Author: Kpop News Writer

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Lim Young Woong Displays a Different Side of Himself on ‘Do or Die’

Lim Young Woong

On October 9, Lim Young Woong‘s latest digital single, “Do or Die,” hit various streaming platforms. The song speaks of becoming the protagonist in one’s life and living with no regrets. Notably, Lim Young Woong had a hand in writing it. Once again, his talent as a singer-songwriter is on full display, following his self-composed songs “London Boy” and “Grain of Sand.”

Lim Young Woong has taken a bold step with “Do or Die,” revealing a side of his artistry that’s distinctly different from his signature style. The 32-year-old musician, best known for his ballads and trot songs, enjoys a vast following among South Korea’s older generation. That’s why the fresh EDM-pop vibe of “Do or Die” caught many off guard. That said, there’s no doubt that it’ll be a huge hit. After all, his fanbase is primarily composed of ahjummas, known for their unwavering support of all his endeavors.

임영웅 ‘Do or Die’ Official M/V

Moreover, Lim Young Woong‘s performance in the song is captivating and powerful. One reviewer noted that he “sounds surprisingly comfortable within this soundscape, his voice matching intensity with the bombastic production.” Netizens are buzzing, wondering how his core audience will react to this change. Some suggest it may draw in a younger demographic, broadening his listener base.

Lim Young Woong wore a spacesuit in the MV

The styling and visuals in the official “Do or Die” music video, which premiered on October 8, also received much attention. It’s a cinematic masterpiece that transports viewers to an otherworldly realm. It opens with a scene featuring Lim Young Woong clad in a spacesuit and segues to dynamic dance sequences with backup dancers. His intense gaze and the expansive backdrop featuring cosmic vistas and spaceships came together to create something reminiscent of a blockbuster movie. Again, it’s markedly different from anything he’s ever done. 

The highly-anticipated music video was helmed by Flipevil, a director known for his artistic flair and top-notch production. He has worked with many K-pop artists, including SEVENTEEN (“Dream”) and TWICE (“Set Me Free”).

2023 IM HERO TOUR TEASER

Besides the song and music video, fans eagerly await Lim Young Woong‘s upcoming IM HERO tour. The tour is set to begin in Seoul on the 27th. It will then proceed to Daegu from November 24-26, Busan from December 8-10, and Daejeon from December 29-31. The tour will wrap up in Gwangju from January 5-7, 2024. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The ‘Do or Die’ music video has a futuristic feel. Source: YouTube/@LYW_official.

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SM Entertainment Criticized for Its Mismanagement of NCT 127’s ‘Fact Check’ Comeback

NCT 127 performs 'Fact Check' during the A Night of Festival event. Credit: Facebook/NCT 127

Comebacks are generally an exciting time for K-pop fans. Although NCTzens had high anticipation for NCT 127’s Fact Check album, the excitement was immediately cut short due to SM Entertainment’s alleged poor management of the group.

NCT 127 returns with ‘Fact Check’

On October 6, NCT 127 unveiled their fifth full-length album Fact Check. Consisting of a total of nine tracks, the album received a warm response due to the group’s distinct musical style. However, fans were perplexed to see the significant drop of the album sales as compared to the group’s previous records.

According to a Korean Sales Tracker, Fact Check recorded sales of 256,800 copies on its first day. Then, for its following days, it even recorded less sales ranging from 6,000 to 15,000 each day.

The numbers showed a shocking change in contrast to the group’s previous albums. In 2021, Sticker achieved an impressive 2.4 Million first-week sales. Meanwhile, 2 Baddies recorded a remarkable 1.5 Million copies within the initial week. 

NCTzens criticism towards SM Entertainment

With the drastic difference, the group’s fanbase, NCTzens, were quick to call out SM Entertainment for their historical problem with mismanaging stocks.

 According to fans, the insufficient production of the album has caused delays in delivering the products to the public. 

