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Popular Boy Group Member on “King of the Mask Singer”

On the recent episode of “King of the Mask Singer,” the contestant known as “Catnip” was revealed to be a member of a popular boy group. During the July 14 broadcast, four contestants advanced to the next round, striving to dethrone the current champion. In the first Round 2 match-up, Catnip delivered an emotional performance of Kim Yeon Woo’s classic ballad “Love, that common word.”

The panellists were quick to praise Catnip’s performance. Im Han Byul remarked, “He’s definitely not a rookie. ‘Love, that common word’ is a ballad where it’s very difficult to control your breathing. The range as you go up while heading into the chorus makes you run out of breath, but Catnip didn’t make any mistakes and showed us everything he’d prepared. Seeing that, I thought to myself that he must have performed on some big stages before. He has nerves of steel.”

Episode spoilers

Before the round’s results were revealed, Catnip provided an extra clue to his identity with a special cat-themed performance. He briefly participated in the viral “cat walking on the Han River” challenge and danced to the chorus of SuperM’s “Tiger Inside.”

Although his vocals received high praise, Catnip lost the round to his opponent. When he removed his mask, Catnip was revealed to be Stray Kids’ youngest member, I.N. Following the reveal, host Kim Sung Joo asked I.N to sing a brief snippet of his Round 2 song a cappella. Im Han Byul exclaimed, “He sounds even better without any accompanying instrumentals!”

Kim Sung Joo also requested I.N. to repeat his cat-themed dance performance from earlier. The show later posted clips of both the masked and unmasked versions online. To delight the fans who had hoped to see I.N’s performance in the final round, “King of the Mask Singer” also released footage of his rehearsal for Round 3, where he intended to perform BOL4’s “Mermaid.”

I.N’s appearance on the show not only impressed fans but also highlighted his versatility and artistic talent. His performance on “King of the Mask Singer” demonstrated his exceptional vocal skills and stage presence.

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Dawn Deletes Everything Related to HyunA on His Instagram

The rapper’s recent social media cleanse has fans speculating about his relationship with his former girlfriend

Dawn has removed all posts related to his ex-girlfriend, singer HyunA, from his Instagram. On July 14, he posted a new photo on his Instagram story and significantly cleaned up his account feed, leaving only 15 new photos of his activities.

Previously, even after HyunA announced her engagement to singer Yong Jun Hyung on July 8, Dawn had kept photos of himself with her, including some intimate moments, on his feed. This sparked debates among fans and netizens about whether he deleted the photos with HyunA as a courtesy to her and her fiancé, Yong Jun Hyung.

HyunA and Yong Jun Hyung started dating in January of this year and have confirmed to tie the knot this October. 

DAWN and HyunA dating history and timeline

After facing intense backlash due to their relationship, Cube Entertainment announced on September 13, 2018, that they would terminate both artists’ contracts, stating they could not “maintain trust” with the couple. However, the pair signed a contract with PSY’s new music company, P Nation, the following year. During their time at P Nation, they released solo tracks like Hyuna’s “I’m Not Cool” and Dawn’s “Money.” The duo also created a musical act called HyunA and DAWN, releasing a song and music video for “Ping Pong” together. In August 2022, the couple announced their departure from P Nation after their contracts expired.

Since going public with their relationship, Dawn and HyunA frequently posted photos of one another on social media. They got engaged on February 3, 2022, announcing it on Instagram.

However, on November 30, 2022, HyunA announced their breakup on Instagram. “We broke up,” HyunA wrote in her post. We decided to remain good friends and colleagues from now on. Thank you always for your support and for looking over us fondly.”

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BLACKPINK Lisa Faces Plagiarism Claims Of “ROCKSTAR” MV

Last month, BLACKPINK Lisa released her new single “ROCKSTAR.” This track marks her first release since founding her own label, Loud Company. She has generated significant excitement as her debut as a global pop artist.

The “ROCKSTAR” music video by BLACKPINK Lisa has come under scrutiny for alleged similarities to Travis Scott’s “FE!N” video

The “ROCKSTAR” music video, filmed in Lisa’s hometown, Thailand, quickly surpassed 100 million views, which underscores her worldwide influence. Furthermore, Lisa compensated local night market vendors for filming, adding to the buzz. The Thai Tourism Authority even announced plans for a walking tour in Bangkok’s Yaowarat area, where the video was shot.

