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SEVENTEEN’s Dino Shares True Reason For Renewing His Contract

There is little doubt that being the youngest in a group with 13 members is not easy. However, Dino appears to take it all in stride. The SEVENTEEN maknae recently spoke about his loyalty to the idol group and revealed the true reason why he decided to renew his contract with PLEDIS Entertainment.

DINO Opens Up About Renewing Contract With All 13 SEVENTEEN Members

On October 23, a video featuring SEVENTEEN’s Dino and Mingyu was shared on comedian Shin Dong Yup’s YouTube channel. During the interview, Dino expressed his loyalty to SEVENTEEN and discussed the future of the group.

“I think about [the future] a lot these days,” he said. “We are the first singers to renew our contracts as 13 members, and I contemplate about if we will be together in the future or if we will be separate. I also think about what I want to do.”

Shin Dong Yup inquired about the members’ contemplation of the future, particularly given their recent ninth debut anniversary. Dino took the opportunity to convey the true reason behind his decision to renew his contract with SEVENTEEN, and his response was truly heartwarming.

“The reason I renewed my contract with SEVENTEEN is because if I’m not with these members, I don’t think I can enjoy activities as much as I do now. It’s one of the reasons I want to be with SEVENTEEN for a long time. Because of the people, sincerely,” he said.

It truly confirms that Dino is fully committed to the idol group but that doesn’t mean it was an easy decision. In a 2022 interview with Billboard, SEVENTEEN members revealed that the decision to renew their contracts had been a challenging one, causing them significant stress.

Despite the difficulties, all 13 members ultimately chose to renew. It was a decision that brought immense joy to CARATs and guaranteed the group’s bright future. Since then, SEVENTEEN has released several hits including “God of Music”, the title track from their latest album ‘SEVENTEENTH HEAVEN’.

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Sunmi Says ‘Love Dive’ Was Offered To Her Before Being Given to IVE

There is little doubt that “Love Dive” was a huge hit for IVE. The song has won numerous accolades for the girl group and is considered one of their signature songs. However, there was a time when the track was almost performed by a different artist. Sunmi revealed that the single was originally offered to her but the “Gashina” singer decided to turn it down!

“Love Dive” Was Almost a Sunmi Song

During an appearance on KBS Radio’s “Park Myung Soo’s Radio Show,” Sunmi shared some insights about her involvement with the hit song by the group IVE. Amazingly, the soloist disclosed that “Love Dive” was initially proposed to her, suggesting that she was considered for the song’s release. However, the track ultimately found its home with the group IVE and became a massive hit in the K-pop music scene.

“It’s such a great song, and when I first heard it, I thought that if my girl group friends perform it, it would do really well. I felt that it might be too obvious if I did it,” Sunmi said. “However, the IVE members did such an excellent job, and they received a lot of love for it.”

When asked if she was upset that IVE had “stolen” the song from her, Sunmi stated that she was not bothered at all and was happy to know “Love Dive” was a huge hit for the girl group.

“Not at all,” she said. “I’ve been in the industry for 17 years, and I don’t feel bad about others doing well.”

“Love Dive” as One of the Biggest K-Pop Songs in History

“Love Dive” was released as the lead single of IVE’s single album on April 5, 2022. The song belongs to the dark pop and electropop genres and features elements such as percussion sounds, rhythmic bass, synth, and a mix of trap, accompanied by lyrics that reinterpret the concept of Cupid in the modern era, shining on the stage.

The song “Love Dive” gained widespread acclaim, with various publications naming it one of the best K-pop tracks of 2022. Critics praised the song’s overall production quality and the vocal performance of the group IVE. Moreover, commercially, it enjoyed remarkable success in South Korea, securing the top spot on the Gaon Digital Chart for four consecutive weeks and ranking as one of the best-performing singles of the year.

The song received numerous awards and accolades, including the MAMA Award for Song of the Year, the Melon Music Award for Song of the Year, and Song of the Year honors at events like the Asia Artist Awards and the Golden Disc Awards.

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NewJeans Members Choose New Stage Names For Fun

A catchy name is always a good thing in the world of K-pop, and it looks like the idols have their own ideas on what they should be called. NewJeans made this clear when they were given the chance to get new stage names. Interestingly, only one member of the girl group chose to stay with her current name!

NewJeans Gets New Stage Names For A Day

NewJeans recently participated in an engaging interview with iHeartRadio and Most Requested Live’s “Ask Anything Chat”. During the interview, the group answered questions submitted by fans, covering various topics such as their Chuseok celebrations, their music style for new listeners, and their future aspirations.

