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BLACKPINK Jennie Issues Statement About GOT7 BamBam Dating Rumor

BLACKPINK’s Jennie recently addressed the BamBam dating rumor involving the GOT7 member. Jennie’s agency clarified the idols’ recent meeting in an LA restaurant.

Jennie Comments on BamBam Dating Rumor

Speculation began circulating after paparazzi photos surfaced, showing the two dining together at a renowned Japanese restaurant in Los Angeles. Fans and netizens alike began to wonder if the two K-pop idols were romantically involved.

On September 19, Jennie’s agency, OA Entertainment, responded to the rumors with an official statement. They clarified that Jennie and BamBam, who have been friends for some time, were simply catching up over a meal while in the United States. The agency denied any romantic involvement between the two, stating that the outing was purely platonic.

In addition to addressing the dating rumors, OA Entertainment also spoke about the confusion surrounding Jennie’s solo fandom name. Jennie recently released a short voice message on her agency’s official website, where she referred to her fans as “Rubies.” This led to some speculation that “Rubies” might be her official fandom name, especially since Kwon Eun Bi’s fandom is known as “RUBI.” However, the agency clarified that Jennie was using the term casually and that it is not meant to be an official fanbase name.

Jennie is also making headlines for her upcoming solo music. She is set to release a new single in October, following a major partnership with Columbia Records in the United States. Fans are eagerly anticipating her return to the music scene as a solo artist, especially after her continued global success with BLACKPINK.

Additionally, Jennie will be starring in the JTBC variety program “My Name is Gabriel.” On September 3, JTBC confirmed her appearance with a poster that showcases Jennie as “Maria.” This variety show, produced by PD Kim Tae Ho of “Infinite Challenge” fame, allows cast members to experience the lives of others for 72 hours.

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BLACKPINK Jennie Addresses Solo Fandom Name Issue

Jennie recently sparked discussions about her potential solo fandom name, leading to some confusion among fans. Luckily, the BLACKPINK member’s agency has finally addressed the issue through an official statement.

Jennie’s Agency Issues Statement About Solo Fandom Name Misunderstanding

On September 19, Jennie released a short voice message on her agency’s official website, where she affectionately referred to her fans as “Rubies.” In the message, Jennie said, “Hi, Rubies! It’s Jennie. Stay tuned, and see you soon. Love you. Bye!”

Fans quickly speculated that “Rubies” might be Jennie’s official fandom name. However, concerns arose due to the fact that singer Kwon Eun Bi already uses the name “RUBI” for her fandom, raising questions about the overlap.

Jennie establishes label OA. Credit: Instagram/Jennie

In response to the speculation, Jennie’s agency, OA Entertainment, clarified the situation. They explained that Jennie had used “Rubies” casually in the message to address her fans and that this was not an official announcement of her fandom name. The agency emphasized that “Rubies” is not intended to be Jennie’s formal fanbase name.

It’s worth noting that Jennie previously registered a trademark for “Jennie Ruby Jane,” her full English name, which led to further curiosity among fans.

Jennie is currently preparing for her next big move in the music industry. She is set to release a new solo single in October, following a recent partnership with the major American record label Columbia Records, which marks a significant step in her solo career. Fans are eagerly awaiting what’s next for Jennie as she continues to make waves both in South Korea and internationally.

Additionally, Jennie will be starring in the JTBC variety program “My Name is Gabriel.” On September 3, JTBC confirmed her appearance with a poster that showcases Jennie as “Maria.” This variety show, produced by PD Kim Tae Ho of “Infinite Challenge” fame, allows cast members to experience the lives of others for 72 hours.

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EXO Baekhun Apologizes for Indoor Smoking Incident in Macau

Baekhyun’s agency has responded to the controversy surrounding his indoor smoking incident, which recently sparked discussion online.

Baekhyun Addresses Indoor Smoking Incident

On September 16, a video surfaced showing Baekhyun vaping inside a restaurant in Macau. The clip, which gained traction, shows Baekhyun in conversation with others—presumed to be staff members—while vaping in a corner of the restaurant.

In light of the incident, Baekhyun’s agency, INB100, issued a statement addressing both the video and the rumors that followed.

“At the time, Baekhyun and our staff were completely unaware that electronic cigarettes were prohibited in Macau. During a meal with the staff after performing in Macau, Baekhyun unconsciously used an electronic cigarette as the conversation deepened,” the statement read.

“Baekhyun feels deeply sorry for disappointing many fans due to his careless actions,” it added. “Both Baekhyun and our company will be more vigilant to ensure that such incidents do not occur again, and we promise not to disappoint our fans in the future. We will also strive to act more maturely.”

