following her award presentation on stage.

Combs, who has been held in jail since his high-profile arrest in September 2024, is currently on trial in New York. The music mogul has pleaded not guilty to charges of racketeering, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution.

In the resurfaced clip, Combs asks Daveigh Chase: “Are you coming to the after party tonight?” Combs was at the VMAs alongside Ashton Kutcher to present the ‘Best Villain’ award, which Chase won.

This old clip has re-emerged amidst separate and shocking allegations from an individual claiming she was raped by Combs and another unnamed celebrity at a VMA afterparty three years earlier, when she was just 13.

Chase has not made any comment regarding the resurfaced video and there’s no evidence suggesting anything inappropriate occurred at the 2003 afterparty.

Combs was seen encouraging Chase on stage as she delivered her acceptance speech for her win in the ‘Best Villain’ category. She bagged the award for her performance in The Ring. She was later snapped alongside Combs and Kutcher at the VH1 Big In ’03 event.

Over the weekend Combs’ legal team called for a mistrial after the third week of his trial concluded. His lawyers make a fresh bid to halt the trial, citing “prosecutorial misconduct”.

In a letter addressed to Judge Arun Subramanian on Saturday, June 7, the defence claims “the government has presented testimony that it knew or should have known was materially false related to its allegation that Mr. Combs dangled Bryana Bongolan from the balcony of Cassie Ventura’s apartment in September 2016.”

According to PEOPLE, who obtained sight of the correspondence, it stated: “Accordingly, to avoid an unfair conviction in this case the Court should grant a mistrial.”

The defence team for the Bad Boy Records founder also challenged the credibility of testimony from his former partner Cassie, who alleged she saw Combs dangle Bryana from a balcony. They argue her account is “demonstrably false”, pointing to text messages that suggest she only heard about the incident later.

The letter further contends: “The incident, as alleged, is disturbing and powerful evidence, and the government has used it to depict Mr. Combs in an extremely negative light, as an angry and dangerous man who terrified Ms. Ventura and her friends.”

The defence team argued that the prosecution presented photos of Bryana’s alleged injuries from the incident, which were claimed to have been taken on 26 September 2016 in Los Angeles, despite “the government has long known” Combs was in New York City between 24-29 September that year.

They also accused the prosecution of “repeatedly attempting to disrupt” their line of questioning when they tried to “expose the perjury upon cross-examination.

“All of this was highly improper and exacerbated the harm caused by […] the perjured testimony,” the letter continued. “The balcony incident is just one example of prosecutorial misconduct during this trial.”

The retailer has impressed customers with its colourful selection of beaded summer accessories

Primark shoppers have fallen in love with two £6 items they think would make the perfect summer bags. The beaded styles are ideal for fruit lovers looking for playful accessories for their warm weather wardrobe, as fans love the “cutest” designs.

The summer-ready styles went viral on social media when shoppers showcased the watermelon and lemon bags on TikTok. Both bags resemble fruit slices, with a slim silhouette and zip-close fastening, and they’re adorned with colourful beads. Shoppers say they “need” both bags.

In one video shared by @hope.dgh, a blogger wrote: “How cute are these lemon and watermelon slice beaded bags from Primark? It’s giving summmerrr.” In another post, @ alexox994 said: “I found the cutest beaded bags in Primark & they were only £6!!”

Viewers loved the fruit-themed designs. Replying to the clips, one commenter praised: “Love these!!” Another fan said: “They are killing us with all the cute beaded stuff!!!!! My wallet is hurting.”

Someone replied: “For real.” Another excited comment read: “NEED!!!!” A similar comment said: “Need both now.” Someone replied: “Sooo freaking cute.”

A different response said: “Oh my god.” A viewer tagged a friend, writing: “I fear you need them.” Someone else told a fellow social media user: “Omg the lemon one I think I need.”

However, others debated whether the beaded styles could be classed as bags. For instance, a commenter asked: “Are these small bags or purses?” Someone thought: “They are purses, literally fit in the palm of your hand.” While it doesn’t look like either style could fit a phone, they could be used to hold items like keys, money, and lip balm.

Shoppers looking for larger accessories might like Primark’s £16 Beaded Shoulder Bag. Described as a “beaded shoulder bag with summer inspired motifs and colourful accents,” there are two colours available.

One is a blue and white bag with lemon detailing, while the other also has a blue and white theme but it is adorned with orange and white starfish. Both bags are available to click and collect on Primark’s website.

The product description for the starfish bag says: “This playful shoulder bag is here to brighten your day. With a bold blue and white background and a cheerful starfish design, it’s made to stand out. The structured silhouette and flap closure keep your essentials secure, while the beaded strap adds a little extra texture.

“Perfect for slinging over your shoulder on sunny days or adding a splash of fun to your look all year round. It’s lined inside to keep your bits and bobs safe, with just enough room for your phone, wallet and lip balm.”

