Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Mnet Dance Competition ‘Stage Fighter’ Confirms Kang Daniel as Host

Mnet‘s newest dance competition show “Stage Fighter” has generated buzz with the release of its exciting main teaser and the announcement that Kang Daniel will serve as host!

Mnet Confirms Kang Daniel as ‘Stage Fighter’ Host

“Stage Fighter” is a high-stakes survival program where 64 top male dancers from diverse backgrounds, including ballet, contemporary dance, and Korean traditional dance, compete in intense class battles. The show promises a thrilling journey as these dancers push their limits in a quest for supremacy.

The newly released teaser poster prominently features Kang Daniel, who will be hosting the show. Known for his impressive dance skills and background in Korean contemporary dance—a field he specialized in during high school—Kang Daniel’s presence adds an extra layer of excitement to the program. The poster captures him in dynamic poses inspired by the three dance genres, emphasizing his connection to the world of dance.

The main trailer for “Stage Fighter” is nothing short of captivating, spotlighting the dancers’ physical prowess and the critical role that physicality plays in their performances. The trailer opens with a powerful sequence where the dancers showcase their impressive physiques, underscoring the idea that physical attributes are essential in dance. The dancers themselves highlight this point with statements like, “Physical attributes are absolutely crucial in contemporary dance,” and “Without good physicality, you can’t be the lead dancer.”

The competition will feature three distinct dance genres: the refined elegance of Korean traditional dance, the raw expressiveness of contemporary dance, and the regal grace of ballet. Each genre brings its own unique challenges, and the dancers will face rigorous auditions and class battles to secure a coveted spot in the prestigious “First Class.”

As the dancers vie for roles ranging from lead to ensemble, the fierce rivalry and intense competition are sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. “Stage Fighter” is set to premiere on September 24 at 10 p.m. KST, promising an electrifying showcase of talent and determination.

Categories
FEATURES LATEST STORIES

Yoo Teo To Star In Hollywood Action Thriller ‘Karoshi’

Actor Yoo Teo has been cast as the lead in the upcoming Hollywood action thriller “Karoshi”!

‘Vagabond’ Actor Confirmed for New Hollywood Flick ‘Karoshi’

“Karoshi,” produced by the renowned American studio Lionsgate in collaboration with 87Eleven Entertainment, the production company behind the hit “John Wick” series, promises to be an intense and captivating film. Though the plot details are being kept under wraps, the film is described as a “corporate thriller with a samurai twist,” hinting at a unique blend of high-stakes corporate intrigue and traditional samurai action.

Yoo Teo’s casting in “Karoshi” is a significant milestone in his career, especially as he continues to gain international recognition for his talents. Earlier this year, he garnered widespread attention with his nomination for Best Actor at the 77th EE British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Film Awards for his exceptional performance in “Past Lives.” This recognition further solidified his status as a rising star in the global film industry.

In addition to his BAFTA nomination, Yoo Teo was named one of the A100, a prestigious list of the 100 most impactful Asian leaders of the year, by Gold House. His influence and talent were further acknowledged when he was invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), a testament to his growing impact on the film industry.

Yoo Teo’s upcoming role in “Karoshi” isn’t his only major project on the horizon. He was also confirmed to star in the second season of the American Netflix series “The Recruit,” where he will take on a leading role. This marks another significant step in his expanding international career, showcasing his versatility and appeal across different genres and audiences.

With “Karoshi,” Yoo Teo is set to make an even bigger mark in Hollywood, and fans are eagerly anticipating his portrayal in what promises to be a thrilling and innovative film.

Categories
FEATURES K-DRAMA LATEST STORIES

Byeon Woo Seok Set for ‘No Gain No Love’ Special Appearance

“Lovely Runner” star Byeon Woo Seok is set to delight fans with a special cameo appearance in the upcoming tvN drama “No Gain No Love”!

Byeon Wooseok Set for ‘No Gain No Love’ Special Cameo

On August 30, media reports confirmed that Byeon Woo Seok will make a guest appearance in the drama, adding excitement for viewers. The production team of “No Gain No Love” later confirmed the news, expressing their enthusiasm for his participation. They explained, “Byeon Woo Seok’s special appearance came about due to his connection with the drama’s director, Kim Jung Sik.”

This connection between Byeon Woo Seok and director Kim Jung Sik stems from their previous collaboration on the popular JTBC drama “Strong Girl Namsoon,” which concluded last November. Their reunion in the new drama is eagerly anticipated, as fans look forward to seeing Byeon Woo Seok’s contribution to the romantic comedy.

