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FIFTY FIFTY’s Agency Files Criminal Charges Against SIAHN

ATTRAKT is taking legal action against its former co-CEO. FIFTY FIFTY‘s agency has announced that it has filed a criminal complaint with the police against Ahn Sung Il, who is also known as SIAHN.

FIFTY FIFTY’s Agency Files Criminal Complaint Against SIAHN

According to the statement, ATTRAKT has filed a criminal complaint at the Gangnam Police Station against Ahn Sung Il and the three other individuals. The complaint cites “fraud, breach of duty, and obstruction of business” as SIAHN’s illegal acts.

Ahn Sung Il is the CEO of creative content development group The Givers but it was indicated that he is the former co-CEO of ATTRAKT.

The agency explained that The Givers had been working on and managing projects for ATTRAKT. However it also accused Ahn Sung Il of “committing acts of fraud and obstruction of business including delaying the handover of work, deleting company email accounts, and deleting material related to past projects.”

“Furthermore, in the process of purchasing the song Cupid from a foreign songwriter, The Givers did not provide ATTRAKT with information about the copyright purchase, and they secretly purchased the copyright in their or their company’s name without our knowledge,” the statement read.

It was also indicated that ATTRAKT believes SIAHN and the three other individuals are involved in other illegal acts. “We may file additional [criminal] complaints as well,” the statement confirms.

ATTRAKT had previously announced that it would be taking legal action against a then-unnamed third party that had allegedly approached FIFTY FIFTY with the intent to persuade the girl group into violating their exclusive contracts with their current agency.

“Through slanderous accusations against us and glorified flattery about themselves, these external forces are committing an illegal act of inducing our agency’s artists to make the wrong decision to ignore their valid exclusive contracts and sign contracts with them,” the agency said in a statement.

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SEVENTEEN’s Vernon Confirmed as First KENZO Global Ambassador

Vernon is going global with his latest project. The SEVENTEEN rapper has been confirmed as the first global ambassador for KENZO. Hansol Vernon Chwe‘s first gig was representing the French luxury brand at Men’s Fashion Week in Paris this weekend.

KENZO Announces SEVENTEEN’s Vernon As First Global Ambassador

The official KENZO Instagram account made the announcement by sharing a new photo of Vernon with Nigo, the fashion brand’s Artistic Director.

“KENZO is thrilled to announce VERNON as its first global ambassador,” the caption read.

“[Vernon] is joining the KENZO universe, teaming up with a House that shares strong links to the international entertainment scene, under the influence of Artistic Director [Nigo],” it continues.

Nigo also expressed his excitement about the collaboration. “I’m pleased and grateful to welcome Vernon into the KENZO family,” the Artistic Director told WWD.

KENZO explained why they chose the SEVENTEEN rapper as their first global ambassador.

“[Vernon’s] exceptional command of vocal range, tone, and visual versatility quickly helped him garner global recognition and reputation,” the brand said in a statement.

Vernon also issued a statement about the collaboration.

“I feel honored and fortunate to be Kenzo’s global ambassador,” the rapper said. “I’m excited to explore the synergy this partnership will introduce and look forward to showcasing a new side of me to fans around the world.”

Vernon debuted as a member of SEVENTEEN in May 2015. He is part of the group’s Hip-Hop Team and serves as their main rapper.

In December 2022, Choi Hansol released the mixtape Black Eye and the single of the same name. It served as the third addition to SEVENTEEN’s The Thirteen Tapes series which already includes Hoshi’s Spider and Woozi’s Ruby.

SEVENTEEN recently released their tenth EP FML with its title tracks Super and F*ck My Life. The 13-member group will hold a 2-day concert in Seoul, titled Follow to Seoul at the Gocheok Sky Dome on July 21 to 21, 2023.

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Suzy Reveals How She Chooses Her New Projects

Bae Suzy is sharing some secrets about her successful career. The former Miss A member revealed how she chooses the new projects she works on.

