Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

NU’EST Member Ren Announces Military Enlistment Date

Ren will soon be enlisting in the military. The NU’EST member has made the announcement through his agency Big Planet Made Entertainment.

NU’EST Member Ren To Begin Military Service

On September 3, his agency, BPM Entertainment, released an official statement confirming the news of his upcoming enlistment.

“On Thursday, September 26, 2024, Ren will begin his service as a social worker,” the statement read. “In accordance with the system, he will start his duties immediately without being admitted to a training center. No additional official procedures will take place, so we appreciate your understanding.”

“To help ensure Ren’s service goes smoothly, please refrain from visitng his service location,” it continued. “We ask Minracles (Ren’s official fan club) to offer their warm support and well-wishes to Ren as he fulfills his military obligations and returns in good health.”

This announcement follows shortly after Ren’s fellow NU’EST member, JR (Kim Jong Hyun), revealed that he would begin his military service in September. Ren’s enlistment marks another significant chapter for the former boy group members as they fulfill their mandatory military duties.

Choi Min-gi, known professionally as Ren, first gained fame as the vocalist of NU’EST when the group debuted in 2012. With his distinctive look and captivating stage presence, Ren quickly became a fan favorite. NU’EST enjoyed a successful decade-long career, releasing numerous hits and solidifying their place in the K-pop industry. However, in March 2022, the group’s contract with PLEDIS Entertainment expired, leading Ren, alongside JR and Aron, to part ways with the agency and pursue individual careers.

Following his departure, Ren signed with BPM Entertainment and embarked on a solo career, continuing to explore music, acting, and television. As Ren prepares for his enlistment, fans are also showing their unwavering support, looking forward to his safe return and future projects once he completes his service.

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BLACKPINK Rosé ‘Gone’ MV Hits 300M Views on YouTube

BLACKPINK fans are proving their love for Rosé all over again. The BLACKPINK member’s solo track “GONE” MV has reached over 300 million views on YouTube!

‘GONE’ MV Becomes Rosé’s Second Solo Music Video To Reach 300M Views

BLACKPINK’s Rosé has achieved another incredible milestone with her solo music video! On September 3 at approximately 8:30 a.m. KST, Rosé’s music video for her solo B-side track “GONE” surpassed 300 million views on YouTube. This makes “GONE” her second solo music video to reach this impressive feat, following her hit “On The Ground.”

Originally released on April 5, 2021, the “GONE” music video took just over three years and nearly five months to reach the 300 million mark. The heartfelt and emotional ballad also resonated with fans worldwide, showcasing Rosé’s vocal prowess and storytelling through music. The song, which is a part of her debut solo album ‘R’, also captivated listeners with its introspective lyrics and stripped-back acoustic sound.

This achievement comes as BLACKPINK fans also continue to support the group’s solo projects while eagerly awaiting their next group comeback. BLACKPINK is set to make a long-anticipated return in 2025, with a new world tour expected to follow soon after the release of their upcoming music. Although specific details about the comeback are still under wraps, the excitement among BLINKs also continues to build. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting story.

In the meantime, fans can also look forward to seeing fellow BLACKPINK member Jennie in her upcoming appearances on JTBC’s variety show “My Name is Gabriel,” which will air later in September. As Rosé celebrates this latest success, BLACKPINK continues to dominate the global music scene with both solo and group projects.

Congratulations to Rosé on this amazing milestone! Fans are also looking forward to more achievements for BLACKPINK and the members’ solo efforts in the future.

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BLACKPINK Lisa Supports Stray Kids at ‘dominATE SEOUL’ Concert

It’s all about idols supporting idols at the Stray Kids “dominATE SEOUL” concert! BLACKPINK member Lisa was in attendance and she made sure to show her support for the idol group on social media as well!

Lisa Promotes Stray Kids’ ‘dominATE SEOUL’ Concert

Lisa from BLACKPINK recently showed her support for Stray Kids at their “dominATE SEOUL” concert. On September 3, Lisa took to her Instagram Stories to share clips from the concert, which took place on August 31. She also posted videos of Stray Kids members Bang Chan and Felix performing on stage and tagged their accounts, showing her personal connection and support for the group.

In addition to the concert clips, Lisa shared a group photo with the Stray Kids members, expressing her appreciation for their performance. Alongside the photo, she wrote “Amazing show,” accompanied by a thumbs-up emoji, signaling her approval and excitement for the event.

Stray Kids kicked off their “dominATE” world tour in Seoul, with concerts held from August 24 to September 1. Their next stop on the tour is Singapore, where they will perform on September 28.

