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.”
[📸] 2023 (G)I-DLE WORLD TOUR [I am FREE-TY] IN SEOUL D-2
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.
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 Landto 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.”
Reason for choosing King The Land ? Junho said "This is my first time doing an authentic Rom-Com. The previous work itself had a sense of weight and had a different tone, so I wanted to greet you with a bright & pleasant character" pic.twitter.com/fMc0ztB7LA
— Daisy loves KING JUNHO ✨ (@daisy_talks) June 15, 2023
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.
Suga has always been open to his fans whenever they have questions to ask. The BTS rapper addressed a query from an ARMY who begged him to perform in China. Min Yoongi had a simple explanation as to why the country was not included in the SUGA Agust D Tour.
Suga Reveals Why He Did Not Include China In Agust D World Tour
Suga recently interacted with fans during a live broadcast on Weverse. The “Haegeum” rapper took time to speak to ARMYs after his last concert date in Thailand. During the live stream, Suga noticed a comment from a fan asking him to “come tour in China.”
“But we can’t perform in China, how can I go tour in China?” Suga asked in return.
He added, “Are there any Korean artists performing in China? I don’t think there are any.”
“I want to go perform at all the places that ARMYs are mentioning. It makes me feel bad,” Suga continued. He then explained that he saw a few Chinese fans in the audience during some of the SUGA Agust D Tour dates.
“But I can’t perform in China,” he said. “I want to tour in China. It’s been a long time since I’ve been to China so I want to go but there is no way for Korean artists to go and work there.”
In 2018, China strongly objected to the deployment of U.S. Terminal High Altitude Defense missile systems in South Korea. This led to the implementation of the Korean Culture Ban which restricted the dissemination of content originating from Korea.
For now, it is still unclear whether Suga or any Korean act will be able to perform in China. In the meantime, the Asian leg of the SUGA Agust D Tour continues. Min Yoongi will be performing three dates at the Singapore Indoor Stadium from June 16 to 18, 2023.
Shownu is ready to be a mentor to rising dancers. The MONSTA X leader has been confirmed to be one of the new judges joining Street Woman Fighter 2. This will be one of Son Hyunwoo’s first major gigs since his military discharge in April.
Street Woman Fighter Confirms MONSTA X’s Shownu As New Judge In 2nd Season
The production team behind the Mnet dance survival show confirmed the news in a statement.
“Shownu is an artist who has a strong fandom both domestically and globally, and he is also well-known for his powerful dancing as MONSTA X’s main dancer,” the producers said.
“Because he also previously served as a judge on Mnet’s CAP-TEEN, which aired back in 2020, we look forward to Shownu using his experience to help the dancers’ global performance on Street Woman Fighter 2 as well,” they added.
KCON LA 2023 will also feature Stray Kids, ITZY, Rain, NMIXX, Kep1er, JO1, ATEEZ, IVE, THE BOYZ, ZEROBASEONE, CRAVITY, xikers, and INI. It was recently announced that SHINee’s Taemin, NCT’s Taeyong, (G)I-DLE, WayV, Lapillus, and EVERGLOW will join the line-up.
KCON LA 2023 will occur at Crypto.com Arena and LA Convention Center from August 18 to 20, 2023. The event will also be streamed online.
The first season of Street Woman Fighter premiered in 2021. It follows various female dance crews as they compete to be the No. 1 team. K-pop legend BoA and NCT‘s Taeyong served as the judges in the first season.
Street Woman Fighter 2 is currently scheduled to premiere on Mnet in August 2023. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.
Jennie is breaking her silence after a recent health scare. The BLACKPINK member apologized to fans after she left in the middle of a Melbourne concert.
Jennie Pens Apology To Australian Fans For Leaving BLACKPINK’s Recent Melbourne Concert
During BLACKPINK’s Melbourne concert on June 11, Jennie left the stage in the middle of the group’s “Lovesick Girls” performance. Jisoo, Rosé, and Lisa then finished the show as a trio. YG Entertainment later confirmed that “Jennie was unable to complete the stage due to her deteriorating condition.”
Since then, Jennie has been resting in preparation for BLACKPINK’s future shows. The “Solo” singer also took to her Instagram account to share an apology to Melbourne BLINKs who missed her performance.
“Dear Melbourne Blinks – I’m so sorry I wasn’t able to finish the show on Sunday,” she wrote. Jennie also assured fans of her current state.
“I am doing my best to recover atm. Your understanding and support means the world to me,” she continued. Finally, Jennie expressed her gratitude towards her fans.
“Thank you everyone who came to our Melbourne show, Love you guys!” she concluded.
BLACKPINK will continue with the BORN PINK World Tour in Australia and is scheduled to perform in Sydney this week. The group is set for a two-night show in Sydney on June 16 and 17, 2023.
