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YG Entertainment Addresses BIGBANG’s G-Dragon Contract Renewal Negotiations

YG Entertainment is finally addressing the recent reports about G-Dragon’s contract expiration. The agency issued a statement regarding the issue and confirmed that they are negotiating with the BIGBANG leader.

YG Entertainment Confirms G-Dragon’s Contract Expiration, Renewal Negotiations In Progress

On June 5, several reports reveal that G-Dragon was omitted from YG Entertainment’s Quarterly Report. The table lists all of the agency’s talents in the “Major Contracts and R&D Activities” column. Kwon Jiyong’s omission from the list seemingly confirmed that the BIGBANG member’s contract had expired.

YG Entertainment immediately addressed the reports, claiming that the omission was due to a “system error.” Additionally, the company issued a new statement confirming that G-Dragon’s contract has expired.

“It’s true that G-Dragon’s exclusive contract has expired,” a spokesperson for YG Entertainment said. They then added that Kwon Jiyong is in negotiations with the agency for a possible renewal.

“We are currently discussing various options including partial contracts for his activities in areas such as advertisements,” they said. “Should the artist wish to resume his promotions as a musician in the near future, we plan to negotiate a new contract with him and offer him the agency’s full support.”

If the renewal negotiations are successful, G-Dragon will be the last BIGBANG member to stay with YG Entertainment. Taeyang is currently signed with YG affiliate THE BLACK LABEL while Daesung signed a contract with R&D Company in April 2023.

Although they will no longer work under the same label, G-Dragon, Taeyang, and Daesung are all expected to continue group activities as BIGBANG.

In related news, T.O.P recently confirmed his departure from the group. The BIGBANG rapper recently responded to a fan comment on his own Instagram post. Choi Seunghyun claimed that he left the group when his contract with YG Entertainment expired and he is currently working on a solo project.

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BTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BTS Suga and Halsey Drop DIABLO IV Anthem ‘Lilith’ MV

BTS rapper Suga has reunited with American singer-songwriter Halsey for an awesome new project. The duo just dropped the official MV for the DIABLO IV anthem “Lilith”.

BTS’ Suga Reunites With Halsey For The Dark and Moody MV For The DIABLO IV Anthem ‘Lilith’

On June 5, Halsey’s YouTube channel uploaded the new music video for “Lilith”. The new MV is a remake of Halsey’s song and features BTS rapper Suga. It has been confirmed that the darker and moodier remix will serve as the official theme for Blizzard’s latest video game.

It’s a fitting theme for DIABLO IV which takes place 50 years after the events of DIABLO III: Reaper of Souls. In the game, the player needs to explore and survive in the world of Sanctuary after the demon and main antagonist Lilith is resurrected.

Halsey had previously performed “Lilith” at The Game Awards 2022 as a joint promotion with the Blizzard title. However, it is the remix featuring BTS rapper Suga that will serve as the game’s official theme.

Halsey first collaborated with BTS on “Boy with Luv” in April 2019. She later worked with Min Yoongi on “Suga’s Interlude”, a promotional single for her 2020 album ‘Manic’.

The “Gasoline” singer, whose real name is Ashley Nicolette Frangipane, previously explained why she chose to work with Suga.

“Yoongi is really introspective and has this really intelligent perspective on where we are and what we are doing in our unique lifestyles,” she said.

DIABLO IV is one of the most highly anticipated video games of 2023. Originally announced by Blizzard in 2019, it is the fourth main installment of the video game series. It features the return of the Rogue class, a character class that was last seen in the first game.

DIABLO IV was released on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S on June 5, 2023.

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EXO’s Baekhyun, Xiumin and Chen Demand SM’s Settlement Reports

Baekhyun, Xiumin, and Chen continue to face off against SM Entertainment. The EXO members are now demanding that the agency fulfill their promise to provide settlement reports.

EXO Members Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin Still Waiting For Settlement Reports From SM Entertainment

On June 5,  the EXO-CBX members‘ legal representative announced that they have filed a complaint to the Fair Trade Commission. The complaint is against SM Entertainment for “abuse of superior bargaining position.”

SM Entertainment soon responded with a statement on their decision.

“We have decided to provide copies of the settlement reports with the consent and understanding of EXO members on the premise that the three artists and legal representative do not use them for unjust purposes,” it read. The agency also stated that they “will do our best to not interfere with EXO’s activities.”

Chen, Baekyun, and Xiumin have since confirmed that they are still waiting for the reports. A new statement revealed that SM Entertainment has failed to provide the settlement reports.

