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VICTON’s Byungchan Signs With New Agency After IST Entertainment Exit

Choi Byungchan signs with a new agency
Choi Byungchan signs with a new agency

Byungchan has found a new agency. The VICTON member has signed an exclusive contract with a new company. The “King’s Affection” actor is now the first member to transfer agencies since leaving IST Entertainment last month.

Choi Byung-chan Becomes First VICTON Member To Sign With New Agency

New Way Company confirmed the news about Byungchan. “We recently signed an exclusive contract with Choi Byung-chan,” the agency stated.

“We will be unsparing in our support of Choi Byung-chan,” the statement added. The agency also expressed its intention to allow the artist to “showcase his personal strengths and limitless potential to his heart’s content.”

Byungchan debuted as a member of VICTON in 2016. He made his acting debut in the 2020 high school drama “Live On” and received praise for his three-dimensional acting. Choi Byung-chan’s most recent TV role was in the 2022 romantic comedy “Business Proposal”.

In April 2023, IST Entertainment announced that Byungchan and fellow VICTON members Hanse and Subin decided not to renew their exclusive contracts. The group’s maknae line later confirmed the news in letters posted on their personal Instagram accounts. For his part, Choi Byung-chan expressed his gratitude for fans who supported him since debut.

“From 2016, for seven years, I received such great and happy love,” Byungchan wrote. “After only knowing how to receive love, I also learned from ALICE how to give love. That’s why our time together was so precious and were moments I will never be able to forget. To ALICE, who only gave love over this long period of time, thank you and I love you.”

He also addressed his fellow VICTON members, confirming his support for them in their future endeavors.

“Although we are now walking our own paths, this isn’t a sad farewell,” Byungchan wrote. “To my VICTON members, who will become cooler for their new starts, I will always support you and I love you.”

In related news, VICTON member Han Seung Woo launched solo social media accounts in preparation for solo projects.

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NCT’s Taeyong Confirms Solo Debut Date With ‘SHALALA’ Trailer

Taeyong is preparing for his solo debut. The NCT leader just dropped the trailer for his solo album ‘SHALALA’.

NCT Leader Taeyong Announces Solo Debut Date With Exciting ‘SHALALA’ Trailer

The official NCT Twitter account shared the ‘SHALALA’ trailer which features Taeyong showing off several eye-catching looks. Each look appears to be inspired by NCT’s previous comebacks, which is fitting considering he is the group leader.

It’s an exciting teaser for the highly anticipated album. Fans have speculated about Taeyong making a solo debut for a long time. Luckily, the ‘SHALALA’ trailer officially confirmed it.

The official NCT Twitter account also dropped the ‘SHALALA’ poster. It confirms that Taeyong’s debut EP is coming on June 5, 2023.

Lee Tae-yong started out as a member of the pre-debut group SM Rookies in 2013. In 2016, he debuted as part of NCT’s first subunit NCT U (NCT United) which also included Taeil, Doyoung, Ten, Jaehyun and Mark.

Taeyong is also part of NCT’s second subunit NCT 127. Lee Tae-yong will be the first member of NCT to debut as a solo artist with his own album.

In related news, Lucas recently announced his departure from NCT and the subunit group WayV. SM Entertainment confirmed that Lucas Wong decided to leave both idol groups to pursue a career as a solo artist. Lucas also confirmed the news in a handwritten letter shared on his personal Instagram account, expressing his concern for the NCT and WayV members.

“I sincerely feel sorry for the members, and it is with a heavy heart that I leave behind a long-standing friendship,” Lucas wrote. “It has been nearly 8 years since I first joined the members, and I am deeply grateful for their care and support.”

Lucas has not yet announced his upcoming solo project. In the meantime, Taeyong’s solo EP ‘SHALALA’ is dropping on June 5, 2023.

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BTS’ ‘The Planet’ Dominates Oricon Singles Charts, Spotify Global Chart

BTS is once again dominating the charts with their latest single. ‘The Planet’, the opening theme for the new animated series “BASTIONS”, is taking over the global Oricon and Spotify charts.

