Author: Kpop News Writer

In K-pop, the popularity of a group can often be gauged by the size of the crowd at their events. So, when a recent photo from a fan event of the second-generation K-pop group INFINITE showed a seemingly small audience, it sparked fan concerns about the group’s standing in the industry.

The photo, posted on INFINITE‘s official Twitter account last August 3, showed the group in a large auditorium with around twenty-five fans, while the rest of the seats were empty. This led to confusion and concern among fans, with many wondering if the group’s popularity was waning.

However, a closer look at the situation reveals a different story. The event was a fan sign, typically with few attendees. For this particular event, only 30 winners were selected to attend, explaining the small number of fans in the photo.

Despite the initial confusion, INFINITE‘s popularity remains strong. The group recently made a successful comeback with their song “New Emotion” after setting up their own company, INFINITE Company, in May 2023. They have been actively promoting their comeback song, including selling out multiple nights of concerts at the KSPO Dome and other locations.

INFINITE is still going strong

Adding to their active schedule, INFINITE will appear on the popular variety show Knowing Bros. A preview of the upcoming episode shows all INFINITE members dancing to their iconic 2011 hit “Be Mine” and teasing their leader, Kim Sungkyu. The episode, set to air on August 12, will bring more laughter and showcase the group’s strong bond and playful dynamics.

＂Knowing Bros＂. Episode 396 preview

The group’s successful comeback and upcoming variety show appearance, suggest that INFINITE is far from over. While initially concerning, the photo from that fan sign is a snapshot of a specific event. It’s not indicative of the group’s overall popularity. Fans can rest assured that INFINITE is still going strong and making waves in the K-pop industry. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The preview for INFINITE’s “Knowing Bros” guesting proves the group is far from over. Source: YouTube/@JTBCEntertainment.

In K-pop, social media interactions between idols often create buzz. A comment by NCT‘s Taeyong on fellow member Yuta‘s recent Instagram post did just that.

Known for being more active on SNS than most idols, Taeyong, leader of the SM Entertainment boy group NCT, frequently engages with fans. From liking posts on Instagram to spending hours playing Animal Crossing with them, Taeyong‘s online activities have endeared him to many.

However, his recent comment on Yuta‘s Instagram post has stirred up lively discussions among fans. Yuta had uploaded a cover of Bring Me The Horizon‘s “Happy Song” on his Instagram account and earned praise for his vocals. 

Taeyong, however, left a comment that read, “Let me go change my underwear and come back.” This unexpected comment had NCTzens scratching their heads in confusion. Some even wondered if they had misread or misunderstood what Taeyong wrote.

He used the Korean term “지린다,” which some use to express exhilaration. It can sometimes mean “to expel bodily fluids from oneself due to excitement.” (Get it?) In other words, Taeyong’s use of this term implied that he got so excited by Yuta’s vocal performance that he needed to change his underwear. 

Other stunts Taeyong pulled on SNS

Adding to the intrigue, Taeyong has inadvertently hinted at his presence on Twitter. As part of his promotions for his first solo album, “Shalala,” he shared a screenshot of a tweet from the official SBS Inkigayo Twitter account on Dear. U Bubble. The screenshot displayed a message that appears when someone uses a Twitter account. By sharing the screenshot, Taeyong suggested he might have a secret Twitter account from which he follows fans.

That added a layer of intrigue to Taeyong‘s online activities, fueling fans’ curiosity and excitement. It’s a testament to NCT‘s close-knit relationship and willingness to engage with fans in ways others might consider unconventional. (For idols, anyway.)

As NCT continues to make waves in the music industry, fans can look forward to more amusing and unexpected moments featuring Taeyong, Yuta, and the rest of the group. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Taeyong and Yuta have always had great chemistry, as proven by this photo from a magazine shoot they did before. Source: Twitter/@ellejapan.

In a delightful surprise for their Filipino fans, members of the K-pop boy band CRAVITY recently participated in a dance challenge set to the song “GENTO” by P-pop group SB19. This unexpected move came days before CRAVITY‘s first concert in the Philippines, adding to the anticipation and excitement surrounding the event.

In a TikTok video, Hyeongjun and Taeyoung, two members of CRAVITY, showed off their dancing. The video, posted from their label Starship Entertainment‘s practice room, saw them energetically dancing to “GENTO.” The performance was a testament to their talent and a nod to P-pop’s growing global influence.