“Today (June 5) at 8 a.m. (KST), SM shared a press release stating that they will provide copies of settlement reports, and in accordance, our legal representative shared the artists’ signed copy of a confidentiality agreement to SM,” the new statement read.

“However, even by the current time of 6 p.m. (KST) today when work hours are over, SM has not provided any settlement reports stating ‘the settlement reports are not ready yet’,” it continued.

For now, SM Entertainment has not yet responded to the EXO-CBX members‘ latest statement. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

On June 1, 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.

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ASTRO’s Cha Eun Woo and Sanha Visit Moonbin’s New Memorial Site

Cha Eun Woo and Sanha continue to pay tribute to the late Moonbin. The ASTRO members have visited the “Mermaid Prince” star’s new memorial site in Namhansangseong. The duo would be the first people to see the new space where people can continue to honor Moon Bin’s memory.

ASTRO’s Cha Eun Woo and Sanha Visit Moonbin’s New Memorial Site in Namhansanseong

Cha Eun Woo shared new photos and videos on his official Instagram account. The post also features fellow ASTRO member Sanha who seems lost in thought. The idols appear to be at the Namhansanseong Fortress where Moonbin’s new memorial site will be erected.

It’s yet another touching tribute to Moon Bin who passed away on April 19, 2023. It is also clear that Cha Eun Woo, Sanha, and the other members of ASTRO are still dealing with the loss.

On June 4, FANTAGIO confirmed that a new memorial site for Moonbin will be erected this week.

“We fully empathize with AROHA’s wishes to honor Moonbin a while longer,” the statement read. “Therefore, after long and careful discussion with the bereaved family, we have prepared an external memorial space so that AROHA who always send unsparing love can greet Moonbin for a little while longer.”

“Although Moonbin’s religion is not Buddhism, at the request of the bereaved family, we have prepared the “Moon’s Space” at an area in Gukcheongsa Temple at Namhansangseong, and [the memorial place] will run long-term starting from June 7, 2023, at 5:30 a.m. KST.”

“It may be very uncomfortable because the road to Gukcheongsa is uphill and narrow, but we sincerely hope that it becomes a space that AROHA can comfortably visit anytime and feel at least a little soothed and comforted.”

FANTAGIO Cautions AROHAs To Respect Moon Bin’s New Memorial Site

FANTAGIO also asked fans to be mindful of what they leave at the memorial site.

“We would be grateful if you please refrain from leaving food and floral tributes and [only leave] letters and notes,” the statement added.

“We fully understand that they are for Moonbin, but the Buddhist temple is located in the mountains, so it is difficult to preserve them intact due to insects and debris.”

The agency further shared that there is a plan to install a board so fans can attach notes. The letters will be collected regularly and stored properly.

In related news, Cha Eunwoo previously paid tribute to Moonbin by covering his favorite 10cm song.

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TWICE Drops Mysterious ‘Killin’ Me Good’ Teaser for August Release

TWICE is gearing up for a new release in August. The girl group just dropped a mysterious new teaser for “Killin’ Me Good”. But is the unexpected poster for a group comeback or one member’s solo debut?

TWICE Releases Mysterious New Teaser ‘Killin’ Me Good’

The official TWICE social media accounts shared the new teaser. The image only features a woman’s hand on a car’s steering wheel. Additionally, the caption simply says, “You’re killin’ me good. August 2023”.

It’s a mysterious yet exciting tease considering that ONCEs are already looking forward to TWICE’s next comeback. However, fans also believed this might not be a full-group project. There are speculations that the teaser is for one specific member’s solo debut.

Is ‘Killin’ Me Good’ A TWICE Comeback Or Jihyo’s Solo Debut?

Some fans believe that “Killin’ Me Good” is actually for Jihyo’s solo debut. People have discovered that the file name for the image was “JH-M1”, which is believed to mean “Jihyo-1st mini album.”

The idea of a member finally getting another solo debut is an exciting one for ONCEs. Nayeon had previously released her solo debut EP ‘Im Nayeon’ back in 2022. Hopefully, TWICE leader Jihyo will get her time to shine later this year.

For now, the details about the mysterious “Killin’ Me Good” project have not yet been revealed. However, new information could be released in the next few weeks. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

In the meantime, the Japanese members of TWICE are preparing for their subunit’s debut. Mina, Sana, and Momo have previously been confirmed to debut as the subunit MiSaMo. The trio released an original soundtrack titled “Bouquet” for TV Asahi’s drama series “Liaison: Children’s Heart Clinic” in January 2023. Their debut EP, which will consist of six new songs, will finally be released on July 26, 2023.