Additionally, NCTzens took their disappointment to social media and demanded better service by trending the hashtag #RestockFactCheckAlbums. 

https://twitter.com/joyin127/status/1710833092209070269

Moreover, NCTzens were frustrated to learn that NCT 127 would not be performing on popular music shows including MCountdown and Inkigayo on the first week of their comeback, limiting the supposed promotion for the album.

Aside from that, fans were also enraged with the sudden delay of release of Fact Check’s official music video. Supposedly released at 1PM, the video was pushed back to 3PM last October 6. 

Following the postponement, SM Entertainment released an apology for keeping fans waiting. However, NCTzens were more disappointed to see that even the notice was delayed. According to the fanbase, this is not the first time NCT’s releases have been postponed.

Amidst the backlash SM Entertainment is facing, the agency has yet to make an official statement regarding the fans’ complaints.

Featured image: NCT 127 performs ‘Fact Check’ during the A Night of Festival event. Credit: Facebook/NCT 127

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BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BigHit Unveils Teaser for BTS’ Jimin’s ‘Production Diary’ Documentary

On October 9, 2023, BigHit Music unveiled the eagerly awaited teaser for Jimin‘s Production Diary documentary, giving fans their first real glimpse at the “Like Crazy” singer’s solo journey. This film delves deep into what Jimin went through as he worked on his debut album, FACE, emphasizing the dedication and effort he poured into it. FACE, which features six tracks, dropped last March. It has since set new records for streaming.

https://kpoplife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/jimin-production-diary-teaser-2.mp4?_=1

The teaser for Jimin’s Production Diary showcases Jimin carefully writing the documentary’s title in English, followed by a heartfelt sentence in Korean. Fans were immediately captivated by Jimin‘s handwriting, with many lauding its neatness and finesse. Some even described it as “the prettiest,” noting that his beautiful penmanship complements his visuals.

Before BigHit Music’s official announcement, tidbits about the documentary had already made their way onto social media. Fans learned that the documentary would run for two hours and be divided into four parts. First, “Jimin’s Production Diary” provides insights into FACE. There’ll also be a “Jimin’s Production Diary Quiz Show” where his collaborators participate in quizzes, “Jimin’s Production Diary Commentary,” and “The Truth Untold” video.

https://kpoplife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/jimin-production-diary-teaser-3.mp4?_=2

Fans admire Jimin for doing this

In a heartfelt video message to fans, Jimin shared, “Hello, this is BTS‘ Jimin. In March earlier this year, with a fluttering heart, I released my first official solo album, FACE. Have you been enjoying it? I have some happy news to share with you today. The working process documentary for the FACE album, titled Jimin’s Production Diary, will be released on Weverse.”

He further elaborated, “It captures the honest emotions I experienced and the stories behind the creation of FACE. The documentary also includes commentary from the individuals I collaborated with on the album. I want to share with you the behind-the-scenes moments and the journey of the album’s creation as soon as possible. I hope you’ll support and look forward to ‘JPD,’ the records penned by Jimin-ie. Let’s meet soon.”

Twitter/@bts_bighit

According to the release calendar uploaded by BigHit Music, the documentary will be available for pre-order from October 14. It’ll be released on Weverse this October 23. The buzz surrounding it is undeniable, with fans eagerly waiting for its premiere. Many admire Jimin for starring in this documentary. Additionally, there’s a rising hope among fans that BigHit Music will put it on platforms like Amazon Prime and iTunes. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jimin stans can hardly wait for this intimate look at their favorite’s creative process. Source: X/@lovemazejikook.

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Doha of n.SSign to Halt Activities Due to Health Concerns

Member Doha updates fans with new photos. Credit: Twitter/n.SSign

Two months after making their debut with the mini-album Birth of Cosmos in August, K-pop boy group n.SSign will now continue promotions with one member short. 

On Monday, October 9, n.CH Entertainment updated fans about the well-being of member Doha. According to the agency, Doha would temporarily be sitting out of n.SSign’s group activities to focus on his health.

“Due to symptoms of poor physical condition and various health reasons, Doha is currently taking sufficient rest,” the agency said in an official statement. Moreover, they added that he is currently “focusing on recovery while seeking a precise medical diagnosis.” 

