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FIFTY FIFTY Files Criminal Charges Against ATTRAKT CEO

The legal clash between FIFTY FIFTY and ATTRAKT’s CEO, Jeon Hong Joon, took a dramatic turn that reverberated throughout the K-pop industry. On August 17, 2023, the renowned Barun Law Firm officially filed a criminal complaint on behalf of FIFTY FIFTY, alleging a “breach of trust” in accordance with the Act on Specific Economic Crimes. This move was unprecedented and raised significant questions about the intricate workings of the K-Pop world, especially the intricate relationships between artists and their management companies.

FIFTY FIFTY Takes Legal Action Against ATTRAKT CEO

Adding complexity to this high-stakes battle was FIFTY FIFTY’s history. The group initially signed with Jeon Hong Joon‘s previous venture, Star Crew Entertainment, before making the transition to ATTRAKT ahead of their debut. Barun Law Firm‘s claims of financial irregularities, involving the transfer of funds and debts between these two companies, have added layers of intrigue and complexity to the situation.

The eyes of the K-Pop community, fans, and industry insiders are fixed on this unfolding legal drama. The potential consequences of this battle are far-reaching and may significantly impact FIFTY FIFTY’s career trajectory and the broader landscape of the Korean entertainment industry.

In 2022, FIFTY FIFTY emerged as a dynamic K-Pop group, featuring the talents of Sio, Saena, Aran, and Keena. Under the management of ATTRAKT, they debuted in November 2022 with their EP “The Fifty.”

However, it was their viral hit single, “Cupid,” released in February 2023, that catapulted them to international stardom. Within an astonishing four months of their debut, FIFTY FIFTY became the fastest K-Pop group to secure positions on both the US Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart. This achievement was even more remarkable as they became the first K-pop girl group to break into the UK’s top ten.

The group’s rapid ascent in the music industry did not go unnoticed. In 2023, FIFTY FIFTY signed a significant deal with Warner Music Korea, firmly establishing their presence as a rising force in the global music scene. They were previously announced to appear in the “Barbie” original soundtrack.

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SEVENTEEN Fans React To S. Coups Torn ACL Surgery

S. Coups is taking a break to recover from a recent injury. It was recently announced that the SEVENTEEN leader suffered from a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) after injuring his left knee. Since the announcement, CARATs have been sharing their thoughts about Choi Seungcheol’s injury. Most fans are expressing their concern for the rapper after realizing he would be on hiatus for several months.

On August 17, PLEDIS Entertainment issued a statement confirming the SEVENTEEN member’s injury. According to the agency, S. Coups was injured while filming content with the rest of the group. Once taken to the hospital, it was confirmed that Choi Seungcheol had suffered from a torn ACL and would need several months to recuperate.

The statement further confirmed that Choi will be going through necessary medical treatment prior to the knee surgery. Unfortunately, this meant that S. Coups will not participate in group activities until he is fully recovered.

CARATs React To S. Coups’ Latest Injury

Not surprisingly, fans met the news with mixed reactions. Although several CARATS were quick to wish S. Coups to get better soon, others worried that he would be out of the spotlight for almost a year. It was noted that recovering from a torn ACL could last six to nine months at most. This means the SEVENTEEN rapper will have to halt promotions until early next year.

This isn’t the first time that S. Coups had to stay away from the limelight due to an injury. In 2021, he had to withdraw from promotions for the EP “Your Choice” after sustaining injuries from a fall. According to reports, Choi injured his right shoulder and had additional abrasions and cuts to his right ear, chin, and forehead. However, he was able to return and continue promoting with the group.

SEVENTEEN recently held a two-day concert titled “Follow” at Seoul’s Gocheok Sky Dome.

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Lee Jung Jae’s Agency Clarifies Squid Game Actor’s Involvement in T.O.P’s Casting in Season 2

Did Lee Jung-jae convince the producers of Squid Game Season 2 to cast a good friend? The Star Wars: Acolyte actor’s agency has addressed rumors that Lee helped former BIGBANG member Choi Seung-hyun aka T.O.P land a role in the Netflix series.

Earlier this week, Netflix announced eight more actors who will be joining Squid Game Season 2. The new cast members included Park Gyu-young, Jo Yu-ri, Kang Ae-sim, Lee David, Lee Jin-uk, Choi Seung-hyun, Roh Jae-won, and Won Ji-an.

Although fans were delighted to learn that T.O.P is returning to acting, others thought that the casting was dubious and were convinced that lead star Lee Jung-jae convinced the producers to cast Choi Seung-hyun in Squid Game Season 2.

Since then, Lee Jung-jae’s agency Artist Company released a statement addressing the rumors.

