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Starship Entertainment Sues Youtubers Who Spread False Rumors on Ive

Starship Entertainment has taken legal action against YouTubers who published false and malicious content targeting their artists, including K-pop girl group IVE. 

“We have been taking strong legal action regarding instances of malicious slander, circulation of false information, posts with personal attacks, and defamatory posts and comments,” the agency said in a statement on Tuesday, July 25.

The agency revealed that they first filed a legal complaint against these hateful content creators in October 2022.

Starship Entertainment said that those who were sued were sentenced to six months in prison, employment restrictions, and being listed on sex offender registries. 

 

They added that they’re also carrying out criminal and civil lawsuits overseas since November 2022 with the help of LIWU Law Group. 

Who is Starship Entertainment suing?

Starship Entertainment shared that between May and July 2023, the agency was able to obtain information about the admin of the “Sojang” channel through the help of the Google headquarters in the United States.  

In their statement, Starship Entertainment described Sojang as a well-known channel that “caused serious defamation of our artist IVE’s members by continuously spreading false information.” These malicious content, the label said, affected their operations. 

However, the agency continued that by the time Google informed the owner of the Sojang channel about the provision order, the channel claimed to have been hacked. Sojang also deleted numerous videos on their channel and issued an apology. 

Despite Sojang’s apology, Starship Entertainment stressed that they will “hold  civil and criminal liability for their past illegal acts.”

 

Aside from Sojang, the agency said that they’re also verifying information of the hosts of other cyber wrecker channels. 

“We plan to take all possible legal actions without leniency for the current and future cases of defamation or other additional damages caused to the artists,” Starship Entertainment promised. 

The agency added that they will also operate a monitoring system to protect the reputation, privacy, and rights of their artists. 

Starship Entertainment is home to K-pop groups such as MONSTA X, Cosmic Girls, CRAVITY, IVE, and soloists K.Will, Yoo Seung Woo, Jeong Se Woon. 

 

They also manages actors under King Kong by Starship, including Yoo Yeon Seok, Song Seung Heon, Lee Dong Wook, Kim Bum, Goo Ara, Ryu Hye Young, Shin Seung Ho, and more. 

Featured image: IVE’s Facebook

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Exo’s Suho Returns as an Actor in ‘Behind Your Touch’

Suho of K-pop group EXO will be making his acting comeback through the JTBC comedy-drama series Behind Your Touch. 

On Wednesday, July 27, JTBC shared still images of Suho’s character in the upcoming drama.

One photo showed him outside of a convenience store, while another featured him holding a cat. Another image also captured him staring into a distance. 

Behind Your Touch will follow Bong Ye Boon (portrayed by Han Ji Min), a veterinarian who has the supernatural ability to see the pasts of other people and animals. 

Han Ji Min will be joined by Lee Min Ki, who plays the ambitious detective Jang Yeol who plans to use Ye Boon’s special ability so he could be moved to the criminal investigation team in Seoul.

Suho will be portraying Kim Seon Woo, an outsider who moves to Ye Boon’s crime-free rural village Mujin. 

EXO also shared the character posters of Suho in the upcoming drama, teasing that the idol will act as the “mysterious part-timer Kim Seon Woo.” 

Suho on acting again

Behind Your Touch will serve as Suho’s first acting stint in almost five years, following the 2018 film Middle School Girl A and series Rich Man. 

As to what made him return to acting, Suho said that it’s because he’s a fan of director Kim Seok Yoon’s work and has always wanted to work with him. 

“The script was really fun to read, and I found the character of Sun Woo extremely appealing, so I thought to myself that I really wanted to try playing him no matter what,” he was quoted by Soompi. 

The idol-actor also teased fans they’ll enjoy how the drama mixes multiple genres such as thriller, comedy, and romance. “I think this drama will be an especially meaningful one for me, because I was able to work together with such wonderful people and create a great drama,” he said. 

Behind Your Touch will premiere on August 12. 

 

Meanwhile, aside from acting, Suho has also been busy with EXO’s activities. 

The group recently made their comeback with their seventh full-length album EXIST. 

EXO will also be airing the fourth season of their hit variety show Travel the World on a Ladder starting August 11.  

Featured image: JTBC Drama’s Instagram

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Bae Suzy’s Malicious Troll Gets Fined by Court

A man who posted libelous comments against idol-actress Bae Suzy in 2015 has been found guilty in a legal battle that lasted for almost eight years. 

According to reports from Korean entertainment outlets Soompi and The Korea Herald, the malicious commenter (hereafter referred to as “A”) was a man in his 40s. 