BTS Rules Over iTunes, Oricon, and Spotify With ‘BASTIONS’ Opening Theme

Back in April, “BASTIONS” confirmed that BTS will perform the opening theme for the new show. It didn’t take long before fans were anticipating the new track. On May 12, BTS finally dropped ‘The Planet’. The official music video features the characters from the animated series performing a dance cover.

The song was an instant hit. ‘The Planet’ immediately took the No. 1 spot on iTunes Top Songs charts in numerous countries across the globe just hours after its release.

Not surprisingly, the new song has been doing great since its release. BIGHIT MUSIC officially announced that ‘The Planet’ debuted at No. 1 on Oricon’s daily digital singles chart in Japan. Additionally, it debuted at No. 19 on Spotify’s Global Top Songs chart. The “BASTIONS” opening theme reportedly racked up 2,956,589 streams on the platform in just one day.

BTS joins several K-pop acts in the “BASTIONS” soundtrack. The soundtrack includes LE SSERAFIM, Brave Girls, Heize, AleXa, Seo J, Kang Min Seo, and P. Cassady.

BTS Announce New Book

‘The Planet’ is expected to be BTS’ last song featuring all members in the next few years due to Jin and J-Hope’s recent military enlistment. Luckily, fans can still look forward to more content later this year.

It was previously confirmed that BTS is releasing their own book. “Beyond the Story: 10-Year Record of BTS” will be structured as “an oral history of” the group’s story and is written by journalist Kang Myeongseok and the seven members of the group. Anton Hur is responsible for the English translation, in collaboration with Clare Richards and Slin Jung.

‘Bastions’ follows a group of rookie heroes who work to find the villains who are damaging the environment. As they discover the mysterious identity of a hidden villain and protect the earth, the characters will grow into true heroes. The series premiered on May 14, 2023.

Meanwhile, “Beyond the Story: 10-Year Record of BTS” is currently available for pre-order and will be released on July 9, 2023.

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ATEEZ Confirms June Comeback Date With ‘THE WORLD EP.2: OUTLAW’ Teaser

ATEEZ has finally confirmed their comeback date in June. The idol group officially announced the release date for their new album ‘THE WORLD EP.2: OUTLAW’ with an exciting teaser.

ATEEZ Officially Announces New Album ‘THE WORLD EP.2: OUTLAW’

The official ATEEZ Twitter account dropped the teaser which confirms the group’s comeback date. The ‘THE WORLD EP.2: OUTLAW’ teaser labels Hongjoong, Seonghwa, Yunho, Yeosang, San, Mingi, Wooyoung and Jongho as dangerous escaped fugitives.

This is exciting news for fans following reports in April that ATEEZ are preparing for a new album. However, ATINYs themselves found the clues for the group’s June comeback.

ATINYs found the clues during the two encore shows for ATEEZ’s world tour ‘THE FELLOWSHIP: BREAK THE WALL’. Fans took notice of special banners with QR codes posted outside the venue. When ATINYs scanned the code, they discovered a mysterious ‘WANTED’ poster featuring the ATEEZ members.

The ‘WANTED’ poster turned out to be the first teaser for what would be ATEEZ’s June comeback. Needless to say, the group is undoubtedly proud of ATINYs for figuring out their clues.

The comeback is happening at the perfect time as ATEEZ adds new dates to their third world tour. It was previously confirmed that ‘THE FELLOWSHIP: BREAK THE WALL’ will include dates in Taipei, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore, and Manila.

There is little doubt that fans are already excited about the new album but there is also concern for one member’s health. Wooyoung recently announced his temporary hiatus due to an ankle injury.

ATEEZ’s agency KQ Entertainment confirmed that Wooyoung “would need a thorough examination and treatment at a medical institution.” This led to the suspension of Wooyoung’s activities until he recovers. Wooyoung will not participate in ‘THE DANCE DAY LIVE 2023’ and ‘KCON 2023 JAPAN’.

ATEEZ’s new album ‘THE WORLD EP.2: OUTLAW’ will be released on June 16, 2023.