“Some of the reports that claim actor Lee Jung Jae was involved in the casting of Squid Game 2 are not true,” the statement read. “The casting of a project is the authority of the director and the production company.”

“In particular, actor Lee Jung Jae understands more than anyone that due to the great interest in Squid Game 2, many actors work hard to make an appearance, and [the cast members] are decided through audition,” it continued.

“Accordingly, we would like to reiterate that it is not true that actor Lee Jung Jae was involved in the casting of Squid Game 2,” the statement concluded.

It was previously confirmed that ZE:A member Yim Siwan, 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.

Squid Game Season 2 will bring back Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Wi Ha-joon, and Gong Yoo. The second season has not yet been given an official release date but is already expected to premiere on Netflix in 2024

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RED VELVET’s Yeri Opens Up About Her Mean Character in “BITCH X RICH”

Yeri is opening up about her most challenging acting project so far. The RED VELVET member spoke about playing a mean character in the new series BITCH X RICH. In addition to that, Kim Ye-rim discussed the differences between being an idol and an actress.

Yeri Reveals Why She Accepted The Role of A Mean Character in BITCH X RICH

Cosmopolitan Korea recently shared the stunning photos from Yeri’s photoshoot for the magazine’s July issue. In the accompanying interview, the RED VELVET maknae discussed her new show BITCH X RICH where she plays the cruel queen bee Baek Jenna.

When the interviewer commented on Yeri’s cruel acting in the murder mystery, the Dear Diary singer admitted that she wanted to take on a challenge.

“I tried this [drama] as I wanted to expand the spectrum of my acting,” Yeri said. “As it’s a character I haven’t done before, people were very surprised. I did my lines thinking most importantly about my tone, speed, and rhythm.”

“Rather than a kid who just plays around, I had to look like a princess,” she added with a laugh. “An authoritative character who speaks slowly and seeks power over people. Since she’s the complete opposite of me, I worried about how to portray that image.”

Yeri also discussed the differences between being onstage with RED VELVET and acting.

“As RED VELVET, I’ve promoted for a long time, have many hit songs, and am recognized wherever I go,” she said. “But with acting, I’m a complete rookie. But I really like that. Because I can learn a whole lot.”

“Also, since it’s a job where you work really closely with the director, assistant director, filming director, and lighting director, I like that you can work in a friendlier way,“ Yeri added.

“I really like working in that way. Even people I meet for the first time feel like family after filming and being together for two to three months,” she continued.

RED VELVET recently completed their R to V world tour and Yeri shared how she and the members felt about meeting REVELUVs from different countries.

“As this was our first world tour in awhile, it was a tour where you could feel everyone trying hard to enjoy themselves,” she said.

“It was fun that the fans’ vibes were different in each city, but the one thing in common was that I could hear them singing along to Korean lyrics in every performance,” Yeri continued. “I got goosebumps. I felt really thankful and it was so meaningful.”

Yeri’s full interview will be featured in Cosmopolitan Korea’s July 2023 issue.

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BTS’ Jungkook Announces Solo Digital Single “SEVEN” For July Release

It’s official: Jungkook is releasing new music next month! The BTS maknae has announced that his new solo digital single SEVEN is set for release in July.

Jungkook Confirms Solo Digital Single “SEVEN” For July Release

On June 30, the official BTS social media accounts shared the announcement teaser for Jungkook’s new track. BIGHIT Music also issued a statement confirming the song’s release date.

“We are pleased to inform you about the release of SEVEN the solo digital single by BTS member Jungkook,” the statement read.

“SEVEN is an invigorating ‘summer song’ that is sure to have you experience the full breadth of Jungkook’s charm,” it continued. “We hope that SEVEN will bring your summer fun to the next level.”

The statement further adds that Jungkook will be promoting his solo digital single.

“As Jungkook kicks off his official solo activities, we ask you to extend your utmost anticipation and support for his digital single and many other activities to come,” it concludes.

It was also revealed that SEVEN will be released on July 14, 2023, at 1 p.m. KST.

This is great news for fans who have been waiting for new music from Jungkook for a long time.

There were previous reports suggesting that the BTS member will release a new album in July. However, BIGHIT Music clarified that the release schedule had not yet been decided. Luckily, it looks like everything was finalized just in time.

The release of the solo digital single comes at an interesting time considering that Jungkook had previously addressed his impending military service enlistment. According to the Dreamers singer, he plans to gradually cut his hair shorter so fans will get used to seeing him with a short hairstyle before announcing his enlistment.

There are speculations that all the remaining BTS members, including Jungkook, will enlist by the end of the year so the group can resume group activities by 2025. However, this has not yet been confirmed by BIGHIT Music. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

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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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