Lisa’s support for Stray Kids highlights the camaraderie between idols in the K-pop industry, and her public acknowledgment of their concert has thrilled both BLACKPINK and Stray Kids fans. This moment of mutual appreciation and support also adds to the sense of unity within the K-pop community, where artists often lift each other up. Fans of both groups eagerly look forward to more interactions between the two popular acts.

In related news, BLACKPINK is also set for a comeback sometime in 2025. This will be immediately followed by a new world tour promoting their music to people across the globe.

The BLACKPINK 2025 comeback has not yet been given an official release date. In the meantime, fans can also watch Jennie in her upcoming episodes of “My Name is Gabriel” later in September.

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BLACKPINK Jennie Confirms ‘My Name is Gabriel’ Appearance

It’s official: Jennie is preparing for another variety show appearance! The BLACKPINK member has been confirmed to join “My Name is Gabriel” later in September!

BLACKPINK’s Jennie Gets Sweet ‘My Name is Gabriel’ Poster

BLACKPINK’s 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.

Jennie’s episodes will air on September 27 and October 4 (episodes 13 and 14). For her role, Jennie will immerse herself in the life of Maria, a 1996-born peer who runs a farmhouse bed and breakfast in a village near Rome, Italy. Throughout the episodes, she will perform daily tasks like welcoming guests, cooking, organizing banquets, and conducting cooking classes, giving fans a glimpse into Jennie’s interactions in a whole new environment.

The poster shows Jennie as Maria, engaging with peers and smiling while cooking, raising anticipation for her role on the show. This will be a fresh look at Jennie outside her usual stage persona, as she transforms into Maria for the show.

Additionally, a group poster featuring Jennie alongside the other seven “Gabriels” has been released. The show, which airs every Friday at 10:30 p.m. KST, includes stars like Park Bo Gum, Ji Chang Wook, and Hong Jin Kyung. Fans are excited to see Jennie’s participation in this new adventure.

In related news, BLACKPINK is also set for a comeback sometime in 2025. This will be immediately followed by a new world tour promoting their music to people across the globe.

The BLACKPINK 2025 comeback has not yet been given an official release date. In the meantime, fans can also watch Jennie in her upcoming episodes of “My Name is Gabriel” later in September.

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

WEi Jang Dae Hyeon To Enlist for Military Service in Late 2024

OUI Entertainment has officially announced that WEi’s Jang Dae Hyeon is preparing to enlist in the military by the end of 2024.

Jang Dae Hyeon Confirmed to Begin Military Service Enlistment in Late 2024

On September 1, OUI Entertainment issued a statement bout the WEi member’s enlistment.

“We are letting you know that WEi member Jang Dae Hyeon is currently preparing to fulfill his military duty in the second half of 2024,” it read.

“Accordingly, while Jang Dae Hyeon will have no problem participating in WEi’s upcoming schedule, including their digital single ‘LOVE2YOU’ fan signing event and their Japanese release events, starting in October, his participation will be limited to predetermined activities,” it continued.

As his enlistment date approaches, the agency noted that Jang Dae Hyeon’s participation in group activities will be limited starting from October.

“We will make a separate announcement regarding the specifics of Jang Dae Hyeon’s military enlistment at a later time,” the statement added.

This news marks a significant moment for WEi and their fans, as Dae Hyeon prepares to fulfill his mandatory military service.

In other related news, WEi member Junseo recently faced backlash for a controversy involving his replies in Japanese on the fan community app Bubble. The incident occurred on August 15, an important Korean holiday, when Junseo responded to a fan’s question about his future plans in Japan by answering in Japanese instead of Korean. This sparked criticism from netizens who questioned his choice of language on such a significant day.

Following the backlash, Junseo posted an apology letter in the early hours of August 16, expressing regret for his actions and addressing the concerns raised by fans. This incident has drawn attention to the sensitivity surrounding national holidays and language use among K-pop idols, highlighting the challenges they face in maintaining connections with their global fanbase while respecting cultural contexts.

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

STAYC Announces October 2024 Comeback

STAYC is set to make a highly anticipated comeback in October 2024! The girl group is gearing up to drop new music just three months after ‘Metamorphic’!

STAYC Drops October 2024 Comeback Teaser

On September 1, the group surprised fans with a teaser video titled “Stay tuned.” The clip concludes with member Isa holding a film slate revealing the words “STAYC COMEBACK,” and confirming the comeback date as October 2024.

This news has thrilled fans, especially since it marks a quick return following their last comeback in July with their first full album ‘Metamorphic’, and its title track, “Cheeky Icy Thang.” With only about three months between releases, the excitement surrounding their upcoming music is palpable and fans are loving the quick succession between comebacks.

