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LE SSERAFIM Emotionally Reflect on First-Year Anniversary Since Debut

LE SSERAFIM is celebrating their first-year anniversary as a group. Chaewon, Sakura, Yunjin, Kazuha, and Eunchae looked back at everything that happened since their debut. Not surprisingly, the members got emotional as they recorded messages for their newly-debuted selves in the past.

LE SSERAFIM Drops Special First Anniversary Video

It has been one year since LE SSERAFIM debuted on May 2, 2022. In celebration of their first-year anniversary, the girl group dropped a special film “2023 We’re LE SSERAFIM”.

In the video, the members introduced themselves and shared their strengths. However, things got emotional when the idols were asked about their messages for their former self from the year before.

Sakura reminded her young self to keep working. “I’m sure you’re very tired, but your days ahead will be even happier and more amazing than you could imagine,” she said.

Chaewon wanted to tell her younger self, “Don’t be impatient” and to “enjoy the process.” Kazuha remembers being concerned about moving to a foreign place and wanted to assure herself. “I want to tell myself that I don’t need to worry,” she said.

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.

As for Eunchae, the LE SSERAFIM maknae assured her young self that there is joy amidst all the difficulties. “Although your year was tough, it was also filled with joy,” she confirmed. “You received so much love.” She then teared up when she admitted that, “you’ve grown into a much better person than you imagined.”

Yunjin also shed tears 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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EXO’s Kai Sheds Tears After Military Enlistment Announcement

Kai is officially enlisting for military service. The EXO main dancer is preparing for military enlistment later this month. The announcement was a huge surprise even for Kim Jongin who tearfully revealed he had upcoming plans for EXO-Ls.

SM Entertainment Announces Kai’s Surprise Military Enlistment

SM Entertainment issued a statement confirming Kai’s military enlistment next week.

“Although Kai had been preparing for EXO’s comeback later this year, due to recent changes in the law regarding military enlistment, Kai will be enlisting on May 11 to complete his basic training, after which he will begin working as a social worker,” the statement reads.

“To respect Kai’s wishes to quietly enlist, we are not revealing the place and time at which he will enlist,” it continues. “We also ask that fans understand that any scheduled events on that day will be cancelled.”

The announcement is a huge surprise for fans since EXO will have a comeback later in the year. The comeback would be the first one with all members following Baekhyun’s military discharge in February 2023.

Kai Tears Up While Comforting Fans About Military Enlistment

Kai did not expect the news, either. He immediately went live after his agency made the announcement. During the broadcast, Kim Jong-in shed tears as he said, “I’m going to the military.”

He then explained he is not upset about serving his country. Instead, Kai revealed he was sad because he had huge plans for EXO’s comeback. He admitted to being excited about showing his plans to EXO-Ls.

“There’s so much that I had prepared. What a pity. That’s what’s upsetting. There’s nothing that I could do about this. I’m sad that I can’t show you what I prepared but I can just show it after I return,” Kai said.

He also confessed that he would miss his fans when he goes to the military.

“It’d be nice if I could see your faces before I go. I think I’m going to miss you so much. I’m already missing you right now though,” Kai admitted. However, he assured EXO-Ls he will feel better about his situation soon.

“Today is the first day of me finding out about it as well, so please be understanding. I’ll smile from tomorrow onwards,” Kim Jong-in said.

Kai will begin his military enlistment on May 11, 2023.

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Huening Bahiyyih To Miss Kep1er’s Japan Showcase Due To Family Death

Huening Bahiyyih is sitting out Kep1er’s Japanese promotions this week. The former “Girls Planet 999” contestant will take a break from the group’s showcase due to a family member’s passing.

Kep1er’s Agencies Announce Huening Bahiyyih’s Temporary Break Due To Death In The Family

WAKEONE and Swing Entertainment issued a statement that was shared on Kep1er’s official fan cafe. According to the statement, Bahiyyih will be unable to participate in the group’s upcoming showcase.

“We regret to inform you that Huening Bahiyyih, one of our members, will be unable to participate in the ‘Kep1er Japan 2nd Single Debut Showcase’ scheduled for May 4-5th in Yokohama, due to the loss of a family member,” it read.

The agencies issued an apology for the late notice. However, the statement also asked KEP1IANs to understand Bahiyyih’s situation and allow her to mourn with her family.