However, Lisa’s solo journey encountered a series of allegations of plagiarism regarding the “ROCKSTAR” music video. Gabriel Moses, a video director and producer, recently posted on social media, comparing a scene from Travis Scott’s “FE!N” music video, which he directed, to a scene from Lisa’s “ROCKSTAR” video. He claimed, “They (Lisa’s team) contacted my editor for this scene. My editor said ‘no,’ but they went ahead and made it anyway.”

The similarities between “FE!N,” released in July last year, and “ROCKSTAR,” released this June, prompted Gabriel Moses to request an official statement from Lisa’s team by the end of this month.

Thai media outlets, which have received well of Lisa’s new single, also reported on these plagiarism allegations. The Thai publication Khaosod noted, “Lisa’s ‘ROCKSTAR’ is accused of plagiarizing the music video for Travis Scott’s ‘FE!N,’ directed by Gabriel Moses. Comparing Moses’ video with ‘ROCKSTAR,’ it looks like a replica.” As the original director awaits a response on the plagiarism claims, all eyes are on Lisa’s team to see if they will issue an official statement.

In related news, last month, Lisa reportedly concluded her three-year association with CELINE , a renowned French luxury brand under LVMH. Insiders familiar with the commercial agreement confirmed her exit, pointing out that speculation started following her attendance at a Louis Vuitton show in March.

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Kim Jae Joong Discusses More Traumatic Sasaeng Encounters

On July 19, a video titled “Stop bothering my brother! Kim Jaejoong” was uploaded on the YouTube channel “Today’s Joo Woo Jae.” In the video, Kim Jae Joong discussed the track “Don’t” from his latest album, explaining, “The song is about Sasaeng fans. While the song’s vibe doesn’t convey this directly, the lyrics have elements of black comedy and bitterness.”

On June 26, 2024, Kim Jae Joong released his fourth full-length album, “FLOWER GARDEN,” to mark his 20th debut anniversary. The track “Don’t” attracted attention for its critical stance toward Sasaeng fans.

The artist reveals frightening experiences with obsessive fans in a recent interview

Joo Woo Jae commented, “I heard various stories back in the day. It was like an urban legend about Jaejoong. When I was young, it seemed like a myth.” He also added, “The (Sasaeng) stories were so extreme that I thought they were exaggerated for entertainment. But later, I found out they were all true, and the reality was even worse than what I heard.”

Kim Jae Joong responded, “Now that time has passed, I can finally tell the truth… but back then, they were really terrifying fans. If Sasaengs went to such lengths, I couldn’t talk about it because I was afraid they might retaliate even more extremely.”

Joo Woo Jae remarked, “Even with stricter laws and measures, I always wondered, ‘How could they get into your house and you couldn’t do anything about it?'”

Kim Jae Joong shared, “At the time, the sentiment was, ‘They’re still fans, how can you talk about fans that way? What’s wrong with a fan visiting you? They might even come to your house.’ But being stalked for a year is truly unbearable.”

He added, “But the punishment for stalkers is only a fine of about 1.5 to 3 million KRW (1,078.81 ~2,157.63 USD). The scarier part is what happens after they pay the fine. The fear of retaliation makes you want to move and leave the area.”

Joo Woo Jae commented, “If I had been active back then and suffered like that, I would want to erase it from my memory quickly or feel uncomfortable if it was mentioned. But turning it into a song shows you have a certain wit and a sense of ease now.”

Kim Jae Joong concluded, “Now, it’s actually kind of cute in retrospect, but at the time, it felt like I was going to die.”

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Sungjae, Bona, and Kim Ji Hoon Star in Historical Rom-Com Drama

BTOB’s Yook Sungjae, WJSN’s Bona, and Kim Ji Hoon will collaborate on a new historical fantasy drama. On July 19, it was confirmed that these stars will headline the upcoming series “Gwigoong” (romanized title).