Bae Suzy Shares Important Factor When Choosing The Right Projects

Harper’s Bazaar Korea has just unveiled stunning photos of Suzy for the cover of the magazine’s July 2023 issue. In the photo shoot, Suzy shows off elegant timepieces as Longines’ global ambassador.

In the accompanying interview, Suzy revealed her standards for choosing new projects.

 

“It’s the character. Whether it’s instinctively or rationally, if I feel a sense of déjà vu with the character, I don’t think I’m drawn to them,” she said.

“What’s most important depends on how much I’m able to understand that character,” Suzy continued.

“Strangely, there are some characters that keep weighing on my mind. When that happens, I tend to do them,” she concluded.

It certainly works for Bae Suzy who always works on critically-acclaimed TV shows and films. She previously worked on shows like Vagabond and Start-Up and her film Wonderland was screened at the 76th Cannes Film Festival.

Although Wonderland has not yet been released, fans got a preview of Suzy and Park Bo Gum’s chemistry at the 59th Baeksang Arts Awards. The two actors served as co-hosts alongside Shin Dong Yup at the prestigious event. Bae Suzy and Park Bo Gum have served as co-hosts at the Baeksang Awards for several years and they clearly got along.

One of Suzy’s latest projects will also mean a reunion with a previous co-star. It was previously confirmed that Bae Suzy will reunite with Uncontrollably Fond co-star Kim Woo Bin in a new project. The actors will star in the upcoming fantasy romantic comedy All Your Wishes Come True which is being written by The Glory scribe Kim Eun Sook.

Suzy’s full interview will be featured in the July issue of Harper’s Bazaar Korea.

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EXO-CBX Members Reach Agreement With SM Entertainment

The ongoing legal battle is finally over. EXO-CBX members Xiumin, Baekhyun, and Chen have come to an agreement with SM Entertainment. The members of EXO also issued a joint statement with their agency.

EXO-CBX Members and SM Entertainment Issue Joint Statement

SM Entertainment released a joint statement with the three EXO-CBX members. It confirms that the agency and the idols have resolved their differences and agreed to continue forward as EXO with their contracts.

“Recently, the agency and the agency’s artists continued to publicly raise issues with our different stances. Regarding this, the agency and the three artists sincerely apologize for causing concern to the many people who support EXO,” the statement read.

“Afterwards, the agency and three artists had ample time in which we candidly discussed all the issues,” it continued. “Through this, we resolved the differences caused by misunderstandings, and we are pleased to inform you that we have reached a mutually amicable agreement.”

In the statement, it was confirmed that the EXO-CBX members have discussed the contracts thoroughly with the agency. Moreover, they “will carry out a process of mutually equal discussion as well as corrections” and “promised to strengthen our future relationship further.”

SM Apologizes For Third Party Involvement Claims

SM Entertainment also addressed the “third party” misunderstanding.

“The agency initially received a tip-off that a third party was approaching the three artists with unjust intention, and we stated that this was the main cause of the dispute,” the statement read.

“However, through this discussion, we learned that there was a misunderstanding about the involvement of a third party,” it continued. “We would like to take this opportunity to apologize to those involved for causing concern with our announcement.”

Finally, SM Entertainment stated that the incident gave them the chance to “think about the personal concerns of artists.” They also confirmed it would influence “the direction of our agency’s growth following the launch of SM 3.0.”

“Thanks to fans’ support, we would like to plan the future of SM 3.0 that is more developed and mature,” the statement added. “Under the changed and developed new values of SM 3.0, we will further strengthen and solidify mutual cooperation and respect with our artists.”

Earlier this month, Baekhyun, Xiumin, and Chen notified SM Entertainment regarding the termination of their exclusive contracts. The agency responded by claiming that a third party influenced the termination. Since then, both parties have issued statements responding to each other through the EXO-CBX members’ legal representative.