With the artists’ health as a top priority, n.CH Entertainment further mentioned that they ultimately decided to halt Doha’s activities for the meantime. This is to ensure that he can fully concentrate on his treatment and recovery.

Additionally, the agency also thanked the fans who support n.SSign and asked for their generous understanding regarding the sudden news. 

Get to know n.SSign

For those unfamiliar, n.SSign is a 10-member boy group formed through Channel A and Abema’s survival show, Stars Awakening. Originally planned as a project group, n.SSign was later announced to be a permanent team.

Composed of members Doha, Kazuta, Hyun, Eddie, Sungyun, Junhyeok, Robin, Hanjun, Laurence and Huiwon, the group aims to achieve a cosmic theme for its identity. 

According to n.CH Entertainment, n.SSign stands for “a net of star signs,” with the members and fans creating a synergy of creativity and music. Following this concept, the group has named their fandom as “Cosmo.”

On August 9, 2023, the boy group made their debut with the mini album Birth of Cosmo. Said album contained five songs including the title track “Wormhole: New Track.” Within the first week of its release, the album recorded more than 200,000 copies in sales.

Following the announcement of Doha’s break, n.SSign will temporarily be promoting as an eight member-group. Prior to Doha, member Hyun has also missed out the team’s debut promotions due to health concerns as well.

Wishing Doha and Hyun a speedy recovery!

Featured image: Member Doha updates fans with new photos. Credit: Twitter/n.SSign

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SEVENTEEN’s Jun Wins ‘Rising Star of the Year’ at ACA & Global OTT Awards

SEVENTEEN's Junhui shares photo from the awarding ceremony. Credit: Twitter/SEVENTEEN

The 2023 Asia Contents Awards and Global OTT Awards was held on Sunday, October 8, at the Busan Cinema Center. And in the midst of well-renowned actors in the industry, one idol shone remarkably bright— and that’s Moon Junhui, or also known as Jun of SEVENTEEN.

During the ceremony, Jun was announced as the winner of the “Rising Star of the Year” award. He was recognized for his portrayal of Ling Chao in the Chinese drama Exclusive Fairy Tale. 

In the romcom series, he starred alongside Taiwanese actress Zhang Miao Yi, as they played the characters of two childhood sweethearts. 

After the ceremony, the singer posted photos of him holding the trophy. “It’s an honor that Carats brought me, I’ll keep working hard,” he said in his caption.

In addition, Jun also shared his thoughts to fans through a Weibo Live. There, he expressed his gratitude for having won the “Rising Star of the Year” award. “Thank you for letting a little actor from Shenzhen whose biggest hobby is acting, grow little by little,” he stated.

For those unaware, Jun first debuted as a child actor before being a member of SEVENTEEN in 2015. At the age of two, the multi-talented idol has already been casted in a commercial and has appeared in numerous television series since.

Although he has appeared in various projects before, SEVENTEEN’s fans, also known as Carats, were thrilled to watch Exclusive Fairy Tale as it is Jun’s comeback as an actor and his first lead role in a Chinese drama.

SEVENTEEN members and CARATs congratulate Jun

Upon hearing the news, SEVENTEEN members were the first to praise the singer. In the community platform Weverse, members Dokyeom, Dino, Mingyu, Wonwoo, Joshua, Woozi, and S.Coups all sent their congratulatory messages for Jun.

“Actor Moon is so cool. Moon Junhui, congratulations a lot. You’ve worked very hard”, Dokyeom said. Meanwhile Dino posted: “Jun hyung is so cool. Sincerely congratulations”.

Aside from his bandmates, CARATs were also proud of Jun’s achievement. Moreover, they also have high hopes to see more acting projects for the idol in the future.

“I’m rooting for you, my actor Jun! Here’s to more acting opportunities soon,” one fan wrote.

 

While the fandom is celebrating Jun’s award, CARATs are also excited for one more thing: the group’s nearing comeback. On October 23, SEVENTEEN is set to release their 11th mini album Seventeenth Heaven.