The agency had previously stated that they would take strong legal action against those spreading malicious rumors and misinformation about the EXO member. INB100 emphasized their commitment to protecting Baekhyun’s reputation and well-being, asserting that they will not tolerate defamatory online posts or comments. They vowed to take firm measures against anyone responsible for spreading false information.

This announcement comes at a pivotal moment in Baekhyun’s career, as he continues to enjoy immense success with his latest solo release ‘Hello, World’. Released on September 6, the mini album set a new personal record for the artist, selling an impressive 893,214 copies on its first day, surpassing his previous record of 868,840 copies for his 2021 album ‘Bambi’—all within just 24 hours. The title track, “Pineapple Slice,” similarly performed well, reaching No. 1 on iTunes Top Songs charts in 24 regions, including Argentina, Thailand, and Fiji.

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ITZY Announces October 2024 Comeback with ‘GOLD’ Track List

ITZY is gearing up for their much-anticipated comeback! The girl group has just dropped the ‘GOLD’ track list along with the promotional scheduler.

ITZY Releases ‘GOLD’ Track List and Scheduler

On September 13 at midnight KST, the group excited fans by releasing teasers that revealed the track list and promotional schedule for their upcoming album. Earlier in the month, JYP Entertainment had confirmed that ITZY would be making their return in October, and now the excitement is in full swing.

The new album, titled ‘GOLD’, is set to drop on October 15 at 6 p.m. KST. This release marks ITZY’s first comeback since their mini album ‘BORN TO BE’, which came out in January. Fans have been eagerly awaiting new music from the group, and ‘GOLD’ promises to deliver something special.

One of the standout details is that ‘GOLD’ will feature double title tracks, “GOLD” and “Imaginary Friend.” These two songs are expected to showcase ITZY’s unique style and powerful performance energy. Additionally, the album’s B-side track, “VAY,” is attracting extra attention due to the involvement of Stray Kids’ Changbin, who not only wrote the lyrics but also co-composed the song. His collaboration with ITZY has sparked excitement among fans of both groups.

Fans are also excited about the October comeback for a reason. ITZY member Lia may finally be set to return and reunite with the rest of the group. Although it has yet to be officially announced that Lia will return for the comeback, MIDZYs are already looking forward to the new album.

With their bold new concept and exciting collaborations, ITZY’s upcoming album is already generating significant buzz. Fans are also counting down the days to see how the group will continue to evolve and make their mark in the K-pop world.

‘GOLD’ is already set to be released on October 15, 2024, at 6 p.m. KST.

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Stray Kids Confirmed for ‘Arcane’ Season 2 Soundtrack

Stray Kids is lending their talents to the highly anticipated soundtrack of League of Legends’ “Arcane” Season 2!

‘Arcane’ Season 2 Soundtrack Confirms New Stray Kids Track

On September 13 at midnight KST, the lineup for “Arcane” Season 2 soundtrack was revealed, and Stray Kids is featured on a track titled “Come Play.” The song also includes Puerto Rican rapper Young Miko and American guitarist Tom Morello, adding an exciting international flavor to the soundtrack.

The soundtrack will also feature songs from Ashnikko, Twenty One Pilots, Fever 333, Freya Ridings, Marcus King, Young Miko, Jarina De Marco, D4VD, DJERV, Grey, King Princess, Mako, Misha Mansoor, Pomme, Raja Kumari, Royal and the Serpent and more.

Stray Kids expressed their enthusiasm for the collaboration, sharing, “We’re very passionate about ‘Arcane’ and ‘League of Legends’.” They further described their single “Come Play” as having a dynamic and diverse sound, bringing together a variety of voices and languages. The group, known for their energetic performances and unique sound, also mentioned that they enjoy playing “League of Legends” and are thrilled for fans to hear the song as well as see the new season of “Arcane”.

This collaboration is another milestone in Stray Kids’ ever-growing global presence. Recently, their mini album ‘ATE’ surpassed 3 million sales, according to Circle Chart, affirming their status as one of the most successful K-pop acts today. With their involvement in the “Arcane” soundtrack, Stray Kids continues to expand their influence into different entertainment sectors, showcasing their versatility and global appeal.

“Arcane” Season 2, along with its original soundtrack, is set for release in November, and fans are eagerly awaiting both the series and the music that will accompany it.

For now, the official release date for the second season and its accompanying soundtrack has not yet been announced. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

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Tiffany Young Injured During ‘Chicago’ Musical Performance

Tiffany Young will be temporarily stepping down from her role in the musical “Chicago” due to an injury. However, the GIRLS GENERATION member’s role in the musical will be played by new actors.

Tiffany Young Takes a Break from Musical Role

On September 13, the production team for “Chicago” released an official statement addressing the situation. They announced, “Due to an injury sustained by Tiffany Young during her performance as Roxie, there has been a casting change.”

