Author: Belle

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YG Entertainment Announces Legal Action Against Inappropriate AI Deepfakes

YG Entertainment has recently announced its decision to take legal action against the creators of inappropriate AI deepfakes featuring their artists.

YG Entertainment Vows Legal Action Against AI Deepfakes

On September 2, the company posted an official statement in English on its website, making clear its intent to protect its artists from these malicious acts.

“We are continuously monitoring these extensive and malicious illegal activities, actively working to remove and block such content. We are also pursuing all possible legal measures, including criminal proceedings, to address these issues,” the statement read.

It concluded, “We are committed to firmly and rigorously responding to any illegal acts that significantly harm the dignity and reputation of our artists.”

BLACKPINK is one of YG Entertainment’s artists that were featured in the controversial AI deepfakes

This decision is a response to a disturbing trend that has gained traction online, where AI-generated deepfake pornography targeting female idols has been circulating in various chatrooms. These chatrooms, which were originally designed to humiliate and degrade women, have become a focal point of public outrage after their existence was exposed earlier this month. The issue was first brought to light when similar deepfake content was discovered being shared in school chatrooms, where explicit images and videos of classmates were being disseminated.

Entertainment Companies Vs AI Deepfakes

YG Entertainment’s announcement marks it as the third major entertainment company to take a firm stand against the creators of these harmful deepfakes. JYP Entertainment was among the first to declare legal action, aiming to protect the members of TWICE, who were also targeted by these videos. Following JYP’s announcement, FCENM also declared its intention to safeguard the members of ILY:1 from similar attacks.

These actions reflect a growing awareness and determination within the entertainment industry to protect their artists from the damaging effects of deepfake technology. By taking legal measures, YG Entertainment and other companies are sending a strong message that such violations of privacy and dignity will not be tolerated, and that they are committed to the well-being of their artists.

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BIGBANG Reunite at Taeyang’s Solo Concert ‘THE LIGHT YEAR’

BIGBANG’s G-Dragon and Daesung recently reunited with Taeyang at his solo concert, “THE LIGHT YEAR,” marking a special moment for fans of the group. Taeyang’s concert, held on August 31 and September 1, was his first solo concert in seven years, making it a highly anticipated event. It was the first time that BIGBANG reunite in a public event this year.

BIGBANG Reunite for Taeyang’s Solo Concert

On September 2, Taeyang shared photos from the concert, including heartwarming pictures with G-Dragon and Daesung. The reunion was a nostalgic and exciting moment for BIGBANG fans, as the three members posed together, showcasing their enduring bond. G-Dragon also shared these photos on his personal Instagram, along with a short video clip of the trio, adding to the excitement.

The concert itself was a treat for fans. On the first day, Daesung made a surprise appearance, joining Taeyang on stage to perform some of BIGBANG’s iconic hits, including “This Love” and “BANG BANG BANG.” The energy in the venue was palpable as the two delivered powerful performances that reminded everyone of their chemistry as bandmates.

The second day brought another surprise when G-Dragon joined Taeyang on stage for a performance of their hit song “GOOD BOY.” The crowd erupted in cheers as the duo delivered a dynamic performance. To top it all off, G-Dragon and Daesung joined Taeyang for a performance of “WE LIKE 2 PARTY,” bringing the concert to an unforgettable close.

This reunion not only delighted fans but also highlighted the strong bond between the BIGBANG members, who continue to support each other in their individual endeavors. The concert was a celebration of their enduring friendship and musical legacy, leaving fans eager for more moments like these in the future.

For now, it has not been confirmed if BIGBANG will reunite for a comeback. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

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MTV Announces Group of the Year Nominees for 2024 VMAs

The 2024 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) has generated significant buzz with the announcement of its nominees for Group of the Year. SEVENTEEN, TXT, NCT Dream, and NewJeans are all up for the award at the 2024 VMAs!

2024 VMAs Reveals Group of the Year Nominees

On August 30, MTV officially revealed the contenders for this prestigious category, highlighting the global influence of both K-pop and Western music groups.

In an exciting lineup, NCT DREAM, NewJeans, SEVENTEEN, and TXT have been nominated alongside renowned Western groups such as NSYNC, Coldplay, Imagine Dragons, and Twenty One Pilots. The inclusion of these K-pop groups reflects the genre’s growing dominance on the international music scene, showcasing their widespread popularity and impact.