The trio will bring a captivating blend of fantasy and romance to the upcoming series “Gwigoong”

Previously, reports hinted that Yook Sungjae and Bona were considering roles in the drama. “Gwigoong” is a fantasy historical romantic comedy. It explores the tale of the Eight Feet Tall spirit, which bears a grudge against the king, a female shaman who opposes it, and an Imugi.

In Korean folklore, an Imugi is an imaginary creature that spends a millennium in water. It transforms into a dragon upon acquiring Yeouiju (a magical jewel). Yook Sungjae will play Yoon Gap, the son of a concubine. He rises to become the royal inspector at Gyujanggak, the royal library in the Joseon Dynasty. His life takes a dark turn when he becomes possessed by the malevolent spirit Imugi.

Bona takes on the role of Yeo Ri, the only granddaughter of a revered shaman. She grows up under immense expectations to follow in her ancestor’s footsteps. Although she has inherited shamanic powers, her destiny twists after becoming entangled with Imugi.

Kim Ji Hoon portrays King Yi Sung. He seeks to reform the Joseon Dynasty for a stronger nation and confronts the Eight Feet Tall spirit. Alongside his loyal subjects, Yoon Gap and Yeo Ri, he tries to unravel the secrets surrounding the spirit.

Yook Sungjae is currently busy with various projects, including his solo music career and appearances on variety shows. Meanwhile, Bona, a member of the girl group WJSN, is also making waves with her acting skills. She is in recent dramas such as “Twenty-Five Twenty-One” and “Homemade Love Story.” Both stars have proven their versatility and talent, making their upcoming collaboration in “Gwigoong” highly anticipated by fans.

“Gwigoong” is scheduled to premiere in 2025 via SBS. This new drama promises a captivating blend of fantasy and romance, making it a highly anticipated series for K-drama fans.

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CJ ENM Announces Live Broadcast of KCON LA 2024 on The CW

Leading entertainment company CJ ENM today announces a groundbreaking partnership to broadcast the main stage concert from KCON LA 2024 live on The CW Network. This event, set for Sunday, July 28 at 8 pm ET, marks the first time a K-pop performance show will be broadcast live on national television in the United States. Consequently, this will showcase the genre’s explosive global growth and the unwavering dedication of its fans.

KCON will take place from July 26-28 at the LA Convention Center, Gilbert Lindsay Plaza, and Crypto.com Arena. Presented by Samsung Galaxy as the title sponsor, this year’s KCON LA promises to be bigger than ever. The event will be filled with more daytime stages and content to bring a livelier festival atmosphere to K-pop fans.

KCON LA 2024 will be the first K-pop performance show broadcast live in primetime on US national television

KCON is a three-day festival featuring a variety of fan activities and live performances throughout the day. It culminates in three huge nights of concerts presented under the M COUNTDOWN name. It is a popular weekly live performance program on CJ ENM’s music channel, Mnet. The live broadcast of KCON LA 2024 on The CW will showcase multiple acts.

Additionally, KCON LA has evolved from a single-day event in Irvine in 2012 to become a global platform celebrating KPop culture. Previously, the event series has already visited Hong Kong and Japan. Soon, it will take place in Germany on September 28th and 29th.

In this partnership, The CW and CJ ENM will highlight the power of fandom and the role of KCON in building connections between K-pop artists and their international fanbase. Over the past decade, KCON has facilitated the global rise of K-pop to the forefront of the music scene.

“We are beyond excited to partner with The CW to bring the electrifying M COUNTDOWN at KCON LA 2024 live to national primetime television,” said Harry H.K. Shin, Head of Music Entertainment at CJ ENM. “This historic broadcast is a testament to the incredible community of K-pop fans who have made these groups global sensations.”

Viewers across the United States can tune into The CW’s live broadcast of the Sunday mainstage concert at KCON on July 28 at 8 pm ET to catch performances by K-pop stars live from M COUNTDOWN at KCON LA 2024.

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Girl’s Generation Taeyeon Talks About Her Ideal Type

In a recent episode of the YouTube channel ‘117,’ Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon appeared in a video titled “Making a Meal and Eat Dessert with Taeyeon l EP.18 Taeyeon’s Episode.” During this episode, she not only talked about her new single “Heaven” but also delved into her personal preferences and ideal type of partner.