The statement went on to detail that Ivy will take over Tiffany’s role on September 15 and 18, while Min Kyung Ah will step into the role on September 21. The production team apologized for any inconvenience caused to the audience due to this sudden adjustment.

A representative from Tiffany’s agency also confirmed the news, explaining that Tiffany had injured her hand. As a result, she will not be able to perform during this week’s and next week’s shows. However, specific details regarding the injury’s severity and her expected recovery time have not been disclosed, leaving fans concerned but hopeful for her quick recovery.

The Seoul production of “Chicago” began on June 7 and is scheduled to run until September 29. Tiffany Young has been praised for her portrayal of Roxie Hart in the musical, a role that demands significant physical performance and vocal skill. Fans of both Tiffany and the musical have expressed their support for her, wishing her a speedy recovery so she can return to the stage soon.

Despite her temporary absence, the production team is committed to maintaining the high-quality performances “Chicago” is known for, ensuring the show continues smoothly with the replacement cast members.

Late last year, Young had taken a break for health reasons. Her agency announced that she would need to rest for approximately two weeks so she could focus on her health.

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HYBE Addresses Min Hee Jin Injunction Request for Reinstatement

It looks like Min Hee Jin is keen to continue as the CEO of ADOR. Now, HYBE has responded to her injunction request for reinstatement to her former position.

HYBE Responds to Min Hee Jin Injunction Request

On September 13, HYBE issued an official statement in response to former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin’s legal filing for an injunction, in which she seeks reappointment as both CEO and inside director of the company. This move follows her dismissal from the CEO role, a decision made by ADOR’s board of directors on August 27. Min Hee Jin’s filing has intensified the situation, bringing attention to the underlying legal and managerial disputes between HYBE, ADOR, and Min Hee Jin.

HYBE clarified its stance by explaining that the shareholder agreement between HYBE and Min Hee Jin, which initially governed her role as CEO, had already been terminated. The agency emphasized that, “Once the agreement is terminated, its legal effect is void.” HYBE further disclosed that a lawsuit had already been filed to confirm the termination of this shareholder agreement, and they are currently awaiting the court’s decision on the matter.

In addition to the legal clarification, HYBE asserted that Min Hee Jin’s dismissal as CEO was the result of a decision made independently by ADOR’s board of directors. The agency emphasized that the decision had no connection to HYBE or the previously terminated shareholder agreement. The agency noted that ADOR’s board of directors acted solely out of business management considerations, not influenced by external factors.

HYBE expressed disappointment over Min Hee Jin’s recent actions, stating, “We regret that Min Hee Jin, who has long emphasized the importance of ADOR’s independent management as a separate entity, is not respecting ADOR’s board of directors’ decision.” This statement reflects HYBE’s stance that Min Hee Jin, who previously championed the autonomy and distinct identity of ADOR, is now opposing the very independent decision-making processes she once advocated.

NewJeans Fights for Min Hee Jin

Earlier on the same day, Min Hee Jin’s legal team filed an injunction to challenge her dismissal. Her team argues that the shareholder agreement, which guaranteed her a five-year term as CEO and inside director, is still legally valid and has not been lawfully terminated. They claim that the dismissal was a violation of this agreement and are seeking legal recourse to have Min Hee Jin reinstated in both roles.

The controversy surrounding Min Hee Jin’s departure escalated when ADOR first announced on August 27 that she would no longer serve as CEO. However, it was noted at the time that Min Hee Jin would continue her involvement with NewJeans by producing their content as an internal director at ADOR. Despite this, the shift in leadership has caused tension, particularly with fans and the members of NewJeans.

In a surprising turn, the five members of NewJeans held a live broadcast on YouTube on September 11, where they expressed their dissatisfaction with Min Hee Jin’s removal as CEO. The group firmly requested that she be reinstated by September 25, underscoring her importance to their artistic and professional development.

As the legal battle unfolds, all eyes are on how the court will rule on the shareholder agreement and whether Min Hee Jin will regain her former leadership role within ADOR. The situation has not only legal implications but could also impact the creative direction of NewJeans and the future of ADOR’s independent management.

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ATTRAKT to Sue Warner Music Korea Over Former FIFTY FIFTY Members’ Contracts

FIFTY FIFTY’s agency, ATTRAKT, has announced plans to take legal action against Warner Music Korea following revelations of secret meetings with the group’s former members and alleged tampering.

ATTRAKT To Pursue Legal Action Against Warner Music Korea Over Ex-FIFTY FIFTY Members’ Contract Breach

On September 11, Dispatch released exclusive audio recordings featuring conversations between Ahn Sung Il, CEO of The Givers, and Jin Seung Young, CFO of Warner Music Korea, during meetings with FIFTY FIFTY’s former members and their parents.

