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RIIZE’s Shotaro Reflects on Moving From NCT to Rookie Group

Former NCT member Shotaro discussed what it was like making the big move to the latest rookie group RIIZE
Former NCT member Shotaro discussed what it was like making the big move to the latest rookie group RIIZE

Shotaro opened up about his honest reaction to the big change in his career. The former NCT member discussed what it was like to debut in an established K-pop act. Shotaro Osaki then reflected on what he faced when he joined SM Entertainment’s new rookie group RIIZE.

Shotaro Reflects on Moving From NCT to Rookie Group RIIZE

Back in May, SM Entertainment issued a statement regarding Sungchan and Shotaro’s status in NCT. The company revealed that the idols, who joined the group in 2020, will join a new group. Since then, Shotaro and Sungchan went from members of an established group, NCT, to starting over in a rookie group, RIIZE.

But what was it like to make the big change for Shotaro? The Japanese idol discussed his thoughts during RIIZE’s debut event on September 4. First, Shotaro stated that he was proud to have been part of NCT.

“I had been promoting as a member of NCT before and it was such an honor for me to perform in that group,” he said. “I really appreciate the fans and members for supporting me.”

Shotaro continued by admitting he is happy and excited to be a part of RIIZE.

“And now I’m debuting as RIIZE, I’m so happy to debut with the members I practiced with,” he said. “I’m excited for us to show you many things in the coming days. We’re also preparing a lot of things for you, so please look forward to them.”

Jung Sungchan and Osaki Shotaro debuted as part of NCT on October 12, 2020. They were featured as part of the group project NCT 2020 and participated in the album ‘NCT 2020 Resonance Pt. 1’. SM Entertainment initially planned for the two idols to become a part of a new NCT unit.

RIIZE released their debut single album ‘Get A Guitar’ and the title track of the same name on September 4, 2023.

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EXO’s Xiumin, MONSTA X’s Hyungwon Join New Supermarket Drama

The K-pop idols will be joining Lee Shin Young, Choi Jung Woon, Choi Won Myeong, and Lee Sae On

Get ready to dive into the excitement of the upcoming supermarket drama “CEO-dol Mart” (working title), which promises an intriguing storyline and a talented ensemble cast. The upcoming supermarket drama will feature EXO’s Xiumin and MONSTA X’s Hyungwon!

New Supermarket Drama ‘CEO-dol Mart’ Drops First Poster

On the 5th of September, “CEO-dol Mart” unveiled an eye-catching group poster, featuring the lead actors, including Lee Shin Young, EXO’s Xiumin, MONSTA X’s Hyungwon, Choi Jung Woon, Choi Won Myeong, and Lee Sae On.

The series unfolds the captivating narrative that follows the aftermath of Thunder Boys, an idol group, disbanding due to an unexpected incident. These former idols embark on an unexpected journey as they take over the reins of a struggling supermarket.

The newly released poster introduces the five Thunder Boys members: the leader Choi Ho Rang (played by Lee Shin Young), the main dancer Shin Tae Ho (portrayed by Xiumin), the rapper Jo Yi Joon (brought to life by Hyungwon), the vocalist Eun Young Min (played by Choi Won Myeong), and the charismatic youngest member Yoon Sang Woo (portrayed by Lee Sae On). Despite reaching the pinnacle of their careers, they are forced to disband abruptly due to an unforeseen accident. Five years later, they discover the astonishing truth that, on paper, they are the owners of a supermarket.

This captivating storyline follows the journey of these former idols as they transition from living aimlessly to becoming supermarket owners, igniting a remarkable adventure. Alongside the Thunder Boys, the poster also features the experienced part-timer Oh Ye Rim (played by Choi Jung Woon), who brings her wealth of supermarket experience to the table, showcasing remarkable leadership skills. As they navigate this new venture, the Thunder Boys members will also uncover their hidden talents while working at the supermarket, adding depth and excitement to the series. “CEO-dol Mart” is set to be a must-watch drama filled with unexpected twists and heartwarming moments.

“CEO-dol Mart” has not yet been given an official release date. However, the new supermarket drama is set to premiere on TVING.

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Jeon Somi Discusses New Friendship With BTS’ RM

Jeon Somi opened up about meeting BTS leader RM through BIGBANG's G-Dragon

Jeon Somi is opening up about her new friendship with a K-pop superstar. The “Dumb Dumb” singer reportedly discussed how she met BTS leader RM. In addition to that, Somi revealed some interesting details about how she and Kim Namjoon communicate.

Somi Reportedly Talks About New Friendship With RM of BTS

On September 4, an observant netizen took to an online community forum and shared an intriguing post titled, “Jeon Somi Reveals Friendship with BTS’s RM.” In their post, they included a screenshot of an article capturing a noteworthy moment from Somi’s recent fan sign event.

