Author: Kpop News Writer

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Fans Speculate That Blackpink’s Lisa Is Dating CEO Frédéric Arnault

BLACKPINK's Lisa and rumored boyfriend Frederic Arnault have been spotted together on several accounts. Credit: Twitter/BLACKPINK Global

BLACKPINK member Lisa and TAG Heuer CEO Frédéric Arnault further fueled dating rumors after being spotted together at an airport. 

In the photo, Lisa can be seen sitting on a sofa while beside Frédéric. The two were both busy looking at their phones. 

https://twitter.com/blinkwebb/status/1691096134134157312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

 

The photo at the airport came days after fans speculated that the two went together in Greece for a vacation. Eagle-eyed fans claimed that the two were posting similar photos of the same tourist spots in Greece. 

https://twitter.com/azertyshit/status/1689276832510554112

 

As of writing, Lisa’s agency and Frédéric camp have yet to address the relationship allegations. 

Following this, Lisa is the third member of BLACKPINK to be embroiled in dating controversies in 2023 alone. Fellow member Jennie is speculated to be dating BTS member V, while Jisoo is confirmed to be dating Ahn Bo Hyun.

Timeline of Lisa and Frédéric’s sightings 

Although Frédéric and Lisa have previously worked together in some events, it was a sighting in Paris in July that sparked dating rumors. 

Photos of the two hanging out together at a restaurant in Paris circulated on social media. And since then, fans have been trying to find clues on the two’s supposed relationship. 

But it was in November 2022 when Frédéric first posted about BLACKPINK on his Instagram. The LMVH heir watched the group’s Born Pink concert in Los Angeles and even shared a photo with the four members. 

 

 Then in January 2023, Frédéric was again seen posing with BLACKPINK, this time in Paris. Also in the photo are France’s President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron. 

 

In April 2023, Frédéric attended Coachella. BLACKPINK made history as the first K-pop group to headline the prestigious US-based music festival. 

In May 2023, model Naomi Campbell shared a photo with Lisa, Frédéric, and BTS’ V. 

Outside dating rumors 

Currently, Lisa is embarking on BLACKPINK’s Born Pink world tour. 

Lisa has been named the K-pop soloist with the most Guinness World Records in history. Additionally, she will be inducted in the 2023 Asian Hall of Fame. 

BLACKPINK’s seven-year contract with YG Entertainment is set to expire by August 2023. However, Lisa is rumored to no longer renew with the agency. 

Featured image: BLACKPINK’s Lisa and rumored boyfriend Frederic Arnault have been spotted together on several accounts. Credit: Twitter/BLACKPINK Global

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Exo’s Chen to Hold Belated Wedding Ceremony in October

Chen poses for EXO's 'Cream Soda' teasers. Credit: Facebook/EXO

Chen of K-pop group EXO will be holding a wedding ceremony with his wife in October, three years after first announcing their marriage. 

SM Entertainment confirmed the news to Korean media on Wednesday, August 16. 

According to the agency, the wedding ceremony has been delayed due to circumstances, such as Chen’s military enlistment and his wife’s childbirth. 

Additionally, the label didn’t provide an exact date for the ceremony. However, they added that the couple is currently “quietly preparing” for it. 

In January 2020, Chen first announced that he’s marrying his non-celebrity girlfriend, who was also expecting their first child. Chen and his wife welcomed their first child in April 2020. In January 2022, Chen’s wife gave birth to their second daughter while the idol was in the military. 

Chen’s activities as EXO 

When Chen first announced his relationship, the news was met with mixed reaction from the fans. Some even demanded that the idol leave EXO and even sent protest trucks outside of the agency. 

Despite these sparse negative reactions, Chen still continues his activities as an EXO member. 

The group recently made their comeback with their seventh full-length album EXIST.  EXO is also airing the fourth season of their hit variety show Travel the World on a Ladder. 

As for his solo activities, he released his third mini-album Last Scene in November 2022. 

 

Currently, he’s gearing up to release his first Japanese album Polaris, which will be out on August 17. Chen will also embark on his first solo Japanese tour starting August 19. 

In June, Chen with EXO members Baekhyun and Xiumin had a legal battle with agency SM Entertainment. 

Featured image: Chen poses for EXO’s ‘Cream Soda’ teasers. Credit: Facebook/EXO

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“Queendom Puzzle” Names the Seven Members of EL7Z UP

The curtains have finally fallen on Mnet’s Queendom Puzzle, revealing the top seven idols who will grace the stage as members of the new girl group, EL7Z UP. This spin-off of the hit survival show Queendom saw many female idols, including those from active girl groups, fiercely competing for a coveted spot in this unique project group.