CRAVITY’s engagement with the “GENTO” dance challenge is part of a larger trend. Other Korean stars, including Minzy from the second-generation girl group 2NE1 (of which the Philippines’ own Sandara Park is a member) and Jacob from The Boyz, took on the “GENTO” challenge too. These interactions highlight the increasing cross-cultural exchanges in the world of pop music.

More “GENTO” from CRAVITY

The band comprises nine members: Allen, Hyeonjun, Jungmo, Minhee, Serim, Seongmin, Taeyoung, Wonjin, and Woobin. They debuted on April 14, 2020, with the title track “Break all the Rules.” At the time their “GENTO” video went viral on TikTok, CRAVITY was preparing a Manila performance as the last stop on their Masterpiece World Tour. 

When they turned up at the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City on August 5, they continued to impress their Filipino fans with their charms, talents, and visuals. They kicked off the concert with a rousing rendition of “Get Lifted” and ended with “Colorful.” Member Serim cut a sizzling figure as he danced and sang to their 2022 single “Vivid.”

One of the show’s highlights was when Hyeongjun and Taeyoung led the rest of the group in a quick performance of “GENTO.”

“GENTO” is a single from SB19‘s latest EP, which dropped last June. The song has gained immense popularity on social media, sparking the dance challenge that Hyeongjun and Taeyoung participated in. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: During the show, one member said they’re grateful Manila is the last puzzle piece that completed their Masterpiece Tour. Source: Twitter/@CRAVITYstarship.

VANNER, the winners of the hit reality competition show Peak Time, are back in the spotlight with their forthcoming album VENI, VIDI, VICI. The album’s title is a famous Latin phrase that means, “I came, I saw, I conquered.”  It’s commonly attributed to Julius Caesar in 47 B.C. as a comment on his short war with Pharnaces II of Pontus in Zela. The phrase refers to a swift, conclusive victory.

In the context of VANNER‘s new album, the phrase “veni, vidi, vici” symbolizes their journey in the K-pop scene. The band came into the industry (veni), saw the challenges and the competition (vidi), and with their win on Peak Time, they conquered (vici) the big time. It perfectly encapsulates their struggle, journey, and ultimate victory, making it a fitting title for their album.

The band’s recent teasers have sparked anticipation among their fanbase, who have been awaiting new music since their big win. They debuted in 2019 and faced an uphill battle to get recognition. On Peak Time, the members—Ahxian, Gon, Hyesung, Taehwan, and Yeonggwang—competed as Team 11:00. They all held part-time jobs but still gave the show their all.

VANNER goes global

Since then, VANNER has performed in front of thousands at the Jamsil Arena and signed with CEO Eshy Gazit for their promotions in the United States. Gazit is a partner of Maverick Management under Live Nation and the CEO of Intertwine Music. He played an essential role in promoting K-pop in the United States. He has worked with BTS, MONSTA X, and Tiffany Young.

VANNER has also unveiled the track list for VENI VIDI VICI, giving fans an idea of what they can expect from it. The mini album features a diverse range of songs, each one highlighting the band’s unique musical flair and versatility. According to the teaser image, the album’s title track is “Performer.” The B-sides include “Diamonds,” “Form,” “Savior,” “TBH,” and “Want U Back.”

VENI VIDI VICI marks the group’s first comeback since they took the Peak Time crown, and it’s set to drop on August 21. This step is significant to the band. It reflects their journey and drive to leave a lasting impression on K-pop fans worldwide. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: They’re talented and have a lot of aegyo. Source: Twitter/@VANNERofficial.

The popular South Korean boy group, The Boyz, managed by IST Entertainment, are ready to make a comeback to the K-pop scene with their second full-length album, Phantasy Pt. 1: Christmas in August. They’ve recently shared a “track clip” that provides a preview of all the songs on the album. This is a format other bands often refer to as a highlight medley. 

This clip showcases their readiness to embrace summer as the theme of their upcoming album, even if it’s a departure from their usual sound and style. The group’s members—Eric, Haknyeon, Hyunjae, Jacob, Juyeon, Kevin, New, Q, Sangyeon, Sunwoo, and Younghoon—can be seen enjoying the summer sun. All to the tune of their lively new material that perfectly captures the season’s spirit.

THE BOYZ(더보이즈) 2ND ALBUM [PHANTASY] Pt.1 Christmas In August Track Clip

The first part of their second full-length album, Phantasy Pt. 1: Christmas in August, includes six tracks: “Lip Gloss” (title), “Passion Fruit,” “Lighthouse,” “Fantasize,” “Fire Eyes,” and “Fairy Tale.” This clip offers brief snippets of each song, stirring up excitement among fans for the full versions. If you’re curious about the new songs on the album, the track clip will give you a taste of the music, evoking images of laughter, beach trips, and adventures under the open sky.