The article highlighted Jeon Somi’s revelation to her fans about her newfound friendship with RM of BTS. According to her, this connection had only recently blossomed, with their initial encounter occurring at G-Dragon’s exclusive ‘PEACEMINUSONE X Nike’ private dinner event. It’s worth noting that PEACEMINUSONE is G-Dragon’s renowned brand, sparking speculations that he might have played a pivotal role in introducing Jeon So Mi and RM to each other.

What piqued the curiosity of fans even more was Jeon Somi’s disclosure that she often engaged in conversations with RM in English. This linguistic connection added an extra layer of intrigue to their blossoming friendship. The revelation stirred excitement within both Somi’s and BTS’s fandoms, further cementing the dynamic nature of the K-pop industry’s interpersonal relationships.

Somi soared to nationwide recognition when she secured the coveted first position on the competitive reality show “Produce 101,” which led to her membership in the eleven-member project girl group, I.O.I. Following the disbandment of I.O.I, she inked a contract with YG Entertainment’s subsidiary, The Black Label. This pivotal move marked the commencement of her solo artist career, with her debut taking place on June 13, 2019. Recently, Jeon Somi signed with Universal Music Japan and is preparing for her Japanese debut.

Meanwhile, RM recently revealed he would “not be taking on any projects in the near future.” This is in connection with his approaching mandatory military service.

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RIIZE Announces Official Fandom Name

RIIZE has finally announced their official fandom name after the release of their single album 'Get a Guitar'

RIIZE, the exciting new musical sensation, recently made a thrilling announcement that sent their fans into a frenzy of excitement. On the 4th of September, the group hosted a spectacular showcase titled “RIIZING DAY: RIIZE Premiere” to commemorate the launch of their debut single album, “Get A Guitar.”

RIIZE’s Official Fandom Name Finally Announced On Social Media

Amidst the electrifying atmosphere of the showcase, RIIZE took a momentous step by introducing their official fandom name, which they proudly christened as “SUNZ.” This announcement was met with resounding cheers and applause from their dedicated supporters in attendance, and it resonated far and wide as RIIZE spread the word through their official social media channels.

RIIZE also shared the news on X with a hopeful message for their fans. “SUNZ, who will always make RIIZE shine brightly from the same place and mature together with RIIZE, please continue to show great support for RIIZE,” it reads.

This momentous occasion marked a significant milestone in RIIZE’s journey, solidifying the bond between the group and their devoted fans, who can now proudly identify themselves as “SUNZ.” As the group continues to captivate audiences with their music and performances, the SUNZ fandom is set to grow and thrive as an essential part of RIIZE’s vibrant and passionate community of supporters.

RIIZE is comprised of seven members namely Shotaro, Eunseok, Sungchan, Wonbin, Seunghan, Sohee, and Anton. Shotaro and Sungchan were previous members of NCT before SM Entertainment announced they would be joining the new group. The members’ profiles were released in August 2023. Since then, the upcoming idols dropped their pre-release single “Memories” on August 21. The group officially debuted with their single album ‘Get A Guitar’, which was released on September 4, 2023.

In addition to announcing their fandom name, RIIZE was also confirmed to promote internationally. The group has signed a contract with RCA Records for their promotion and activities in the United States.

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ONEUS Confirms September Comeback With ‘La Dolce Vita’

ONEUS is preparing for a September comeback

ONEUS is getting ready for their next release this year. The boy group has just confirmed that they are preparing for a September comeback. Seoho, Leedo, Keonhee, Hwanwoong, and Xion have just dropped a cool teaser for their tenth mini-album ‘La Dolce Vita’.

ONEUS Set for September Comeback With ‘La Dolce Vita’

On September 4, the official ONEUS YouTube account dropped the logo motion teaser for the group’s September comeback. As a tradition, the boy group unveils a new version of their logo with every comeback. The new logo is more delicate than its predecessors. It suggests that the idols might be going for a lighthearted and fresh comeback later this month.

‘La Dolce Vita’ will be ONEUS’ second effort as a five-member group after RAVN’s departure in October 2022. Seoho, Leedo, Keonhee, Hwanwoong, and Xion had previously made their debut as a five-member group with the mini-album ‘Pygmalion’ in May 2023.

ONEUS made their debut with the EP ‘Light Us’ in January 2019, marking the beginning of their musical journey. Following this, they went on to release an impressive catalog of music, comprising seven mini-albums and the full album ‘Devil’ in January 2021. In March 2020, they also treated fans to the single album ‘In Its Time,’ showcasing their versatility and dedication to their craft.

In a significant development, September 2022 saw the release of their album ‘Malus,’ which served as the centerpiece for their ‘ONEUS 1st World Tour [Reach For Us].’ Originally planning to embark on this global tour as a six-member group, the unfortunate departure of Ravn due to reports of inappropriate behavior led them to adapt their plans. Undeterred, the remaining five members pressed on, commencing the tour in October 2022.

