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WHIB Member Leejeong Suffers Injury 2 Weeks Before Group’s Debut

WHIB has just hit a major snag right before their debut. The upcoming rookie idol group is already set to debut early next month. However, one of their members will not be able to fully participate in their activities due to an injury.

Leejeong Suffers Injury Ahead of WHIB Debut

On October 26, C-JeS Studio issued an announcement regarding WHIB member Leejeong. They disclosed that Leejeong had sustained an injury during a content shoot.

“Leejeong was immediately taken to the hospital for an examination, and was diagnosed with a fracture of the fibula body and damage to the intrinsic muscles and tendons of the ankle and foot area, and underwent surgery,” the statement read.

Consequently, while Leejeong will be taking part in WHIB’s debut activities and schedules, he will not be able to participate in performances.

“As this accident occurred just before the debut, he had a strong determination to stand on stage with the members, but we judged that sufficient rest and recovery are the top priorities in his current state where moving without crutches is uncomfortable,” the statement continued. “Therefore, Leejeong will participate in WHIB’s ‘Cut-Out activities and schedules but will not be involved in performances.”

C-JeS Studio created anticipation among K-Pop fans with their announcement of the upcoming idol group WHIB earlier this month. The group was slated to make their debut on November 8 with their very first single album titled ‘Cut-Out’.

WHIB consists of eight members: Jayder, Haseung, Jinbeom, UGeon, Jaeha, Inhong, Wonjun, and Leejeong. Their group name, WHIB, is a fusion of the words “white” and “black” and symbolizes their self-assurance in showcasing diverse charms, much like the two contrasting ends of a color spectrum. WHIB is the first idol group created by C-JeS Studio, the agency that formerly housed JYJ and presently manages artists like Gummy, EXID’s Solji, Noel, Hong Dae Kwang, and several others.

WHIB will debut with their first single album ‘Cut-Out’ on November 8, 2023.

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Chanel Addresses G-Dragon’s Drug Use Charges

Chanel has shared its initial stance in response to the drug use charges facing their brand ambassador G-Dragon.

Chanel Issues Statement Regarding G-Dragon’s Drug Use Charges

In a statement provided to the media outlet Ilgan Sports, Chanel issued their preliminary response to the allegations surrounding G-Dragon’s drug use.

“We are aware of the ongoing issue that is G-Dragon’s case,” the statement read. “However, we have no official position to share at this time.”

G-Dragon has been serving as Chanel’s ambassador since 2016. Recently, reports emerged that the police had booked G-Dragon, a member of the popular group BIGBANG, on charges related to drug use.

On October 25, it was reported that G-Dragon had been booked by the Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency under suspicion of violating the Act on the Control of Narcotics, Etc. Importantly, the police clarified that this case is distinct from that of actor Lee Sun Gyun, who is presently under investigation for drug use and recently withdrew from a television drama.

“This is a separate case that has no connection to Lee,” the police said in a statement.

Later that same evening, when approached for comment on the situation, YG Entertainment stated, “[G-Dragon] is currently not affiliated with our agency as an artist, making it challenging for us to issue an official response.”

Notably, YG Entertainment had already disclosed in June that their exclusive contract with G-Dragon had come to an end. This status change was made known prior to the current developments related to the drug-related charges against the artist.

The statement from YG Entertainment is an interesting one considering the agency applied for the renewal of the ‘G-Dragon’ trademark. The iconic stage name was initially trademarked in February 2003 with a 10-year validity. In 2013, the trademark was extended, securing its rights until September 13, 2023. The renewal comes shortly after the BIGBANG member signed what appears to be a distribution deal with another label.

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Former ASTRO Member Rocky Establishes Own Agency, Confirms Solo Debut

Former ASTRO member Rocky has taken a significant step in his career by establishing his own agency and preparing for his solo debut.

Rocky Announces Self-Established Agency and Solo Debut After ASTRO Departure

In a recent press release, Rocky disclosed that his own agency Onefineday Entertainment was officially founded in August. The agency’s name “One fine day” is inspired by the idea of hope and positivity that everyday will be a good one. Along with this announcement, he shared his new profile picture, giving fans a glimpse of the exciting journey ahead.

“Rocky founded Onefineday Entertainment back in August and he will continue his singing activities as both an artist and the company’s CEO,” the statement read.

Rocky’s first solo album is also slated for release at the end of November. With this solo project, he aims to demonstrate his multifaceted talents, particularly his prowess in music production.