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Mystic Story Producer, IU’s ‘Boo’ Composer Address Plagiarism Claims

People are coming to IU’s defence amidst the recent plagiarism allegations. Mystic Story president Jo Young Chul, who produced IU’s albums, slammed the complaint against the soloist. In addition to that, the composer behind the solo artist’s hit “Boo” defended the song’s composition.

Mystic Story Boss Hits Back At IU Plagiarism Claims

Mystic Story president Jo Young Chul released a statement regarding IU’s recent plagiarism accusations. Jo, who is also a music producer, pointed out that the plagiarism claims have no clear basis.

“While I’ve monitored all the songs that continue to claim plagiarism on YouTube and were recently accused, I was unable to discover any suspicion of plagiarism,” Jo wrote.

“Just because you’ve taken one part of a song and think there’s a song that has a similar melody or chord progression to it does not make that plagiarism. This is not my personal opinion as this is the court precedent,” Jo added. “The parts of the songs being accused do not even have the same melody or chord progression.”

Jo Young Chul added that “the copyright dispute is basically an issue between copyright holders.”

“I question whether a third party has the right to make accusations, and they must be held legally responsible if this is [an attempt of] malicious defamation,” he stated.

‘Boo’ Composer Explains How IU Was The Only Inspiration For His Song

The Mystic Story president is not the only one defending IU. Han Sang Won is the composer behind the hit “Boo”. He explained in an Instagram post how IU herself inspired the song.

“After seeing IU, who was a young student at the time, I thought of ‘a dance track about a bright and cute love story.’ I first created the key lyric ‘You’re my boo,’ inspired by the word ‘boo,’ and the hook’s ‘image melody,’ and then made the song by implementing the arrangement method and common beat of “’80s female dance-pop,'” Han wrote.

Han further pointed out that the melody in “Boo” was “borrowed” from another IU track.

“The melody of the chorus lyric ‘You’re my boo’ is borrowed from IU’s other song ‘Merry Christmas Ahead,’” Han wrote.

“I believe this is the biggest reason why this song received so much love, to the point where this part was left and remade into a rap song by Geeks,” he added.

Han Song Won went on to explain the influences of the song and then challenged the complainant.

“What was the intention of the person who accused IU when I, the composer of ‘boo,’ am right here?” he wrote. “I am ready whenever to discuss with ‘the composer who wrote the song’ who claims plagiarism regarding my song, so if you are that song’s ‘composer,’ please contact me.”

Korean Citizen Files Plagiarism Complaint Against IU

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, IU’s agency EDAM Entertainment has denied the allegations and the company is planning to pursue legal action.

Songwriter Lee Min Soo, who wrote “The Red Shoes” and “Good Day”, explained that he didn’t reference other songs. “BBIBBI” composer Lee Jong Hoon also pointed out that the artists of the plagiarized songs are the only ones who can make plagiarism allegations.

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LE SSERAFIM’s Yunjin Misses Group Fansign Due to Death in the Family

The reason behind Huh Yunjin’s sudden absence at a LE SSERAFIM fan signing has been revealed. It has been confirmed that Yunjin could not attend the event due to a personal tragedy.

LE SSERAFIM Agency Explains Huh Yunjin’s Absence At Recent Fan Signing Event

LE SSERAFIM held a fan signing event on May 12 but only four members were present. Fans were quick to note that Huh Yunjin was not in attendance. However, the reason for her absence was not immediately revealed.

SOURCE MUSIC finally shared an update on Weverse. A new update on LE SSERAFIM’s fan community extended condolences to Huh Yunjin’s family.

“We regret to inform you that LE SSERAFIM member Huh Yunjin will be unable to attend today’s scheduled fan signing event due to the recent passing of a family member,” it read.

“We ask for your kind understanding and support as Yunjin takes this time to grieve with her loved ones,” the statement continued. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to Yunjin and her family.”

It’s unfortunate that Huh Yunjin’s family experienced a tragedy. FEARNOTs immediately extended their condolences to the LE SSERAFIM vocalist in the fan community.

LE SSERAFIM recently celebrated their first anniversary since debut and the members reflected on the year that has passed. In the special film “2023 We’re LE SSERAFIM”, the idols shared encouraging messages to their younger selves.