The recordings included disparaging remarks about ATTRAKT’s CEO, Jeon Hong Joon, as well as false claims, such as suggestions that ADOR and Min Hee Jin had made offers to Ahn Sung Il to manage a new group (both HYBE and Min Hee Jin denied these claims, with Min Hee Jin stating she does not even know Ahn Sung Il). The discussions also reportedly included strategies for helping the members break their exclusive contracts with ATTRAKT, file lawsuits, and transition to Warner Music Korea.

In response to these revelations, ATTRAKT issued a statement on September 13, revealing their intention to pursue legal action against Warner Music Korea. They accused the company of conspiring with The Givers and former FIFTY FIFTY members—Aran, Saena, and Sio—to breach their exclusive contracts with ATTRAKT.

“The claims made by the former FIFTY FIFTY members concerning health management issues, lack of support, and settlement disputes were all proven false in court. These former members committed illegal acts with the sole aim of terminating their contracts, distorting the truth, and deceiving the public,” the statement read.

“Warner Music Korea, the principal force behind this tampering, has attempted to unlawfully seize our valuable artists through the use of financial and coercive power. We will not succumb to the might of such corporate giants and are prepared to stand resolutely against these actions,” it continued.

The legal battle adds another layer to the ongoing conflict surrounding FIFTY FIFTY’s future. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

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Stray Kids Han Drops Self-Written Song ‘Human’ on 24th Birthday

Han has once again touched fans’ hearts with the release of a deeply personal and emotional new track. The new self-written song “Human” serves as a gift to fans on the Stray Kids member’s 24th birthday.

Stray Kids Rapper Han Celebrates Birthday With New Track ‘Human’

On September 14, coinciding with his birthday, Han unveiled “Human,” the latest addition to the group’s SKZ-RECORD series. This series allows the Stray Kids members to showcase original songs and covers that fall outside of their official albums and singles, providing a creative outlet for their individual artistry.

“Human,” written by Han and co-composed with NEUT, is a reflective track that delves into the artist’s personal struggles, vulnerability, and emotional journey. Through heartfelt lyrics, Han expresses his gratitude and love for those who have supported him along the way. The song resonates deeply with fans, as it offers a candid glimpse into the emotions and challenges Han has faced, making it a relatable and uplifting message for listeners who may have experienced similar struggles.

This release is part of a series of solo projects that Han has been working on this year. In June, he dropped the track “Maybe,” another poignant solo song under the SKZ-RECORD series. Fans were captivated by his introspective lyrics and impressive vocal delivery, further cementing his reputation as a versatile and talented artist. The surprise release of “Human” continues to build on this momentum, with fans praising the song’s sincerity and Han’s exceptional performance.

Earlier this year, Han also released “1,2,3,4,5,” a collaboration with NMIXX’s Bae, showcasing his ability to collaborate with other artists while maintaining his unique sound. The SKZ-RECORD series has been a platform for Han and his fellow members to explore their artistic styles and share more intimate, personal creations with their fans, enriching the bond between the group and their audience.

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Stray Kids Hyunjin Announced as Newest Cartier Ambassador

Hyunjin is proving to be a true fashion icon. The Stray Kids member has just been revealed as the newest Cartier ambassador!

Hyunjin Announced as Newest Cartier Ambassador

Stray Kids’ Hyunjin has officially been named Cartier’s newest ambassador, marking a significant milestone in his career and further solidifying his influence in the fashion world. On September 12, Esquire Korea exclusively revealed the exciting news, announcing Hyunjin as the newest face of the renowned French luxury jewelry and watch brand Cartier. Known for its elegance and prestige, Cartier has a long-standing tradition of collaborating with influential global icons, and Hyunjin’s addition to their roster underscores his growing international prominence.

The official statement from Esquire highlighted Hyunjin’s “striking visuals, powerful charisma, and irresistible aura,” qualities that perfectly align with Cartier’s timeless image and its celebrated Trinity collection. The Trinity collection, known for its iconic intertwining rings that represent love, fidelity, and friendship, is a fitting match for Hyunjin, whose magnetic stage presence and unique sense of style have made him a standout figure both in K-pop and in the fashion world.

Another Exciting Announcement

As part of his new role as Cartier’s ambassador, Hyunjin will grace the cover of Esquire Korea’s upcoming October issue. The feature includes an 18-page spread that showcases Hyunjin in a stunning photoshoot, highlighting Cartier’s luxurious pieces and his own versatile charm. The photoshoot, along with an in-depth interview, will also give fans a closer look at Hyunjin’s thoughts on fashion, his evolving style, and his new partnership with Cartier.

Hyunjin’s appointment as Cartier’s ambassador is another testament to his widespread appeal and influence beyond music. As he continues to break barriers in both entertainment and fashion, this collaboration also signals an exciting new chapter in his career, positioning him among the elite figures who represent one of the world’s most prestigious luxury brands.

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