Notably, NCT DREAM, NewJeans, and TXT are also competing in another major category—Best K-Pop—further emphasizing their influence within the genre. They join a star-studded list of nominees, including BTS’s Jungkook, BLACKPINK’s Lisa, and Stray Kids, making the competition in this category particularly fierce.

Fans will have the opportunity to support their favorite groups through voting, which will open on September 3 at 11 a.m. ET and close on September 6 at 11 a.m. ET. The voting process will take place on MTV’s official website, allowing fans worldwide to participate and influence the outcome.

The anticipation is building for the 2024 MTV VMAs, which will air live from New York on September 10 at 8 p.m. ET. With such a diverse and talented roster of nominees, the Group of the Year category also promises to be one of the most closely watched and hotly contested awards of the night. As the world tunes in, all eyes will be on these groups to see who will take home the coveted title.

Good luck to SEVENTEEN, TXT, NCT DREAM, and NewJeans as well as all the other nominees at the 2024 Video Music Awards this September!

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BTS RM ‘LOST!’ Wins Best Cinematography Award in Berlin

BTS’s RM has continued to make waves with his highly anticipated album ‘Right Place, Wrong Person’, released in May of this year. Among the tracks, “LOST!” has garnered particular attention, not just for its powerful lyrics and experimental sound but also for its visually stunning music video which just won the Best Cinematography Award at an awards show in Berlin.

‘LOST!’ Nabs Best Cinematography Award in Berlin

The “LOST!” music video took an avant-garde approach, blending art and emotion in a way that resonated with both fans and critics. This artistic vision paid off when the video was recently honored at the 2024 Berlin Commercial Awards, where it won an award in the Craft: Cinematography category. The award recognizes not only the visual excellence of the video but also the collaborative efforts behind it.

Director Aube Perrie, alongside the creative team of Sehoon Jang and JNKYRD, worked closely with RM to bring the concept to life, resulting in a visually captivating experience that complements the depth of the song.

This accolade for Best Cinematography is just the latest in a series of honors that ‘Right Place, Wrong Person” has received. The album itself has been praised for its introspective lyrics, experimental soundscapes, and RM’s growth as a solo artist. “LOST!” stands out as a testament to RM’s willingness to push creative boundaries and explore new artistic avenues.

With this award, RM continues to solidify his reputation as not only a talented musician but also a visionary artist. The success of ‘Right Place, Wrong Person’ and its accompanying visuals further cements RM’s place in the global music scene as a dynamic and influential figure who is unafraid to innovate and challenge expectations.

In related news, BTS has confirmed a new collaboration with American artist Megan Thee Stallion. The group’s Twitter account teased the collaboration between Megan and RM using emojis. However, further details have not yet been revealed. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

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BLACKPINK Lisa’s ‘Rockstar’ Reaches Impressive Spotify Achievement

Lisa is proving yet again that she is an artist to watch out for. The BLACKPINK member has just reached a major Spotify achievement with her latest single “Rockstar”!

BLACKPINK Member Lisa Achieves Major Spotify Milestone with ‘Rockstar’

BLACKPINK’s Lisa continues to dominate the music scene with her solo hit “Rockstar,” which has just surpassed 200 million streams on Spotify in a record-breaking 61 days. This achievement makes “Rockstar” the fastest song by a K-pop female soloist to reach this milestone, surpassing her previous hit “Money,” which held the record since 2021 with 200 million streams in 65 days.

“Rockstar” is now Lisa’s fourth song to exceed 200 million streams on Spotify. Her debut singles “Lalisa” and “Money” have already garnered significant streams, with “Lalisa” reaching 1.2 billion streams and “Money” accumulating 503 million streams. Additionally, her collaboration with DJ Snake, Ozuna, and Megan Thee Stallion on “SG” has reached 299 million streams on the platform.

This achievement with “Rockstar” marks a significant milestone in Lisa’s career, particularly as it is her first solo release since establishing her own agency, LLOUD. This move has allowed her greater creative freedom and control over her music, showcasing her growth as an artist.

Beyond her musical success, Lisa is also set to expand her artistic repertoire by appearing in Season 3 of “The White Lotus.” With “Rockstar,” Lisa not only cements her status as a powerful solo artist but also continues to push boundaries and explore new challenges. Her ability to consistently reinvent herself and take on new opportunities also highlights her as one of the most dynamic and influential figures in the entertainment industry today.