The stakes were high. Not only will EL7Z UP release an album, but they’re also slated for a global tour and a special performance at the 2023 MAMA Awards. Interestingly, they don’t have to step away from their original commitments to do all of that. These idols can continue to shine with their original groups or as solo artists, alongside their new roles in EL7Z UP.

The final episode, aired on August 15, was a culmination of talent, hard work, and anticipation. The results were a blend of global and Korean votes, with each accounting for 50% of the final decision. Votes poured in through the Mnet Plus app and, for Korean fans, via text messages.

So, who are the chosen seven?

Topping the list was H1-KEY‘s Hwiseo, who secured a staggering 444,495 votes. Not only did she clinch the top spot in the final lineup, but she also maintained her lead from the semi-finals. Hot on her heels in second place was woo!ah!‘s Nana, with 430,450 votes. She too held her position from the semi-finals, showcasing consistent support from fans.

당신이 퍼즐한 최상의 조합 EL7Z UP! 영광의 자리에 앉은 퀸은?

Purple Kiss‘ Yuki made an impressive leap, moving up three places from the semi-finals to secure the third spot. Lovelyz‘s Kei and WJSN‘s Yeoreum took the fourth and fifth places, respectively. Both demonstrated their unwavering popularity throughout the show.

글로벌 프로젝트 그룹 ‘EL7Z UP’에 합류한 마지막 멤버!

Rocket Punch‘s Yeonhee, with 358,059 votes, was the sixth member to be announced. She managed to climb to her current spot from her previous ranking in the semi-finals. Rounding out the seven members was CLC‘s Yeeun, who garnered 350,517 votes.

Good luck to the EL7Z UP members

The journey to the finale was filled with surprising twists and turns. For instance, Cherry Bullet‘s Bora, who had ranked high in the initial episodes, faced a shocking elimination. Such moments added to the suspense and unpredictability of the show.

In conclusion, congratulations are in order for the debut members of EL7Z UP. Their journey has just begun, and the world eagerly awaits their contributions to the music industry. As for fans who wish to relive the excitement, all episodes of Queendom Puzzle are available with subtitles on Viki.

Good luck to Hwiseo, Nana, Yuki, Kei, Yeorum, Yeonhee, and Yeeun—the EL7Z UP girls! – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: After several weeks, we have the EL7Z UP lineup! Source: Twitter/@iamtheGuj.

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BTS’ V Releases More Concept Photos for His First Album “Layover”

BTS‘ V continues to tease fans with glimpses of his upcoming solo album, Layover. He just unveiled additional concept photos that have left fans eagerly awaiting the album’s release.

These concept photos reinforce the calm vibe of his album. They look like candid shots that he took himself, so they exude a naturally cool, relaxed vibe. They give fans a glimpse into a day in his life. Many of them are close-ups that highlight his striking features, reminding everyone why he’s often hailed as a visual king in the K-pop world.

Adding to the allure, V donned a baseball cap and helmet in some shots, showcasing a different side of him that fans adored. The concept photos also emphasize V‘s aesthetic sensibilities, with scenic shots that are truly worthy of a chef’s kiss. Some of the photos radiate a nostalgic feeling, perhaps hinting at the emotions and themes that Layover will explore.

ARMY’s reaction to the new “Layover” photos

The BTS ARMY, known for its dedication and passion, has already taken to social media to express their excitement. Speculations about the album’s concept and content are spreading like wildfire on Twitter and other platforms. The serene nature of V’s concept photos has led many to believe that Layover will be a healing album, providing listeners with a moment of calm in their hectic lives.

The unveiling of these concept photos has set the stage for what promises to be a memorable solo debut. With such a diverse range of photos, fans are left amazed by V’s versatility as an artist. The ethereal quality of certain photos sparked discussions among fans, with many debating which image they’ll choose as their next phone wallpaper. Some couldn’t choose, so they made their own.

As the release date for Layover draws closer, the excitement is palpable. Fans are eagerly waiting to dive into the musical journey that the album promises to be, and these concept photos have only heightened the anticipation. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: V is giving “boyfriend vibes” in this set of photos. Source: Weverse.