“We apologize to the fans who might have been waiting for this event, and we ask your kind understanding during this difficult time for Huening Bahiyyih and her family,” it continues. The statement also assures that Bahiyyih will soon be back to participate in other promotions.

“She will participate in a separate schedule for this event, and we will provide further notice on the additional event soon,” it concludes.

Bahiyyih was one of the 99 candidates who competed in the Mnet reality survival show “Girls Planet 999”. She is one of the nine finalists who went on to form Kep1er which debuted in January 2022 with the EP ‘First Impact’. Bahiyyih is the younger sister of TOMORROW X TOGETHER maknae Huening Kai, who has yet to issue a statement regarding the recent family tragedy.

Kep1er is currently promoting their fourth mini album ‘LOVESTRUCK!’ and the lead single “Giddy”. The group is set to promote their Japanese single during their showcase in Yokohama this week.

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BRAVE GIRLS Reveal New Group Name

BRAVE GIRLS just announced their new group name. Minyoung, Yujeong, Eunji, and Yuna will continue to promote as a unit under a new name with their new agency.

Warner Music Korea Confirms BRAVE GIRLS’ New Group Name

The girl group’s new agency Warner Music Korea confirmed the news after reports surfaced regarding the name change.

“Brave Girls will continue their activities and change their team name to BB GIRLS,” the agency said in a statement.

There is an important reason for the name change. The idols’ former agency Brave Entertainment still owns the trademark rights to BRAVE GIRLS. Since the members have signed with a new label, they will not be able to promote under the original name.

BB GIRLS debuted in April 2011 with the single album ‘The Difference’. The group has undergone numerous line-up changes before settling on the four current members. In 2021, they gained a huge spike in popularity after their 2017 hit “Rollin’” went viral.

In February 2023, Minyoung, Yujeong, Eunji, and Yuna decided not to renew their exclusive contracts with Brave Entertainment. The agency then announced that the group has officially disbanded.

By April 2023, the four members of BRAVE GIRLS signed with Warner Music Korea. The group’s original leader Minyoung hyped up their return with new music.

“We are preparing with the aim of greeting [fans] in the soon-approaching 2023 summer, and we will greet everyone with even better music and new sides of us. I am so grateful to the many fans who were sad and waited for news of us following the report of our disbandment,” she wrote.

Warner Music Korea has not yet shared details about BB GIRLS’ next comeback, or debut under the new name. However, Minyoung already teased that the GIRLS will be back with new music this summer. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

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MONSTA X’s Shownu and Hyungwon to Debut as First Unit Group

MONSTA X is debuting their first unit group. Leader Shownu and lead dancer Hyungwon will be introduced as the group’s first subunit since they debuted in 2015.

Shownu and Hyungwon To Debut as MONSTA X’s First Unit Group This Summer

Starship Entertainment confirmed that MONSTA X will introduce their first subunit this year with the aim to debut in summer.

“Shownu and Hyungwon are preparing for MONSTA X’s first unit group,” the agency stated. It was also pointed out that although the project is currently in the works, the specifics of the subunit have not been confirmed.

“The specific schedule for their debut has not been decided yet,” the company stated. “We will officially make an announcement when it has been decided. Please look forward to it.”

This is welcome news for MONBEBEs who have been waiting for Shownu’s return for almost two years. Son Hyunwoo enlisted for mandatory military service in July 2021. He served as a public service worker due to surgery for eye retinal detachment.

Prior to his discharge on April 21, Shownu reunited with the rest of MONSTA X to give Minhyuk a proper send-off for his military enlistment. Lee Minhyuk is the second member of the group to enlist for mandatory military service.

For now, the concept for Shownu and Hyungwon’s unit group is still a mystery. However, there are speculations that the subunit will focus on dance since they are MONSTA X’s main dancer and lead dancer, respectively. Nevertheless, fans are expecting the MONSTA X members to show off their individual styles and talent this summer. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

In related news, MONSTA X rapper Joohoney confirmed he is working on his first solo album. The details about the new project have not yet been revealed but the album is expected to drop later in May.

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B.I. Announces June Comeback Date With ‘TO DIE FOR’ Teaser

B.I. is ready for his next comeback. The “Keep Me Up” rapper just dropped a teaser for his new full album ‘TO DIE FOR’. Kim Hanbin is also giving fans a unique option to listen to the new songs through “Guerrilla Spoiler Stages”.

