Author: Kpop News Writer

A South Korean court recently gave the green light to a provisional attachment on copyright claims filed by talent agency ATTRAKT against Ahn Sung Il, the CEO of The Givers. On September 25, ATTRAKT said, “We discovered Ahn Sung Il of The Givers misappropriating company funds during his services for ATTRAKT. Consequently, we sought provisional attachment of copyright fees as compensation for the embezzled funds, a request the court has now approved.”

Payments for FIFTY FIFTY‘s albums THE FIFTY and The Beginning: Cupid, registered under Ahn Sung Il with the Copyright Association, are currently on hold. That means Ahn Sung Il won’t be able to profit from them for the foreseeable future. Furthermore, ATTRAKT plans to seek provisional attachment on the remaining funds, given the additional lawsuit regarding breach of trust and embezzlement filed by The Givers against Ahn Sung Il.

FIFTY FIFTY intends to keep fighting

Earlier in June, Jun Hong Joon, the CEO of ATTRAKT, filed a police complaint against three individuals, including Ahn Sung Il, for fraud, breach of trust, and business obstruction. Jun Hong Joon alleged that Ahn Sung Il and his associates attempted to poach FIFTY FIFTY members through Warner Music Korea, their overseas distributor. He also accused The Givers of covertly purchasing the “Cupid” sound source copyright from an international composer, keeping this information from ATTRAKT.

In response, The Givers denied wrongdoing and pledged to pursue legal action. FIFTY FIFTY also sought a preliminary injunction, expressing their desire to terminate their contract with ATTRAKT. They cited breaches in providing settlement data, management issues, and insufficient resources. However, a court ruled that FIFTY FIFTY lacked valid reasons for contract termination, forcing them to stay with ATTRAKT. This decision prompted FIFTY FIFTY to file an appeal and express their intent to keep fighting.

ATTRAKT is facing a boycott

The girls’ fans are behind them all the way. On September 23, 2023, FIFTY FIFTY‘s fans declared a boycott against ATTRAKT. The boycott extends to digital and physical albums, paid event tickets, singles, and other goods. Even the new girl group ATTRAKT is reportedly putting together will be affected. Fans can’t believe the agency has the gall to start a new project while FIFTY FIFTY’s issues remain unresolved.

The fandom’s displeasure with the court’s verdict led them to unite in starting this boycott. They also initiated a mass unfollowing of the agency’s accounts and have taken to social media to demand justice for FIFTY FIFTY. The future trajectory of this situation remains to be seen. – K-Pop News Writer

TXT‘s Yeonjun, known for his talent and charisma, recently showcased a more emotional side while filming their “Back For More” music video. The reason? A surprise from two of his close friends.

In March 2022, SBS’s Inkigayo announced a fresh lineup of hosts, including actress Roh Jeong Eui, actor Seo Bum June, and Yeonjun. Replacing the former MCs, this trio quickly bonded, earning the affectionate nickname “Jjunijjun.” However, a year into their tenure, Yeonjun was gearing up for TXT‘s world tour, while Roh Jeong Eui and Seo Bum June‘s contracts ended. Despite their professional parting, their personal bond remained unbroken.

Even as Yeonjun continued his MC duties with new partners, BOY NEXT DOOR‘s Woonhak and actress Park Ji Hu, the camaraderie of the “Jjunijjun” trio remained strong. A behind-the-scenes video from TXT‘s official YouTube channel captured a poignant moment: Yeonjun‘s discovery of a coffee truck on set, a gift from Roh Jeong Eui and Seo Bum June. Aside from photos of the trio, the truck bore a touching message.

[EPISODE] TXT (투모로우바이투게더) ‘Back for More (with Anitta)’ MV Shoot Sketch

What did the message say?

“The thing about our Yeonjunie… Everyone obviously knows this, but he’s really handsome, has great skin, sings really well, dances really well, he’s cool, dresses well, is well-mannered, is witty, speaks English well, is loyal, and is someone with a really beautiful heart,” the note began.

Detailing Yeonjun‘s endearing quirks and preferences, it continued, “Sometimes, he might shake his butt and tell you to take pictures with him while putting his finger up his nose, but he does that because he feels close to that person, so please understand him. Also, Yeonjunie likes the non-fried Shin Ramen, he likes spam, he likes meat. He likes rice, he likes his work, and he likes people. So please give Yeonjunie a lot of love and support.”

Concluding with heartfelt wishes, the message read, “Our Yeonjun and the TXT members, I hope your body and mind will always be healthy, and please stay together for a long, long time. Good luck on your comeback, too. Yeonjun, we love you. P.S. Everyone reading this message, please support and encourage our Yeonjun and TXT members by telling them you love them and that they’re always working hard. Pat their butts and their heads.”