The Korea Herald reported that A left a comment about Suzy online on October 29, 2015 that read: “A bubble created by media manipulation, just a national hotel girl.”

Soompi added that A also left other defamatory statements about the idol-actress in the comment section of articles regarding Suzy from October to December 2015. 

Who is being sued?

A was then sued by Suzy’s camp and went on trial on the charges of insult, with the prosecution reportedly demanding a monetary penalty on the malicious commenter. 

A pleaded not guilty and requested for a former trial, to which he was sentenced to a fine of 1 million won. However, a higher court overturned the ruling in the first trial. 

According to The Korea Herald, the judge in the appeal ruled that comments about celebrities should be judged differently on whether they’re worthy of punishment as celebrities are public figures. With the reversal, the court lowered A’s sentence to a fine of 500 thousand won instead. 

Although A appealed again, the Supreme Court dismissed his appeal and upheld the verdict that the man is guilty of insulting Suzy.

“The expression ‘national hotel girl’ implies the opposite image of what Bae had established during her career, and it denounces her by sexually objectifying her,” the Supreme Court was quoted as saying. 

As of writing, Suzy’s camp has yet to address the ruling. 

Bae Suzy made her debut as a member of girl group Miss A under JYP Entertainment in July 2010. The “Bad Girl Good Girl” hitmakers officially disbanded in December 2017. 

Suzy also garnered worldwide popularity as an actress. She starred in series Start-Up, Vagabond, Uncontrollably Fond, Dream High, and Anna. 

Her upcoming works include the film Wonderland and series All Your Wishes Come True.

Featured image: MANAGEMENT SOOP’s Instagram

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Wow! Blackpink Becomes 1st Artist to Reach 90 Million Subscribers on YouTube

Are we even surprised, BLINKs? K-pop girl group BLACKPINK continues to set new records! 

YG Entertainment announced on Monday, July 17, that BLACKPINK has surpassed 90 million subscribers on their official YouTube channel at 5:36 am KST. 

The group is the first artist to reach this milestone and they achieved the feat within seven years and one month since the YouTube channel was launched in June 2016. 

In July 2020, BLACKPINK became the first non-English language artist to be part of the top five YouTube channels with the most subscribers.  

 

In September 2021, BLACKPINK reached 65.5 million subscribers and became the most subscribed artist on YouTube, surpassing pop stars Justin Bieber, Eminem, Ariana Grande, and Ed Sheeran. “We would like to dedicate this honor to all of our fans around the world who have loved and supported us throughout,” the group said then about the milestone. 

The four-piece act held the record since then. They reached 80 million YouTube subscribers in September 2022 and added another 10 million in less than a year – proving BLACKPINK’s consistent growth in popularity. 

BLACKPINK sets more achievements

Reaching 90 million subscribers on YouTube is the latest addition to BLACKPINK’s growing accolades.

In April, BLACKPINK also set another Guinness World Record for being the most viewed channel on YouTube. As of writing, the group has now surpassed more than a total of 32 billion views of all its videos on their official channel. 

Music videos of “Boombayah,” “Ddu-du Ddu-du,” and “This Love” have more than 1.5 billion views each. But aside from group music videos, BLACKPINK’s official YouTube channel also holds behind-the-scenes videos of the girls’ activities, as well as the solo releases of each member.

Aside from their group and solo music activities, members Jisoo and Jennie have also ventured into acting, with Jisoo working on Snowdrop and Jennie in the recently-concluded The Idol.

BLACKPINK, who made their debut in August 2016, is known for songs “As If It’s Your Last,” “How You Like That,” and “Shut Down.” The group is currently embarking on their “BORN PINK” concert tour. 

The group’s seven-year contract with YG Entertainment is set to expire by August 2023, with member Lisa being rumored to no longer renew with the agency. Stay tuned about BLACKPINK’s contract renewal news here!

Featured image from BLACKPINK’s Twitter

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Kim Sejeong to Make September Comeback

Mark your calendars because idol-actress Kim Sejeong will be releasing new music. 

The K-pop star’s agency Jellyfish Entertainment confirmed the news on Thursday, July 27. “Kim Sejeong will release a new album in September,” they said. 

Additional details, such as album name, number of tracks, and final release date, have yet to be announced. 

The upcoming September comeback will serve as Sejeong’s first music release in two years following her second mini album I’m, which was released in March 2021. 