“No Gain No Love” follows the story of Son Hae Young, portrayed by Shin Min Ah, a determined woman who fakes a marriage to avoid missing out on a promotion at work. Her character’s life becomes even more complicated when she teams up with Kim Ji Wook, played by Kim Young Dae, who agrees to become her fake husband.

Who is Byeon Wooseok Playing in The New Drama?

While details about Byeon Woo Seok’s role in the drama remain under wraps, his cameo is expected to add a unique twist to the storyline. The episode featuring his appearance is set to air next week, and anticipation is building among fans of both the actor and the drama.

This cameo marks another exciting chapter in Byeon Woo Seok’s career, as he continues to charm audiences with his versatile performances. Viewers are eagerly waiting to see how his appearance will impact the plot of “No Gain No Love.”

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

RED VELVET Seulgi Announces First Photography Exhibition

Red Velvet’s Seulgi is set to showcase her artistic side through her very first photography exhibition, titled “NOTHING SPECIAL BUT SPECIAL.”

Red Velvet Member Seulgi Set for First Photography Exhibition

This unique exhibition will run from October 13 to October 20 at WWL STUDIO in Seodaemungu, Seoul, offering fans and art enthusiasts a glimpse into Seulgi’s world through her lens.

The exhibition revolves around the theme “Ordinary but Special,” emphasizing the beauty in everyday moments. It will feature a diverse collection of film photographs that Seulgi has personally taken over the years.

Additionally, the exhibition will include intimate shots of Seulgi captured by the renowned photographer Rie, who is known for her collaborations with various musicians. These images aim to reveal a different side of Seulgi, focusing more on her everyday life and thoughts rather than the glamorous persona she embodies as a member of Red Velvet.

The exhibition is organized by ALLYCAMERA & FILM, a company dedicated to film photography. A representative from ALLYCAMERA & FILM expressed their excitement about the project, stating, “We’re putting a lot of effort into creating an exhibition that captures Seulgi’s daily life and thoughts. We hope visitors can discover the specialness in everyday life through Seulgi’s honest and warm perspective.”

The event is expected to attract a wide range of visitors, from devoted Red Velvet fans to photography enthusiasts who appreciate the unique charm of film photography. Tickets for the exhibition will be available for reservation through Naver starting September 15, and given Seulgi’s popularity, they are likely to sell out quickly.

This exhibition not only highlights Seulgi’s talents beyond the stage but also invites attendees to find beauty in the ordinary, a sentiment that resonates with many and showcases Seulgi’s personal artistic vision.

Meanwhile, Red Velvet recently achieved an incredible milestone by making their debut on both the Billboard 200 and the Artist 100 charts.

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

JYP Entertainment Vows Legal Action Against Deepfake TWICE Videos

JYP Entertainment has announced its plans to take legal action against the creators and distributors of deepfake TWICE videos.

JYP Entertainment Addresses Deepfake TWICE Videos

On August 30, the company issued an official statement in English via TWICE’s social media channels, addressing the issue. The announcement follows the recent discovery that members of TWICE, along with several other female idols, have become victims of deepfake pornography being circulated in various online chatrooms.

“We are gravely concerned about the recent spread of deepfake (AI-generated) videos involving our artists,” the statement reads. “This is a blatant violation of the law, and we are in the process of collecting all relevant evidence to pursue the strongest legal action with a leading law firm, without leniency.”

“We want to make it clear that we will not stand by while our artists’ rights are violated and will take decisive action to address this matter to the fullest extent possible,” it concludes.

What’s Happening in the School Chatrooms?

These chatrooms, initially created with the intent to humiliate and degrade women, were first brought to light earlier this month. The disturbing trend also began with school chatrooms being used to share sexually explicit deepfake images and videos of classmates, which quickly gained widespread attention.

JYP Entertainment’s swift response to the situation makes it one of the first K-pop agencies to publicly declare its intent to take legal action against those responsible for creating and spreading these harmful videos. The company has also made it clear that they will not tolerate any violations of their artists’ rights and will pursue strong legal measures to protect TWICE members from such malicious activities.

This announcement also underscores the growing concern over the misuse of AI technology in creating deepfakes and the urgent need for stricter regulations and enforcement to combat this issue.

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Kang Daniel Teases September 2024 Comeback After New Fandom Name Announcement

Kang Daniel has officially begun the countdown to his September 2024 comeback. This is set to be the soloist’s first comeback under his new agency, ARA.

