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Ciipher: Four Members Officially Quit the Group as Netizens Blame Rain Company

In a recent and unexpected development, four members of the renowned K-pop group Ciipher have decided to leave the band. On August 9, Ciipher‘s label, Rain Company, announced that Dohwan, Tag, Tan, and Won ended their contracts. This decision, described as mutual, was reached after a series of discussions.

As for the remaining members, Hwi, Hyunbin, and Keita, they have chosen to stay with the company and continue their work in showbiz. They plan to regroup and continue promoting as a trio someday. They’re also set to meet fans through various activities. For instance, Keita is getting ready for his first solo fan meeting in Japan on August 19.

While the official statement from Rain Company underscored the mutual respect and understanding underpinning this decision, fans voiced their concerns and frustrations. Many are directing their ire at the company. Accusations of mismanagement and mistreatment are being leveled at its founder, the seasoned idol Rain.

One of the problems is the limited interaction between Ciipher and the public. There are noticeable gaps between posts on the group’s social media platforms, such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Ciipher also doesn’t have accounts on Dear U Bubble and Weverse, where they can engage with fans more intimately and regularly. 

Rain‘s track record with managing idol groups has also come under scrutiny. Netizens have accused him of neglecting groups like MADTOWN and MBLAQ. They’re concerned that Ciipher is receiving the same poor treatment they did.

What’s next for the Ciipher members

After dropping a mini-album called The Code in 2022, Hyunbin and Keita went on the survival show circuit. Hyunbin competed on MBC’s Fantasy Boys, while Keita joined Mnet’s Boys Planet. He was all set to do it with Tag, but the latter dropped out of the show before filming began. 

Soon after word of their departure broke out, Dohwan, Tag, and Won reached out to fans on social media.

Tan went live on Instagram to air his sentiments.

 

Last week, Jellyfish Entertainment confirmed that Keita will debut in EVNNE, a seven-member boy group with six other Boys Planet alums. As of this writing, it’s unknown what Dohwan, Tag, Tan, and Won plan to do next.

This exodus of Ciipher members from Rain Company is a pivotal moment in the K-pop scene. As their fans await more news, there remains a collective hope that things will turn out well for the boys. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Here are the boys in happier times. May they all find success post-Ciipher. Source: Twitter/@RAIN_Ciipher.

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Meet the Fourth-Generation Idol Competing for the Miss Universe Korea Crown

In a pleasantly surprising twist, the K-pop scene and the pageant world have come together. It’s all because of one Park Seyeon—better known by her stage name, Seyeon. Not only is she a fourth-gen idol, but she’s also a contender for the Miss Universe Korea 2023 title.

Seyeon‘s rise to fame began as the youngest member, or maknae, of the K-pop group PURPLEBECK. Signed to Majesty Entertainment, this group burst onto the scene in 2019 with their single album Crystal Ball. Later that year, they made a comeback with “Dream Line.”

PURPLEBECK, Crystal Ball, SeYeon Focus [THE SHOW 190709]

PurpleBeck, Dream Line [THE SHOW 191022]

Transitioning from her school days at Hanlim Multi Arts School to the dynamic stages of K-pop was no small feat. After finishing high school in February 2020, Seyeon participated in her group’s first mini-album. It was titled Starry Night and was bannered by the title track “VALENTi.” 

MVㅣPurpleBeck (퍼플백) – VALENTiㅣStarry Night

With every new release from PURPLEBECK, Seyeon consistently showcased her prowess as a singer and rapper.

However, the surprises didn’t stop there. Seyeon‘s venture into pageantry piqued the interest and excitement of many. She’s not content with simply being an idol; she’s on a mission to display the many facets of her personality and talent.

Seyeon hopes to make an impact

Known for her endearing qualities, such as her passion for cooking and her fondness for the colors black, purple, and white, Seyeon embodies beauty with depth. Her love for summer, arguably the most lively season, mirrors her vibrant and bubbly nature, making her a fitting representative for the Miss Universe Korea title.

