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Kang Daniel To Host 2023 Asia Artist Awards With IVE’s Jang Won Young and ZEROBASEONE’s Sung Han Bin

The 2023 Asia Artist Awards (AAA) has announced its official hosts. K-pop superstar Kang Daniel will be hosting the upcoming events along with two fan favorites. IVE member Jang Won Young is returning again this year, and ZEROBASEONE’s Sung Han Bin is making his hosting debut at the event.

Asia Artist Awards 2023 Reveals New and Returning Official Hosts

On September 6th, exciting news emerged as it was announced that the talented trio of Jang Won Young from IVE, Kang Daniel, and Sung Han Bin of ZEROBASEONE would be co-hosting the prestigious 2023 Asia Artist Awards in the Philippines.

This marks Jang Won Young’s third consecutive year as a host at the AAA, underlining her growing reputation as a prominent emcee in the entertainment industry. Her involvement also comes on the heels of IVE’s remarkable achievements at the 2022 AAA. The group clinched the coveted Daesang for Song of the Year. They also won the Best New Artist (Singer) and Hot Trend (Singer) awards on the same year.

Kang Daniel, not to be outdone, secured the Best New Actor and AAA Potential (Actor) awards. It certainly adds to his ever-expanding list of accolades.

Sung Han Bin recently debuted with ZEROBASEONE following his appearance on “Boys Planet.” He and his group are poised to make a significant impact in the K-pop arena. His role as a new MC for “M Countdown” further attests to his rising star status.

AAA 2023 Confirmed For Philippine Arena

Excitement abounds as the 2023 Asia Artist Awards is set to make history by being hosted in the Philippines on December 14th. This marks the first time the prestigious awards show will be held in the country. It promises an unforgettable spectacle for fans and artists alike.

The 2023 Asia Artist Awards is hosted by Star News and co-hosted by the AAA Organizing Committee, TONZ Entertainment, and PULP Live World. This marks an exciting milestone for the awards show, bringing it to the vibrant cultural landscape of the Philippines. Fans and artists can anticipate a memorable event filled with star-studded moments and celebrations of Asian talent. The event is scheduled to take place on December 14 at the Philippine Arena.

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Sulli’s Posthumous Film To Be Screened At Busan International Film Festival

Sulli’s final project will finally be released. It has been confirmed that part of what was originally conceived as “Persona: Sulli” will be screened at the 28th Busan International Film Festival. In addition, the late actress’ posthumous film will feature her final interview which was originally recorded back in 2019.

Sulli Posthumous Film ‘Dear Jinri’ To Screen At Busan International Film Festival

On September 5th, Senior Programmer Nam Dong Chul participated in the virtual press conference for the 28th Busan International Film Festival, where he revealed an array of exciting details. During the event, he unveiled the list of invited films, highlighted major upcoming events, and introduced special guests. A significant revelation was the premiere of the documentary film “Dear Jinri” which contains the final moments and an exclusive interview with the late Sulli, marking its debut at the festival.

“Dear Jinri” is a feature-length documentary that intimately captures the daily concerns and inner reflections of the renowned actor and artist, Sulli, known by her real name, Choi Jinri, at the age of 25. The documentary takes the form of a candid interview, offering viewers a unique insight into the thoughts and emotions that occupied Sulli’s world.

Notably, “Dear Jinri” is set to have its global premiere as part of the Documentary Showcase featured within the Wide Angle section at the 28th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF). This year’s BIFF is scheduled to unfold over a span of ten days, commencing on October 4th and concluding on October 13th. The festival will then take place in the vibrant setting of the Busan Cinema Center, promising a rich and diverse cinematic experience for attendees.

‘Persona: Sulli’ To Be Released In Korea In Late 2023

On September 6th, Mystic Story, the production company behind “Persona: Sulli,” officially confirmed that the film is scheduled for release in the latter half of this year and unveiled a captivating main poster. “Persona: Sulli” is a two-part endeavor, consisting of the short feature film “4: Clean Island,” with Sulli in the leading role, and the feature-length documentary film “Dear Jinri.” Film enthusiasts can then anticipate a powerful cinematic experience as they delve into the world of the late icon.

Originally conceived as ‘Persona: Sulli,’ this project was initially intended to be part of the second season of the ‘Persona’ anthology series. This innovative series spotlights one actor as the inspiration for five distinct short films, each directed by a different filmmaker. The first season, centered around IU, premiered in 2019 and garnered widespread acclaim. The second season featuring Sulli was initially reported to stream on Netflix.

On October 14, 2019, SULLI’s brother found her dead in her house in Seongnam. The “Real” actress had reportedly committed suicide by hanging herself. She was 25 years old.