Featured image: SEVENTEEN’s Junhui shares photo from the awarding ceremony. Credit: Twitter/SEVENTEEN

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BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BTS’ Jimin Graces the Covers of ELLE and GQ Korea

BTS’ Jimin is set to appear on the cover of ELLE Korea’s November 2023 issue. This collaboration between the fashion magazine and the K-pop idol is particularly significant as it marks ELLE’s 31st anniversary. Standing in front of the camera, Jimin modeled high-end jewelry from Tiffany & Co., which highlighted his boyish charm.

ELLE Korea unveiled three versions of the cover featuring the “Like Crazy” singer. Each version captures Jimin‘s allure perfectly. In the first, he gazes into the camera with his fingers steepled under his chin, proudly displaying his “7” tattoo and an eye-catching ring. A stylish black ensemble complements his look. He adopts relaxed poses in the other two covers, showcasing Tiffany & Co. accessories, including necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings.

After the photoshoot, Jimin sat down for an interview to talk about going solo. His recent ventures include becoming the face of Dior Men and releasing a successful album. Jimin reflected on these accomplishments, saying, “I realized how shy I am by nature. It was also a moment of realization about how much more I need to grow. To approach things with confidence, one must be well-prepared.”

Regarding his current projects, he shared, “As always, I’m consistently working on songwriting. And I really want to try my hand at a wide range of musical genres.” This sentiment underscores his ambition to evolve as an artist.

Is Jimin prepping new material?

With his birthday on October 13 looming, fans wonder how he’ll spend it. Addressing inquiries about his plans, he remarked, “Honestly, just because it’s my birthday doesn’t mean I feel the need to do something special. It’s always the fans who make this day special for me. I’m always grateful for their support.”

Jimin‘s solo album FACE, released in March, is setting records on global platforms like Spotify and YouTube, underscoring his artistic prowess. Fans can check out Jimin‘s interview and photoshoot in the print edition of the magazine’s November issue. They’ll also be available on the ELLE Korea website. Meanwhile, ELLE Korea will upload the video segments to their YouTube channel.

Jimin is also set to grace the cover of GQ Korea’s November 2023 issue. Interestingly, the cover story is titled “This is your song.” This set fans’ tongues wagging. Many of them think it’s a hint that the BTS member is prepping new material. However, no official announcements or confirmations regarding this have been made as of this writing.

We can confirm that Jimin wore Dior for the GQ Korea feature, which also comes with three versions of the cover. There’s also an extensive 20-page photoshoot and an in-depth interview. As if that wasn’t enough, GQ Korea prepared fun stuff for their Instagram account, so Jimin stans should keep an eye out for that. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Fans freaked when they saw Jimin’s covers. Source: ELLE Korea.

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Naoko Takeuchi of ‘Sailor Moon’ Fame Draws Album Cover for BLACKPINK’s Jennie

Blinks, BLACKPINK‘s dedicated fanbase, are in for a treat as Jennie unveils her latest solo single, “You & Me.” Elevating the release is the cover art, a masterpiece crafted by the legendary Japanese mangaka, Naoko Takeuchi, who portrayed Jennie in her signature Sailor Moon style.

Naoko Takeuchi, the mastermind behind the iconic Sailor Moon series, has left an indelible mark on the anime and manga world. Born in Kofu, Yamanashi, Japan, in 1967, her creation of Sailor Moon revolutionized the magical girl genre, blending action, romance, and transformation sequences. The series garnered global acclaim, spawning anime adaptations, films, musicals, and a plethora of merchandise. While Sailor Moon remains her crowning achievement, Takeuchi’s distinct artistry and storytelling skills have cemented her legacy.

Twitter/@BLACKPINKGLOBAL

The digital cover showcases Jennie against a luminous full moon, adorned in a radiant white ensemble. Fans have noted the striking resemblance of the song title’s font to that of the Sailor Moon logo. Beyond the cover, an exciting collaboration between Jennie and Takeuchi is on the horizon, with a merchandise line teased by YG Select’s X account, hinting at its imminent release.