In response to a fan’s request for a group roll call, the members decided to have a bit of fun by choosing unique new stage names for the day. This playful twist added an element of humor to their introductions.

Hanni, hailing from Melbourne, Australia, introduced herself as “Cherry Pham” for the day, adding a whimsical touch to her persona. Danielle, who has roots in both Australia and Korea, humorously adopted the stage name “Jerry Jamaica” for the occasion.

Minji, representing Korea, decided to stick with her original stage name. Haerin, also from Korea, followed Danielle’s suggestion and embraced the stage name “Vanessa” for the day, which Minji and Hanni playfully justified by remarking that Haerin resembled a Vanessa that particular day. Lastly, the youngest member, Hyein, from Korea, chose the unique stage name “Colin” for the day.

Fans and netizens had a lively response to these new stage names, with many noting Danielle’s humorous approach and Hanni’s affinity for the nickname “Cherry,” which fans had lovingly used before her debut. The playful and light-hearted nature of the exchange made the interview even more enjoyable for the viewers.

In related news, NewJeans recently dropped the new single “Gods”. It would serve as the anthem for the 2023 League of Legends World Championship, set to be held in South Korea from October 10 to November 19, 2023.

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VICTON Member Do Hanse Drops New Solo ‘Gummy Bear’ Teaser

Do Hanse is hyping up his upcoming solo release! The VICTON member just dropped a new teaser for his solo single “Gummy Bear”. This will be Hanse’s first project since leaving IST Entertainment earlier this year.

VICTON Member Do Hanse Hypes Upcoming Solo Release With ‘Gummy Bear’ Teaser

After signing with The Dial Music, VICTON member Do Hanse is gearing up for his first release with the new label. On October 22, Hanse unveiled a music video teaser, featuring vibrant and hipster visuals that complement his upcoming pop-punk track, “Gummy Bear.” This song will feature rapper BIGONE, who is also part of The Dial Music. The full music video and track are set to be released on October 23 at 6 PM KST, so fans are eagerly anticipating the release.

In addition to the MV teaser, Hanse shared a short live performance snippet of “Gummy Bear,” which he performed at ‘RAPBEAT 2023,’ offering fans a taste of the song ahead of its full release.

Do Hanse made his debut as a member of VICTON on November 9, 2016, with the EP “Voice to New World.” Originally a septet, VICTON saw some lineup changes over the years. Heo Chan left the group on October 11, 2022. Subsequently, on April 20, IST Entertainment announced that members Byungchan, Hanse, and Subin chose not to renew their contracts with the agency. Meanwhile, Seungwoo, Seungsik, and Sejun had their exclusive contract periods partially adjusted due to their military service commitments, allowing them to maintain their artist status for the time being. It is still unclear if they will leave the agency once their military service concludes.

Do Hanse has since assured fans that he intends to continue releasing music despite his departure from IST Entertainment. With that in mind, Hanse’s new music venture with The Dial Music marks an exciting new chapter in his career.

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FANTASY BOYS Member Hikaru to Miss Japan Promotional Event Due To Health Issues

Hikaru is taking a break from promotions. The FANTASY BOYS member has been confirmed to go on hiatus due to poor health issues. Unfortunately, this means the group’s Japanese member will also be unable to join the upcoming schedules in Japan.

FANTASY BOYS’ Hikaru Confirmed For Temporary Hiatus

On October 22, FANTASY BOYS’ agency POCKETDOL STUDIOS offered an explanation regarding Hikaru’s recent absence in the Japan promotional event for their debut album ‘NEW TOMORROW’. In their official statement, the company also explained that Hikaru’s absence is a result of his poor health condition. They also emphasized that the main focus will be on prioritizing Hikaru’s well-being and providing him with the necessary time and care for rest and recovery.

“Due to poor condition, Hikaru will not be participating in the FANTASY BOYS’ debut album ‘NEW TOMORROW’ promotion event scheduled today as rest is necessary and Hikaru’s recovery is top priority,” the statement read. “In addition to that, whether Hikaru will be participating in future schedules will be determined based on Hikaru’s recovery.”

“With that, we would like to ask for your understanding that Hikaru’s health is top priority and this decision made. We hope for Hikaru’s speedy recovery and will also do our best,” it continues. “We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused to the fans who are always supporting FANTASY BOYS and will also continue to do our best to take care of the health of FANTASY BOYS members.”

In related news, FANTASY BOYS is also expected to release new music in November. The comeback is also set to happen only two months after the idol group debuted in September.