EXO will release their seventh full album EXIST on July 10, 2023.

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Squid Game Season 2 Adds ZE:A’s Siwan

Squid Game Season 2 has revealed the new cast members who are joining the games. A new teaser for the second season of the Netflix series confirms ZE:A member Im Siwan will join the show.

Squid Game Season 2 Announcement Video Reveals New Cast Members

The official cast announcement video was shared during TUDUM 2023, a global fan event for Netflix’s projects held in Brazil. The video confirms the return of Lee Jung Jae as Seong Gi-hun. Additionally, the second season will give Lee Byung-hun’s The Frontman an even bigger role to play.

There is an interesting surprise in the video as it confirms Wi Ha Joon will reprise his role as Hwang Junho. In the first season, the police officer was killed by his own brother who turned out to be the Frontman. However, it appears he survived and will continue to play a major role in the show.

The video also revealed four new actors who will be joining Squid Game next year. Yim Siwan is the first new cast member confirmed. The ZE:A member had previously appeared in the Netflix film Unlocked.

Park Sung-hoon (The Glory), Kang Ha-neul (The Pirates: The Last Royal Treasure), and Yang Dong-geun (Connect) will also join Squid Game Season 2. Their roles in the series are still undisclosed.

The teaser for the second season of Squid Game also confirmed that Gong Yoo will be back. In the first season, the Train to Busan actor played the recruiter who convinces Gi-hun to join the games.

One actor who will not return is Jung Ho-yeon who played Kang Sae-byeok in the first season. Sae-byeok was a fan favorite but was ultimately killed by Cho Sang-woo (Park Hae-soo).

Squid Game Season 2 was not yet given an official release date. However, the second season of the series is already expected to premiere on Netflix in 2024. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

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BILLLIE’s Suhyeon Temporarily Suspends Activities Due To Health Concerns

Suhyeon is taking a break to focus on her health. The BILLLIE member is halting all activities to deal with health concerns.

Mystic Story shared a statement to the BILLLIE fan café addressing Suhyeon’s health concerns. “Our agency artist Billlie’s Suhyeon has halted her activities for health reasons,” the statement announced.

“Following an expert’s opinion that she needs rest, we’ve decided to temporarily suspend her activities for the recovery of her health,” it continued.

The agency also assured fans that Suhyeon’s recovery is their top priority.

“We will do our best for Suhyeon’s treatment and quick recovery, and do everything we can for the health and safety of our artists in the future too. We apologize for causing concern to fans with this sudden news and ask for your support for Suhyeon’s quick recovery,” it concluded.

Suhyeon is not the only member of BILLLIE who had to take a break in the past few months. Moon Sua had been on temporary hiatus following the passing of her brother Moonbin. The rapper had served as chief mourner at the late ASTRO member’s funeral. Moreover, Sua has been inactive since the latter half of April.

However, Moon Sua is finally becoming more active. She recently posted a video of herself and her brother on Moonbin’s 49th day since passing.

“As rumored, Mr. Door-Frame-Moon’s backside was as broad as a door frame and warm,” Sua wrote. “I should’ve climbed on it some more when I had the chance.”

“Next time I see you, give me more rides,” she continued. “My dearest, one and only brother. Still, always, and forever, I’ll love you on and on. Don’t be sick, be healthy, eat your meals, and be happy.”

Suhyeon’s sudden break also coincides with Moon Sua’s return to group activities. Hopefully, BILLLIE will soon have all members active.

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FANTAGIO Will Take Legal Action Against Malicious Rumors About ASTRO’s Moonbin

FANTAGIO is taking malicious rumors about the late Moonbin very seriously. The agency announced that they are taking legal action against netizens spreading unconfounded rumors about the ASTRO member.

FANTAGIO Threatens To Take Legal Action Against Netizens Spreading Fake Rumors About Late ASTRO Member Moon Bin

FANTAGIO issued a statement regarding their plans to face the fake rumors about Moon Bin.