Having embarked on his career eight years ago, Rocky is committed to evolving beyond his role as a versatile performer on stage. He’s delving into the creative aspects of music, including writing lyrics, composing, producing, and crafting choreography. This album represents his transition into an all-rounder artist with a strong emphasis on his production skills, as he is directly overseeing the planning and production.

In the past, Rocky has already dabbled in music production, offering self-composed songs such as “When the Cold Wind Blows,” “No, That’s Right,” and “Our Season” during his tenure with ASTRO. Additionally, he ventured into songwriting during his unit activities with Jinjin & Rocky, creating self-composed tracks like “Let’s Take a Breath” and “CPR.” These early endeavors provided a glimpse of his musical sensibilities.

Rocky’s upcoming solo album, expected to drop in November, is generating considerable anticipation. It’s a self-produced album that encapsulates the experience and skills he has honed over the years. This release also marks a significant milestone in the journey of solo artist Park Min-hyuk, who is poised to showcase his artistic growth and creativity.

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SEVENTEEN’s ‘God of Music’ Becomes Latest Banned Song During CSAT Exam Season

SEVENTEEN has another hit in their hands but the success of “God of Music” might be too good for students. The new track has just been deemed “banned” during the CSAT exam season!

In South Korea, there exists an unofficial list of songs that are often referred to as “banned” among students due to their irresistibly catchy and addictive nature. This list typically includes tracks like SF9’s “O Sole Mio,” SHINee’s “Ring Ding Dong,” BTS’s “Go Go,” aespa’s “Next Level,” and many others. Now, it seems there is a new addition to this list, and it hails from the popular group SEVENTEEN.

SEVENTEEN’s Latest Hit ‘Banned’ During CSAT Exam Season

SEVENTEEN has consistently released incredibly catchy songs over the years, and their recent track, “God of Music” from the album ‘SEVENTEENTH HEAVEN’ is no exception. Despite its release during autumn, it has garnered attention for bringing back a summery vibe.

As expected, the song has quickly climbed the music charts, but it has gone even further by making its way into college campuses. In a recent news article, it was revealed that “God of Music” has now been classified as a “banned” song by students.

The term “banned” in this context relates to the College Scholastic Ability Test, known as CSAT or “Suneung” in South Korea. This standardized test, administered by the Korea Institute of Curriculum and Evaluation, plays a crucial role in university admissions in the country. The test is conducted annually on the third Thursday of November, with the upcoming examination scheduled for November 16, 2023.

The decision to label songs as “banned” during this period is often a precaution to ensure that students remain focused on their studies and do not get distracted by catchy tunes in the lead-up to this important examination. As a testament to the power of SEVENTEEN’s music, “God of Music” has joined the ranks of such songs, temporarily considered too irresistible for students preparing for the CSAT.

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SEVENTEEN’s Hoshi Shares Cute Interaction with NewJeans

The famed HYBE building certainly has its perks. SEVENTEEN’s Hoshi recently gave fans an intriguing look behind the scenes at HYBE, including details about the company’s artist-only elevator that led to a cute interaction with a younger group.

Hoshi Reveals How HYBE Building Led to Cute Interaction With NewJeans

In a recent episode of “Salon Drip”, Hoshi began discussing the various perks and features at HYBE, such as the impressive standards for ramen at the company. Host Jang Do Yeon asked about the elevators in their office, specifically mentioning the existence of an artist-exclusive elevator.

Hoshi explained that HYBE has just one elevator designated for artists, even though the company houses numerous renowned stars. This often results in a bit of a wait, given the demand.

The SEVENTEEN member delved further into the layout of the building, sharing that there is a separate floor dedicated to artist parking. When artists reach the elevator, it only stops at certain floors, including the artist lounge and recording areas. Due to the limited options and the sheer number of idols using the elevator, it can sometimes mean a substantial wait to get to the main parking area.

Hoshi humorously recounted an unexpected encounter he had due to these elevator logistics. On one occasion, while waiting for the elevator, the doors opened to reveal the members of NewJeans inside. Despite Hoshi’s confident reputation, he described himself as an “introvert” and admitted to feeling quite shy in this situation. Even when the NewJeans members reassured him that it was alright, he decided to wait rather than joining them in the elevator.

Adding a dash of humor to his story, Hoshi playfully pleaded with HYBE’s founder Bang Si Hyuk for an additional elevator to ease the wait times. This amusing anecdote provides fans with a delightful peek into the everyday experiences of K-Pop idols working under one of the industry’s most prominent entertainment companies, HYBE.

