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THE BOYZ Juyeon, IVE Rei to Host Asia Star Entertainer Awards 2025 Day 1

The Asia Star Entertainer Awards (ASEA) 2025 has officially revealed the first set of MCs for this year’s highly anticipated event!

Asia Star Entertainer Awards 2025 Announces First MC Lineup!

On March 19, the 2nd Asia Star Entertainer Awards announced that THE BOYZ’s Juyeon and IVE’s Rei will serve as the hosts for the first day of the ceremony on May 28. With their charisma and stage presence, the duo is expected to bring an exciting dynamic to the event. This will also be the idols’ first hosting gig and truly something to look forward to.

The Asia Star Entertainer Awards is a newly established awards show launched by Newsen and @star1 magazine, aiming to recognize and celebrate top K-pop artists and Asian musicians who have made a significant impact on the global music scene over the past year.

The 2025 edition of ASEA will be held in Japan across two days, May 28 and May 29. The second-day hosts and list of performers for both days have yet to be revealed, heightening anticipation for more exciting announcements.

Juyeon, known for his exceptional dance skills and stage performance as a member of THE BOYZ, has also gained recognition as an engaging host. Meanwhile, Rei, the Japanese member of IVE, has impressed fans with her charm and eloquence, making her a perfect fit for the event.

As the countdown to ASEA 2025 begins, fans eagerly await further details, including the full MC lineup, performing artists, and nominees. With some of the biggest names in K-pop and Asian entertainment set to attend, the awards ceremony promises to be a star-studded affair.

Are you also excited about Juyeon and Rei being the MCs for the awards event? Who do you think will perform this coming May? Stay tuned for more updates on the Asia Star Entertainer Awards 2025 and let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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K-POP STYLE KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

ATEEZ San Oozes Charisma in ELLE Korea April Issue

ATEEZ’s San recently graced the pages of ELLE Korea April issue, showcasing his striking visuals in a stunning new photo shoot.

ATEEZ’s San Talks Touring and Growth in ELLE Korea April Issue

In the interview that followed, San shared his thoughts on completing ATEEZ’s 2025 Europe tour, “TOWARDS THE LIGHT : WILL TO POWER.” Reflecting on the journey, he also expressed deep gratitude to fans for their unwavering support and excitement throughout the tour.

“It was incredible. I feel like I grow with every moment. It may sound obvious, but my fellow members and I truly cherish every performance with our fans,” San said.

He also discussed his experiences promoting ATEEZ’s 11th mini album, “GOLDEN HOUR : PART.2.” San described the album’s performances as particularly meaningful, emphasizing the passion and energy the group poured into every stage.

“I gained a lot from performing ‘Ice On My Teeth.’ Through this performance, I discovered what suits me best and what I excel at. Most importantly, the song’s concept aligned well with my personality. I have a rational side—some might even call it cold—and that trait made me feel comfortable on stage,” he said.

Now in his eighth year as an artist, San opened up about the mindset he strives to maintain despite the passage of time. He also spoke about staying grounded, continuously improving, and cherishing every moment with his members and fans.

“Staying true to my roots,” San said. “My belief is that I must love my work and cherish the people around me. To uphold that belief, I have to keep carrying the same determination I had in the beginning—to always do my best. This is something I absolutely want to hold on to.”

San’s full interview and pictorial can also be found in the April issue of ELLE Korea.

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G-Dragon Announces PHASE 1 Stops for ‘Übermensch’ World Tour

BIGBANG’s G-Dragon is officially kicking off his highly anticipated 2025 world tour, “Übermensch”, and fans worldwide are gearing up for an unforgettable experience! The PHASE 1 dates and locations have finally been announced.

G-Dragon Unveils PHASE 1 of His 2025 “Übermensch” World Tour!

On March 19, G-Dragon revealed the dates and locations for PHASE 1 of his world tour, which will take him across multiple cities in Asia.

Following his grand opening concerts in South Korea, the artist will begin his tour in Tokyo, Japan, on May 10 and 11, before making stops in Bulacan (Philippines) on May 17, Osaka (Japan) on May 25 and 26, Macau on June 7 and 8, Taipei (Taiwan) on July 12 and 13, Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) on July 19 and 20, Jakarta (Indonesia) on July 25, and Hong Kong on August 9 and 10.