For her part, Yunjin chose to encourage her former self to never give up. “If you believe in yourself and put in all the effort, you’ll achieve your dream,” she said.

She then became emotional as she reflected on the love and support she had received since the group’s debut. “I’m receiving even more love and support than I had expected,” she admitted. “LE SERRAFIM and FEARNOTs are precious to me.”

LE SSERAFIM is currently promoting their first full album “UNFORGIVEN” which was released on May 1, 2022.

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ASTRO’s Sanha Has Sweet Message for AROHAs Visiting Moonbin’s Memorial Space

Sanha wants to comfort fans who are still mourning the late Moon Bin. The ASTRO maknae left a hopeful message for AROHAs who have been visiting Moonbin’s memorial space.

ASTRO’s Sanha Assures AROHAs With Hopeful Note At Moon Bin’s Memorial Space

Back in April, ASTRO’s agency FANTAGIO opened a memorial space for Moon Bin after the “Mermaid Prince” star’s passing. Since then, Moonbin’s family and friends, as well as AROHAs, have left letters for the late idol.

Sanha had also left a letter for Moonbin urging his hyung to allow him to grieve his loss. However, fans who recently visited the memorial space discovered a new letter from Yoon San-ha. This time, the handwritten note is a message for AROHAs mourning his fellow ASTRO member.

“Aroha, it’s me Sanha! You guys must be having it hard and are very sad, right? Be as sad as you need, and then pull yourselves together,” he wrote.

“Rohas need to show their smiling selves for hyung to be happy. I’m doing well so don’t worry. Our arohas, be happy and healthy,” Sanha added.

It’s a sweet message that assures fans that although they can grieve, it is important to take care of themselves as well. Needless to say, Sanha understands AROHAs so well and is also supporting them in his own way.

Sanha was the other half of the ASTRO subunit Moonbin & Sanha that had been promoting their comeback right before Moon Bin’s passing. The “Boys Over Flowers” star was found dead in his apartment in Gangnam on April 19, 2023.

Weverse recently announced that they are taking down the Moonbin & Sanha fan community following the idol’s passing. The Weverse fan community had been opened just days before Moon Bin’s death.

Moonbin is survived by his parents and sister Moon Sua, the main rapper for the girl group BILLLIE. Sua is currently taking a break from promotions and will not participate in her group’s upcoming activities.

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Moon Sua Will Not Participate In BILLLIE’s Japanese Promotions

Moon Sua continues to be on an indefinite hiatus. The BILLLIE rapper will not participate in the group’s Japanese promotions this month.

BILLLIE’s Agency Announces Moon Sua’s Absence in Upcoming Promotions

Mystic Story issued a statement confirming Moon Sua’s absence in BILLLIE’s upcoming promotions.

“We are announcing that Moon Sua will not participate in the scheduled Japanese album promotions with the May 17 release of the Japanese debut album as the starting point,” the statement read.

“The promotion schedules will run with six members Haram, Haruna, Sheon, Siyoon, Suhyeon, and Tsuki,” it continued.

The announcement comes only weeks after Mystic Story confirmed that Moon Sua is taking time off from BILLLIE following the death of her brother.

On April 19, Sua’s older brother Moon Bin was found dead in his apartment in Gangnam. The ASTRO singer’s passing shocked the world and proved to be difficult for his younger sister. Sua served as chief mourner at Moonbin’s funeral which was attended by his fellow ASTRO members and close friends.

Moon Sua also penned a heartfelt letter which she left at Moonbin’s memorial space.

“Oppa, it’s me, your one and only precious sister Sua,” she wrote. “I came to visit (the memorial) too. I cried so much so I’m going to stop crying now. I’ll smile more now. I’m going to do what I want to and be happy. So, I hope you are going to be happy there. Please watch over your sister, if I’m doing well or now.”

Sua continued, “I’ll live diligently for your sake too. Don’t stop me. Still, if things get hard, I’ll come to you to vent out so you have to comfort me. You’ve worked so hard until now. I love you so much and I’ll forever be your younger sister. Moon siblings forever.”