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BTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BIGHIT MUSIC Clarifies BTS’ Jungkook July Solo Debut

BIGHIT Music is finally addressing the rumors surrounding Jeon Jungkook. The agency has clarified the plans for the BTS maknae’s rumored solo debut in July this year.

BIGHIT Music Debunks BTS Jungkook’s July Solo Debut Date

On June 4, BIGHIT Music issued a statement regarding the rumors about Jungkook’s July solo debut.

“The schedule relating to Jungkook’s solo album release will be revealed after it is confirmed,” the statement read.

The statement was released by BIGHIT Music shortly after Sports Chosun reported about Jungkook’s upcoming solo. In the initial report, it was indicated that the BTS singer will release his solo album on July 14, 2023.

The report also revealed that the solo album will feature an English-language B-side track. Moreover, they reported that Jungkook will have global solo activities to promote the album.

Although BIGHIT Music did not confirm that Jungkook’s solo album will be dropping next month, the agency made it clear that the BTS member is planning something. With that in mind, ARMYs are already looking forward to an official announcement from the company.

Jungkook recently made headlines after opening up about his military enlistment in the future. The “Euphoria” singer confirmed he will eventually enlist. However, he plans to make sure his fans get used to his shorter haircut without them even noticing.

“Rather than cutting all my hair suddenly, I will gradually cut it shorter and shorter,” Jungkook said. “It’s called hair-lighting,” Jungkook said, making a play on words from “gaslighting”.

“I will keep cutting my hair shorter until you guys all of a sudden ask, ‘What, when did his hair become so short?’ ‘When did he buzz his hair?’ And so I will make it so that (my short haircut) feels natural,” he added.

Jungkook and the rest of BTS are currently celebrating the group’s 10th year anniversary with the month-long event BTS Festa 2023.

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Jay Park Shares Initial Worries About GOT7’s Jay B and Yugyeom

GOT7 members Jay B and Yugyeom have found new companies after their departure from JYP Entertainment. However, Jay Park admits he was initially uncertain about accepting the two idols into H1GHR Music and AOMG, respectively.

Jay Park Reveals True Feelings About Working With GOT7’s Jay B and Yugyeom

Jay Park had previously spoken to Jay B in a special video shared on the H1GHR Music YouTube channel. During their conversation, the former 2PM rapper admitted to the GOT7 leader that he had some concerns about Jay B and Yugyeom joining Park’s labels.

“As well as Yugyeom and you, I was slightly worried,” Park said. “If we were to collaborate on music, would it synergize? And can we produce something great?”

He added, “So no matter how much you like this style of music and how long it’s been, your main job was being an idol for 7 years. So I thought would we be able to work together.”

Although he was initially unsure, Park claims that Jay B made those worries disappear when they began working together. The “Bestie” rapper explained that he realized things will work out when they worked on Jay B’s solo single “Switch It Up”.

“When you and Cha Cha Malone and I started our first studio session, it was more fun than expected and the songwriting went well. The product also came out great and the vocals were very solid,” Jay Park said.

“The moment I asked for any tweaks or changes, you did it right away,” he continued. “That made it very enjoyable. Your openness and ability to quickly adapt. That impressed me so much.”

Jay B and Yugyeom, as well as the rest of GOT7, left JYP Entertainment in 2021. Jay B signed on to H1GHR Music in May that year and moved to CDNZA Records when his contract expired in 2022.

Yugyeom signed with AOMG in February 2021. His latest single “Ponytail” was released in January 2023.

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Jeon Somi Confirms First Comeback in 2 Years

Jeon Somi is collaborating with Universal Music Japan for her first Japanese release

Jeon Somi is finally gearing up for her next comeback. The former I.O.I member has confirmed that she is currently preparing for her first album in almost two years.

Jeon Somi’s Agency THE BLACK LABEL Confirms Upcoming Comeback

THE BLACK LABEL confirmed the news in a brief statement.

“Jeon Somi is preparing to make a comeback,” the statement read.

The agency did not reveal more details about the comeback. For instance, the comeback date has not been shared. Likewise, it is still unclear whether Jeon Somi is releasing an EP or a full album. Nevertheless, Somi herself had already teased that she is working on new music.

Earlier in May, Somi expressed her excitement about her upcoming projects.

“I wish I could fast forward life or something and let you guys see and hear what I’ve been working on,” she wrote.