In related news, YG Entertainment addressed the rumors about Jennie’s possible casting in a Marvel film. A report suggested that the BLACKPINK member has been cast as Seol Hee aka Luna Snow, a K-pop idol who becomes a superhero after gaining ice-based powers.
The rumored project will reportedly introduce the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s first Asian superhero team which is believed to be Agents of Atlas. Although fans were already excited about Jennie joining the MCU, YG Entertainment has confirmed that the casting news is not true.
The highly anticipated BTS book is finally coming next month. The supergroup just unveiled the official cover for Beyond The Story: 10-Year Record of BTS. Additionally, BTS dropped the trailer for their upcoming biography.
‘Beyond The Story: 10-Year Record of BTS’ Official Cover, Book Trailer Released
Beyond the Story: 10-Year Record of BTS is written by journalist Kang Myeongseok and the seven members of the group. It will be structured as “an oral history of” the group’s story. Anton Hur is responsible for the English translation, in collaboration with Clare Richards and Slin Jung.
The seven chapters of the book will be collected in 544 pages. It will also include exclusive photographs and never-before-seen images of RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook.
Beyond the Story is already available for pre-order. The book is set to be released on July 9, 2023. That’s the same day that the group announced their fandom name. This effectively means that the biography will be BTS’ birthday gift to ARMY.
“Take Two” is a special gift for BTS’s fans and “conveys their appreciation toward ARMY.” It is the second full-group single that has been released since Jin and J-Hope enlisted for military service.
Sandara Park is finally ready for her next solo album. The former 2NE1 member confirmed she is releasing a new album in July. This will be Dara’s first music release since leaving YG Entertainment in 2021.
ABYSS Company Announces Sandara Park Solo Debut Set For July
Abyss Company confirmed the news. “Sandara Park is preparing for a new album [aiming to be released] in July,” the agency said in a statement.
The company also revealed that the schedule has not yet been finalized. “We will inform you later when [the details] are decided,” they stated.
This is welcome news for BLACKJACKs. Sandara Park is the only member of 2NE1 who has not released solo music since leaving YG Entertainment. Needless to say, it’s a solo album that fans have been waiting for since 2021.
Dara debuted with 2NE1 in May 2009. She was the first member of the group to release a solo single “Kiss” (feat. CL) which was used for a Cass Beer promotional campaign. After 2NE1 disbanded in November 2016, Dara signed a solo contract with YG Entertainment. However, she did not release any solo music.
In May 2021, YG Entertainment confirmed that Dara did not renew her contract with the company. Dara had been working as a solo artist appearing in variety shows and musicals. In September 2021, Abyss Company announced that Sandara Park has signed an exclusive contract with the agency.
But what can we expect in Dara’s solo album? The details have not yet been revealed. However, the “Love Love Love” singer had previously teased the concept.
“I will give big spoiler!!! The concept of my album will be ‘Sandara Park’,” Dara tweeted.
I will give big spoiler!!! The concept of my album will be “Sandara Park” 😎🌴
Moonbin’s mother is stepping up in defense of her late son. Moon Bin’s mom is requesting people to stop spreading fake rumors about the late ASTRO member.
Moon Bin’s Mother Issues Statement Regarding Fake Rumors About Late ASTRO Singer
ASTRO’s agency FANTAGIO recently shared a letter on the group’s official fan page. The letter was penned by Moonbin’s mother and her message is addressed to AROHAs.
“First, I received a lot of comfort from the sincerity of the fans who, even though it was a long distance to travel, came all the way to [Moonbin’s memorial spaces] and wrote heartfelt letters and brought flowers. Truly, I sincerely thank you,” she wrote. “I hope that all the fans also find comfort and stay in good health.”
She then explains that she learned about fake rumors being spread about Moon Bin.
“The reason that I ended up writing this letter is because, even though I know everyone is mourning and grieving for my son, I’ve seen that there have been groundless rumors starting in a small minority of online communities,” she wrote.
“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 continued.
“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.”
Moon Bin Cause of Death Not Yet Revealed
Moonbin passed away in his home on April 19, 2023. The cause of death was not officially revealed. His sister BILLLIE rapper Moon Sua served as chief mourner at his funeral which was attended by fellow ASTRO members and close friends.
Soon after Moon Bin’s passing, FANTAGIO opened a memorial space in front of the agency’s building. The space was later moved to the roof deck so fans can continue to leave letters for the late idol.
The memorial site has now been moved to an area in Gukcheongsa Temple at Namhansangseong, FANTAGIO confirmed that the space will be opened long-term as long as fans follow the rules and regulations.
BTS is officially 10 years old. The supergroup celebrated their 10th anniversary since their debut in 2013. In honor of ARMYs who supported them along their way, the idols shared heartwarming messages for their fans.