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RIIZE’s Shotaro Reflects on Moving From NCT to Rookie Group

Shotaro opened up about his honest reaction to the big change in his career. The former NCT member discussed what it was like to debut in an established K-pop act. Shotaro Osaki then reflected on what he faced when he joined SM Entertainment’s new rookie group RIIZE.

Shotaro Reflects on Moving From NCT to Rookie Group RIIZE

Back in May, SM Entertainment issued a statement regarding Sungchan and Shotaro’s status in NCT. The company revealed that the idols, who joined the group in 2020, will join a new group. Since then, Shotaro and Sungchan went from members of an established group, NCT, to starting over in a rookie group, RIIZE.

But what was it like to make the big change for Shotaro? The Japanese idol discussed his thoughts during RIIZE’s debut event on September 4. First, Shotaro stated that he was proud to have been part of NCT.

“I had been promoting as a member of NCT before and it was such an honor for me to perform in that group,” he said. “I really appreciate the fans and members for supporting me.”

Shotaro continued by admitting he is happy and excited to be a part of RIIZE.

“And now I’m debuting as RIIZE, I’m so happy to debut with the members I practiced with,” he said. “I’m excited for us to show you many things in the coming days. We’re also preparing a lot of things for you, so please look forward to them.

Jung Sungchan and Osaki Shotaro debuted as part of NCT on October 12, 2020. They were featured as part of the group project NCT 2020 and participated in the album ‘NCT 2020 Resonance Pt. 1’. SM Entertainment initially planned for the two idols to become a part of a new NCT unit.

RIIZE released their debut single album ‘Get A Guitar’ and the title track of the same name on September 4, 2023.

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EXO’s Xiumin, MONSTA X’s Hyungwon Join New Supermarket Drama

Get ready to dive into the excitement of the upcoming supermarket drama “CEO-dol Mart” (working title), which promises an intriguing storyline and a talented ensemble cast. The upcoming supermarket drama will feature EXO’s Xiumin and MONSTA X’s Hyungwon!

New Supermarket Drama ‘CEO-dol Mart’ Drops First Poster

On the 5th of September, “CEO-dol Mart” unveiled an eye-catching group poster, featuring the lead actors, including Lee Shin Young, EXO’s Xiumin, MONSTA X’s Hyungwon, Choi Jung Woon, Choi Won Myeong, and Lee Sae On.

The series unfolds the captivating narrative that follows the aftermath of Thunder Boys, an idol group, disbanding due to an unexpected incident. These former idols embark on an unexpected journey as they take over the reins of a struggling supermarket.

The newly released poster introduces the five Thunder Boys members: the leader Choi Ho Rang (played by Lee Shin Young), the main dancer Shin Tae Ho (portrayed by Xiumin), the rapper Jo Yi Joon (brought to life by Hyungwon), the vocalist Eun Young Min (played by Choi Won Myeong), and the charismatic youngest member Yoon Sang Woo (portrayed by Lee Sae On). Despite reaching the pinnacle of their careers, they are forced to disband abruptly due to an unforeseen accident. Five years later, they discover the astonishing truth that, on paper, they are the owners of a supermarket.

This captivating storyline follows the journey of these former idols as they transition from living aimlessly to becoming supermarket owners, igniting a remarkable adventure. Alongside the Thunder Boys, the poster also features the experienced part-timer Oh Ye Rim (played by Choi Jung Woon), who brings her wealth of supermarket experience to the table, showcasing remarkable leadership skills. As they navigate this new venture, the Thunder Boys members will also uncover their hidden talents while working at the supermarket, adding depth and excitement to the series. “CEO-dol Mart” is set to be a must-watch drama filled with unexpected twists and heartwarming moments.

“CEO-dol Mart” has not yet been given an official release date. However, the new supermarket drama is set to premiere on TVING.

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Jeon Somi Discusses New Friendship With BTS’ RM

Jeon Somi is opening up about her new friendship with a K-pop superstar. The “Dumb Dumb” singer reportedly discussed how she met BTS leader RM. In addition to that, Somi revealed some interesting details about how she and Kim Namjoon communicate.

Somi Reportedly Talks About New Friendship With RM of BTS

On September 4, an observant netizen took to an online community forum and shared an intriguing post titled, “Jeon Somi Reveals Friendship with BTS’s RM.” In their post, they included a screenshot of an article capturing a noteworthy moment from Somi’s recent fan sign event.

The article highlighted Jeon Somi’s revelation to her fans about her newfound friendship with RM of BTS. According to her, this connection had only recently blossomed, with their initial encounter occurring at G-Dragon’s exclusive ‘PEACEMINUSONE X Nike’ private dinner event. It’s worth noting that PEACEMINUSONE is G-Dragon’s renowned brand, sparking speculations that he might have played a pivotal role in introducing Jeon So Mi and RM to each other.