 

Since then, Sejeong has mainly focused on her acting career – starring in the hit Netflix romantic-comedy series Business Proposal with Ahn Hyo Seop, Today’s Webtoon, and The Uncanny Counter 2.

Sejeong gained popularity through the first season of Produce 101 in 2016, where she finished as runner-up and became a part of the project group I.O.I. The group made their debut in May 2016 and disbanded in January 2017. 

 

 

While still a member of I.O.I, Sejeong also made her debut as a member of Gugudan, a group under Jellyfish Entertainment. Gugudan, however, disbanded in December 2020. 

She made her acting debut in School 2017, where she won a Best New Actress award. She also hosted variety shows Busted, Get It Beauty, and Wanna Hear Your Song, and even made her musical debut. 

Sejeong also released OST soundtracks for dramas Crash Landing On You and The Legend of the Blue Sea, and released her own digital singles.

Featured image: Kim Sejeong’s Twitter

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Look: Mamamoo’s Hwasa Releases Profile Photos for P Nation

In celebration of Hwasa’s recent signing with their agency, P NATION has released new official profile photos of the MAMAMOO member. 

Even in the black-and-white photos, Hwasa is still oozing with sultriness.

Aside from the new stunning set of photos, P NATION also released a video of Hwasa covering “Walk On By” by Dionne Warwick. 

 

It was in June when Hwasa left RBW, the agency who formed K-pop girl group MAMAMOO. She’s the second member to leave the agency, following Wheein who left in 2021. Only Moonbyul and Solar remain with RBW, but the group assured fans that they’ll continue activities as MAMAMOO. 

After her departure from RBW, Hwasa signed with P NATION, the agency established by Psy, in early July. 

Other artists under P NATION include Crush, Heize, Penomeco, Swings, and group The New Six (TNX). 

The release of Hwasa’s new profile photos also coincide while the singer is in the middle of controversy. A complaint was reportedly filed against the idol following her performance at Sungkyunkwan University. 

P NATION has briefly issued a statement to acknowledge that the police are reviewing the case, but other developments about the matter have yet to be disclosed. 

Outside of MAMAMOO, Hwasa made her debut as a solo artist in February 2019 with the song “Twit.” She released her solo debut EP Maria in June 20200 and single album Guilty Pleasure in November 2021. 

Featured image: P NATION’s Twitter

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Treasure’s Haruto to Take Hiatus Due to Grandfather’s Health

Haruto of K-pop boy group TREASURE will be taking a break from promotional activities as his grandfather has gotten ill, YG Entertainment announced on Thursday, July 27.

The agency didn’t go into detail about the health issues of Haruto’s grandfather, but cited this as the reason why the Japanese member won’t be able to participate in the group’s upcoming activities for their album REBOOT. 

 

“We apologize for causing concern with this sudden news. We ask for your understanding, and he plans to return as soon as possible to meet the fans,” the agency was quoted as saying. 

The announcement came a day before TREASURE released their second full-length album REBOOT on Friday, July 28. 

REBOOT has a total of 10 songs, with “Bona Bona” as its title track. Several songs in the album were also written by some of the TREASURE members including Asahi, Haruto, Choi Hyun Suk, Junkyu, and Yoshi. 

REBOOT also served as the group’s first comeback following their first extended play The Second Step: Chapter One, which was released in February 2022, as well as the group’s first release as an official 10-member group as members Yedam and Mashiho officially left TREASURE in November 2022. 

The “reboot project” also started with the debut of T5, TREASURE’s first official sub-unit, with “Move.” 

Initially a 12-member group, TREASURE made their debut in August 2020 under YG Entertainment. Currently, the group is composed of Choi Hyun Suk, Ji Hoon, Yoshi, Junkyu, Yoon Jae Hyuk, Asahi, Doyoung, Haruto, Park Jeong Woo, and So Jung Hwan. 

TREASURE is known for songs “Jikjin,” “Darari,” and “Hello.” 

Featured image: YG Entertainment’s Twitter

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Akmu Confirms First Comeback in 2 Years

Mark your calendars because Akdong Musician (AKMU) is gearing up for their first comeback in almost two years. 

YG Entertainment confirmed on Tuesday, July 25, that the duo of Lee siblings Suhyun and Chanyuk are releasing new music in August. 

“AKMU is currently working on post-production for the album with the goal of making a summer comeback. We will share more details when they are confirmed,” the agency said. 

 

Additional details, such as album name and final release date, have yet to be announced. 