The pageant she’s competing in is called Miss Queen Korea, and it’s responsible for selecting South Korea’s representatives for the Miss Universe and Miss World pageants. Should Seyeon win it all this year, she’ll head to San Salvador, El Salvador in November for the chance to succeed R’Bonney Gabriel of the U.S. as the new Miss Universe. 

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

과거는 아이돌, 현재는 미스 유니버스 코리아를 꿈꾸는 저의 행보를 기대해 주세요🙏

As of August 6, 39 contestants have been confirmed, including the Netherlands’ Rikkie Kollé. Kollé is the second transwoman to compete for the Miss Universe crown, following Spain’s Angela Ponce in 2018. Like South Korea, the other participating countries are still selecting their representatives. Seyeon is currently in seventh place. But her journey in the competition is far from over. She’s set her sights on the finals and she’s doing her best to make a significant impact. 

Fans and pageant enthusiasts alike can show their support by voting for Seyeon on the OHMYSTAR app. As she continues to break barriers, Seyeon exemplifies the evolving landscape of K-pop, where idols aren’t just limited to making music. Some are branching out, challenging norms, and setting new benchmarks. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Seyeon’s profile is filled with striking photos like this one. Source: OHMYSTAR.

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Kwon Eunbi Finally Earns a Solo Music Show Win, Thanks to “The Flash”

In a triumphant moment for Kwon Eunbi, her new singleThe Flash” clinched the top spot on SBS M’s The Show on August 8. Competing against top tracks from various artists, including xikers‘ “DO or DIE” and BBGIRLS‘ “ONE MORE TIME,” Eunbi‘s “The Flash” emerged victorious, marking her first-ever solo music show win. With 9,260 points, the victory wasn’t just a testament to the song’s popularity. It also reflected Eunbi‘s unwavering dedication and connection with her fans.

KWON EUN BI, The Flash (권은비, The Flash) [THE SHOW 230808]

Eunbi has been in the K-pop scene for a while. She started her journey with the group Ye-A in 2014 and later made waves with IZ*ONE in 2018. Her solo endeavors have spotlighted her determination and talent. After IZ*ONE‘s disbandment, she went solo and released three mini-albums. Her most recent one, Lethality, garnered significant attention. But “The Flash” set the charts alight, gaining traction among fans and critics alike.

KWON EUN BI (권은비), THE SHOW CHOICE! [THE SHOW 230808]

The episode of The Show was a celebration of K-pop, with many other performers taking the stage. Also on the bill that day were 8TURN, BXB, HORI7ON, ILY:1, LIMELIGHT, NINE.i, SATURDAY, SEVENUS (formerly known as MASC), TAN, The Wind, and YOUNITE. Each performance added to the electric atmosphere of the show. Yet, the highlight remained Eunbi’s win, a moment filled with emotion, pride, and joy.

KWON EUN BI (권은비), THE SHOW CHOICE! (Non-edited ver.) [THE SHOW 230808]

Eunbi continues to shine

A day before her big win, Eunbi collaborated with Mnet’s digital studio M2. Together, they treated her fans to a cool relay dance video for “The Flash.” This special treat showcased her impeccable dancing and vocal prowess., further solidifying her position as a versatile artist.

[릴레이댄스] 권은비(KWON EUNBI) – The Flash (4K)

Eunbi‘s first win with “The Flash” is a significant milestone, reflecting her hard work, talent, and the support of her fans. As Eunbi continues to shine in the music scene, her fans eagerly await her next steps. Congratulations, Kwon Eunbi! – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Eunbi’s “The Flash” earned over 9,000 points to beat new material from BB GIRLS and xikers. Source: YouTube/@thekpop.

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Jellyfish Entertainment Changes New Boy Group’s Name to EVNNE

On August 9, Jellyfish Entertainment made headlines by unveiling a significant change to their new boy group. Initially, the septet, consisting of Ji Yoon Seo, Keita, Lee Jung Hyun, Moon Jung Hyun, Park Han Bin, Park Ji Hoo, and Yoo Seung Eon, was set to debut under the name BLIT. However, after careful consideration and receiving feedback, the company decided on a name change to avoid any potential negative misunderstandings.