What piqued the curiosity of fans even more was Jeon Somi’s disclosure that she often engaged in conversations with RM in English. This linguistic connection added an extra layer of intrigue to their blossoming friendship. The revelation stirred excitement within both Somi’s and BTS’s fandoms, further cementing the dynamic nature of the K-pop industry’s interpersonal relationships.

Somi soared to nationwide recognition when she secured the coveted first position on the competitive reality show “Produce 101,” which led to her membership in the eleven-member project girl group, I.O.I. Following the disbandment of I.O.I, she inked a contract with YG Entertainment’s subsidiary, The Black Label. This pivotal move marked the commencement of her solo artist career, with her debut taking place on June 13, 2019. Recently, Jeon Somi signed with Universal Music Japan and is preparing for her Japanese debut.

Meanwhile, RM recently revealed he would “not be taking on any projects in the near future.” This is in connection with his approaching mandatory military service.

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RIIZE Announces Official Fandom Name

RIIZE, the exciting new musical sensation, recently made a thrilling announcement that sent their fans into a frenzy of excitement. On the 4th of September, the group hosted a spectacular showcase titled “RIIZING DAY: RIIZE Premiere” to commemorate the launch of their debut single album, “Get A Guitar.”

RIIZE’s Official Fandom Name Finally Announced On Social Media

Amidst the electrifying atmosphere of the showcase, RIIZE took a momentous step by introducing their official fandom name, which they proudly christened as “SUNZ.” This announcement was met with resounding cheers and applause from their dedicated supporters in attendance, and it resonated far and wide as RIIZE spread the word through their official social media channels.

RIIZE also shared the news on X with a hopeful message for their fans. “SUNZ, who will always make RIIZE shine brightly from the same place and mature together with RIIZE, please continue to show great support for RIIZE,” it reads.

This momentous occasion marked a significant milestone in RIIZE’s journey, solidifying the bond between the group and their devoted fans, who can now proudly identify themselves as “SUNZ.” As the group continues to captivate audiences with their music and performances, the SUNZ fandom is set to grow and thrive as an essential part of RIIZE’s vibrant and passionate community of supporters.

RIIZE is comprised of seven members namely Shotaro, Eunseok, Sungchan, Wonbin, Seunghan, Sohee, and Anton. Shotaro and Sungchan were previous members of NCT before SM Entertainment announced they would be joining the new group. The members’ profiles were released in August 2023. Since then, the upcoming idols dropped their pre-release single “Memories” on August 21. The group officially debuted with their single album ‘Get A Guitar’, which was released on September 4, 2023.

In addition to announcing their fandom name, RIIZE was also confirmed to promote internationally. The group has signed a contract with RCA Records for their promotion and activities in the United States.

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ONEUS Confirms September Comeback With ‘La Dolce Vita’

ONEUS is getting ready for their next release this year. The boy group has just confirmed that they are preparing for a September comeback. Seoho, Leedo, Keonhee, Hwanwoong, and Xion have just dropped a cool teaser for their tenth mini-album ‘La Dolce Vita’.

ONEUS Set for September Comeback With ‘La Dolce Vita’

On September 4, the official ONEUS YouTube account dropped the logo motion teaser for the group’s September comeback. As a tradition, the boy group unveils a new version of their logo with every comeback. The new logo is more delicate than its predecessors. It suggests that the idols might be going for a lighthearted and fresh comeback later this month.

‘La Dolce Vita’ will be ONEUS’ second effort as a five-member group after RAVN’s departure in October 2022. Seoho, Leedo, Keonhee, Hwanwoong, and Xion had previously made their debut as a five-member group with the mini-album ‘Pygmalion’ in May 2023.

ONEUS made their debut with the EP ‘Light Us’ in January 2019, marking the beginning of their musical journey. Following this, they went on to release an impressive catalog of music, comprising seven mini-albums and the full album ‘Devil’ in January 2021. In March 2020, they also treated fans to the single album ‘In Its Time,’ showcasing their versatility and dedication to their craft.

In a significant development, September 2022 saw the release of their album ‘Malus,’ which served as the centerpiece for their ‘ONEUS 1st World Tour [Reach For Us].’ Originally planning to embark on this global tour as a six-member group, the unfortunate departure of Ravn due to reports of inappropriate behavior led them to adapt their plans. Undeterred, the remaining five members pressed on, commencing the tour in October 2022.

Despite the challenges they faced, ONEUS’s dedication and talent shone brightly throughout their tour, as they delivered an astounding total of 22 shows across four continents. This journey reflects their resilience and commitment to their music, solidifying their place in the hearts of fans worldwide.

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GOT7 Unveils New Official Light Stick Ver. 3

It’s almost time to get a new AHGABONG. GOT7 has just unveiled the first look of their latest official light stick Ver. 3. Not surprisingly, the unexpected announcement already has IGOT7s wondering if the idol group are preparing for a comeback concert.