JJuNiJJun friendship 💜💙 (Yeonjun, Jeongeui and Bumjune )

It brought Yeonjun to tears

The profound sentiment behind these words brought Yeonjun to tears, especially given his recent message to the “Jjunijjun” group chat, sharing his current challenges and longing to reunite. Rather than just meeting up, his friends sent this coffee truck as a tangible token of their unwavering support.

The trio’s consistent gestures of support, from gifts to social media shoutouts, underscore that their bond transcends professional commitments. Their friendship, forged in the limelight, thrives behind the scenes. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Tears sprang to Yeonjun’s eyes when he saw what his friends had done. Source: YouTube/@TXT_bighit.

TXT unveiled the first glimpse of their concept for The Name Chapter: FREEFALL. Released on September 25 at midnight KST, the concept teaser sets the stage for their next full-length album, due out on October 13 at 1:00 PM KST. The teaser explored the nature of hope, ending with these words: “Sometimes magical moments can be found in the most unmagical places.” Finally, a bright blue flower stood out, capturing fans’ attention.

The Name Chapter: FREEFALL continues the story that began in the boys’ last album. Previously, TXT touched upon the youth’s susceptibility to temptation. This new album follows a group of boys who once fled reality but now choose to confront it. Netizens determined that the blue flower in the teaser is the star-shaped borage flower. It served as a focal point of the teaser, sparking curiosity about its connection to the new album’s narrative.

TXT (투모로우바이투게더) The Name Chapter: FREEFALL Concept Teaser

What are borage flowers?

Borage flowers symbolize courage, positivity, spirituality, and transformation. They seem to be a central motif for TXT‘s comeback. The group appears to be using borage flowers to convey a deep, meaningful narrative about facing challenges and the concept of growth. The teaser suggests a new, transformative beginning for the group. They’re moving from being easily swayed by temptation to facing reality. That requires courage and hope, making the borage flower an appropriate symbol.

Borage flowers get their name from the Celtic word “borrach,” meaning “courage.” They often appeared in art and literature mainly because of their unique shape and vibrant color. In medieval times, borage flowers symbolized a knight’s courage, and they appeared in different books and poems alongside illustrations of knights or soldiers. Greek myths claim that these flowers surrounded Zeus’s palace, and warriors ate them to enhance their courage.

TXT set a personal record

In other news, TXT recently released a pre-release single, “Back for More (feat. Anitta),” which they debuted to much acclaim at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards. Their upcoming album, The Name Chapter: FREEFALL, has already set a personal record, surpassing 2.35 million stock pre-orders in just eight days. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The teaser suggests a transformative journey for the boys. Source: YouTube/@HYBELABELS.

Jennie and Jisoo, two prominent members of the renowned girl group BLACKPINK, reportedly put up their own talent agencies, as reported by media outlet News1 on the 25th. However, discussions with the group’s agency, YG Entertainment, regarding BLACKPINK‘s activities continue. It seems that the agencies founded by these two members will focus primarily on their solo endeavors.

https://www.tiktok.com/@winterxxviii/video/7281190148623158533?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=6908322787502065153

The BLACKPINK members’ plans

According to an executive from Sports Seoul, multiple music insiders have revealed that another BLACKPINK member, Rosé, has renewed her contract with YG. The remaining three—Jennie, Jisoo, and Lisa—are in the final stages of discussing a “separate yet together” strategy. This would allow them to work with agencies other than YG but continue to participate in group activities for half the year. This strategy mirrors the agreement Super Junior members Donghae, Eunhyuk, and Kyuhyun have with SM Entertainment.

A previous report suggested that Lisa, the Thai member enjoying immense international popularity, is moving to a foreign agency. She was said to have received an offer worth billions of KRW. Others say she and Jisoo, who is reportedly interested in an acting career, signed with domestic (Korean) agencies. Insiders have mentioned that foreign investors have already poured significant funds, recognizing Jisoo‘s potential as an actress and Lisa‘s influence in the Southeast Asian market.

However, YG Entertainment was quick to respond to the Sports Seoul report. The agency issued a statement saying nothing is confirmed regarding BLACKPINK’s contracts or their future as a group, Interestingly, there was only a 13-minute gap between the News1 exclusive and YG’s response.

An evolving story

BLACKPINK debuted in 2016 and spent the next seven years churning out hits. The girls captivated fans worldwide with “Boombayah,” “Ddu-Du Ddu-Du,” “How You Like That,” “Pink Venom,” and more. Given the group’s impact and popularity, all eyes are on the outcome of these negotiations.

In the year leading up to the contract renewal, BLACKPINK embarked on the BORN PINK tour. Spanning approximately a year, the tour covered 34 cities with 66 performances and attracted a staggering 1.8 million fans. This makes it the largest-scale tour for a K-pop girl group. They also headlined major festivals like the Coachella Festival in the US and Hyde Park in the UK.

Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving story. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: What do you think of this news, BLINKs? Source: X/@globalmyeon.