The singer says spending time with his family in public is tricky now he is such a huge star

Ed Sheeran says he has had to install 24 hour security at his home because of “weird things which have happened”.

The singer says he tries to keep his life as normal as possible with his family.

But in a new interview with Louis Theroux, he said: “I was having a conversation with my wife about this actually, because I do think that there’s a… there is a different kind of normal that is our business.

“So like, for instance, I have like 24-hour security on my house, I have security with my kids, I have security with me, I have security with my wife, just because there’ve been a couple of like, weird things over the years that have happened”

When Louis sounded shocked, Ed added: “Just, you know, there’s lots of dangerous people out there.

“we’ve had like, you know, break in attempts and shit, just the stuff like…

“I’ve never seen that as normal(having security), but within my industry, that’s completely normal. Like lots of people I know have way more security and stuff like that.

“So I don’t know, that’s kind of like an underlying thing that, you know, no one ever really talks about, but that is kind of a part of the normal of being in the public eye, I guess.”

Ed said fame made it harder to do normal things with his children, and he “mourned” not being able to take his kids on the swings in a public park.

He added: “”I don’t really do it that much. I think like… of all the things that I’ve tried to do normal for my kids, we just do it in a… you know, my friend’s mum was in a pantomime and there was a matinee for it and she shut off the top of the theatre so we could sit there on our own and watch her in the pantomime.

“But stuff like that. So you still do normal things, but in a very like controlled manner. And that’s less for me… like I’m not a like, ‘no one look at me’ kind of person, I’m not that person at all. I love being out and about.

“I’m just like, I’m really, really sensitive to my kids, trying to just protect them as much as possible.”

Sheeran is married to Cherry Seaborn and the couple have two children.

The four-time Grammy-winning singer also revealed that he does not own a private jet and likes to travel via train.

“I like the environment, I like trees. I’d find it hard to justify. No one’s perfect. When we’re doing intense promo trips, there will be the odd time”, he told The Louis Theroux Podcast.

Body language expert Judi James tells the Mirror the truth behind Blake Lively’s triumphant return to the red carpet just hours after scoring a huge victory against Justin Baldoni in court

Blake Lively made a triumphant return to the spotlight last night just hours after scoring a huge victory against Justin Baldoni in court.

The 37-year-old actress beamed as she graced the Chanel Tribeca Festival Artists Dinner red carpet wearing a cream crocheted Chanel dress. Earlier that day, Baldoni’s huge $400million countersuit against Lively had been dismissed by a judge.

Baldoni had launched the countersuit after she claimed that he had engaged in a smear campaign against her after filming wrapped and that he had harrassed her on set. He went on to sue Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds and her publicist Leslie Sloane for defamation.

However, Judge Lewis J Liman dismissed the lawsuit due to Lively’s allegations being made within privileged court papers, so were subsequently not defamatory.

Yet while Lively’s poses on the red carpet hint at her “smug victory”, she also lets slip her hidden anxiety, body language expert Judi James tells the Mirror.

“Blake’s professional red-carpet smiles have been pretty gale-proof during her ongoing legal battles but with Baldoni’s lawsuit apparently dismissed there’s several new body language features during these new poses that hint at a look of smug victory,” Judi explains..

“In the first pose Blake holds her right hand in the ‘broken wing’ pose with the wrist dropped in what is often a trait loved by celebrities who want to appear special and rather precious. Her left hand is raised in a wave but it is held low, with the fingers splayed, to suggest a ‘hail’ to her fans in an ‘I’m ok’ message.

“Her head is tilted in a gesture that signals a desire to be liked and her usual Duchenne smile shows a suggestion of pleasure and even smugness with the way the tip of her tongue is placed between her front teeth.

“Her second pose here is more emphatically confident and even victorious looking. Her torso and arm pose is symmetric as she faces the cameras front-on to suggest she’s nothing to hide.

“Her hands are on her hips with the elbows out in a partial pit-bare and splay that suggests feelings of power and strength. There is one small clue that hints of some feelings of inner anxiety or vulnerability though.

“Despite the power-splay her legs are crossed at the ankle which is a gesture that usually means some desire to self-protect or self-diminish. The contrast between the legs and the upper torso suggests contrasting emotions between confidence and vulnerability.”

Following the dismissal of Baldoni’s countersuit on Monday, a spokesperson for Blake told the Daily Mail: “Today’s opinion is a total victory and a complete vindication for Blake Lively, along with those that Justin Baldoni and the Wayfarer Parties dragged into their retaliatory lawsuit, including Ryan Reynolds, Leslie Sloane and The New York Times.

“As we have said from day one, this ‘$400 million’ lawsuit was a sham, and the Court saw right through it. We look forward to the next round, which is seeking attorneys’ fees, treble damages and punitive damages against Baldoni, Sarowitz, Nathan, and the other Wayfarer Parties who perpetrated this abusive litigation.”