STAYC, which stands for “Star To A Young Culture,” debuted in November 2020 and has rapidly built a dedicated fan base, known as SWITH, thanks to their distinctive sound and dynamic performances. The six-member group, comprised of Sieun, Seeun, Sumin, J, Isa, and Yoon, has consistently released hit songs, earning them significant recognition and numerous accolades in the K-pop industry.

As the comeback date approaches, fans can also look forward to more details about the new album, including its title, concept, and tracklist. With the group’s track record for delivering chart-topping music and captivating performances, STAYC’s upcoming release is also expected to be one of the highlights of the year in the K-pop world. Fans are also eagerly awaiting what the talented group has in store for this new era.

For now, STAYC has not yet revealed further details about their October comeback. It is also still unclear when the new album or single will be released. Nevertheless, fans are also already hyped up for the comeback and are getting ready for the idols’ return. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting story.

Categories
FEATURES LATEST STORIES

NANA Signs With SUBLIME After PLEDIS Departure

Just a few weeks after announcing her PLEDIS departure, Nana has signed a contract with a new agency!

NANA Finds New Agency After PLEDIS Departure

After an impressive 15-year journey with PLEDIS Entertainment, Nana has embarked on a new chapter in her career by joining SUBLIME, a well-known talent agency.

On September 2, SUBLIME made the exciting announcement that Nana had signed an exclusive contract with them. The agency expressed their enthusiasm, stating, “We are extremely delighted to be able to work together with actress Nana, whose global influence extends beyond Korea. As Nana boasts a diverse array of charms and talents, we will use all the strengths and know-how in SUBLIME’s possession to fully support her so that she can deepen her filmography as an actress in various areas.”

Nana initially gained fame as a member of the popular girl group After School, debuting in 2009. Over the years, she transitioned from being an idol to establishing herself as a successful actress. Her acting career has flourished, earning her recognition and praise for her performances in various dramas and films. Despite her long-standing relationship with PLEDIS Entertainment, during which she renewed her contract four times, Nana has now chosen to take her career in a new direction by joining SUBLIME.

SUBLIME is known for managing a roster of high-profile talents, including renowned actors and actresses. Some of the notable names under the agency’s management include Song Kang Ho, Hyeri, Girls’ Generation’s Tiffany Young, EXID’s Hani, Ko So Young, Seo Ye Ji, and Yoon Jung Hee. With such a star-studded lineup and a strong support system in place, SUBLIME is poised to help Nana further her acting career and expand her influence both in Korea and internationally.

As Nana begins this new chapter with SUBLIME, fans are eager to see how her career will evolve and what exciting projects lie ahead.

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

ENHYPEN Confirms New World Tour ‘WALK THE LINE’

ENHYPEN has thrilled fans with the announcement of their upcoming world tour, titled “WALK THE LINE.”

ENHYPEN Announces New World Tour ‘WALK THE LINE’

On September 2, BELIFT LAB officially revealed the tour details, marking an exciting new chapter for the K-pop sensation.

The “WALK THE LINE” tour is set to kick off with two concerts in Goyang, South Korea, on October 5 and 6. Following their performances in Korea, ENHYPEN will embark on a highly anticipated dome tour across Japan. The Japanese leg of the tour will begin at Saitama’s Belluna Dome on November 9 and 10, followed by performances at Fukuoka’s Mizuho PayPay Dome on December 28 and 29, and finally, at Osaka’s Kyocera Dome on January 25 and 26.

This announcement comes on the heels of ENHYPEN’s successful “Fate Plus” encore world tour, which wrapped up earlier in May. The “Fate Plus” tour was an extension of their original 2023 to 2024 “Fate” world tour, which saw the group performing across various global stages. After two encore shows in South Korea in February 2024, ENHYPEN took their tour to five cities in the United States, including California, Illinois, and New York, further cementing their global popularity.

In related news, BELIFT LAB recently addressed concerns about member Jay’s health. Jay was diagnosed with the flu after developing a sudden fever and was advised by his medical team to rest and recover. Despite his strong desire to participate, Jay had to sit out of ENHYPEN’s “FATE PLUS” concerts in Aichi on August 24 and 25. His absence has sparked concern among fans, but the priority remains his well-being.

As ENHYPEN gears up for the “WALK THE LINE” tour, fans around the world are eagerly anticipating what promises to be an unforgettable concert experience.

The other dates for the “WALK THE LINE” world tour have not yet been announced. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

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.

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

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.

Exit mobile version