They say rivers and mountains change in ten years..and it’s true.
There have been endless new waves reaching new heights. There are so many late nights that I do not remember. Myself at 20 and 30 feel like completely different people. Now, my past self feels more unfamiliar.
It is quite special to feel enchanted by certain words. For a noun to become a pronoun. For bulletproof to become BTS, for army to become [BTS’s fan club] ARMY..
There was a lot of rain, wind, and love. We’ve built our own world that we may not make anyone else understand. Thanks to ARMY and the many people who helped us
We’ve had very special experiences that we can never experience again.
Looking back, even if I was momentarily soaked in reminiscence, I was used to kicking down doors and stepping out without rest. Even now, I am still taking a guess at our second chapter. I feel like we can become anything.
The worries and ambivalence I had at 17 and 20 years old are still valid now.
As I gradually become an adult
I learned that in the world, there are many things that cannot be explained through words and writing, And that things you thought would never change, change someday too.
Also, that the birth of one ‘name’
Needs the strength and love of so many people.
I am still incredibly immature. In the future too, I will likely continue to be unfamiliar, nervous, and in distress. But I will still move forward.
Apart and together, far but close, I have you all,
And I hope you all have me. My members, staff, family, and friends! And ARMY! You’ve worked so hard. Let’s live together well for the next 10 years too. In this bad world! I love you.
2023. June. 12.
Nam June
RM also shared several photos from BTS’ debut year. It didn’t take long before the other members began sharing their own heartwarming messages for ARMYs.
Jimin took to Weverse to share a sweet letter.
ARMY, this is Jimin.
Wow, it’s our 10th anniversary.
When did time pass this quickly? I met you when I was 19, and sometimes I can’t believe I’m 29 now.
I am an adult now.
My mind is still the same as when I was 19, but my body is hahaha….
It feels strange.
Anyway. I just miss you all.
In the past, I wondered what it would be like when we reach our 10th and 20th anniversary.
I don’t think there is much difference.
I think it’s actually pretty nice. I mean, I was a bit emotional earlier because I was watching Jin on “Suchwita” But I’m just happy.
Rather than feeling sad or anything, should I say I feel entirely happy because it’s like things shared with ARMY keep piling up one by one?
It may sound strange to say this, but it feels different from “It’s the first anniversary!!!It’s the second anniversary!!”
It’s just like wow.
Huh huh we’re here now.
No, actually this is not it. Umm it’s hard to express with words.
Actually, since last year, I was feeling a bit depressed at first because it seemed like our time together had stopped, but it wasn’t like that.
Us thinking of each other while in our own positions, thinking about what we can do now, and continuing to try, all these things are what we’re together.
So these days, I’m entirely happy.
Of course, I miss ARMY even more. I’m also very curious about how you are doing these days and what kind of worries you have, but I’m sorry that I couldn’t come around more often. But I still think of ARMY all the time.
I think I said these things often.
Such as, “Eight years is long if it is long and short if it is short…,” “9 years is…,” and so on.
But the 10-year period feels different.
Some sort of strong [feeling] that cannot be ignored by anyone, so it can be understood and shared even more Yes, this is the kind of feeling I got. I’m happy. So I want to protect this relationship more and work harder.
I’ve told ARMY many times already that supporting, loving, and giving strength for no reason is not something anyone can do. So I really feel that we are such happy people.
All of you who make us feel all these things should also feel overflowing happiness and be loved.
You should. Okay? Dear ARMY, whom I am always thankful for and love, Let’s be happy for a long long time from now on.
The other BTS members decided to share their messages on the social media platforms. Suga simply shared a photo featuring the group bowing to their audience. “TAKE TWO 💜 Thank you everyone, and I love you!” he wrote.
Kim Taehyung, aka V, had several videos to share on his Instagram stories. However, his message was sweet and straightforward.
“It has already been 10 years since we debuted…,” V wrote. “Thank you to our members for making good memories together and for being healthy for 10 years.”
“ARMY, thank you so much, and we work with strength thanks to you,” he continued. “Continue taking care of your health and have only happy days. That is our only hope.”
230613 V on IG 🐻*captions for all 4 videos combined* it’s already our 10 year anniversary since we debuted..
In 2nd 🐻look here! 🐹yeah 🐿️smile~ 🐥i’m doing a v now
In 3rd 🐥hyung lets do it
In 4th: 🐿️are you taking [the photos]? 🐻it’s a video 🐿️ay shouldve told me earlier + pic.twitter.com/yO94L40zrY
“Borahae. ARMY forever, BTS forever,” Kim Taehyung added. “There are too many videos, so I’ll release more on the 20th anniversary. Bye!”