The unexpected collaboration between the “SOLO” singer and the esteemed Japanese artist has left fans in awe. Given the global prominence of both BLACKPINK and “Sailor Moon,” this union seamlessly bridges two pop culture titans. The album cover has been lauded for its artistic brilliance and originality.

Naoko Takeuchi contributed to its success

Jennie introduced “You & Me” during the Born Pink world tour, captivating audiences with its sultry dance-pop rhythm. In a YouTube interview, Jennie shared insights into the song’s conception, revealing its years-long journey from recording to performance. 

“I did the recording about three to four years ago. I think it was on the list of nominees for my solo, or maybe after that. It was in the closet for a while, but while preparing for this concert, I thought about what kind of performances and songs I wanted to do and looked through them with Teddy. We decided to bring out that song we liked, and that’s when we decided to prepare for it,” she said.

JENNIE – ‘You & Me’ DANCE PERFORMANCE VIDEO

The track showcases Jennie‘s enchanting vocals and rap skills, with heartfelt lyrics like, “I really like it / Nothin’ in the world can make me feel the way you do, the things you do.” At the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, a “You & Me” remix was unveiled, introducing an additional rap verse and a more hip-hop heavy beat. The song’s release was accompanied by a dance performance video, spotlighting Jennie in a stunning red dress, performing intricate choreography alongside backup dancers. The ethereal setting, reminiscent of dancing under the moonlight, adds to the song’s allure.

“You & Me” and its Coachella version took the charts by storm, thanks partly to Naoko Takeuchi and her contributions. The track secured the 18th spot on Spotify’s Global Top Songs chart and reigned supreme on MelOn’s Hot 100. Furthermore, it clinched the top position on the global iTunes chart on October 7, underscoring Jennie‘s global appeal. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The mangaka transformed the idol. Sources: X/@PopBase and @saintdemie.

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LE SSERAFIM Reportedly Set for End-of-October Comeback

October is shaping up to be a big month for K-pop, with several groups announcing their comebacks. Among them, LE SSERAFIM stands out.

iMBC Entertainment has reported that the all-female group, comprising Kim Chaewon, Huh Yunjin, Kazuha, Miyawaki Sakura, and Hong Eunchae, is gearing up to release a new track by month’s end. Sources close to the group hint at the members’ dedication, suggesting they’ve been pouring their hearts and souls into putting their new album together.

The buzz is that this comeback will surpass all their previous ones, setting the stage for a musical experience fans won’t soon forget. This news comes hot on the heels of their August collaboration with Japanese singer-songwriter Imase on the track “Jewelry.”

LE SSERAFIM (르세라핌) ‘Jewelry (Prod. imase)’ LIVE CLIP

LE SSERAFIM has delivered hit after hit

The announcement has sent ripples of excitement across the K-pop community. The group’s devoted fanbase, affectionately known as FEARNOT, has flooded social media with anticipation. However, some are skeptical, given LE SSERAFIM‘s busy schedule. Aside from their ongoing world tour, they will appear at the Asia Artist Awards in December. The girls will fly to Bulacan, Philippines for the ceremony, taking the Philippine Arena stage alongside some of today’s top K-pop acts.

Source Music, LE SSERAFIM‘s agency, remains tight-lipped about the comeback. But if the report is correct, this will mark the group’s first release in five months. Since their 2022 debut, LE SSERAFIM has consistently delivered hit after hit, earning them domestic and international acclaim. And we’re not just talking about their title tracks—“Eve, Psyche & The Bluebeard’s Wife,” a b-side from their UNFORGIVEN album, went viral earlier this year. 

Their ongoing FLAME RISES Tour, which kicked off in Seoul on August 12, has already seen successful shows in cities like Hong Kong, Jakarta, Nagoya, Osaka, and Tokyo. The “Antifragile” singers are set to perform in Bangkok on October 7 and 8, concluding the Asian leg of their tour. The girls have also bagged numerous awards, solidifying their position in the K-pop industry. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: LE SSERAFIM’s upcoming comeback is said to be bigger and better than anything they’ve done before. Source: X/@le_sserafim.