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“WELCOME HOME GYM-IN” Trends as BTS’ Jimin Returns to Instagram

BTS‘ Jimin recently set social media ablaze with a fresh post on Instagram Stories. The t-shirt he wore in his post caught the attention of fans worldwide. It was a beige tee with “AGUST D D-DAY” emblazoned across the front. Fans realized he wore SUGA’s concert merch to go work out, so they freaked out on social media. This caused “WELCOME HOME GYM-IN” to trend on Twitter.

Jimin’s fans, affectionately known as ARMY, were happy to see him return to social media. One fan expressed their elation with, “The world is a happy place again!” Another fan chimed in, celebrating his use of emojis, “We love Instagrammer Jimin.” Their overwhelming sentiment was clear: ARMY missed Jimin and they were ecstatic about his return.

A ripple effect

But Jimin‘s impact isn’t limited to social media. He’s also making waves in music. Recently, he broke artist and song chart records on Spotify, the world’s premier music streaming platform. On August 11, he became the first (and so far only) Korean/K-pop soloist to mark 150 days on the Global Daily Top Artists chart. Jimin also secured his 21st week on the Global Weekly Top Artists list. 

His single “Like Crazy” also made waves. As of August 9, it celebrated its 75th day on the Spotify USA Daily Top Songs chart. It surpassed Lisa’s “Money” and set the record for longest-charting hit by a K-pop solo artist. Moreover, the track has stayed in the Top 50 of the Global Daily Top Songs chart for 131 days, further solidifying its position as the longest-charting song by a K-pop soloist in the Top 50.

The success of “Like Crazy” has had a ripple effect on Jimin‘s album FACE. Just a few days ago, it became the most streamed album by a Korean solo artist in Spotify’s history. Now, having earned a staggering 933 million streams in 141 days, FACE clinched another title: the most streamed album of 2023 by a K-pop act on Spotify.

In a related accolade, Genius recognized “Like Crazy” as the best K-pop male song of 2023.

How deeply fans missed Jimin

Finally, a recent poll conducted from August 6 to 12 proclaimed him the idol who looks best in a rash guard. In addition to the overwhelming response to his Instagram story and music, that poll reveals a deeper narrative. It’s not just about a celebrity’s accolades or online presence; it’s a testament to how deeply Jimin was missed by his fans. 

Every comment, tweet, and vote underscores a collective yearning for his presence, showcasing the profound bond between an artist and his admirers. Jimin‘s brief hiatus only served to remind fans of the joy and inspiration the singer brings into their lives. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jimin continues to endear himself to listeners worldwide. Source: SBS.

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Kim Sejeong’s Ethereal Beauty Is on Full Display in “Door” Concept Photos

Kim Sejeong, a renowned actress and singer, recently unveiled the mesmerizing KEY version of her teaser images for Door, her first full-length album. Scheduled for release on September 4, 2023, at 6:00 pm KST, this album signifies her return to the K-pop realm after a hiatus of two years and five months.

Although Kim Sejeong has garnered acclaim for her acting prowess, she’s no stranger to the K-pop world. She previously graced stages as a member of K-pop groups I.O.I, Gugudan, and its sub-group Gugudan SeMiNa. Her concept photos, radiating a dreamlike, ethereal aura, left fans spellbound, leading many to dub her a “living fairy.”

The anticipation for her September comeback is palpable. Since announcing her return, Kim Sejeong has been consistently feeding the excitement of her fans. She teased them with a “coming soon” image, followed by a mysterious black-and-white teaser the next day. She then posted a comeback scheduler on August 10, giving fans a glimpse of what to expect leading up to the album’s launch.

Social media is abuzz with reactions from Sesangs (Kim Sejeong‘s ardent fans). Many are eagerly awaiting the LOCK version of her teasers. 

Kim Sejeong has a lot up her sleeve

Kim Sejeong‘s last batch of new material dropped in March 2021 with the mini-album I’m. Sejeong delighted fans with a special remake album and contributed her vocals to Love, Maybe, an OST for the 2022 drama Business Proposal, in which she also starred.

Beyond her musical achievements, Kim Sejeong has showcased her versatility with performances in popular dramas like the aforementioned Business Proposal and The Uncanny Counter. In the latter, she plays Do Ha-na, a “grim reaper” of sorts. She earned praise for executing the demanding action sequences her role requires.

As she gears up for her album launch, Kim Sejeong isn’t stopping there. She’s also preparing for her first solo concert tour. It will take her to 11 cities, commencing in Seoul on September 23-24, 2023. Fans across Asia and Oceania, from Tokyo to Sydney, can look forward to seeing her live. The tour’s finale is set for November 19, 2023.