FANTASY BOYS was formed through the MBC reality competition show “Fantasy Boys”. The group is composed of eleven members namely Kim Gyu-rae, Hong Seong-min, Oh Hyeon-tae, Lee Han-bin, Ling Qi, Kang Min-seo, Hikari, Soul, Kim Woo-seok, Hikaru, and Kaedan.

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EXO’s Chen Sparks Controversy by Playing Fan Songs at Wedding

EXO member Chen finally held a late wedding ceremony after three years of marriage. However, the joyous event was also marred by a bit of controversy. It has been revealed that Chen played EXO fan songs during the wedding ceremony and although this should have been a great celebration, people had strong reactions to the news.

Chen Plays EXO Fan Songs At Late Wedding Ceremony

Korean netizens have been expressing their thoughts and concerns regarding the choice of music at Chen’s wedding ceremony, which involved the use of EXO’s song “Don’t Go” in a live string performance.

Interestingly, the choice was viewed as a controversial one by fans. The song “Don’t Go” has a significant history as it was originally created in 2013 as one of the “fan songs” to symbolize the growing bond between EXO and their devoted fanbase, known as EXO-Ls.

The use of this particular song, which has the Korean title “Butterfly Girl,” has sparked discussions and debates online, making it one of the most trending topics on X (formerly Twitter) in Korea. Fans and netizens have raised questions about the appropriateness of using a song with such a distinct connection to the group’s fan community at a personal event like a wedding.

Additionally, some fans have highlighted Xiumin’s past statements emphasizing the importance of “Don’t Go” in fostering a unique connection between EXO and their fans. This has further fueled the discussion surrounding the fan songs’ use at Chen’s wedding ceremony.

Despite these discussions, it’s worth noting that all members of EXO came together to celebrate Chen’s wedding. They were seen in attendance at the event, even including Kai, who is currently fulfilling his military service in the public service department. The unity among the EXO members during such a significant event reinforces their strong bond and support for one another.

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ATTRAKT Terminates Remaining FIFTY FIFTY Members’ Contracts

ATTRAKT has confirmed the termination of its contract with three of the FIFTY FIFTY members Sio, Saena, and Aran. The decision comes amid a legal dispute regarding the exclusive contracts of these members.

ATTRAKT Confirms Termination of FIFTY FIFTY Members Sio, Saena, and Aran’s Contracts

On October 23, ATTRAKT confirmed the news in a statement.

“We notified the FIFTY FIFTY members Saena, Sio, and Aran that we terminated our contract with them starting on October 19. The three FIFTY FIFTY members have not showed any signs of reflections regarding their serious contract violations and thus, made our decision. We will discuss follow-up measures regarding the members moving forward,” the statement read.

In contrast, FIFTY FIFTY’s Keena has chosen to return to ATTRAKT. She switched her legal representation from Barun to Shinwon and submitted a notice of withdrawal of appeal related to FIFTY FIFTY’s ongoing request to suspend their contracts.

“Keena met with CEO Jeon Hong Joon yesterday,” a source from ATTRAKT said. “Keena will be taking the time to self-reflect for the time being, and then we will gradually talk about our future course of action.”

The development marks a significant change in the group’s composition, as it splits the members between two agencies. Additionally, ATTRAKT has been actively working on forming a new girl group through an audition program that will be broadcast on JTBC. The recent terminations of the FIFTY FIFTY members’ contracts will likely have an impact on the group’s future direction.

The legal matters surrounding these contracts have been a subject of attention and concern, but with Keena’s return to ATTRAKT, the situation appears to be moving towards resolution for the members involved. The K-pop industry is known for its legal complexities surrounding contracts, and these recent changes also highlight the challenges artists and agencies face in navigating such issues.

For now, it is unclear if FIFTY FIFTY will continue promoting in the future. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

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Stray Kids Receives Exclusive Award From Korea’s Prime Minister

STRAY KIDS can now add another remarkable achievement to their already extensive list of accolades. The idol group has just been honored with an exclusive award that only a select few K-Pop groups have received in the history of the industry.

STRAY KIDS Awarded With Prime Minister’s Commendation

STRAY KIDS has been named one of the eight recipients of the prestigious Prime Minister’s Commendation for the 2023 Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards. This distinction is a significant recognition bestowed upon individuals and groups who have made substantial contributions to the promotion and dissemination of Korean culture. The awards program, held annually by the South Korean government, features four potential accolades: Order of Cultural Merit, Presidential Commendation, Prime Minister’s Commendation, and Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Commendation.