The decision came after the realization that the name BLIT might carry negative connotations in some languages. Furthermore, the name was met with jokes and mixed reactions online, prompting the agency to take swift action. Moving forward, the seven-member boy group will now be known as EVNNE, pronounced ‘even’. This new name stands for “Evening’s Newest Etoiles,” symbolizing a new rising star in the night sky. It’s a testament to the group’s ambition to shine brightly and capture the attention of fans worldwide.

Interestingly, EVNNE was not a name pulled out of thin air. It was a nickname that Jellyfish and the members had been using internally since the group’s inception. After the potential issues with the initial name surfaced, the agency collaborated with the members, and together they settled on EVNNE.

EVNNE is gearing up to debut

In line with the name change, EVNNE also unveiled their official social media accounts, giving fans a glimpse of their first group photo and individual selfies. This move showcases the group’s readiness to engage with their audience. Their goal is to build a strong online presence ahead of their debut.

The group, formed by contestants from the hit Mnet survival show Boys Planet, showcases talents who garnered significant attention and popularity. They may not have debuted, but they captured the public’s hearts nonetheless. Now, under the guidance of Jellyfish Entertainment, these seven boys are gearing up for their official debut, scheduled for the latter half of this year.

It’s commendable that Jellyfish Entertainment acted promptly to ensure their new group starts on the right foot. Fans are eagerly awaiting EVNNE‘s debut, and with the positive steps taken by the agency, the future looks promising for these rising stars. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: EVNNE’s first group photo shows them covered in shadows because they have yet to debut. Source: Twitter/@EVNNE_official.

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Boynextdoor Set for September Comeback With ‘Why’

Just four months since their May debut, rookie K-pop boy group BOYNEXTDOOR is already set to make their first comeback! 

BOYNEXTDOOR announced on Tuesday, August 8, that their releasing their first mini-album WHY on September 4.  

 

The six-piece act also released the promotion scheduler, which showed that a trailer film will be out on August 13. 

Meanwhile, the track list will be available on August 17. The scheduler also showed that the group will have two concept photos with the themes “Moody” and “Dazed.”

Additionally, the track spoiler and music video teaser will be unveiled on August 27 and 31, respectively. 

BOYNEXTDOOR made their debut under KOZ Entertainment on May 30 with the single album WHO! Aside from the title track “Serenade,” said album also carries the songs “But I Like You” and One and Only.”

Moreover, KOZ Entertainment is a subsidiary label under HYBE Labels founded by rapper Zico. 

BOYNEXTDOOR is composed of members Sungho, Riwoo, Jaehyun, Taesan, Leehan, and Woonhak. 

Additionally, the youngest member, Woonhak, has been tapped to host Inkigayo. He’s hosting the music show alongside TOMORROW X TOGETHER’s Yeonjun and actress Park Ji Hu. 

Featured image: BOYNEXTDOOR in a concept photo for their single debut album ‘Who.’ Credit: Facebook/BOYNEXTDOOR

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SM Entertainment Addresses Threats Against Safety of Aespa’s Winter

SM Entertainment has filed a complaint against an unidentified online user who threatened to harm Winter of K-pop girl group aespa. 

The agency issued a statement on Tuesday, August 8, revealing that they filed a report to the police as soon as they came across the harmful post. 

Additionally, SM Entertainment also pushed for a fast investigation and additional security for aespa. 

 

SM Entertainment’s statement was prompted by an anonymous post in an online community who claimed that they will threaten to kill Winter. 

Furthermore, the said death threat says they will use a weapon to harm Winter when aespa is at the Incheon International Airport. 

Consequently, aespa was flying out to the United States to attend the Outside Lnads Music & Arts Festival in San Francisco. 

In response, SM Entertainment updated fans that aespa was able to depart South Korea safely. The agency said that they cooperated with bodyguards and airport police to ensure the members’ safety. 