“While we initially planned to proceed with this quietly, because there are many fans who are worried about our artist, we have decided to make a brief statement to inform you of our plans,” the statement read.

“Recently, we have become aware of severely malicious posts that have gone too far, and we decided that we could no longer just sit by and watch,” it continued. “Therefore, we are already in the process of taking legal action. We are also informing you that, if similar incidents should arise again in the future, we will respond with strong legal action without leniency then as well.”

“We also plan to ramp up our monitoring, and we will continue to respond [to malicious posts] with strong legal action. Once again, we would like to emphasize that there will be no leniency whatsoever in carrying out [this legal response],” it concluded.

Moonbin’s Mother Pens Emotional Letter Asking People To Stop Spreading Fake Rumors

Moonbin’s mother had previously shared a letter on ASTRO’s official fan cafe. In the letter, she urges people to stop spreading rumors about the “Mermaid Prince” actor.

“These kinds of rumors are so difficult for me to see as a mother, and I am also worried that because of these false rumors, many people will suffer damages, and the fans who have been grieving for my son might suffer heartbreak,” she wrote.

“I don’t want my son to become fodder for gossip, and I entreat you to please not start any more rumors or spread unconfirmed facts,” she added. “I don’t want the fans whom Bin loved so dearly to live on with broken hearts.”

She concluded, “I sincerely thank all of you for your heartfelt mourning.”

Moonbin passed away in his home on April 19, 2023. The cause of death was not officially revealed.

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SEVENTEEN’s Jeonghan Meets Alice In Borderland Star Kento Yamazaki

Jeonghan was in good company in Berlin. The SEVENTEEN member recently attended the Saint Laurent Men’s Summer 2024 show where he met Kento Yamazaki. In addition to that, the “Dream” singer caught up with fellow K-pop idols at the event.

Jeonghan Impresses Kento Yamazaki At Saint Laurent Men’s Summer 2024 Show

On June 12, Saint Laurent debuted their 2024 spring/summer menswear collection in Berlin, Germany. Yoon Jeonghan of SEVENTEEN was one of the celebrities attending the event and he quickly made friends with other guests.

One celebrity who clearly enjoyed meeting Jeonghan was Japanese actor Kento Yamazaki. The Alice in Borderland star shared a selfie with the SEVENTEEN member on his official Instagram account.

Several videos taken from the event also proved that Jeonghan bonded with Yamazaki. Yoon Jeonghan also posted an image from the fashion event that featured the Your Lie in April actor.

Kento Yamazaki isn’t the only handsome face that Jeonghan was seen with at the YSL show. Saint Laurent creative director Anthony Vaccarello shared snaps of the SEVENTEEN member with other K-pop idols. The photos show Jeonghan with NCT’s Ten and GOT7’s Mark as well as Thai actress Kitty Chicha.

The images prove that Jeonghan can easily make friends even when he isn’t with the other members of SEVENTEEN. Moreover, CARATS were thrilled to see some interaction with other K-pop idols.

In related news, SEVENTEEN member Hoshi celebrated his birthday by giving CARATs a special gift. The Performance Team leader dropped the MV for Stay, a self-composed track that he had prepared for his birthday.

The best part of Hoshi’s gift is that he shared it at a special time. The Stay MV was uploaded at exactly 10:10 PM KST. It’s a cool reference to Kwon Soonyoung’s “10/10 vision”. It is also the same time that the group’s variety show Going Seventeen used to be uploaded on YouTube.

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(G)I-DLE’s Yuqi Reveals Why She Chose CUBE Over SM Entertainment

Yuqi has opened up about some important decisions she made in her career. The (G)I-DLE member revealed that she turned down SM Entertainment to debut in CUBE Entertainment’s girl group.

Here’s Why Yuqi Decided Against Signing With SM Entertainment

Yuqi was recently a guest on the MBC talk show Radio Star. During the show, the hosts pointed out that Song Yu Qi had always been a huge K-pop fan.