The tour will officially launch with two opening concerts at Goyang Stadium on March 29 and 30, marking G-Dragon’s long-awaited return to the stage. This will be his first solo tour since “Act III: M.O.T.T.E” in 2017, making it a historic moment for both the artist and his fans.

With the title “Übermensch” (a reference to philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche’s concept of the “Overman”), expectations are high for G-Dragon’s artistic vision, stunning stage production, and genre-defying performances. As a pioneer in K-pop, hip-hop, and fashion, G-Dragon is also known for pushing boundaries, and this tour is expected to showcase his evolution as an artist.

Fans are already eagerly awaiting ticket details and additional tour dates, as it is likely that more stops will be announced in the coming months. For now, only the first phase of the exciting world tour has been revealed. However, there is a huge possibility that the BIGBANG member will also be headed to North America and Europe later this year. Make sure to check this page for updates.

Stay tuned for more updates on G-Dragon’s “Übermensch” world tour—this is just the beginning!

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KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

TWICE Confirmed to Headline Lollapalooza 2025

One of the biggest music festivals in the U.S., Lollapalooza 2025, has officially announced its highly anticipated lineup—and it’s packed with some of the biggest global artists! Amazingly, TWICE has been confirmed as one of the headliners this year, and attendees can enjoy performances from K-pop’s most promising new acts.

Lollapalooza 2025 Unveils Star-Studded Lineup Featuring TWICE as Headliner!

On March 18 (local time), Lollapalooza revealed that TWICE will be headlining this year’s festival alongside Olivia Rodrigo, Sabrina Carpenter, Tyler, the Creator, A$AP Rocky, Korn, Gracie Abrams, Doechii, Rüfüs Du Sol, and Luke Combs. This marks yet another major milestone for the K-pop supergroup as they continue to expand their global presence.

Additionally, several rising and well-known K-pop and Korean artists will be taking the Lollapalooza stage this year, including BOYNEXTDOOR, Xdinary Heroes, KickFlip, KATSEYE, and wave to earth.

Headlining at Lollapalooza is a significant achievement for TWICE, further cementing their influence in the global music industry. The group has been setting records throughout their career, and in 2024, they made history by becoming the first global female artist to perform at Japan’s Nissan Stadium. As part of their fifth world tour, “READY TO BE,” TWICE took the Japan leg of their tour to Nissan Stadium, a legendary venue previously graced only by TVXQ and SEVENTEEN among K-pop artists.

With their continued success, TWICE’s presence at Lollapalooza 2025 is expected to draw massive crowds, further proving K-pop’s growing influence on the global stage.

Meanwhile, Lollapalooza 2025 is set to take place from July 31 to August 3 at Grant Park in Chicago. Fans are already buzzing with excitement for what’s shaping up to be one of the most unforgettable music festivals of the year!

Are you already looking forward to Lollapalooza 2025? Which performer are you most excited about? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.

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RIIZE to Release First Full-Length Album in May 2025

Fans of RIIZE have exciting news to look forward to—the group is gearing up for their highly anticipated first full-length album!

RIIZE to Make Their Comeback with First Full-Length Album in May!

On March 19, it was reported that RIIZE is preparing to make their grand return with their first studio album in May. Shortly after the report surfaced, SM Entertainment confirmed the news, stating, “RIIZE is currently preparing for the release of their first full-length album in May. Please look forward to it.”

This upcoming release marks RIIZE’s first comeback in 11 months, following their debut EP ‘RIIZING’, which was released in June 2024. Since their debut in September 2023, RIIZE has been steadily building their identity and gaining recognition for their fresh sound and powerful performances.

Earlier this year, in January, RIIZE delighted fans by releasing a special remake of TVXQ’s iconic debut song “Hug” in celebration of SM Entertainment’s 30th anniversary. The track also showcased the group’s ability to reinterpret classic hits while adding their own unique color, earning praise from fans of both generations.

Currently, RIIZE is actively participating in the “SMTOWN LIVE 2025” tour, where they continue to impress audiences with their energy and stage presence. Their future performances are also expected to be even more exciting once their new music is released and added to their setlist during the tour.

With their first full-length album on the way, expectations are high for what RIIZE will bring to the table. What new sounds and concepts will they explore? Fans also eagerly await more details about the album, including teasers and tracklist information.

Are you excited for RIIZE’s first full-length album? What are your expectations on their upcoming May 2025 comeback? Stay tuned for more updates as their comeback approaches! In the meantime, let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!

