Author: Kpop News Writer

The renowned K-pop boy group NCT, hailing from SM Entertainment, is set to dazzle fans with their fourth album as a full 20-member group, titled Golden Age. This album promises a fresh lineup and a broad spectrum of genres, ensuring that listeners are in for a treat. At a recent press conference in Seoul, South Korea, the group played some of the songs on the album for a select few.

What’s on “Golden Age”?

One of the previewed tracks, “Interlude: Oasis,” is a medium-tempo R&B song that stands out with its dreamy sound. The track conveys a message of moving towards a golden future together. This song features the talents of members Chenle, Jaehyun, Jaemin, Winwin, and Yuta.

Another track, “The BAT,” is a hyper-pop genre song that sees members Hendery, Jeno, Jisung, Johnny, Jungwoo, Taeil, and Yuta come together. This song draws a parallel between the image of a black car racing through the night and Batman’s Batmobile. This song is intensified by its powerful chants and rapid-fire rapping, emphasizing its vigor.

Furthermore, the song “Kangaroo” offers a rhythmic blend of guitar and piano sounds, delivering a refreshing yet laid-back vibe. This mid-tempo pop track, featuring the harmonies of Chenle, Jisung, Kun, Renjun, Taeil, and Yangyang, likens living every day with freedom and happiness to the nature of a kangaroo. Its witty lyrics are sure to capture listeners’ attention.

NCT dropped teasers too

Adding to the anticipation, teasers released on NCT‘s official SNS account at midnight on the 14th garnered significant attention. These teasers showcase the unique visuals and charms of members like Taeyong, exuding the chic emotional ambiance of New York; Yuta, embodying the free spirit of LA; Kun, radiating warmth reminiscent of the Mongolian plains; and Jeno, soaking up the romantic air of Paris. The response from fans has been overwhelmingly positive.

NCT‘s Golden Age is scheduled for release on various music platforms at 6:00 PM on the 28th. On the same day, fans can also look forward to its physical album release. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: SM Entertainment shared teaser photos featuring Renjun, whose vocals are on the track “Kangaroo.” Source: Twitter/@NCTsmtown.

LE SSERAFIM‘s Heo Yunjin has had a journey that’s as intricate as the melodies she writes. In a recent sit-down with Teen Vogue, she delved deep into her inspirations, challenges, and the story behind her new solo song, “blessing in disguise.”

Yunjin‘s connection to music feels almost predestined. She says, “I think it was just very natural.” Growing up, she was surrounded by musical influences, from “musicals, plays, and movies with music” to creating songs with her sister. The passion was evident as she reminisced, “We would just make songs together and get the camera.” 

This early love for music was not just about the melodies but the stories they told. Yunjin found solace in her art. She explained, “I really liked storytelling, and I found that doing that through music, expressing myself through music, was very therapeutic. But also, I don’t know, I just fell in love with it.”

However, every artist’s journey has its share of challenges. Yunjin‘s path was no exception. Her initial foray into the music industry was marked by her participation in Mnet’s Produce 48 in 2018. But the aftermath of the show was a tumultuous period for her. Although her now-groupmates Kim Chaewon and Miyawaki Sakura made it into IZ*ONE, she didn’t. That was a bitter pill for Yunjin to swallow.

She shared, “When I went back to the U.S., I don’t know, I went through every state of despair.” This period of introspection and self-doubt led her to contemplate a shift in career. But fate had other plans. A call from South Korea changed Yunjin’s trajectory, leading her to Source Music and the ranks of LE SSERAFIM. Reflecting on this twist, she said, “I went through it again. But in the end, I found my place.”

Heo Yunjin on her latest solo song

Her latest solo song, “blessing in disguise,” is a testament to her journey. It starts with an airport announcement, transporting listeners to her transformative journey from JFK to Incheon. Yunjin‘s description of the track as a conversation echoes the song’s intimate and personal nature. “It feels like I’m just talking to a friend,” she remarked. 

HUH YUNJIN – ‘blessing in disguise’

The song’s disco funk genre was a departure from her comfort zone, but the result is a refreshing blend of sounds that captivates listeners. She admitted, “It’s disco funk, which is very out of my comfort zone, so I actually took months to write the song.”

The accompanying music video adds another dimension to the song. Moving away from animations, Yunjin chose to use personal footage instead, offering FEARNOT an unfiltered view of her world. Despite the singer-songwriter’s initial reservations about doing so, the final product is a heartfelt montage of memories, showcasing her journey from New York to Seoul and the moments in between.

A standout figure

Yunjin‘s authenticity shone through in her interview with Teen Vogue. Her reflections on her past, present, and future are laced with vulnerability. 

