Broadcast date: Sept. 15-16
Starring: Stray Kids, Big Hit Entertainment, iKON, Astro

(Naver's V Live)

Felix of Stray Kids livestreamed on his own for the first time on Naver‘s V Live to celebrate his birthday with fans.

“I wanted it to be special ... and wanted to see you of course,” he said trying to keep up with the live comments sent in by fans.

He did not have cake yet and maintained his healthy diet with a panini and beet juice, he said replying to a fan’s question. He did get a lot of presents -- “from you Stay!” -- said the birthday boy with a huge grin.

Felix thanked the official fandom community for pushing the music video of “Back Door,” the main track from the band‘s repackaged album, past the 10 million view milestone.

He was happy that many liked his new mullet hairstyle, gathering the longer back hair into his fist for a second. The idol was satisfied with how the members get to show a range of different styles for “Back Door,” how “fresh and unique” the concept is.

Watch the full clip at https://www.vlive.tv/video/213136.

What you need to know about Big Hit Entertainment's IPO: Kpop Herald

(Big Hit Entertainment)

Kpop Herald reporters Hong Dam-young and Kwon Yae-rim delved into the hype surrounding the upcoming IPO of Big Hit Entertainment, the management company of BTS and Tomorrow X Together.

Entertainment industry in Korea is swelling and excitement has been building up as Bang Sihyuk readies to go public with his multi-million business next month.

The IPO will definitely have a big influence on BTS, to say the least, especially since the founding CEO gave the bandmates major pre-IPO stakes. It is a critical move that binds them even closer than their seven-year contract, noted Kwon. And many analysts are saying that it is a clever move by Bang, added Hong.

Rather than taking away control over BTS, going public will strengthen the partnership between the band and the company. Not only will it be an even more integral part of the company but have a shared interest in terms of business, said the reporters.

Watch the full video at https://www.vlive.tv/video/212908.

iKON celebrates 5th anniversary

(Naver's V Live)

The bandmates of iKON gathered in front of the camera to mark the fifth anniversary of their debut.

“It will not be too much to say that this day starts at 11 p.m.,” said Jinhwan after everyone took turns to say that they did not do much before livestreaming.

They wanted to know what their fans thought of the video they uploaded to mark the occasion. You had me in tears at the first phrase of the song, one said. Confirming that Jinhwan was the one who sang the part, the members teased that Jinhwan made their fans cry and made him sing it -- “Welcome Back” from their debut album -- again for the viewers.

Turning serious toward the end of the broadcast, the six acknowledged that they were disheartened by not being able to meet their fans in person.

“We wouldn’t have been able to make it without you,” said Jinhwan thanking fans and asking them to continue supporting them.

Watch the full clip at https://www.vlive.tv/video/213142.

Astro's Cha Eunwoo says hello during break

(Naver's V Live)

Cha Eunwoo of Astro chatted with fans during a break in shooting.

“How have you been doing? Please leave it in the comments since I’m curious,” he asked viewers. He had not caught a cold, he assured them, but he has been taking vocalization lessons to improve himself.

The idol talked about his bandmates Moonbin and Sanha’s first unit album that just came out.

“I liked ‘Alone,’ maybe because my taste for music is similar to that of Sanha,” he noted. He sang the hook from their title track “Bad Idea,” chuckling and saying that he had a blast watching the music video, especially the scene where the two fight each other.

“Sanha was grabbing Moonbin’s collar while looking intently into the camera. It was cool for sure but as the image of Sanha I know overlapped. It was cute,” he explained.

Watch the full video at https://www.vlive.tv/video/213135.

Naver’s real-time broadcasting app V allows fans to interact with their favorite K-pop stars through live broadcasts. The app is available for Android and iOS. For more information, visit http://www.vlive.tv.

By The Korea Herald (khnews@heraldcorp.com)

Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.naver.vapp
Apple App Store https://itunes.apple.com/app/id1019447011?mt=