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Suzy Explains Doona’s Hime Hairstyle in Netflix Series

There is little doubt that Lee Doona was truly brought to life in “Doona!” and this was made possible by the talented Bae Suzy. However, there were some details from the webtoon that didn’t appear in the Netflix series. For instance, the live-action Doona sports a pretty hime hairstyle in the show. Interestingly, Suzy revealed the reason why her character looks slightly different from the MIN SONGA manhwa.

Suzy Explains Doona’s Hime Hairstyle

Suzy recently took part in Netflix’s “Lookbook” series where she discussed the different styles she wore as Lee Doona in the show. She confirmed that her character was not simply confined to one definitive look.

“Considering Doona’s situation, changing her style tailored to it is one of the points to watch for,” Suzy said.

She then discussed the hime hairstyle, or princess cut, which is very different from the character’s original look in the webtoon. Interestingly, the “Vagabond” star admitted that it was her idea to change Doona’s hairstyle for the Netflix series.

“In the webtoon, Doona doesn’t have a hime cut, but a full-bang and wavy hair,” Suzy said. “That’s a style I used to do often though, and since Doona is not a person with a general personality, I wanted to try a hair that’s a little unusual.”

“That’s why I challenged myself, and I decided to make the final decision because it fits well with Doona’s image,” she continued.

It’s great to know that Suzy was fully involved in the development of the character and made sure Lee Doona would be unique in her own right. With that in mind, it makes for a better understanding of the character in the series.

“Doona!” is a romantic drama series based on a beloved webtoon with the same title. The story centers around the experiences of Lee Doona, a former idol as she encounters Lee Wonjun, a regular college student, in a shared living arrangement. The series is now streaming on Netflix.

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ATEEZ’s Seonghwa on Temporary Hiatus After Family Tragedy

Seonghwa is going on a much-deserved temporary hiatus. It has been confirmed that the grandmother of the ATEEZ member has passed away. In line with this, Seonghwa’s agency announced that he will be taking a break from activities following the family tragedy.

ATEEZ’s Seonghwa Temporary Hiatus Announced

On October 25, KQ Entertainment shared the somber news of the passing of ATEEZ’s Seonghwa’s beloved grandmother. In light of this unfortunate event, Seonghwa will be taking a temporary hiatus from some of the group’s forthcoming activities in the United States.

“We are conveying the unfortunate news that ATEEZ member Seonghwa’s grandmother passed away on October 23,” the statement read. “We offer our blessings to the departed, and we ask that you send Seonghwa your warm comfort and support.”

“Accordingly, we are informing you that Seonghwa will inevitably be unable to participate in [the group’s] scheduled activities in the United States,” it adds.

Despite the challenging circumstances, Seonghwa has made the admirable decision to fulfill his commitment to the upcoming “Immortal Songs in New York” concert, which is scheduled to take place on October 26. It is a testament to his dedication and professionalism as an artist.

The news of Seonghwa’s temporary absence from ATEEZ’s activities serves as a reminder of the importance of family and the profound impact such personal losses can have. During this difficult time, ATEEZ’s fans, known as ATINY, have shown their support and empathy for Seonghwa.

The members of ATEEZ have consistently demonstrated their bond as both a group and a family, and their thoughts and sympathies are undoubtedly with Seonghwa during this period of mourning.

As Seonghwa takes time to be with his family and honor the memory of his grandmother, fans and the K-Pop community send their heartfelt condolences and support to the ATEEZ member during this emotional and challenging moment.

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JYJ’s Kim Jaejoong Shares Terrifying Sasaeng Stories From TVXQ! Days

Kim Jaejoong is one idol who has experienced the best and the worst in the K-pop industry. After all, the former TVXQ! member has been making music for over 12 years. So it’s no surprise that the JYJ member has some shocking tales to tell. Kim recently shared terrifying sasaeng stories from his time with TVXQ!

Former TVXQ! Member Kim Jaejoong Shares Horrifying Sasaeng Stories

In an episode of his online podcast, Kim Jaejoong shared some chilling experiences with sasaengs, the obsessive and invasive fans known for their extreme behavior in the world of K-Pop. During the broadcast, Kim read an alarming story from a listener who had returned home one day, only to find that their door was unlocked, causing panic. The listener couldn’t recall if they had locked it that morning. Upon hearing this story, the JYJ member instantly connected with the listener’s fear, as he had his own share of disturbing sasaeng stories.