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PLEDIS Shares Progress on Legal Action for SEVENTEEN Protection

PLEDIS Entertainment is still prioritizing SEVENTEEN protection. The company has shared an update on the legal action they are taking in an effort to protect the members of the idol group.

PLEDIS Entertainment Provides Update on Legal Action for SEVENTEEN Protection

On March 17, PLEDIS Entertainment issued an official statement regarding the ongoing legal measures being taken to protect SEVENTEEN from malicious activities and privacy violations.

The agency addressed several concerns, including the unauthorized leaks of confidential artist information, defamatory online posts, and invasions of privacy. PLEDIS reaffirmed its commitment to actively monitoring and taking swift legal action against individuals who engage in such harmful behaviors.

“In the latter half of last year, we appointed a legal representative and proceeded with a formal complaint,” the statement read. “The investigative authorities are currently conducting an active investigation into the case.”

“While we cannot disclose further details at this time to avoid interfering with the investigation, we can confirm that the investigation is ongoing against the suspected individuals,” it continued. “PLEDIS Entertainment is fully cooperating with law enforcement through our legal representative and will continue to provide updates as the situation develops. We are committed to ensuring that those responsible are held accountable under the full extent of the law.”

“We deeply appreciate your unwavering love and support for SEVENTEEN,” they added. “PLEDIS Entertainment will continue to work to ensure that the rights of our artists are fully protected.”

In late 2023, PLEDIS had previously announced that they were regularly pursuing legal action against perpetrators of defamation, personal attacks, sexual harassment, and the spread of false information regarding SEVENTEEN. This statement was part of a broader effort by HYBE Labels to protect their artists across multiple agencies.

Fans have also welcomed the agency’s firm stance, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding SEVENTEEN’s well-being amid their continued global success. PLEDIS has also reassured fans that they will continue to take strict legal measures without leniency.

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Sangyeon Gets Military Sendoff From Fellow THE BOYZ Members

It’s official; Sangyeon has enlisted to serve his country. But before that, the other members of THE BOYZ decided to give him a touching military sendoff!

THE BOYZ’s Sangyeon Treated with Awesome Military Sendoff

On March 17, THE BOYZ’s Sangyeon officially enlisted in the military, marking a significant milestone as the first member of the group to begin his mandatory service. Surrounded by his supportive bandmates, Sangyeon showcased his new military buzz cut before heading off to fulfill his duty.

Sangyeon has joined the Army Band, a role that will allow him to utilize his musical talents during his service. His enlistment was previously confirmed by ONE HUNDRED, THE BOYZ’s new agency, through an official announcement on January 23.

“Sangyeon applied to the Army Band and received his final acceptance notification from the Military Manpower Administration on January 23,” the statement read. “His enlistment date is set for March 17, and there will be no special events held on the day of his entry into the training camp to ensure safety and prevent confusion.”

“This decision has been made out of respect for the other soldiers and their families, so we kindly ask fans to refrain from visiting,” it continued. “Sangyeon will create great memories with fans until his enlistment.”

Fans have been flooding social media with messages of love and encouragement for Sangyeon as he prepares for this next phase of his life. Wishing Sangyeon all the best as he embarks on his military service journey!

Despite his absence, THE BOYZ remains active, as they made their highly anticipated comeback with their latest album ‘Unexpected’—which coincidentally dropped on the same day as Sangyeon’s enlistment. The group continues to thrive, proving their resilience and unwavering dedication to their fans.

What do you think of THE BOYZ’s latest comeback without Sangyeon? Sound off in the comments below!

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FEATURES LATEST STORIES

Late Kim Sae Ron Family Demands Kim Soo Hyun Apology

The family of the late Kim Sae Ron has taken legal action against YouTuber Lee Jin Ho, filing a formal complaint with the police. They have also reiterated their request for Kim Soo Hyun to issue a public apology regarding his past relationship with the late actress.

Late Kim Sae Ron’s Family Files Complaint Against YouTuber and Calls for Kim Soo Hyun’s Apology

On March 17, a press conference was held at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, attended by key figures including Bu Ji Seok, the family’s legal representative, Kwon Young Chan, director of the Korea Celebrity Suicide Prevention Association, and Kim Se Eui, head of HoverLab Inc.

During the event, Kim Se Eui emphasized their strong stance, stating, “This press conference marks the beginning of the first lawsuit, and we will continue to pursue legal action from this point forward.”