In related news, BLACKPINK is also set for a comeback in 2025. This will be immediately followed by a new world tour that will allow BLINKs to see the girl group visiting their country in the next year.

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BTS Suga to Continue as Samsung Ambassador Amidst DUI Case

Suga may continue to be a Samsung ambassador after all. A new post appears to confirm that the BTS member could still promote the brand amidst his ongoing DUI case.

BTS Member Suga Returns as Samsung Ambassador in New Post

Suga has reappeared as a model for Samsung Electronics, putting to rest some of the concerns about his future with the brand. On August 31, Samsung Electronics Paraguay‘s official social media accounts released several images of Suga in an advertisement for Samsung’s “Freestyle 2nd Gen projector.”

This reappearance is particularly significant, as there has been much speculation about whether Samsung would continue its association with Suga following recent controversies. The uncertainty began when several Samsung accounts, notably those in Germany, removed Suga’s images from their platforms in mid-August after news of the rapper’s DUI incident surfaced.

On August 24, Samsung Electronics Germany took down promotional photos of Suga endorsing the Galaxy S24 Ultra smartphone, which led to widespread speculation about the implications for his partnership with the brand. The situation was further fueled when Samsung Deutschland deleted a social media post featuring Suga shortly after it was uploaded on August 15. These actions raised concerns among fans, some of whom called for a boycott of Samsung products in response to what they perceived as the company distancing itself from the BTS member.

Despite the ongoing investigation into Suga’s case, the recent advertisements from Samsung Paraguay suggest that any conflicts surrounding his role as a model for the company may have been resolved. This development has reassured fans that Suga’s partnership with Samsung is still intact, at least for now. It also highlights the complex relationship between celebrities and brand endorsements, where personal controversies can quickly impact professional engagements.

For Suga and his fans, this reappearance marks a positive step forward, signaling that he continues to be a valued face for Samsung’s global marketing campaigns.

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KISS OF LIFE Pose with Tyla in Awesome Instagram Photo

KISS OF LIFE have been lucky enough to snap a photo with viral South African singer-songwriter Tyla. Now netizens are wondering whether a collaboration is in the works.

Tyla Poses With KISS OF LIFE in Fun Photos

Tyla recently headlined her first festival in Seoul, South Korea, where she delivered an electrifying performance at the ‘One Universe Festival’. Among the enthusiastic crowd was none other than the K-Pop girl group KISS OF LIFE, who were spotted dancing to Tyla’s hit song “Water.” This marked a significant moment for Tyla, as her music continues to gain traction globally.

The connection between Tyla and KISS OF LIFE is not new. Back in June, KISS OF LIFE’s Julie released a solo dance TikTok to Tyla’s song “Jump,” and later, she teamed up with fellow member Natty for another TikTok dance to the same track. Tyla herself commented on both videos, showing her appreciation for the K-Pop group’s support. This recent encounter at the festival felt like a full-circle moment for both Tyla and KISS OF LIFE.

After the festival, Tyla took to Instagram to share memories from her time in Korea, featuring the members of KISS OF LIFE. She posted a group photo with the girls, further highlighting the budding friendship between the artists. The singer also shared another photo via Twitter and previously posted an image with KISS OF LIFE on her Instagram Stories, showering the group with love and admiration.

Fans were thrilled to see Tyla and KISS OF LIFE together, with many hoping for a future collaboration between the two. The interaction between these artists has sparked excitement among their respective fanbases, adding to the anticipation of what could come next.

Meanwhile, KISS OF LIFE is gearing up for their first-ever world tour, titled “KISS ROAD.” The tour will kick off with two shows in Seoul on October 26 and 27, before the group heads to several major cities across North America, marking an exciting new chapter in their career.

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FCENM Announces Legal Action Against Deepfake ILY:1 Videos

FCENM has announced that they will be taking legal action against the creators and distributors of deepfake (AI-generated) videos involving their artists, ILY:1. The label also expressed deep concern over the potential harm these videos could cause to the group’s reputation and image.

ILY:1 Company FCENM Vows Legal Action Against Deepfake Video Creators

On August 31, FCENM made it clear that they are committed to protecting their artists and will also pursue all available legal avenues to combat the spread of such harmful content.

“We have recently heard that AI-based synthetic videos targeting our artists are being distributed online. Such acts are serious crimes that defame the artist’s reputation, and we take this very seriously,” the statement read.