Taeyeon opened up about the qualities she looks for in a partner during a recent YouTube interview

When asked by the host Dex about her new song “Heaven,” she shared, “Everyone has a moment that feels like ‘heaven’ to them, like having a beer at home after work or sharing a meal with a loved one. I wanted to express the pleasure of those moments in a song.” She added that watching the music video would provide a deeper understanding of the song’s message.

Dex, after seeing the teaser for “Heaven,” noted that it seemed like a breakup between lovers, which he found hard to reconcile with Taeyeon’s description. She explained, “The woman in the story is a bit crazy. She pursues a man she likes, but when she gets him, she finds it boring and leaves. It’s a witty take on the idea of ‘heaven.'”

The conversation then shifted to Taeyeon’s ideal type. Dex, eager to ask his burning question, inquired about her preferences for a partner. She revealed, “My ideal type is someone kind and gentle in even the small things, in their actions and words. I believe a lot is encompassed in being kind. Also, someone I can learn from.” She emphasized the importance of kindness and learning from each other.

When Dex probed further about additional qualities, she mentioned, “Someone who puts me first.” She explained that many people, due to their busy lives, often struggle to prioritize their partner. For her, having someone who makes her a priority is crucial.

Dex summarized Taeyeon’s ideal type as someone who is “all in” for her and asked about her physical preferences. Taeyeon replied with a smile, “I’ve mentioned this often: someone with broad, strong shoulders and attractive eyebrows and eyes. Someone with a beautiful smile.”

Through this interview, fans got a rare glimpse into Taeyeon’s personal life and the attributes she values in a partner. It’s clear that for Taeyeon, both inner qualities and physical traits play a significant role in her ideal type.

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Kakao to Sell SM Entertainment and Subsidiaries Amid Controversy

Kakao, one of South Korea’s largest tech companies, is reportedly planning to sell its stake in SM Entertainment and its subsidiaries. This decision comes in the wake of ongoing controversies and regulatory scrutiny that have impacted the company’s reputation and business operations.

Industry insiders suggest that Kakao’s move to divest from SM Entertainment could signal significant changes for the company and its approach to entertainment investments. The sale is expected to affect not only SM Entertainment’s future but also the broader K-pop industry.

Kakao faces backlash and intends to divest from SM Entertainment, suggesting a significant shift in the K-pop industry

In recent months, Kakao has faced increasing backlash from various stakeholders, including fans and regulatory bodies. These controversies have ranged from concerns about monopolistic practices to conflicts of interest within the entertainment industry. As a result, the company’s leadership has been under pressure to address these issues and restore its public image.

“The decision to sell SM Entertainment reflects Kakao’s commitment to refocusing on its core business areas and ensuring regulatory compliance,” said an anonymous source close to the matter. “While this move may surprise some, it is a strategic step towards long-term stability and growth.”

SM Entertainment, known for its roster of popular K-pop groups and artists, has been a significant asset for Kakao. The company’s divestment could lead to a reshuffling of management and strategic direction within SM Entertainment. Additionally, it raises questions about the future collaborations and projects that have been in the pipeline.

Despite the impending sale, industry analysts believe that SM Entertainment will continue to thrive under new ownership. The brand’s strong market presence and loyal fanbase are likely to attract potential buyers who are eager to capitalize on the K-pop phenomenon.

As Kakao navigates this transition, the broader industry will be watching closely. The outcome of this sale could set a precedent for how tech companies engage with the entertainment sector in South Korea and beyond. For now, stakeholders are keenly awaiting further details on the sale process and potential buyers.

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MAMA Awards 2024 Announced for Japan and LA

The 2024 MAMA Awards, renowned as the world’s No. 1 K-pop awards show, will make a historic debut in the United States this year before continuing in Japan. CJ ENM, the leading entertainment company behind the event, announced that the ceremony will kick off at Hollywood’s iconic Dolby Theatre on November 21 before moving to Japan’s KYOCERA DOME OSAKA for two days from November 22 to 23.