“I’ve always had a fear of the future,” she confessed. Delving deeper into this sentiment, Yunjin expressed, “I do always try to live in the present, but I think writing about the past is easy because everything has passed, and I can look at it from a mature perspective. But if I write about it right now, I feel like… I don’t know; it’s very raw and feels very vulnerable, I think, because this is me right now, and I’m facing myself as I am right now, so there’s nothing I can do about it. I can’t be like, ‘Oh yeah, I was a little younger.’ No, this is today.”

Teen Vogue‘s feature on LE SSERAFIM’s Heo Yunjin is a comprehensive exploration of an artist’s world, from her musical inspirations to the creative process behind her songs and visuals. It’s quite a compelling narrative that underscores the depth and breadth of her artistry, painting Yunjin as a standout figure in the contemporary K-pop scene. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Soloist Yunjin returns with a funky new track. Source: Twitter/@le_sserafim.

The K-pop world buzzed with excitement on August 14, when EXO‘s Chanyeol made a surprising but welcome announcement. At the EXIST Yizhiyu offline fansign event in Qingdao, China, he confirmed what fans had been hoping for: his solo debut is on the horizon.

Chanyeol was joined by his fellow EXO members Baekhyun, Chen, D.O., Sehun, Suho, and Xiumin. Their presence gave the event an electric atmosphere, and the baseball uniforms they sported were a nice touch. As word of Chanyeol’s announcement spread, social media platforms were flooded with ecstatic fans sharing their anticipation and joy.

Chanyeol has done things on his own before. For instance, he has contributed to OSTs of hit drama series like Go Away Go Away and Stay With Me. However, an actual solo debut remained elusive, at least until now. As the news spread like wildfire, EXO-Ls worldwide couldn’t help but comment on Chanyeol‘s radiant smile during the event, speculating that his upcoming solo venture might be the reason for it.

Interestingly, Chanyeol already boasts over a million followers on QQ Music, even without a solo album. Moreover, he’s the most-listened-to K-pop solo artist on KuGou, with a staggering 500 million streams on Melon. These impressive stats underscore the immense anticipation surrounding his solo debut.

A new beginning for Chanyeol

The fansign event wasn’t just about the big reveal. Chanyeol and his fellow EXO members engaged with fans, sharing light-hearted banter, moments and taking selfies. A particularly amusing incident occurred after the event when Chanyeol, unaware that the staff had cleared the stage, looked for his desk and found it missing. This innocent blunder had fans chuckling.

For those unfamiliar with Chanyeol‘s journey, he was the last member introduced to EXO before their debut in April 2012. Beyond his group activities, he showcased his talent in movies and dramas such as So I Married an Anti-fan and Secret Queen Makers. In 2019, he debuted in the sub-unit EXO-SC with their first mini album What a Life. After a brief hiatus, during which he completed his mandatory military service, he returned in 2022.

Before breaking the news of his upcoming solo debut, he participated in EXO’s group comeback with the album EXIST and its title track “Cream Soda.”

[안방1열 직캠4K] 엑소 찬열 ‘Cream Soda’ (EXO CHANYEOL FanCam) @SBS Inkigayo 230716

In conclusion, the confirmation of Chanyeol‘s solo debut marks a significant milestone in his musical journey. As fans eagerly await the release, the K-pop world stands at the cusp of what promises to be a new beginning for him. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Fans are pumped for Chanyeol’s solo debut. Source: Twitter/@blueanayes.

The ambiance was electric when CRAVITY, a nine-member K-pop act under Starship Entertainment, settled into their seats for an exclusive interview with the Philippine Daily Inquirer. Their journey, which began in the challenging backdrop of April 2020 amidst the global pandemic, has been nothing short of a roller-coaster ride, filled with highs, lows, and countless memories.

As they embarked on their first-ever world tour, their aspirations weren’t confined to the present. They dreamt big, envisioning “more explosive performances” on grander stages in the not-so-distant future. Seongmin, with a blend of ambition and humility, shared, “The moment we step on stage, our expressions automatically shift to focus. Even if we’re on a world tour right now, I imagine that in a few years, we want to show bigger performances on a bigger stage for our fans.”

This ambition, which some critics have termed “greediness,” was a focal point of discussion during the sit-down. Wonjin, with a fervor that’s hard to miss, elaborated that this so-called “greediness” is a reflection of their unwavering determination as performers. Their first world tour, aptly named “Masterpiece,” is a testament to this drive. “Masterpiece is our first world tour as CRAVITY. We, along with our label, are really concerned about showcasing each member’s unique strengths. We’re eager to prove ourselves, to display what we have to offer in hopes of making our tour a resounding success,” he added.

The bond between the members, a cornerstone of their success, was in full display throughout the interview. Light-hearted banter peppered the conversation, from fun anecdotes about Taeyoung‘s undeniable charisma to Seongmin‘s tendency to sweat during performances. Woobin‘s powerful high notes, they joked, could “even break speakers and microphones.”