Prior to the upcoming album, AKMU’s latest music was the collaboration album NEXT EPISODE, which was released in July 2021. NEXT EPISODE included seven collaborative tracks featuring IU, Crush, Zion. T, Lee Sun Hee, Beenzino, Choi Jung-hoon/Jannabi, and Sam Kim. 

During their two-year break, the Lee siblings focused on their individual activities. Chanhyuk made his solo debut through the album ERROR, which was released in October 2022. Meanwhile, Suhyun recorded OSTs for dramas My Liberation Notes and Curtain Call and hosted the Netflix variety show 19/20.

 

AKMU made their debut in 2014 after winning the reality competition show K-pop Star 2. They renewed their contract with YG Entertainment in January 2021. 

AKMU is known for their songs “200%,” “Last Goodbye,” “Give Love,” “Time and Fallen Loves,” and “How Can I Love the Heartbreak, You’re the One I Love.”

Featured image: AKMU’s Facebook

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Look: Twice’s Dahyun Is Michael Kors New Global Ambassador

ONCEs are rejoicing as Dahyun of K-pop girl group TWICE has been announced the newest global ambassador of fashion luxury brand Michael Kors. 

On Wednesday, July 27, the brand shared a photo of Dahyun  holding the Signature Logo Heather Bag from their  “Urban Bohemia” Fall Collection.

“The South Korean-native and musical sensation stars in our latest campaign,” Michael Kors captioned the post. 

Dahyun attends Michael Kors events

 Fans quickly took to social media to celebrate Dahyun’s newest feat, pointing out that the idol is no stranger to the luxury brand. 

 

Dahyun has been previously invited by Michael Kors twice to come to New York for their prestigious events. In September 2022, she attended the brand’s Spring/Summer Fall Collection show. 

She again returned to the United States in February for the New York Fashion Week show — where her black cut-out gown and strappy black pumps ensemble quickly went viral on social media. 

In an interview with Elle, Dahyun shared how grateful she is to be invited by Michael Kors to these events. 

“I felt happy to be back in New York and to attend another Michael Kors show. Every look was so amazing,” she said. 

She also expressed the same sentiment in her vlog, saying that while it was a super hectic schedule, she still enjoyed it. “I really had so much fun. Thank you for inviting me to the fashion show again,” she said. 

 

Dahyun is the first member of TWICE to be invited to the New York Fashion Week. She is also the first member to land a solo ambassadorship with a luxury brand. 

Previous global brand ambassadors of Michael Kors include Yoona of K-pop girl group Girls Generation, Japanese actress-model Tsubasa Honda, and award-winning actress Shu Qi. 

Dahyun made her debut under JYP Entertainment in October 2015 as a member of the nine-piece act TWICE . The group is known for songs “The Feels,” “TT,” “I Can’t Stop Me,” and “Feel Special.”

Currently, TWICE is embarking on their READY TO BE concert tour, wherein they made history as the first K-pop girl group to sell out at a stadium in North America. 

Meanwhile, member Jihyo is also set to make her solo debut in August with “Killin’ Me Good” while its Japanese members Momo, Mina, and Sana made their sub-unit debut with the Japanese mini-album Masterpiece. 

Featured image: Michael Kors’ Twitter

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Watch: Netflix Releases Trailer for ‘The Uncanny Counter 2’

Netflix released on Wednesday, July 19, the official trailer for the second season of the fantasy-action series The Uncanny Counter. 

“Armed with new powers and fresh recruits, the Counters continue their battle against evil demons who feed on humans,” the trailer’s description read. 

 

The Uncanny Counter, which aired its first season in November 2020, follows the story of four people who run a noodle shop by day and hunt demons when they’re not working. It is based on the hit webtoon titled Amazing Rumor. 

Jo Byeong Gyu, Yoo Jun Sang, Kim Sejeong, and Yeom Hye Ran are set to reprise their roles as members of the Counters. Counters are a group of people with special abilities who perform various activities as paranormal hunters. They try to search for evil spirits who came back from the afterlife to prey on humans.

Meanwhile, Extraordinary Attorney Woo’s Kang Ki Young, The Glory’s Kim Hieora, and All of Us Are Dead’s Yoo In-soo are the new additional cast members for the second season. Yoo’s character will be the latest recruit to the Counters, while Kang and Kim will be playing demon characters. 

“In order to beat them, we’ll have to be much faster and stronger,” the Counters said in the trailer. “Let’s rid this world of evil spirits.” 

The Uncanny Counter season 2 will premiere on Netflix on July 29. 

Featured image: Screenshot from TVN Drama’s Instagram

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