She confirmed, “In middle school, I was in a dance team. We even held a K-Pop festival.”

The (G)I-DLE main rapper then revealed that her initial goal was to become a trainee for SM Entertainment.

“I am a very big fan of Super Junior. So it was always my dream to go to SM Entertainment,” Yuqi said. “I auditioned for SM Entertainment’s global auditions in Beijing four times.”

She added, “After the fourth time, I saw that CUBE Entertainment was also having auditions the week afterwards, so I went ahead and auditioned for CUBE too. But then, I got a call back from both companies.”

It’s not surprising that both agencies wanted Yuqi to sign with them. However, it also meant that the Chinese idol had a huge decision to make.

“It was a huge struggle, choosing which company to go to,” she admitted. “SM was always my dream, after all. But then at that time, 4minute was making it big at CUBE.”

Yuqi continued, “So then I thought, ‘Well, it’s true that I’m cute and pretty and my visuals fit SM, but my voice is so CUBE. It is husky and more fitting for a girl crush concept’.”

So what made Yuqi decide to sign a contract with CUBE Entertainment? It was a simple offer.

“At the time, the director at Cube promised me, ‘Yuqi, if you sign with us, you will be able to debut by next year’. That was why I chose Cube,” she admitted.

It’s a relatable reason and we can’t blame Yuqi for making the decision. After all, most trainees have to wait several years before they could debut. Luckily for Song Yu Qi, she debuted as one of the talented members of (G)I-DLE.

(G)I-DLE is currently promoting their sixth EP I Feel. The group will begin their I AM FREE-TY World Tour in Seoul on June 17, 2023.

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GIRLS GENERATION’s YoonA and 2PM’s Junho Had The Same Reason For Working On “King The Land”

YoonA and Junho are working together for the exact same reason. The GIRLS GENERATION singer and 2PM member have shared why they agreed to work on King The Land. Interestingly, both Im Yoona and Lee Junho were looking for a change.

YoonA and Junho Discuss Working on New Rom-Com King The Land

Im Yoona and Lee Junho attended a press conference for King The Land ahead of the show’s premiere. During the event, YoonA confirmed she chose to work on the new JTBC romantic comedy for a change of pace.

“My last project was heavy and dark, so I wanted to work on a piece with a brighter tone for my next project,” she revealed. “I also felt that when I tried out a character with a bright personality in the past, many fans liked it.”

YoonA had previously worked on the crime drama Big Mouth alongside Lee Jongsuk. It was a very different project from her upcoming rom-com.

Lee Junho agreed with YoonA, admitting he took on King The Land to be set apart from the historical drama he previously starred in.

“I felt the same as YoonA,” Junho said. “Working on The Red Sleeve, I struggled through a lot of emotional stress.”

He explained, “It is based on a historical figure, which meant that I was aware of the story’s tragic developments even as I worked on the project. This time, I chose a project that is allowing me to empty my mind of stray thoughts. It is a production full of love and laughter.”

Although Junho had fun working on the new show, he also confessed that playing a character who doesn’t like smiles was difficult.

“I’m the kind of person who smiles and laughs easily, so acting out a character who doesn’t smile or laugh was actually a big challenge for me. I immediately smile or laugh after even cut,” he said.

Luckily, things were not that hard since Junho was working with YoonA. The Confidential Assignment star revealed that she was excited about working with the 2PM member.

“It’s our first time working on an acting project together,” YoonA said. “I’m so happy that I’m working with Junho, whom I’ve known professionally since we were young.”

“There were moments when we could comfortably look back on those days and talk about our experiences,” she revealed.

In King The Land, Lee Junho plays Gu Won, a chaebol heir who can’t stand fake smiles, and Im Yoona portrays the constantly smiling Cheon Sa Rang. The series will premiere on JTBC on June 17, 2023.

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