“In our hearts, we wish to file charges under the crime of murder. However, as defamation does not fall under the methods of murder according to legal precedents, we regretfully hope that the fact that the deceased’s death is causally linked to YouTuber Lee Jin Ho’s dissemination of false information will be fully reflected in the sentencing, leading to the strictest possible punishment,” the statement read.

“Initially, the bereaved family hoped that Kim Soo Hyun would acknowledge his past relationship with the deceased to disprove the false claims made by YouTuber Lee Jin Ho. However, Kim Soo Hyun’s repeated false statements have caused further distress to the bereaved family. We sincerely hope that even now, he will offer a heartfelt apology,” it added.

Kim Sae Ron tragically passed away on February 16, with reports confirming that the Seoul Seongdong Police Station received a call about her death around 5 p.m. KST. Authorities found no evidence of foul play, including no signs of a break-in, and are continuing their investigation to determine the exact circumstances surrounding her passing.

Officials have urged the public to avoid speculation about her death and respect the family’s request for privacy during this difficult time.

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Seulgi Discusses Bond with RED VELVET Members

Seulgi recently participated in a stunning photo shoot for the fashion magazine Elle Korea, showcasing her effortless charm and elegant style. The “Baby, Not Baby” singer also discussed her latest solo effort and strong bond with fellow Red Velvet members.

Seulgi Opens Up About Her Solo Album and Red Velvet Members in Elle Korea Interview

In the accompanying interview, Seulgi shared insights into her creative process while working on her highly anticipated second solo album ‘Accidentally On Purpose’.

She revealed, “I focused on communication. It was really fun to see different, interesting ideas come together into one.” Through this collaborative effort, Seulgi was able to express her opinions in diverse ways, shaping the album’s direction.

Using a nautical metaphor, she described her role in the project: “I may not have been the captain, but I think I played the role of the first mate.” This highlights her active involvement and dedication, even if she wasn’t leading the production.

Seulgi also shared her first impressions of her title track “Baby, Not Baby”, expressing her deep affection for the song. She emphasized how it perfectly represents the emotions she wanted to convey.

Additionally, she spoke about her unwavering bond with her fellow Red Velvet members, showing her love and appreciation for the team that has supported her throughout her journey.

“No matter what I do, my members always support me,” Seulgi said. “While preparing for the album, they each checked in on me one by one to see how things were going. As the second-oldest member of the team, I also want to continue being a source of strength for them.”

Seulgi’s full pictorial and interview can be found in the April issue of Elle Korea!

What did you think of Seulgi’s latest solo effort? Did you enjoy listening to “Baby, Not Baby”? Sound off in the comment section below.

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FEATURES K-DRAMA LATEST STORIES

New ‘Resident Playlist’ Still Features Kang You Seok as Idol Turned Doctor

tvN’s highly anticipated “Hospital Playlist” spin-off has unveiled a closer look at Kang You Seok’s character, Um Jae Il! The “Resident Playbook” still offers a glimpse at Um Jae Il, a former idol who is now working as a doctor!

Kang You Seok Transforms into a Passionate OB-GYN Resident in “Resident Playbook” Still

“Resident Playbook” follows the realistic and heartwarming journey of Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB-GYN) residents at the Jongro branch of Yulje Medical Center.

Kang You Seok takes on the role of Um Jae Il, a first-year OB-GYN resident with an unexpected past—before stepping into the medical world, he was a one-hit-wonder idol. While his music career may not have lasted, his determination to become a doctor shines as he works tirelessly to prove himself in the hospital.

A Clumsy Yet Endearing Resident

Despite his best efforts, Um Jae Il frequently finds himself scolded by his seniors, but his passion and perseverance make him stand out among his peers. With his easygoing personality and natural charm, he quickly becomes a favorite among patients and nurses, earning smiles wherever he goes.

Recently released stills from the drama provide a glimpse into his daily struggles and small triumphs. In one moment, he’s sheepishly accepting criticism from his superiors, and in another, he’s brightening the mood by sharing snacks with hospital staff. These constant ups and downs add depth and humor to his character, making him all the more relatable.

Kang You Seok’s Rising Star Power

Kang You Seok, known for his versatile acting across multiple genres, is expected to bring fresh energy to Um Jae Il’s journey of growth. Viewers are eager to see how his character will evolve, both as a doctor and as a person, in the high-pressure world of medicine.

“Resident Playbook” premieres on April 12 at 9:10 p.m. KST! Are you excited to watch?

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