Kang Daniel Teases Comeback in September 2024

On August 30, the singer announced that he would be releasing a new album titled ‘ACT’ in September, marking his first musical project in a year and three months.

This upcoming album holds significant meaning for Kang Daniel, as it not only marks his first release since joining ARA, but it also comes shortly after the fifth anniversary of his solo debut in 2019. Fans are eagerly anticipating what new artistic directions and themes he will explore in this long-awaited comeback.

Alongside the announcement of his new album, Kang Daniel also revealed a change in the name of his official fan club. Formerly known as DANITY, the fan club will now go by the name “FLOWD.” The new name, pronounced “flow-dee,” is a blend of the word “flow” and the letter “D” from “Daniel.” The name change symbolizes the deep connection between Kang Daniel and his fans. According to the official announcement, “[FLOWD] means the people who are so focused on Kang Daniel that they forget the flow of time, the people who love the ‘FLOW’ that Kang Daniel creates.”

With this exciting news, Kang Daniel’s fans are eagerly counting down the days until the release of “ACT” and are looking forward to the new chapter in his career.

Kang Daniel has been making a lot of hopeful changes since leaving KONNECT Entertainment back in June. On July 25, ARA (Artistic Round Alliance), a comprehensive entertainment company, announced that they have signed an exclusive contract with the singer. ARA was founded by a director with experience at YG Entertainment, BIGHIT MUSIC, and KONNECT Entertainment, bringing a wealth of industry knowledge and expertise to the table.

Kang Daniel has not yet revealed his comeback date in September. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Kim Jaejoong Agency To Launch New Idol Group in October

Kim Jae Joong and his agency is preparing to debut a new idol group, sparking excitement among fans and the K-pop industry alike.

Kim Jaejoong Agency iNKODE Teases New Idol Group Launch

On August 29, his agency, iNKODE Entertainment, revealed their plans to launch this new group in October, marking a significant milestone for the company and for Jae Joong himself.

According to iNKODE, the group will consist of members who possess a unique blend of skills, charisma, talent, and visual appeal. These members have been meticulously trained and guided by industry veterans, with the aim of captivating global K-pop fans. The agency emphasized that the group’s debut will showcase high-quality music and performances, combined with a fresh and innovative concept that sets them apart from other rookie groups.

Adding to the excitement, Jae Joong recently posted a mysterious teaser on social media, featuring a photo of waves along with the cryptic message, “VII your name is… (Soon).” This post has led fans to speculate that it could be a hint related to the new group’s debut, further fueling curiosity and excitement.

What is iNKODE?

iNKODE Entertainment was established in May of last year by Kim Jae Joong, a veteran K-pop artist, and Noh Hyun Tae, the former vice president of Cube Entertainment. With their combined experience, the agency quickly positioned itself as a promising player in the entertainment industry. Demonstrating their commitment to global expansion, iNKODE Entertainment also launched iNKODE JAPAN, marking a significant step in extending their influence and connecting with international audiences. The company’s efforts to broaden its reach also reflect its ambition to nurture global talent and produce top-tier content that resonates across borders.

As the Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) of iNKODE Entertainment, Kim Jae Joong has played a pivotal role in the creation of this group. With over two decades of experience in the industry, Jae Joong has also been deeply involved in the training and development of the members, ensuring that they are fully prepared for their debut. His hands-on approach and dedication to the group’s success have also heightened the anticipation surrounding their debut.

As the debut date approaches, fans are eagerly awaiting more details about the group, confident that under Kim Jae Joong’s guidance, they will make a powerful and lasting impact on the K-pop scene.

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

VVUP Hyunny Exits Group Due To Health Reasons

Rookie girl group VVUP has announced that their leader, Hyunny, will be leaving the group due to health concerns.

Hyunny Leaves VVUP for Health Reasons

On August 29, VVUP’s agency egoENT released an official statement confirming Hyunny’s departure. The statement emphasized that Hyunny will be stepping away from group activities to prioritize her health, a decision made after careful consideration. As a result, VVUP will continue their promotions with the remaining three members—Kim, Paan, and Suyeon.

“Throughout the promotional period, Hyunny has been making efforts to recover her health,” the statement read. “During this time, we had careful discussions about her continuing activities, but after much consideration, it has been decided that Hyunny will focus solely on her recovery.”

“We sincerely apologize for the sudden news and any concern it may have caused the fans,” it continued. “Although Hyunny’s activities with VVUP have come to an end, we kindly ask for your continued warm support so she can recover her health. The remaining three members of VVUP and our company will also continue to support and encourage Hyunny.”