“We are currently gathering all relevant evidence and are working with our professional legal team to pursue strong legal responses. We want to make it clear that we will never tolerate any illegal acts that infringe upon the rights and honor of artists. FCENM will continue to take all possible measures to prioritize the protection of artists,” it continued.

This decision comes in response to the recent alarming trend of deepfake pornography targeting female idols, which has been circulating in various online chatrooms. These chatrooms, which were originally created with the malicious intent of humiliating and degrading women, have also been at the center of widespread public outrage since their exposure earlier this month. The issue first gained attention when similar deepfake content was discovered in school chatrooms, where sexually explicit images and videos of classmates were being shared.

FCENM is now the second entertainment company to publicly announce legal action against the creators of these deepfake videos. JYP Entertainment also took a similar stance to protect the members of TWICE, who were also targeted in these disturbing videos. Both companies’ actions also reflect a growing determination within the industry to safeguard their artists from the harmful effects of such technology.

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ATEEZ and BE:FIRST Announce New Collaboration ‘Royal’

ATEEZ is set to thrill fans with an exciting new release this September, as they gear up for a highly anticipated collaboration with the popular J-pop group BE:FIRST. Following the success of their previous collaboration, “Hush-Hush,” the two groups are joining forces once again for a new track titled “Royal.”

ATEEZ Confirms New BE:FIRST Collaboration ‘Royal’

The first teaser for “Royal” was unveiled on August 31, offering fans a glimpse of what’s to come. The teaser features a creative playing card theme, with each member of both ATEEZ and BE:FIRST showcased individually, adding an intriguing visual element to the upcoming release. The teaser has already generated significant buzz, as fans eagerly await the full release of the track.

BE:FIRST, a seven-member J-pop boy group, has quickly risen to prominence and previously collaborated with ATEEZ earlier this year on the track “Hush-Hush.” The success of their first collaboration has also set high expectations for “Royal,” and fans are excited to see what the two groups have in store this time around.

“Royal” is set to drop on September 4, making it one of the most highly anticipated releases of the month. The collaboration between ATEEZ and BE:FIRST is expected to showcase the unique talents of both groups, blending their distinct musical styles into a powerful and captivating track.

In addition to the collaboration, ATEEZ is also preparing for their own comeback in October. The comeback, titled “Birthday,” will be ATEEZ’s fourth Japanese single album. With both the collaboration and the upcoming single, ATEEZ is also poised to dominate the music scene in the coming months, offering fans a wealth of new content to look forward to.

In related news, ATEEZ was confirmed to headline ‘WATERBOMB LA’ with Kwon Eunbi. ‘WATERBOMB LA’ will take place on September 28 and 29 at Dignity Health Sports Park in California.

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VANNER Set for September Comeback Without Sungkook

VANNER is gearing up for an exciting comeback, set to take place in September. It will be the group’s first major release without fellow member Sungkook who is still serving in the military.

VANNER Confirms September 2024 Comeback Without Member Sungkook

On August 31, it was revealed that the group would be making their highly anticipated return with a new album. However, this comeback will be slightly different from their previous ones, as it will not feature the original five-member lineup. Sungkook, one of the group’s members, is currently serving in the military, which leaves the group temporarily promoting as a four-member unit.

In addition to the upcoming album, VANNER is also planning to release an English single before the album drop, showcasing their versatility and aiming to reach a broader international audience.

This September comeback marks VANNER’s first without Sungkook, who enlisted for military service in May. Despite the challenges that come with a member’s absence, Sungkook’s commitment to the group was evident even before his enlistment. KLAP Entertainment, the agency managing VANNER, confirmed that Sungkook was dedicated to fulfilling all his scheduled activities, including participating in the group’s concert in Korea, before his enlistment.

“VANNER’s Sungkook will be carrying out his military duty as an active-duty soldier in the army after undergoing basic training at a training center [starting] on Tuesday, May 7,” the statement read. “Up until his enlistment, Sungkook plans to carry out his scheduled activities, including VANNER’s domestic concert,” it continued.

Sungkook’s determination to complete his commitments before beginning his military service underscores his professionalism and deep respect for VANNER’s fans. His efforts to ensure that the group’s activities continue smoothly in his absence reflect his dedication to VANNER’s success and his desire to minimize any disruptions for the group.

As VANNER prepares to release their new album and English single, fans eagerly anticipate what the group has in store during this new chapter. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

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