Moreover, the label added that the police also received multiple records about the incident. And in turn, the police went to SM Entertainment’s company building for two days to check on the security situation and Winter’s welfare. 

“We will always give our best to ensure the safety of our artists,” they assured fans. 

After the festival in San Francisco, aespa will start their Synk: Hyper Line concert in the United States. Its stops will include Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, and Boston, among others. 

aespa will also release their new English single Better Thingson August 18. 

Featured image: aespa’s Winter in a the jacket behind cut of ‘MY WORLD.’ Credit: Facebook/aespa

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Here Are the K-Pop Acts Nominated for the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards

There’s no denying how huge K-pop has become in the international music scene. And the growing amount of K-pop act nominees in 2023 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) is proof of that. 

MTV unveiled on Wednesday, August 8, the nominees for this year’s awarding, and six K-pop acts made it to the list. 

BLACKPINK is the most nominated K-pop act this year, garnering a total of four nods. 

The girl group’s hit single “Pink Venom” is nominated for Best Choreography, Best Art Direction, Best Editing, and Best K-pop. 

 

Meanwhile, TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT) scored a total of two nominations with their recent title track “Sugar Rush Side.

It is nominated in the Push Performance of the Year and Best K-pop categories. 

 

In addition to BLACKPINK and TXT, four other acts are also nominated in the K-pop category.

The nominees includes aespa’s “Girls,” FIFTY FIFTY’s Cupid,” SEVENTEEN’s “Super,”  and Stray Kids’ “S-Class.” 

MTV only added the Best K-pop category in 2019. 

 

Overall, pop star Taylor Swift and singer SZA lead the 2023 MTV VMAs nominees with eight and six nods, respectively. 

Moreover, fans can vote for their favorite acts through the MTV website

Additionally, the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards ceremony will take place on September 12 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. 

Featured image: BLACKPINK in a behind-the-scenes photo from their Coachella 2023 set. Credit: Facebook/BLACKPINK

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Look: I-Land 2 to Hold Global Audition Tour in 9 Countries

Still hesitating to make your K-pop idol dreams come true? Well, the opportunity is coming closer to your doorstep! 

Mnet announced on Friday, August 4, that they’ll be holding an offline global audition tour for I-LAND 2 across 12 cities in nine countries. 

The stops for the offline audition will include Toronto, New York, and Los Angeles. Meanwhile, the Asia stops will be in Tokyo, Osaka, Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi, Bangkok, and Shanghai. 

Additionally, the audition tour will also go to Berlin, London and Sydney in September. 

Mnet added that details and instructions for the audition stops in each country will be updated sequentially. 

What we know so far about I-LAND 2:

It was in July when Mnet announced that they’re launching the second season of the audition program I-LAND.Ready to be the biggest K-pop girl group of 2024?,” they teased. 

The first season of the hit reality survival series saw the formation of K-pop boy group ENHYPEN. The show was initially a joint project between Mnet and Belift Lab, an entertainment agency established through a joint venture between CJ ENM and HYBE. 

However, the second season will now be a collaboration between Mnet and YG Entertainment’s THEBLACKLABEL. 

 

The online applications ran from July 10 to August 6. Only girls who are born before January 1, 2011 and can travel internationally were allowed to apply. 

Online applicants also had to submit three videos: a self-introduction, a rap or vocal performance, and a dance routine.

The program is expected to air in the first half of 2024, but a final release date has yet to be announced. 

The trainees who will survive the challenges in I-LAND 2 will debut as a girl group under agency WakeOne Entertainment, the same label that handles ZEROBASEONE and Kep1er

ZEROBASEONE were chosen from the audition program Boys Planet, while Kep1er was formed through the series Girls Planet 999. 

Featured image: MNet partners up with THEBLACKLABEL for ‘I-LAND 2.’ Credit: Twitter/Mnet I-LAND

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NCT to Return as a Full Group With ‘Golden Age’

2023 is looking to be an eventful year for K-pop act NCT and they’re capping it off with a new album as a full group. 

On Wednesday, August 9, NCT released the teaser for their fourth studio album Golden Age, which will be out on August 28. 