Although Jin and J-Hope are both serving in the military, they still managed to share messages for BTS’ 10th anniversary. Jin posted his letter on Weverse.
Hello, this is Jin.
We have reached our 10th anniversary thanks to our ARMY.
They say that even rivers and mountains change in 10 years, but it’s quite amazing that the love between BTS and ARMY does not change.
I also want to give some kind of 10th anniversary content to you.. but it’s really too bad that I can’t join. I should have filmed more content before enlisting.. I’m not sure how to express my apologetic feelingsㅠㅠ
I know that our remaining members are carrying out 10th anniversary content well.. I have 365 days one year left of military life, and for our 11th anniversary, instead of going home right after being discharged, I will go to our company building and greet you through a Weverse live.
Of course if the time is early, I could come after being at home, but I will not make any other plans and will be together with all of you on my discharge day on our 11th anniversary.
I am so happy to at least be able to say words like this haha Thank you so much for spending our 10th anniversary together with us, and we hope you will be together with us until our bodies can handle performing.
ARMY ♡ BTS
-Jin-
J-Hope had a special illustration for ARMYs which he shared on his personal Instagram account. “This is the best I can do in the military,” he wrote. “10-year anniversary, thank you ARMY.”
Interestingly, the last BTS member to post about their 10th anniversary was their maknae and it was worth the wait. Jungkook shared his letter on Weverse.
“I see that everyone wrote touching letters…I was thinking about how to write this, so I’m just going to write as myself,” he wrote.
“I know that I have gone through so much with ARMY, and it sometimes feels like it’s been too long, but in a blink of an eye, 10 years have passed??” Jungkook continued. “I don’t remember every detail clearly. I think there were happy times and sad times and times when I cried, but I don’t remember them very clearly.”
“Of course, I’m sure if we were to go over each incident, I would know them all,” he added. “I think because I always focus on the present, it’s become a habit of mine to quickly forget the past.”
Jungkook on weverse 🌟
"ARMY, stay healthy. BTS,stay healthy…love each other I can't imagine living without ARMY anymore ..Anyway, the conclusion There's nothing special about the 10th anniversary, let's go to 20th anniversary "
Jungkook continued, “My hyungs remember everything… But if someone brings it up, I’ll know it (memories)!!! The memory is just on a brief vacation! All of the memories are in this Jungkook’s heart.”
He then thanked fans for their continued support through the years.
“The fact that 10 years have gone by so fast means it has been really fun! You know, because if you aren’t having fun, time goes by slowly!” Jungkook wrote.
“Thanks to ARMY 10 years have gone by in a blink of an eye. Thank you for being with us for 10 years!!!” he added. “I hope ARMY and BTS members are all healthy, so even in the future, we can walk together while loving each other.”
“I can’t even imagine a life without ARMY,” he admitted. “But I just realized while writing that my personality has changed a lot.”
“Anyways, in conclusion, 10 years is nothing. 20 years, here we come!” Jungkook concluded.
Johnny is taking a break after a surprising injury. The NCT member has injured his clavicle and is required to wear a brace. This means that Johnny Suh will have to halt his upcoming activities to focus on his recovery.
SM Entertainment Announces NCT Member Johnny’s Clavicle Injury and Temporary Hiatus
On June 12, SM Entertainment issued a statement confirming Johnny’s injury. According to the statement, Johnny “bumped his right shoulder against a studio door” while filming new content. The impact was serious enough for the NCT member to go to the hospital to receive a medical examination.
“According to the results, his right clavicle (collarbone) is fractured, and he received medical advice that he should wear a brace to secure the relevant area and to minimize movement until recovery,” the statement read.
The agency also announced that the NCT member will “temporarily halt all his scheduled activities and focus on treatment and recovery.” SM promised to provide an update on Johnny’s return at a later date.
“We sincerely apologize for causing concern to fans with the sudden news,” the statement added. “The agency will put the artist’s treatment as priority and help Johnny focus on his recovery. We will do our best so that he can greet fans again in good health.”
Johnny’s recovery is certainly important for NCT. It has just been confirmed that NCT will hold five full-group stadium concerts.
NCT STADIUM LIVE ‘NCT NATION : To The World-in JAPAN’ 개최 결정💚 NCT 127, NCT DREAM, WayV 각 일본 오피셜 팬클럽 선행(응모)이 금일 오후 12시부터 시작됩니다📣
“NCT Nation: To The World“ will also feature performances from all of the subunits. It is possible that the new subunit NCT Tokyo will also be introduced. The stadium concerts will take place in South Korea and Japan at the Incheon Munhak Stadium, Yanmar Stadium Nagai, and Ajinomoto Stadium from August to September 2023.
Johnny joined NCT in January 2017. Seo Young Ho is also a member of NCT U and NCT 127.
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