Despite the challenges they faced, ONEUS’s dedication and talent shone brightly throughout their tour, as they delivered an astounding total of 22 shows across four continents. This journey reflects their resilience and commitment to their music, solidifying their place in the hearts of fans worldwide.

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GOT7 Unveils New Official Light Stick Ver. 3

It’s almost time to get a new AHGABONG. GOT7 has just unveiled the first look of their latest official light stick Ver. 3. Not surprisingly, the unexpected announcement already has IGOT7s wondering if the idol group are preparing for a comeback concert.

GOT7 Confirms New Light Stick Version 3

GOT7 has sent their fans into a frenzy of excitement with the unveiling of the highly anticipated third iteration of their official light stick. The AHGABONG Version 3 immediately sparked a global wave of anticipation, with fans eagerly marking the days until its official release.

The new design boasts a sleek black base that exudes elegance. Its upper portion resembles a bird, an homage to GOT7’s devoted fanbase IGOT7 or AHGASE. The second official nickname for the fandom translates to “baby bird” in Korean. This upper section is adorned with captivating green illumination, perfectly aligned with the group’s official fandom color. To add to its allure, the handle proudly features the unmistakable GOT7 logo, making it an essential item for fans to own and cherish.

It’s certainly an awesome update from GOT7 considering that the idols haven’t released a group effort since May 2022. Needless to say, AHGASEs are now wondering if this means the boy group will reunite for a new project. After all, why would the idols release a new lightstick if it wouldn’t be used in a concert? Could there be a comeback concert in the future? Keep checking this page for more updates on this story.

In the meantime, GOT7 fans can circle September 8, 2023, on their calendars.  This is the date of the official debut of the official light stick Version 3. The exciting release is scheduled for a Friday afternoon, ensuring that fans have something to look forward to at the end of the week.

In related news, member Mark Tuan recently dropped his latest music video for the song “Everyone Else Fades.”

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EDAM Entertainment Confirms IU Plagiarism Accusations Have Been Dismissed

EDAM Entertainment has officially concluded the plagiarism case concerning IU, providing a final update on the matter. The agency released a statement on September 4, disclosing that the investigative agency had rendered a decision to dismiss the criminal allegations against IU on August 24. The dismissal was based on the determination that the alleged actions did not constitute a criminal offense.

IU’s Agency Reveals Plagiarism Accusations Have Been Officially Dismissed

In their statement, EDAM Entertainment reiterated the fact that IU was not involved in the composition of the five songs that were central to the plagiarism allegation. Additionally, it was clarified that IU also did not participate in composing the specific portion of the sixth song that had drawn the accuser’s concern.

“Currently, we have requested a full investigation into posted videos and texts that libel the accuser and [IU] by submitting to the investigative agency the information on the relationship among the defendants in the cases filed,” the statement read. “Furthermore, we will continue to relentlessly pursue acts that damage the character and reputation of [IU] until the end to prevent their recurrence, and will strict civil and criminal liability in accordance with the ‘zero tolerance principle.'”

This conclusion marks the end of a contentious chapter for IU, reaffirming her innocence and emphasizing her non-involvement in the alleged plagiarism. With this matter resolved, IU can now focus on her artistic endeavors and continued success in the music industry, while her fans can breathe a sigh of relief.

On May 10, a Korean citizen filed a lawsuit alleging that IU plagiarized the works of other artists. The suit claimed that the “Blueming” singer had plagiarized a total of six songs. Since then, EDAM Entertainment has vehemently denied the allegations and announced they are taking legal action. In the meantime, IU’s first concert film titled “IU Concert: The Golden Hour” will premiere later in September.

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Former TEEN TOP Leader C.A.P. Opens Up About Abuse From Other’s Members’ Fans

The former leader of TEEN TOP revealed that fans blamed him for the group's problems

C.A.P. may have been the leader of a popular boy group but that doesn’t mean the idol was immune to bullying. The former TEEN TOP member revealed that he was often disrespected by fans. According to Bang Minsu, he was often abused during fan signing events.

C.A.P. Reveals TEEN TOP Fans’ Abusive Behavior

The former TEEN TOP member recently took part in a casual interview. In the candid YouTube interview, C.A.P. candidly shared his emotional journey during his tenure with TEEN TOP. He shed light on the challenges he faced, particularly at fan signing events. Contrary to the common assumption that all group members receive equal adoration, he admitted to grappling with the sense of being the least favored member.

“I was fine with not having a lot of fans,” he said. “But, I struggled with fans of other members being hostile toward me.”

Bang Minsu went on to share what these “admirers” would say to him.