B.I. Confirms June Comeback With Mysterious Album Teaser

On May 1, B.I. dropped the teaser for his second full album ‘TO DIE FOR’. The simple teaser features a strange communication device writing down all the information. It confirms that the album will drop on June 1, 2023.

It’s awesome enough that Kim Hanbin is dropping new music next month. However, the “BTBT” rapper is introducing the songs through a truly unique concept. A follow-up tweet shares a spot poster with a list of dates and geographical coordinates for the mysterious “Guerilla Spoiler Stages”.

What Are B.I’s ‘Guerrila Spoiler Stages’?

So what is this all about? B.I.’s agency 131 Label shares an interesting explanation of how it will work.

“B.I’s new song will be pre-released in various regions and spaces from May 7th,” the statement reads. “It’s not an ordinary online promotion but a special offline promotion in which many people can listen to the new songs in person.”

“The promotion consists of two types: you can listen to the new songs on your own, or you can listen with B.I.,” it continues. “We have prepared special spoiler content for IDs who visit not only the places mentioned in the SPOT POSTER, which will be released at midnight on May 3rd but also all other places where the new song will be played.”

It’s a truly unique concept and an awesome way to promote the music before the album’s official release. Fans are already looking forward to more details on the “Guerilla Spoiler Stages”.

‘To Die For’ is B.I.’s second full album and his first major release of the year. The former iKON member previously dropped the EP ‘Love or Loved Part.1’ in November 2022.

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AB6IX Confirms May Comeback Date With ‘THE FUTURE IS OURS: LOST’ Trailer

AB6IX is ready for a comeback this month. Woong, Donghyun, Woojin, and Daehwi confirmed their May comeback date with a stunning trailer for their next album. In addition to that, the group is preparing for their next world tour.

AB6IX Announces May Comeback, New World Tour Starting in Seoul

AB6IX kicked off the month of May with an awesome surprise for ABNEWs. The idol group uploaded an edgy teaser for their seventh EP. The new album is titled ‘THE FUTURE IS OURS: LOST’ and it’s dropping later this month.

The trailer doesn’t feature Woong, Donghyun, Woojin, and Daehwi save for a few photos hung on a clothesline. However, it shows eye-catching images like the words “Lost and Found” on a headstone and “Help! I’m Lost” scribbled on a door. Fans believe these are teasers for the song titles.

For now, AB6IX has not yet revealed more details about their upcoming EP. Still, fans are expecting the official track list and concept photos to drop soon. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

The comeback isn’t the only huge surprise from AB6IX for their fans. BRAND NEW MUSIC also announced that the group will embark on the 2023 AB6IX WORLD TOUR ‘THE FUTURE’ IN SEOUL. The tour kicks off with a two-night show on May 27 and 28 at YES24 Live Hall. Fan club pre-sale starts on May 8 while public tickets go on sale on May 10, 2023. The other dates and venues of the world tour have not yet been announced.

The group is certainly busy as they prepare to drop the Japanese single “Fly Away” on May 10, 2023. Needless to say, May is a huge month for AB6IX.

Donghyun, Woojin and Daehwi first worked together on the Mnet survival series “Produce 101” Season 2 which also featured former AB6IX member Lim Youngmin. After Woong joined BRAND NEW MUSIC, they debuted in May 2019 with the first EP ‘B: Complete’.

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SM Entertainment Addresses Concerns Over SHINee Fan Meeting Venue

SM Entertainment has finally addressed fan concerns about an upcoming event. The agency issued a statement explaining the decision about the venue of SHINee’s 15th-anniversary fan meeting. In addition, the company announced that the event will be postponed to a later date. This way, they will be able to find a better venue for SHINee and SHAWOLs.

SM Entertainment Reacts To SHAWOLs Complaints About SHINee Fan Meeting Venue

It was previously announced that SHINee’s 15th-anniversary fan meeting ‘Everyday is SHINee DAY: Piece of SHINE’ will be held at the Ilsan Korea International Exhibition Center [KINTEX]. However, the news was met with outrage as fans complained about the seating arrangements in the venue.

SM Entertainment finally addressed the issue in a statement released on May 1. The agency explained they chose the venue due to capacity and availability on a weekend. The company further stated that they are discussing seating plans to avoid obstructing the view of some fans.

Despite the statement, fans continued to express their disapproval. SM Entertainment finally decided to issue a new announcement in an effort to please SHAWOLs.