Hyunny’s departure comes after a promising start with VVUP. The group, which officially debuted in April following a two-week pre-debut activity in March, quickly garnered attention in the K-pop scene. Hyunny, born in 2005, was notably a former YG Entertainment trainee and had gained recognition through her participation in MBC’s 2021 girl group audition program, “My Teenage Girl.” Her leadership and talent were key elements in VVUP’s early success.

Despite this setback, VVUP remains committed to moving forward as a trio. The group released their second digital single, “Ain’t Nobody,” in July, and they plan to continue their promotions with the same energy and dedication. Fans are encouraged to support both Hyunny’s recovery and the group’s ongoing activities during this transition period.

Wishing Hyunny a speedy and full recovery as she focuses on her health!

Categories
K-POP STYLE KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

aespa Karina Officially Appointed New Prada Brand Ambassador

Karina has officially been appointed as the new Prada brand ambassador. This means that the aespa leader has marked a significant milestone in her flourishing career.

aespa Leader Karina Named New Prada Brand Ambassador

On August 29, Prada took to social media to share the exciting news, stating, “We are pleased to announce Karina, the South Korean singer and leader of K-pop group aespa, as Prada’s brand ambassador.” The announcement was accompanied by stunning images of Karina that perfectly encapsulate Prada’s distinctive style, drawing admiration from fashion enthusiasts and fans alike.

Expressing her enthusiasm for the new role, Karina shared, “I’ve always loved and frequently shopped at Prada, so I’m excited to be an ambassador. I look forward to sharing many different and positive aspects with Prada in the future, so stay tuned.” Her statement highlights her genuine connection with the brand, making this partnership all the more meaningful.

Karina had already garnered global attention when she attended the “Prada 2024 Fall/Winter Menswear Fashion Show” in Milan earlier this year, where her presence left a lasting impression. As a newly appointed ambassador, she is set to grace the “Prada 2025 Spring/Summer Womenswear Fashion Show” on September 19, further solidifying her influence in the fashion world.

This appointment is particularly significant as it completes aespa’s full representation within the global fashion industry, with all four members now serving as ambassadors for major fashion houses. This achievement underscores aespa’s status as international fashion icons, blending their music and style to captivate audiences worldwide.

In addition to her burgeoning fashion career, Karina remains dedicated to her musical endeavors. She and her fellow aespa members are currently on their 2024 tour “SYNK: PARALLEL LINE,” with upcoming concerts in Sydney on August 30 and 31, and Melbourne on September 2. As Karina continues to make waves both on stage and in the fashion industry, fans can look forward to seeing her influence grow even further in the coming months.

Categories
K-DRAMA KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BLACKPINK Jisoo Considering New Drama ‘Monthly Boyfriend’

Jisoo might be taking on a new challenge in the acting world. The BLACKPINK member is reportedly in talks for a leading role in the upcoming drama “Monthly Boyfriend” (literal translation)!

BLACKPINK’s Jisoo Considering Female Lead Role in ‘Monthly Boyfriend’

On August 29, media outlets reported that Jisoo has been offered the female lead role in this new drama. In response, her agency, BLISSOO, confirmed that they are currently reviewing the offer.

Jisoo, who first made her mark as an actress with her role in the JTBC drama “Snowdrop” alongside Jung Hae In in 2021, has been steadily expanding her acting portfolio. In addition to “Snowdrop,” she made a special appearance in the film “The Plot” and has wrapped up filming for the highly anticipated movie “Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint,” where she stars alongside Ahn Hyo Seop and Lee Min Ho.

Jisoo is also gearing up for her role in the zombie drama “Newtopia,” where she will be acting alongside Park Jung Min. This diverse range of roles highlights her versatility as an actress, and the potential involvement in “Monthly Boyfriend” could further solidify her status in the acting industry.

Earlier this year, Jisoo launched her own company, BLISSOO, for her solo activities, following in the footsteps of her BLACKPINK bandmates who have also established their own labels. Under BLISSOO, where her older brother Kim Jung Hoon serves as CEO, Jisoo is pursuing her acting career while continuing her activities with BLACKPINK under YG Entertainment.

The possibility of Jisoo starring in “Monthly Boyfriend” has already sparked excitement among fans and industry insiders, eager to see how she will bring this new character to life. If confirmed, this role will be another significant step in Jisoo’s blossoming career as an actress.

It has not yet been confirmed whether Jisoo has accepted the role. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

Exit mobile version