The prestigious K-pop awards will kick off in Los Angeles and then continue in Japan this November

With a 25-year legacy, the MAMA Awards have consistently pushed the boundaries of K-pop’s global reach. This year’s event aims to further this mission by starting in Los Angeles and connecting K-pop fans across different continents. The awards have previously been hosted in Asian cities, including Macao, Singapore, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Japan. This showcases its commitment to celebrating K-pop on a global scale.

The MAMA Awards began in 1999 as Korea’s first music video awards ceremony under CJ ENM’s music channel Mnet. Over the years, it evolved into the Mnet Asian Music Awards or MAMA. Then, it rebranded itself in 2022 as the MAMA Awards, which aims to reflect its broader international ambition. The event is dedicated to honoring musical artistry and the power of music to unite people.

This year’s ceremony will center around the theme “BIG BLUR: What is Real?” This concept highlights the increasingly blurred boundaries between industries, cultures, music genres, and technology. The MAMA Awards will present a series of surreal yet real experiences. Global fans will witness a blend of art and technology to create visually stunning performances. Continuing its legacy, the event aims to serve as a bridge between global fans with the message “Music Makes ONE.”

Harry H.K. Shin, Head of Music Entertainment at CJ ENM, shared his excitement about the upcoming event, saying, “The 2024 edition of the MAMA AWARDS will feature a wide array of K-pop performances with visuals and sounds that will make you feel as if you’re in another reality beyond space and time. We hope that fans around the world will look forward to this festive awards ceremony, knowing that it will deliver an unmatched scale and iconic moments that only MAMA Awards can present.”

The 2024 MAMA Awards will be broadcast worldwide, including on various global digital platforms. Further details about the event will be released in the coming months.

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KBS’ Make Mate 1 Reveals Final Boy Group Line-Up

KBS’ idol audition show, “Make Mate 1,” has announced the debut lineup for its new boy group, set to debut in January 2025. After an intense competition among 36 contestants, the final seven members were chosen for their exceptional performances and charisma.

The competition concludes with the selection of seven talented individuals ready to debut in January 2025

On July 17, “Make Mate 1” concluded with a thrilling live finale, revealing the seven members who will debut in January 2025. The show began with 36 talented contestants showcasing their skills through performances of original songs like “Higher Wire” and “Make It Bounce.”

The top 16 contestants delivered outstanding performances, but Bing Fan from China stood out, securing 1st place with his impressive stage presence and talent. Lin from China followed in 2nd place, and Miraku from Japan took 3rd place, highlighting the show’s international appeal. South Korean contestants dominated the remaining spots: Jang Hyun Jun in 4th place, Noh Gi Hyeon in 5th, and Jeon Jun Pyo in 6th. Han Yu Seop secured the final spot, edging out Kim Si On for 7th place.

Fans are eagerly awaiting the group’s debut in January 2025, excited to see how these seven talented individuals will come together to create a new sensation in the K-pop scene. Their diverse backgrounds and impressive performances suggest they will make a significant impact in the industry.

Meet the members of “Make Mate 1’s” new boy group:

  1. Bing Fan: The 17-year-old energetic ‘cookie’ from Zhumadian, China, aims to captivate with his childlike charm and powerful vocals.
  2. Lin: The 18-year-old visionary from Shandong blends his robotic charm with rap finesse and music production skills.
  3. Miraku: The 16-year-old dance sensation from Tokyo with a heart of gold aims to spread joy through his moves.
  4. Jang Hyun Jun: The 21-year-old ‘Golden Kid’ with silky vocals and a penchant for dad jokes dreams of touching hearts with his versatile artistry.
  5. Noh Gi Hyeon: The 21-year-old Confucian boy with a heart of gold and comforting vocals aims to melt hearts.
  6. Jeon Jun Pyo: Another 21-year-old known for his tranquil dancing and kind eyes, he aims to spread positivity and warmth through his performances.
  7. Han Yu Seop: A 20-year-old charismatic vocalist with fiery passion and confident charm, ready to ignite hearts with his unique style.

As January 2025 approaches, anticipation builds for the debut of this new boy group from “Make Mate 1.” Fans expect a fresh wave of excitement in the K-pop industry, with these diverse and talented members ready to captivate audiences worldwide.

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