“They’d say, ‘You’re the reason TEEN TOP isn’t getting more popular,’ or ‘It’s your fault that my bias isn’t getting all the attention.’ They’d make it very clear to me at fan sign events and whatnot that they hated me,” he said.

It’s a shocking revelation considering that most stans prefer a particular member and would support them more than the rest of the group. However, it is unexpected to know that there are admirers who would say abusive things to the other group members.

For C.A.P., he is putting that time behind him. TOP Media had previously announced that Bang Minsu decided to leave TEEN TOP following his recent controversy. The agency confirmed that the group will continue promoting with four members. In the meantime, C.A.P. issued an apology for his actions.

TEEN TOP recently released the album ‘4SHO’ on July 4. It would be their first album after C.A.P’s departure and their first release in four years.

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ATTRAKT Reportedly Launching New Girl Group After FIFTY FIFTY Legal Battle

ATTRAKT is clearly moving forward after their recent legal win against FIFTY FIFTY. The agency has just announced that they are launching a new girl group. The announcement comes just two weeks after the company won the first stage of their legal battle against their current girl group.

FIFTY FIFTY’s Agency Announced Search For New Girl Group Project

On September 3, ATTRAKT, the prominent management label, unveiled its exciting venture into a fresh girl group project through an official social media announcement. This revelation followed the noteworthy legal triumph of CEO Jeon Hong Joon in a case concerning the girl group FIFTY FIFTY.

ATTRAKT’s announcement generated considerable anticipation in the entertainment industry and among fans alike. The label, known for its commitment to nurturing talent and producing successful acts, hinted at an exciting journey ahead with this new girl group endeavor. The precise details of the project, such as the group’s name, members, and music concept, remain shrouded in mystery, adding an air of intrigue to the revelation.

https://twitter.com/attraktaudition/status/1698350179269980309

Jeon Hong Joon’s legal victory against FIFTY FIFTY undoubtedly bolstered ATTRAKT’s reputation and reaffirmed its dedication to safeguarding its artists’ interests. As fans eagerly await new developments, the future holds the promise of an exhilarating chapter in the world of K-pop.

On August 28, a significant legal development emerged as a judge decided to reject an injunction aimed at suspending FIFTY FIFTY’s contract with ATTRAKT. This decision dealt a substantial setback to FIFTY FIFTY’s claims of mistreatment, effectively indicating that the court found insufficient evidence to substantiate their allegations. Since then, the members of group have expressed their decision to pursue their dispute with ATTRAKT. Their decision comes after losing the legal battle to break out of their exclusive contracts with the label.

FIFTY FIFTY gained popularity after releasing the worldwide hit “Cupid”. Since then, the girl group has been at odds with their own agency. As of writing, the members are planning to appeal the judge’s decision. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

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Former YG Artist CL Reunites With G-Dragon, PSY, and Lee Soo Hyuk

2NE1 member CL shared a powerful new selfie with former YG labelmates

CL has reunited with her former YG Entertainment labelmates. The 2NE1 member recently shared a powerful selfie featuring some of the biggest names in K-Pop. In the image, Lee Chaerin shared a meal with BIGBANG leader G-Dragon, “Gangnam Style” rapper PSY, and actor Lee Soo Hyuk.

CL Posts Powerful Selfie With Former YG Labelmates

The photo was shared on CL’s Instagram Story and it confirms there was a mini reunion among present and former YG talents. It features G-Dragon of BIGBANG and Lee Soo Hyuk, who are both still represented by YG Entertainment. In addition to that, PSY, who left the agency in 2018, poses with his former labelmates.

CL herself had left YG Entertainment in 2019 after the disbandment of 2NE1. She then established her own record label Very Cherry and signed a domestic management contract with KONNECT Entertainment in 2021. This way, the company could manage the artist’s activities in South Korea. However, it was recently announced that CL decided not to renew with contract with KONNECT.

Interestingly, this isn’t the first glimpse we’ve had at this awesome reunion. G-Dragon had previously shared an awesome selfie with PSY with the caption “Oppa Hannam-Style”. It is a reference to both artists living in Hannam.

G-Dragon is the only BIGBANG member who remained with YG Entertainment. Taeyang had made the move to the agency’s subsidiary label The Black Label while both T.O.P. and Daesung have terminated their contract with the company. 

G-Dragon and PSY

PSY left YG Entertainment in 2018 and has since started his own agency P Nation. The latest addition to the company is MAMAMOO member Hwasa, who will be releasing her first solo effort since leaving RBW Entertainment.

Lee Soo Hyuk signed with YG Entertainment in 2017. The actor had previously worked with 2NE1, appearing in the music videos for “It Hurts” and “Falling in Love”. He is known for his work on TV shows including “White Christmas”, “What’s Up”, “Vampire Idol”, and “Shark”.

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