“We sincerely apologize for causing concern to fans ahead of the 15th anniversary of SHINee and SHINee World,” the agency said. They then confirmed that the 2023 SHINee Fanmeeting ‘Everyday is SHINee DAY: Piece of SHINE’ will be postponed. The event was originally scheduled for May 27, 2023.

SM continued, “We are waiting for an answer after confirming the new location. We will inform you as soon as the venue and detailed schedule are decided.”

SHINee recently reunited for the first time since Taemin’s military discharge. ONEW snapped a hilarious photo of the reunion which was shared on the group’s official Twitter account.

SHINEE has not yet announced their next comeback as a full group. However, an update could be dropped at the ‘Everyday is SHINee DAY: Piece of SHINE’ fan meeting.

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BLACKPINK’s Jennie Poses With Song Hye Kyo at 2023 Met Gala

Jennie is in good company at the 2023 Met Gala! The BLACKPINK member snapped a stunning selfie with “The Glory” star Song Hye Kyo. The “Solo” singer also shared Rosé’s advice for attending the biggest fashion event of the year.

BLACKPINK’s Jennie and Song Hye Kyo Take A Gorgeous Met Gala Selfie

The theme of the 2023 Met Gala is “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty”, and is a tribute to the former creative director of Chanel. Jennie is the house ambassador for the luxury brand and the invitation was inevitable. The BLACKPINK member represented the brand by wearing a vintage Chanel minidress from the 1990 Fall/Winter collection.

Jennie wasn’t the only South Korean celebrity at Met Gala 2023. Song Hye Kyo was also in attendance and the two decided to give fans a treat by taking a breathtaking selfie together. Vogue Korea shared the photo on Instagram which immediately had people swooning.

During an interview with Vogue, Jennie gushed about her vintage dress confirming it is based on Karl Lagerfeld’s original design.

“I’m wearing Chanel from the ’90s,” she said. “I’m so lucky to have the Chanel team recreate this look from the ’90s, the one that Karl did. So I’m just, like, so happy!

Jennie also revealed that Rosé had great advice for her appearance at the event. The BLACKPINK member, who attended the Met Gala in 2022, reportedly told her to enjoy herself!

“Rosé, she was here last year, and she told me, ‘Just have fun,’ so that’s the plan for today. I’m going to go have fun!” Jennie said with a smile.

Jennie is currently on the road with BLACKPINK for their BORN PINK World Tour. The group recently announced encore shows in North America.

Song Hye Kyo attended the 2023 Met Gala as Fendi’s brand ambassador. She recently won the Best Actress Award at the 59th Baeksang Arts Awards for her performance in “The Glory”.

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ATEEZ Announces Asia Leg Of 3rd World Tour

ATEEZ is returning to Asia this year. The idol group has just revealed the dates, cities and venues of the Asian leg of their third world tour ‘THE FELLOWSHIP: BREAK THE WALL’.

ATEEZ Confirms ‘THE FELLOWSHIP: BREAK THE WALL’ Asian Leg Dates and Venues

The official ATEEZ Twitter account dropped a new poster for the group’s latest world tour. The poster confirms ‘THE FELLOWSHIP: BREAK THE WALL’ will include dates in Taipei, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore, and Manila.

The Asia leg of ATEEZ’s third world tour will start on July 8 at Hall 1 of the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center. Confirmed cities and dates include Hong Kong at Hall 10 of the AsiaWorld Expo on July 15 and a show at Hall 8 of the Bangkok Impact Exhibition Center on August 5. The group will also perform at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on September 9, and in Manila’s Araneta Coliseum on September 16, 2023.

For now, these are the only dates confirmed in Asia. However, ATEEZ is expected to add more dates and cities in the future. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

ATEEZ recently performed two encore shows in Seoul where ATINYs found a hint about the group’s next comeback. There were special banners with QR codes posted outside the venue. When scanned, it reveals a mysterious ‘WANTED’ poster featuring the ATEEZ members.

The poster is believed to be a teaser for ATEEZ’s next comeback which is reported to be in June. However, the group and their agency KQ Entertainment have not yet officially announce the comeback. Nevertheless, people are looking forward to an update this month.

ATEEZ debuted in October 2018 with the EP ‘Treasure EP.1: All to Zero’ and the debut song “Pirate King”. Hongjoong, Seonghwa, Yunho, Yeosang, San, Mingi, Wooyoung and Jongho have since released nine EPs, one studio album and one single album in the Korean language. They also produced two single albums, three EPs and two studio albums in Japanese.

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