It’s an awesome tease for what would be Jeon Somi’s first comeback in almost two years. She had previously released her first full album ‘XOXO’ in October 2021. Needless to say, it’s a comeback that SOM-MUNGCHIs have been expecting since Somi got a surge in popularity last month.

‘XO, Kitty’ Features Three Jeon Somi Songs From ‘XOXO’

On May 18, the “All The Boys I Loved Before” spin-off series “XO, Kitty” premiered on Netflix. The show, which is set in Seoul, featured several K-pop songs including “BAAM” by MOMOLAND, “Icy” by ITZY, “Stay This Way” by fromis_9, and “MANIAC” by Stray Kids.

The creators of “XO, Kitty” also appeared to be huge fans of Jeon Somi. Three of her songs from the album ‘XOXO’ were featured in numerous episodes. The first episode included “What You Waiting For” while “XOXO” appeared in Episode 2. “Dumb Dumb” was featured in the third episode.

Jeon Somi’s comeback date has not yet been announced. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

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Former TAHITI Member Shin Jisoo Announces Pregnancy

Shin Jisoo is going to be a mom! The former TAHITI member announced her pregnancy on Instagram with a series of maternity items. In addition to that, Jisoo revealed her baby’s adorable nickname to her social media followers.

Ex-TAHITI Member Shin Jisoo Joyfully Confirms Pregnancy With First Child

Jisoo shared the news on her Instagram account. She posted a video that featured her positive pregnancy test, baby socks, and a keychain for pregnant women. The video also included ultrasound photos with Jisoo’s pets.

In the caption, Shin Jisoo confirmed her pregnancy as well as the baby’s nickname.

“As an Instagram addict, I’ve been negligent,” she wrote. “(I reflect..as I used to say I would upload this and that to Instagram once I got pregnant haha).”

“More than I thought…daily life of early pregnancy is hard because of morning sickness and energy loss. (I respect all the mothers of the world!!),” she added.

“The baby’s nickname is ‘Bbosoongie’~~~~ Their conception dream was a paaaale peach,” Jisoo revealed.

“While I’m still spending my days chaotically, I’m quietly uploading this as I want to brag about #Bbosoongie,” she continued. “Online aunts and uncles, please watch over Bbosoongie’s significant growth.”

It certainly sounds like Shin Jisoo is excited about becoming a mother. The news also confirms that the former idol is happy and healthy and thriving these days. Needless to say, fans are also loving how she shared the news with her supporters.

Jisoo debuted with TAHITI on July 2012 with the group’s debut single “Tonight”. She left the group in 2017 and quietly retired from the music industry. She has been working as a Pilates instructor since then.

In July 2021, Jisoo announced that she was getting married to a non-celebrity.

Shin Jisoo was the last member of TAHITI to leave the group before its disbandment in 2018.

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T-ARA’s Hyomin Signs With New Agency

Hyomin has finally found a new agency. The T-ARA member has signed a contract with ANDMARQ more than two years after leaving Sublime Artist Agency.

Hyomin Signs With New Agency 2 Years After Leaving Sublime Artist Agency

On June 2, ANDMARQ issued a statement confirming that Park Sunyoung has signed a contract with the agency.

“Hyomin, who has made her mark globally through activities in a wide array of fields such as music, acting, and variety shows, has signed an exclusive contract with us.”

The agency continued, “We will be unsparing in our active support of Hyomin, who is versatile and has many different sides so that her talents can fully blossom to her heart’s content.”

This is great news for fans who have been waiting for an update from Park Sunyoung. After all, it has been more than two years since her exclusive contract with Sublime Artist Agency expired. Now that she is with a new agency, there is a huge possibility that Hyomin will pursue her acting career.

Hyomin has been a celebrity long before she debuted with T-ARA. She started out as a model and was a known internet ulzzang before she became a JYP Entertainment trainee. She debuted with T-ARA in July 2009 with the single “Lie”.

In addition to being a popular idol, Park Sunyoung also made a mark as an actor. She played notable roles in shows like “My Girlfriend is a Nine-Tailed Fox”, “Gyebaek”, and “The Thousandth Man”. In 2013, Hyomin became the first South Korean idol to lead a Japanese film in “Jinx!!!” with Japanese actor Kento Yamazaki.

For now, ANDMARQ has not yet revealed Hyomin’s future plans for her career. However, fans are hoping she will release new music and reunite with T-ARA. In addition to that, people are looking forward to Hyomin’s next movie or TV series role.

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