Kim Sejeong‘s return to the K-pop scene is shaping up to be a monumental event. With her ethereal concept photos for Door and an upcoming concert tour, her fans have a lot to be excited about. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Sejeong really does look like a fairy. Source: Twitter/@0828_kimsejeong.

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Meet the Japanese Idol Who Left Her Group to Join the Korean Band “QWER”

Lee Siyeon‘s musical journey is a testament to the power of dreams and determination. While many Japanese artists go to South Korea to chase stardom, Siyeon did the opposite. She first made her mark in Japan as a member of the renowned idol group NMB48, based in Osaka’s Namba district. With millions of CDs sold, NMB48‘s influence in the J-pop scene is undeniable.

Siyeon’s introduction to NMB48‘s fans was memorable. At a 2021 concert in Osaka, she delivered a solo performance of “Yume wa Nigenai,” a song originally by NMB48 trainees from 2018. Despite being a trainee (or “kenkyuusei” as they’re called in Japan), Siyeon showcased her talent on stage, a privilege she might not have had if she pursued her dreams in South Korea.

#NMB48 Lee Siyeon “Yume wa Nigenai” di NMB48 Live 2021

However, her journey wasn’t without challenges. Initially auditioning for NMB48 the previous year, the COVID-19 pandemic hindered her plans. Undeterred, Siyeon auditioned again, and this time, she made it. Her love for the 48 Groups was evident from a young age, and she aspired to reach the top of NMB48 and perform in the prestigious Kouhaku Uta Gassen, a yearly New Year’s Eve TV special in Japan.

But now she has her sights set on making it big in the Korean music industry. Siyeon joined the girl band QWER, a project started by YouTuber Kim Gyeran. As its main vocalist, Siyeon completed the band’s lineup, marking a new chapter in her musical journey. Here’s proof of her undeniable talent: a soul-stirring rendition of BoA’s “Meri Kuri.”

メリクリ (Meri Kuri)/ BoA – Covered by NMB48 Lee Siyeon

About the group Lee Siyeon joined

QWER has already created a significant buzz in the K-pop world, even before their official debut. The members’ unique stage names, particularly that of Nyangnyongnyeongnyang, the guitarist and keyboardist, caught the attention of many. Also referred to as Hina in the group’s YouTube videos, she has been a significant talking point because she has four million TikTok followers. Known for her cosplaying, her real identity was a mystery until the QWER project began.

Under Kim Gyeran’s guidance, the members currently live and practice together in preparation for their official debut. With such dedication and talent, QWER promises to bring a fresh, unique wave of music and performances to the global K-pop stage.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEQ3VbIqIgw

NMB48 Lee Siyeon’s First Swimsuit Gravure released on 2023.05.08

Lee Siyeon’s transition from NMB48 to QWER highlights the fluidity of the music industry across borders. Her story serves as an inspiration for many, proving that with passion, perseverance, and talent, dreams can become reality. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Siyeon graduated from NMB48 after receiving backlash for a photoshoot. Source: Twitter/@48RequestHour.

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Finally! Survival Show Winners FANTASY BOYS to Debut in September

The K-pop industry is no stranger to talent, but once in a while, a group emerges that captures the world’s attention. Enter FANTASY BOYS, the winners of the MBC global audition program. After months of anticipation, the group has finally confirmed their official debut in September.

Composed of 12 members, FANTASY BOYS is a unique blend of charisma and talent. Each member was handpicked by global audiences, a testament to their appeal. The lineup includes Hikari, Hikaru, Hong Sung Min, Kaeden, Kang Min Seo, Kim Gyu Rae, Kim Woo Seok, KSoul, Lee Han Bin, Lingqi, Oh Hyeon Tae, and Yu Jun Won. With such a diverse group, fans are eagerly awaiting the range of music and performances they will bring to the table.

Even before their official debut in Korea, the group has been actively promoting in Japan. They held a fan-con in Tokyo last July 9, which was met with overwhelming enthusiasm. They also made several TV appearances and participated in offline events, building a strong foundation for their upcoming debut.

The future is bright for FANTASY BOYS

But it’s not just their activities that have fans buzzing. In July, FANTASY BOYS unveiled a set of group and individual profile photos. Oozing charisma and elegance, those photos gave fans a taste of the group’s style. Fans and industry insiders alike praised their concept and visuals.