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Kriesha Chu Returns to K-Pop, Signs with New Agency

Kriesha Chu, the first-ever Filipino to make a debut as a K-pop soloist in South Korea, is making a comeback after a three-year hiatus. She gained immense popularity after securing second place on the reality survival show K-pop Star 6: The Last Chance in 2016. Recently, she signed an exclusive contract with NewWay Company and will re-debut under the mononym Kriesha. NewWay Company also manages actors Kim Nam Hee, Lee Won Hee, and former VICTON member Byungchan.

In a statement, NewWay Company expressed excitement about working with Kriesha. They praised her exceptional vocal skills and her bright and lovely charm. They promised to support her in showcasing her talents in various fields. 

Kriesha, now 24, shared her enthusiasm about her return. “As I have announced a new beginning by changing my name to Kriesha, I will work hard to present a good image to the public through various activities.”

Kriesha continues to inspire

Kriesha initially debuted under Urban Works Entertainment in 2017 after her stint on K-pop Star 6. On the show, she had the opportunity to perform for YG, JYP, and Antenna Music execs. Her debut single was titled “Trouble.” She continued to make waves in the industry by releasing new music and appearing on shows like King of Masked Singer and Netflix’s Busted.

However, in 2020, fans observed a noticeable change in her appearance during a press conference for her web drama Ghosts and Sansanda. Rumors that she had plastic surgery were rife, but her former agency clarified that Kriesha was battling a medical condition called lymphedema, which causes tissue swelling due to lymph fluid build-up.

Kriesha‘s journey, marked by her talent and resilience, inspires many. Her fans eagerly await her new endeavors with NewWay Company. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: News of her comeback thrilled Kriesha’s fans to no end. Source: YouTube/@WishFM1075official.

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NCT New Team Releases Pre-debut Single ‘Hands Up’

NCT New Team performs 'Hands Up' during NCT Nation: To the World concert. Credit: Twitter/NCT Japan

2023 is shaping to be a busy year for the NCT New Team!

On Sunday, October 8, the latest act from SM Entertainment released their pre-debut album Hands Up. 

Hands Up has two songs, with the title track having the same name of the album. Described as a dance anthem, “Hands Up” is characterized with synth rhythms and dynamic instrumentation. Additionally, the song aims to highlight the lively spirit of the group. 

Meanwhile, the second track “We Go!” is characterized by pop-infused melodies and guitar arrangements. For this song, the lyrics reflect the idols’ passion for reaching their dreams. 

Although it came as a surprise, fans of NCT New Team welcomed the release with open arms. As it gives the supporters a glimpse of what the group can offer. 

Moreover, the release of Hands Up came days after NCT New Team officially launched their social media accounts. Since then, the members have been releasing photos and teasers. 

Based on their posters, the group marked October 8 and October 19 as special dates. Notably, Hands Up was released on October 8. But as for what will happen on October 19, there’s still no details yet. 

After the release of their single, the group is also set to embark on a pre-debut tour titled LASTART. According to reports, it will have a total of 24 shows across nine Japanese cities. 

Ready for NCT New Team? 

Initially a septet, NCT New Team was formed through the reality show NCT Universe: LASTART. 

On October 2, SM Entertainment announced that Jungmin will no longer debut with the group due to health reasons. 

Following this, the group will only continue with six members: Sion, Riku, Yushi, Daeyoung, Ryo, and Sakuya. 

Following the conclusion of NCT Universe: LASTART, the new unit participated in the NCT NATION concerts in Japan alongside other NCT units. 

Moreover, SM Entertainment has earlier confirmed that the NCT New Team will be the last chapter to NCT’s limitless expansion concept. Previously, it was stated that the group would be called NCT Tokyo. But the agency has yet to unveil the group’s final name. 

As of writing, SM Entertainment has yet to reveal the debut details of NCT New Team.

Featured image: NCT New Team performs ‘Hands Up’ during NCT Nation: To the World concert. Credit: Twitter/NCT Japan

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