Jaejoong revealed that he had received photo text messages featuring images of his living room, kitchen, and bedroom, with an unsettling detail: he was present in every photo. The sasaengs had somehow entered his home, snapped the pictures, and then left. The mystery of how they obtained his phone number only added to the terror he experienced. Following this incident, Jaejoong changed the locks on his doors to ensure his safety.

Another harrowing incident involved Jaejoong moving into a new apartment. To his shock, sasaeng fans managed to rent or purchase an apartment directly opposite his, even on the same floor. These individuals would watch him closely whenever he appeared on his terrace, invading his privacy and leaving him feeling trapped and vulnerable.

Jaejoong’s sasaeng stories spanned over 12 years before his life gradually returned to a sense of normalcy. While he is no longer tormented by sasaengs today, his ability to endure and overcome such invasive intrusions for more than a decade is a testament to his resilience and strength.

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SEVENTEEN Actually Sent a Disco Ball Mic To Space for ‘God of Music’ MV

SEVENTEEN has officially returned with a vibrant new album and a dynamic title track that comes with a fun music video. However, there’s one moment in the “God of Music” MV that has been confirmed to be truly out of this world! It has just been revealed that the travelling disco ball mic was truly sent into space, teasing the budget spent on the latest music video!

SEVENTEEN Sends Disco Ball Mic into Space for ‘God of Music’ MV

On October 23, SEVENTEEN delighted fans with their latest album ‘SEVENTEENTH HEAVEN’ and the accompanying music video for its title track “God of Music.” While much of the music video was filmed in the picturesque landscapes of Budapest, Hungary, there’s one intriguing scene that stands out.

In a brief segment of the music video, a disco ball mic appears to be floating high in the sky above the ground, transitioning to a scene where it appears to float in outer space. What’s even more fascinating is that this wasn’t created through green screen technology; it’s actual footage captured for the “God of Music” music video!

The unique footage was made possible through a collaboration between PLEDIS Entertainment and a company called Sent Into Space. For their part, Sent Into Space recently shared a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the original footage on their Twitter account.

Not surprisingly, CARATs have been astonished by the fact that SEVENTEEN had the resources for such a seemingly expensive collaboration, especially for a short part of the music video. The collaboration demonstrates the group’s financial capabilities, which have grown significantly thanks to their remarkable album sales numbers. It also highlights their commitment to delivering high-quality music and visuals to their dedicated fan base.

SEVENTEEN released their latest EP ‘SEVENTEENTH HEAVEN’ along with the title track “God of Music” on October 23, 2023.

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GOT7’s Jinyoung Reunites With ‘Yumi’s Cells’ Co-Stars

Jinyoung just gave fans a highly anticipated reunion but not with his fellow members of GOT7. The “Devil Judge” star has just reunited with Kim Go Eun and Ahn Bo Hyun who he previously worked on in “Yumi’s Cells”! 

‘Yumi’s Cells’ Stars Reunite in Delightful New Photo

On October 23, Kim Go Eun delighted fans by sharing a heartwarming photo on her Instagram featuring herself, Ahn Bo Hyun, and Jinyoung. She captioned the post, “It’s been a while—BabYumWoong,” making a playful reference to their beloved characters from the drama “Yumi’s Cells.”

The photo captures the trio—Kim Go Eun, Ahn Bo Hyun, and Jinyoung—standing together with their arms affectionately wrapped around each other’s shoulders, radiating a sense of camaraderie. Fans of the drama were thrilled to witness this surprise reunion.

The drama “Yumi’s Cells” was adapted from the popular webtoon of the same name and offers a unique perspective into the life of an ordinary office worker named Yumi. The story unfolds from the viewpoint of Yumi’s various brain cells, each of which controls her thoughts, emotions, and actions. Kim Go Eun portrays the titular character Yumi, a typical woman struggling to express her feelings, while GOT7’s Jinyoung takes on the role of her charming co-worker Yoo Babi.

In the first season, the story focused on Yumi’s romantic journey with Goo Woong, portrayed by Ahn Bo Hyun, while the second season delves into her relationship with Yoo Babi.

Kim Go Eun is currently busy filming for her upcoming film “Love in the Big City”, which has piqued the interest of fans. Ahn Bo Hyun, on the other hand, has been in discussions for an upcoming historical romance drama written by the same writer who penned “Love in the Moonlight.” Lastly, Jinyoung, who enlisted in the military earlier this year in May, has been dedicating his time to his military service.

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