SM Entertainment confirmed that all 20 members in NCT’s different subgroups; NCT 127, NCT Dream, and WayV, will take part in the album.

The album will have two title tracks, including the full unit song “Golden Age.” Meanwhile, the other title track will be called “Baggy Jeans.” Only members Taeyeong, Ten, Doyoung, Jaehyun, and Mark reportedly took part in “Baggy Jeans.” 

Other details about the album have yet to be announced. 

Additionally, Golden Age will serve as NCT’s first full group comeback in more than a year and a half. Their last was the studio album Universe that was released in December 2021. 

Prior to the release of Golden Age, NCT will also hold their first-ever offline concert as a full group. Titled NCT Nation: To The World, it will be held on August 26 at the Incheon Munhak Stadium

 

NCT in 2023

2023 started with NCT having 23 members, but it has now whittled down to 20 following a series of changes. 

After a two-year hiatus, Lucas officially left NCT and WayV in May. SM Entertainment announced that Lucas plans to pursue a solo career. 

Also in May, Sungchan and Shotaro left NCT. The two, who made their debut as members of NCT in October 2020, were initially expected to join NCT’s next NCT unit. 

As of writing though, Sungchan and Shotaro are now members of RIIZE, SM Entertainment’s newest boy group. The seven-piece act is expected to debut on September 4 with the single album Get A Guitar.

 

Meanwhile, the members of NCT’s final unit will be formed through the predebut reality show NCT Universe: LASTART. 

 

Only six members will reportedly be part of NCT Tokyo. Four members are going to be chosen from the reality show NCT Universe: LASTART, while the other two members are SM Rookies Yushi and Sion.

Aside from that, NCT Lab also recently unveiled its lineup for four new releases and debuts. 

Featured image: NCT poses for their third album ‘Universe.’ Credit: Facebook/NCT

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BTS’ V Drops Promotional Schedule for “Layover,” Nails Magazine Shoots

BTSV, also known as Kim Taehyung, is making waves in the music industry by announcing his debut solo album Layover. His agency BigHit Music recently released the promotional schedule. A series of activities will lead up to the album’s official launch on September 8.

Music videos for “Love Me Again” and “Rainy Days” will drop  on Thursday and Friday, respectively. Both tracks will be available on streaming platforms like Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube Music by Friday, August 11, at 1:00 PM KST. An initial set of Layover concept photos will drop at midnight KST on the same day, and a second set is set to drop the following Wednesday.

Moreover, the music videos for “Slow Dancing” and other album tracks like “Blue,” “For Us,” and the piano version of “Slow Dancing” will be released on Layover’s actual street date. The announcement sent the ARMY, BTS’ dedicated fanbase, into a frenzy on social media. Many expressed excitement for V’s solo music, with comments ranging from excitement to playful impatience.

BTS’ V nailed magazine shoots

Outside the music scene, V has also been captivating fans with his recent magazine shoots. For the September issue of W Korea, V showcased his intense aura adorned in signature Cartier pieces. His magnetic presence didn’t stop there. In Arena Homme Plus, V exuded the alluring and bold essence of youth, wearing select pieces from CELINE. His portrayal as the brand‘s global ambassador was nothing short of mesmerizing, capturing the enigmatic allure of a Parisian in love.

V‘s solo debut with Layover marks a significant milestone, especially since his fellow BTS members have all done solo work in the past year. His album is a collaboration with ADOR CEO and NewJeans mastermind Min Heejin, who spearheaded its production. Fans can expect Layover to have a strong R&B influence. For instance, “Love Me Again” is a light R&B song that highlights V’s unique baritone, while “Rainy Days” harmoniously blends his vocals with the soothing sound of rain.

The upcoming weeks will be exhilarating for ARMY worldwide. With the 95-liner‘s solo debut on the horizon and his enchanting magazine features, there’s no doubt that September will indeed be Kim Taehyung’s month. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: V’s visuals are on point in ARENA’s new issue. Source: Twitter/@arenahommeplus.

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