GOT7 Confirms New Light Stick Version 3

GOT7 has sent their fans into a frenzy of excitement with the unveiling of the highly anticipated third iteration of their official light stick. The AHGABONG Version 3 immediately sparked a global wave of anticipation, with fans eagerly marking the days until its official release.

The new design boasts a sleek black base that exudes elegance. Its upper portion resembles a bird, an homage to GOT7’s devoted fanbase IGOT7 or AHGASE. The second official nickname for the fandom translates to “baby bird” in Korean. This upper section is adorned with captivating green illumination, perfectly aligned with the group’s official fandom color. To add to its allure, the handle proudly features the unmistakable GOT7 logo, making it an essential item for fans to own and cherish.

It’s certainly an awesome update from GOT7 considering that the idols haven’t released a group effort since May 2022. Needless to say, AHGASEs are now wondering if this means the boy group will reunite for a new project. After all, why would the idols release a new lightstick if it wouldn’t be used in a concert? Could there be a comeback concert in the future? Keep checking this page for more updates on this story.

In the meantime, GOT7 fans can circle September 8, 2023, on their calendars.  This is the date of the official debut of the official light stick Version 3. The exciting release is scheduled for a Friday afternoon, ensuring that fans have something to look forward to at the end of the week.

In related news, member Mark Tuan recently dropped his latest music video for the song “Everyone Else Fades.”

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EDAM Entertainment Confirms IU Plagiarism Accusations Have Been Dismissed

EDAM Entertainment has officially concluded the plagiarism case concerning IU, providing a final update on the matter. The agency released a statement on September 4, disclosing that the investigative agency had rendered a decision to dismiss the criminal allegations against IU on August 24. The dismissal was based on the determination that the alleged actions did not constitute a criminal offense.

IU’s Agency Reveals Plagiarism Accusations Have Been Officially Dismissed

In their statement, EDAM Entertainment reiterated the fact that IU was not involved in the composition of the five songs that were central to the plagiarism allegation. Additionally, it was clarified that IU also did not participate in composing the specific portion of the sixth song that had drawn the accuser’s concern.

“Currently, we have requested a full investigation into posted videos and texts that libel the accuser and [IU] by submitting to the investigative agency the information on the relationship among the defendants in the cases filed,” the statement read. “Furthermore, we will continue to relentlessly pursue acts that damage the character and reputation of [IU] until the end to prevent their recurrence, and will strict civil and criminal liability in accordance with the ‘zero tolerance principle.'”

This conclusion marks the end of a contentious chapter for IU, reaffirming her innocence and emphasizing her non-involvement in the alleged plagiarism. With this matter resolved, IU can now focus on her artistic endeavors and continued success in the music industry, while her fans can breathe a sigh of relief.

On May 10, a Korean citizen filed a lawsuit alleging that IU plagiarized the works of other artists. The suit claimed that the “Blueming” singer had plagiarized a total of six songs. Since then, EDAM Entertainment has vehemently denied the allegations and announced they are taking legal action. In the meantime, IU’s first concert film titled “IU Concert: The Golden Hour” will premiere later in September.

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Former TEEN TOP Leader C.A.P. Opens Up About Abuse From Other’s Members’ Fans

C.A.P. may have been the leader of a popular boy group but that doesn’t mean the idol was immune to bullying. The former TEEN TOP member revealed that he was often disrespected by fans. According to Bang Minsu, he was often abused during fan signing events.

C.A.P. Reveals TEEN TOP Fans’ Abusive Behavior

The former TEEN TOP member recently took part in a casual interview. In the candid YouTube interview, C.A.P. candidly shared his emotional journey during his tenure with TEEN TOP. He shed light on the challenges he faced, particularly at fan signing events. Contrary to the common assumption that all group members receive equal adoration, he admitted to grappling with the sense of being the least favored member.

“I was fine with not having a lot of fans,” he said. “But, I struggled with fans of other members being hostile toward me.”

Bang Minsu went on to share what these “admirers” would say to him.

“They’d say, ‘You’re the reason TEEN TOP isn’t getting more popular,’ or ‘It’s your fault that my bias isn’t getting all the attention.’ They’d make it very clear to me at fan sign events and whatnot that they hated me,” he said.

It’s a shocking revelation considering that most stans prefer a particular member and would support them more than the rest of the group. However, it is unexpected to know that there are admirers who would say abusive things to the other group members.

For C.A.P., he is putting that time behind him. TOP Media had previously announced that Bang Minsu decided to leave TEEN TOP following his recent controversy. The agency confirmed that the group will continue promoting with four members. In the meantime, C.A.P. issued an apology for his actions.

TEEN TOP recently released the album ‘4SHO’ on July 4. It would be their first album after C.A.P’s departure and their first release in four years.

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