For now, it is unclear how long Moon Sua will be on hiatus. Nevertheless, fans understand that the BILLLIE rapper needs time to grieve for her brother. Sua will also require some time for reflection and will hopefully return in the future.

BILLLIE will release their first Japanese single “GingaMingaYo (the strange world) – Japanese ver.” on May 17, 2023.

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MONSTA X’s Minhyuk Updates MONBEBEs With New Military Photos

Lee Minhyuk is staying healthy and happy while serving in the military. The MONSTA X member shared new photos amidst military service and MONBEBEs are loving it.

MONSTA X’s Minhyuk Completes Basic Training For Military Service In New Photos

Minhyuk posted the new images on the official MONSTA X Twitter account. In the caption, he revealed that he attended the completion ceremony for basic training.

“5th Division Key Unit Recruit Training Battalion Trainee Completion Ceremony,” Minhyuk wrote. “Completed the graduation ceremony with a healthy appearance! Until the day we meet MONBEBEs again, I’ll stay healthy and be back.”

Minhyuk officially enlisted for mandatory military service on April 4, 2023. He was required to attend five weeks of basic training at the recruit training center of the 5th Infantry Division. Now that Lee Minhyuk has finished basic training, he will serve as an active-duty soldier.

Lee Minhyuk is the second member of MONSTA X to enlist for mandatory military service. Shownu enlisted in July 2021, serving as a public service worker due to a previous surgery on his left eye. He was officially discharged from the military on April 21, 2023. Meanwhile, Minhyuk is scheduled to be discharged on September 30, 2024.

In related news, MONSTA X rapper Joohoney is actively promoting his first solo album ‘LIGHTS’. He recently dropped the tracklist which includes six new songs. The EP will feature the tracks “HYPE ENERGY,” “Voice,” “FREEDOM,” “Evolution,” “Monologue (ft. G-Soul),” and “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.”

MONBEBEs initially believed that ‘LIGHTS’ will be a full album. Nevertheless, an EP is a welcome content from Joohoney. After all, the album is getting a physical release, unlike the MONSTA X rapper’s previous mixtapes. Additionally, Lee Joheon is releasing an accompanying documentary “Turn On The ‘LIGHTS'” that follows the production of the mini album.

‘LIGHTS’ is Joohoney’s first solo album. The EP will be released on May 22, 2023.

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VICTON’s Han Seung Woo Launches Solo Social Media Accounts

Han Seung Woo is preparing to pursue a solo career. The VICTON member has launched new social media accounts following the departure of Hanse, Byungchan, and Subin from IST Entertainment.

VICTON Member Han Seung Woo Debuts New Solo Social Media Accounts

On May 9, Han Seung Woo opened a new Twitter account where he announced his other social media accounts. The former X1 member shared his new Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter Staff accounts. In addition to that, Seungwoo posted an adorable selfie.

The new social media accounts suggest that Han Seung Woo will be promoting as a solo artist. This isn’t unusual considering that Seungwoo already has several solo releases. However, the launch of solo social media accounts confirms that he will not be promoting with VICTON for some time.

In April, IST Entertainment announced that VICTON members Do Hanse, Choi Byungchan, and Jung Subin did not renew their contracts with the company. The agency also confirmed that Seungwoo, Seungsik, and Sejun will stay until their contracts expire. The contracts of the hyung line had previously been altered due to their military enlistment.

Seungwoo debuted with VICTON in November 2016 with the EP ‘Voice To The World’. In 2019, he competed in the Mnet survival reality show “Produce X 101” where he placed third in the final voting.

Han Seung Woo debuted as a member of X1 but later returned to VICTON after the reality show group was disbanded. Although he was originally the leader of VICTON, Seungwoo chose to let fellow member Seungsik continue to be the group leader.

In 2020, Seungwoo released his first solo EP ‘Fame’ and dropped a second EP ‘Fade’ before enlisting for military service. He was discharged from the military on January 27, 2023.

VICTON’s future has not yet been addressed by IST Entertainment. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

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