This is amazing news considering that there have only been six other K-pop groups in history to receive this award. It was previously given to legendary K-Pop groups such as Girls’ Generation, 2NE1, JYJ, SHINee, EXO, and most recently, SEVENTEEN. STRAY KIDS are also the first fourth-generation idol group to receive the exclusive award. The special club of recipients signifies the remarkable impact STRAY KIDS has had on the global stage and their substantial contribution to Korean culture.

STRAY KIDS’ extraordinary popularity has propelled them to perform at prestigious events like Lollapalooza Paris 2023 and the 2023 VMAs, in addition to several other accolades.

Their most recent album ‘5-STAR’ has solidified their position as one of the industry’s front-runners. The group made history by surpassing five million preorders for the album and achieved over 2.3 million in first-day sales. Only BTS and SEVENTEEN have previously accomplished this feat, underlining STRAY KIDS’ exceptional impact and fan base in the world of K-Pop.

In the meantime, STRAY KIDs is set for a comeback in November. The idol group recently released a cinematic prologue video to announce their comeback with the upcoming mini-album ‘ROCK-STAR’. On October 19, they shared the teaser for the first track “MEGAVERSE”.

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GOT7’s ‘You Are’ Finally Hits 100 Million Views

GOT7 has once again achieved a remarkable milestone in their music career! The music video for the first member-produced title track “You Are” has finally crossed the 100 million views mark on YouTube. “You Are” is now the ninth GOT7 MV to accomplish the feat, and it only took a little over six years to achieve the remarkable goal.

GOT7’s ‘You Are’ Officially Reaches 100 Million Views

On October 20, “You Are” finally became GOT7’s ninth music video to reach 100 million views. The song, which was originally featured in the EP ‘7 For 7’, officially joined an impressive list of the group’s notable MVs to achieve the milestone.

GOT7’s previous music videos that accomplished the feat include “Just Right,” “If You Do,” “Never Ever,” “A,” “Lullaby,” “Hard Carry,” “You Calling My Name,” and “Girls Girls Girls.”

The music video for “You Are” was initially released on October 10, 2017. It took the song approximately six years and 10 days to amass the 100 million views, signifying the enduring popularity of GOT7’s music and the unwavering support from their dedicated fanbase.

AHGASEs clearly believed that “You Are” deserves all the attention. After all, it is the first GOT7 song to be produced by the group’s leader Jay B, who also wrote and composed the track while promoting the subunit JJ Project‘s album ‘Verse 2’ in August 2017.

This achievement not only demonstrates the group’s consistent success but also underscores their enduring presence in the global music scene. GOT7 continues to capture the hearts of fans and maintain their status as one of the most influential K-pop groups, exemplifying their remarkable journey and the impact they’ve had on the industry.

In related news, GOT7 members Mark and Youngjae are currently preparing their new solo projects. Mark will release the digital single “Fallin'” on October 27, 2023. Meanwhile, Youngjae’s first full solo album ‘Do It’ will be dropped on November 6, 2023.

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‘Doona!’ Unveils DREAM SWEET Full MV Starring Suzy

Get ready to meet DREAM SWEET! The fictional girl group that was featured in Netflix’s new series “Doona!” has just dropped a full MV for their hit song. As expected, the music video features lead star Bae Suzy with some surprising fellow members!

DREAM SWEET Unveil ‘The Whispering Spell’ MV Following ‘Doona!’ Premiere

“Doona!” has finally premiered on Netflix and the streaming service found an excellent way to promote the release. In the wake of the drama’s premiere, DREAM SWEET, the idol group that has been eagerly awaited by fans, has officially released the music video for “The Whispering Spell.” This song holds a special place in their career, having been introduced during the peak of their popularity.

Suzy, the lead vocalist of this renowned five-member idol ensemble, takes center stage, lending her captivating voice to the track. Joining her are other talented artists, including Go Ah Sung, Simeez, and Rian, who are part of the dance crew La Chica, renowned for their participation in “Street Woman Fighter.” Soloist Janet Suhh further adds to the musical ensemble.

As the drama unfolds, viewers can enjoy not only the riveting storyline but also the musical talents of these artists as they bring “The Whispering Spell” to life through an enchanting music video. This synergy of talent and storytelling promises to enhance the overall experience of “Doona!” and create a deeper connection with the audience.

Netflix’s much-anticipated romance drama, “Doona!” made its debut on October 20, bringing with it a sense of excitement and anticipation. This captivating series, based on the webtoon “The Girl Downstairs,” unfolds the story of Doona, a retired K-pop idol portrayed by Suzy, and Won Jun, an ordinary university student played by Yang Se Jong. Their paths cross when they meet at a shared house, setting the stage for an engaging romantic narrative.

“Doona!” is now streaming on Netflix.

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