The Boyz added an exotic touch to their comeback by filming a music video for the title track, “Lip Gloss,” in Siargao, Philippines. The beautiful, scenic landscapes of the island will likely offer a unique visual element to the music video, enhancing the overall experience for fans.

THE BOYZ(더보이즈) ‘LIP GLOSS’ M/V Trailer

More on “Phantasy”

The Boyz have also released movie poster teasers for the album. Each poster features a different band member, adding a personal touch to the teasers. The posters not only highlight the individual styles of the members but also suggest the overall theme of the album.

The forthcoming album, Phantasy Pt. 1: Christmas in August, showcases their versatility through their willingness to experiment with a new sonic palette. As the release date nears, the excitement among Deobi (The Boyz‘s fanbase) continues to rise. 

The Boyz have consistently surprised Deobi (in a good way, mind you) with their albums and singles, and Phantasy Pt. 1: Christmas in August is set to do the same. The boy group’s second full-length effort, with its captivating teasers and unique concept, will definitely make a splash.

Phantasy Pt. 1: Christmas in August will drop on August 7 at 6:00 PM KST. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The group’s new stuff is perfect for the season! Source: Facebook/더보이즈(THE BOYZ).

In a delightful surprise for their fans, six members of the South Korean boy band Stray Kids made personal Instagram accounts. That created a significant buzz, with each member amassing followers like crazy. Bang Chan, Changbin, I.N., and Seungmin each surpassed the 3 million mark, while Felix and Hyunjin garnered over 4 million followers each.

Changbin and Felix amuse and impress netizens

Notably, Felix, whose username is @yong.lixx, set a record as the fastest fourth-generation idol to amass more than 1 million followers on Instagram, achieving this feat in one hour and 36 minutes. This milestone, however, had its share of controversy. Some netizens raised suspicions that Felix‘s fans artificially inflated his follower count. Despite these allegations, Felix remains popular on the platform. He currently has an impressive 3.5 million followers. His followers are not just fans but also include notable figures from the entertainment industry. 

His followers include Korean-Thai actor “Noeul” Nuttarat Tangwai, Thai actresses June Wanwimol and “Milk” Pansa Vosbein, Japanese performers Ryusei Kainuma and Taiki Sato, Chinese-American dancer Ellen Min of the dance duo Ellen & Brian, and American YouTuber Zach Hsieh. This diverse following demonstrates that his popularity extends beyond the realm of K-pop.

Changbin has been lauded for his unique Instagram handle, @jutdwae. It’s a creative blend of his nickname, “Man of Principles” or “Jutdae” (줏대) in Korean, and the name of his SKZOO character, “Dwaekki.” But it’s not just a simple fusion of the two words. 

The term “Jutdwae” (좆돼)  means “to be f****d” or “to end up in a bad situation.” This username choice even prompted fellow band member Hyunjin to comment on Changbin‘s first Instagram post, expressing his amusement. Changbin‘s response to Hyunjin‘s comment and subsequent post in their group chat asking Hyunjin what he was doing added humor to his Instagram debut.

The Stray Kids impact

While most Stray Kids members have embraced Instagram, Han and Lee Know chose to keep it at arm’s length for now. In a message shared via Bubble, Han expressed that he’s currently not ready to join the other six on the platform. But he did tell fans not to worry, because he’ll keep using the group’s official social media account. “I don’t know much about personal social media accounts, so I’ll make one when I can show you a lot of things!” 

Meanwhile, Lee Know said he prefers talking to fans on Bubble. “This is more comfortable for me, so I still don’t have thoughts about making an IG. Rather than talking about IG, please recommend me something for lunch,” he asked in a recent message. 

Despite not having a personal Instagram account, Lee Know has found ways to connect with fans on the platform. He recently updated Stray Kids’ official Instagram account with a doodle and selfies, claiming the account as his own in the caption. This playful interaction showcases Lee Know‘s unique approach to engaging with fans, even without a personal Instagram account.

Despite the varying paths chosen by the members, Stray Kids‘ presence on Instagram has made a significant impact. As they continue to connect with fans and express their individuality using this platform, the world is waiting with bated breath for what they’ll share next. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Stray Kids dropped a performance video for “PARTY’S NOT OVER” the same week the members made personal Instagram accounts. Source: Twitter/@Stray_Kids.