Going from being on a survival show to debuting isn’t easy. It requires determination, talent, and a lot of hard work. Luckily, FANTASY BOYS have those qualities in spades, and they showcased them throughout their time on the show. Their dedication to their craft and fans is evident in everything they do.

웰컴 투 판타지 월드 njfz#(NeW Joyful Fantasy Zone)

As the days inch closer to their official debut, their fans’ excitement is palpable. They’re gearing up to support the group in the next chapter of their career. Social media is abuzz with well-wishes for leader Yu Junwon and his members. With such a strong foundation and worldwide anticipation, the future is bright for these talented young artists. Stay tuned for more updates on their journey and upcoming projects. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: After promoting in Japan, the group will make their South Korean debut. Source: Twitter/@fantasyboys_twt.

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CNBLUE’s Yonghwa to Release a New Album Next Month

CNBLUE fans are buzzing with anticipation as the act’s main vocalist, Yonghwa, prepares for a solo comeback. Reports from media outlets on August 15th confirm that the singer is set to release his new solo album in September. This report sent shockwaves of excitement throughout the CNBLUE fandom, especially since it marks his first solo album release in South Korea after six years.

Back in July of 2017, Yonghwa graced the music world with his first mini album titled Do Disturb. Since that release, he has been primarily active in China and Japan, delighting fans with music and more. Additionally, he has contributed to OSTs and engaged in special collaborations, showcasing his versatility as an artist.

What does Yonghwa have in store?

While his previous works have been well-received, the upcoming album holds a special place for both Yonghwa and his fans. It signifies his return to the Korean music scene as a soloist, a move eagerly awaited by many. Their anticipation is palpable—in fact, as of this writing, CNBLUE fans are making a lot of noise on social media. They’re wondering what the singer has in store for them.

But CNBLUE’s main vocalist doesn’t plan to stop at simply releasing an album. Fans can expect a slew of promotional activities accompanying his comeback. From interviews to performances, he’s gearing up to engage with his supporters on multiple fronts. This proactive approach ensures that everyone will have ample opportunities to connect with him and his music.

Yonghwa’s upcoming solo album is more than just a collection of songs. It represents his journey as an artist and his commitment to his fans. With the release date drawing closer, their excitement is building, and the music world is eagerly awaiting what promises to be a stellar comeback. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Yonghwa is set to make a splash in SK with his long-awaited solo comeback. Source: Twitter/@CNYongvely.

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Jyp Entertainment Takes Legal Action for Malicious Posts Against Itzy

ITZY shares behind-the-scene photo from filming 'Cake.' Credit: Facebook/ITZY

JYP Entertainment has taken legal action against online users who published malicious posts and comments against their artist, K-pop girl group ITZY. 

In a statement on Monday, August 14, the agency said that they have “secured evidence on all actions that insult and defame the honor and image of our artists.”

They added that the securing of evidence was done through an internal and external monitoring system. 

 

According to the label, the acts they’ve flagged include malicious slander, and circulation of false information. It also includes sexual harassment, illegal filming, and the creation and circulation of fake content. 

JYP Entertainment then declared that they’ve coordinated with a specialized law firm to continue with the legal proceedings. 

Additionally, the agency said that they will actively monitor and act against possible threats to ITZY. 

 

“We will continue to take strong civil and criminal action for all actions that are defamatory and disrupt healthy activities of the artists and that there will be no leniency or settlement in that process,” they said. 

Moreover, JYP Entertainment also asked fans to send tips to their work email in case they have evidence on said violations. 

“We will do our best in order for no harm to be done to not only the artists but also to all the fans who love ITZY,” the agency ended their statement.

Idols’ safety and security

JYP Entertainment is the latest agency to crack down on harmful attacks against their artists. 

Recently, WakeOne Entertainment filed criminal charges against individuals who threatened the personal security of ZEROBASEONE members. 

Meanwhile, SM Entertainment also filed a complaint against an online user who sent death threats to aespa’s Winter. The agency also heightened the security of the group as they’re currently on their concert tour in the United States.  

Another is Starship Entertainment, who also sued YouTubers who published false content regarding their artists, specifically IVE. 

In terms of these legal battles about idol’s safety, Bae Suzy had the most recent win. The court fined a man who posted libelous comments against the idol-actress in 2015. 

Featured image: ITZY shares behind-the-scene photo from filming ‘Cake.’ Credit: Facebook/ITZY

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