The Philippine Daily Inquirer sit-down went well

The Philippines, as the group unanimously agreed, holds an unparalleled place in their hearts. Allen, emphasized the overwhelming support they’ve received from their Filipino fans. 

“Every time we do live broadcasts on platforms like YouTube, we get comments like ‘mahal kita’ (I love you) and ‘pogi’ (handsome),” he shared, visibly moved.

The members also indulged in a bit of nostalgia, reminiscing about their career’s standout moments. Seongmin holds the rookie awards they bagged in 2020 quite close to his heart, while Jungmo‘s cherished memories revolve around his experiences in music shows and variety shows. Finally, Allen says sharing a stage with K-pop legends SHINee was a dream come true, a moment that solidified his passion and commitment to the craft.

Although they haven’t been around for long, CRAVITY’s vision is crystal clear. They’re on a mission to introduce themselves to the world through their eclectic music palette. With a discography that includes the powerful “My Turn” and upbeat “Cloud 9,” the group’s versatility is hard to miss. With a hint of pride, Allen described CRAVITY as a canvas with splashes of paint in different colors. That metaphor beautifully encapsulates their multifaceted, vibrant identity. 

K-Pop group na Cravity nag-uumapaw na kilig ang hatid sa Pinoy fans | TV Patrol

As they wrapped up their exclusive sit-down with the Philippine Daily Inquirer, it became abundantly clear that CRAVITY isn’t an ordinary K-pop group. Their Masterpiece World Tour is a celebration of their aspirations and the love they’ve received from LUVITYs across the globe. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: CRAVITY left it all on the New Frontier Theater stage for the Manila leg of their tour. Source: Twitter/@CRAVITYstarship.

The K-pop scene, known for its vibrant music, synchronized choreography, and passionate fanbase, is abuzz with a different kind of excitement. Whispers of SEVENTEEN’s Joshua’s alleged romantic relationship with Cho Mi Young have taken center stage. But who is she, exactly?

Cho Mi Young isn’t an ordinary model. She’s a rising star in South Korea’s burgeoning fashion world. Signed to the prestigious LSAC Modeling Agency in Seoul, her collaborations with renowned brands like BONNY, LALA, and LIPHOP have garnered attention. Her appearances in magazines like DAZED Korea, NYLON Korea, and Vogue Girl Korea have solidified her status in the industry.

Born on April 4, 1998, Cho Mi Young, with her youthful charm, is three years younger than Joshua. Beyond her modeling career, she ventured into reality TV by appearing on an MBN dating show. Her achievements don’t stop there. She has carved a niche for herself on YouTube, where her lifestyle clips, makeup tutorials, and vlogs offer a more personal look at her daily life, attracting thousands of subscribers.

Compelling and extensive evidence

The evidence pointing towards their relationship is compelling and extensive. Fans have noticed the duo’s similar attire. From identical necklaces and sweaters to phone cases, their sartorial choices seem to mirror each other. A particular Calvin Klein denim top they both sported raised eyebrows. Given its unique wash, netizens speculated whether the two were sharing clothes, a gesture intimate enough to suggest a close relationship. 

Further fueling the rumors, Joshua‘s mother was seen with a short-haired girl during a trip to the Philippines. The girl was later identified as Cho Mi Young. Their social media activity also suggests they’ve been at the same locations at similar times. A video posted by Cho Mi Young had a familiar laughter in the background, which fans are convinced belongs to Joshua. Finally, both were spotted wearing similar beaded bracelets, a hobby Joshua is known for.

Unfortunately, K-pop fans don’t always support news of celebrities dating. A protest truck, with its glaring message, was recently spotted outside PLEDIS Entertainment, SEVENTEEN‘s agency. The truck’s message demanded Joshua exit the group, criticizing him for flaunting his relationship with Cho Mi Young. This reaction, while extreme, highlights the intense pressure and scrutiny K-pop idols often face regarding their personal lives. 

What’s next for Joshua and Cho Mi Young?

Some Chinese fans counteracted the negativity by sending trucks of support to the HYBE building. These trucks bore messages of love and trust for Joshua, emphasizing their love and support for him. Such gestures highlight the duality of the fanbase. Some demand perfection and adherence to certain standards, others offer unconditional support.

Amidst this whirlwind of rumors, reactions, and “evidence,” PLEDIS Entertainment has chosen to remain silent. Their silence is deafening, leaving fans and the public frustrated and in suspense. The lack of a statement has led to further speculations and has intensified discussions on online forums and social media platforms.

As the story continues to unfold, it serves as a reminder of the intense scrutiny K-pop idols face. The global community of fans, while eagerly awaiting clarity, should also remember to respect their idols’ personal boundaries. After all, celebrities, like the rest of us, deserve their private moments. As for the SEVENTEEN vocalist and this model he’s allegedly dating, only time will reveal the truth about their relationship. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Cho Mi Young is actually quite pretty. Source: Instagram/@Mi0___o.