Author: Kpop News Writer

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BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BTS’ Jin Uploads Military Service Photos with WINNER’s Yoon

BTS' Jin and WINNER's Yoon

BTS‘ Jin, currently serving in the military, recently shared some photos with WINNER‘s Yoon, who is also fulfilling his military duties. The photos, posted on the fan community platform Weverse, not only delighted fans but also addressed rumors of special treatment for idols in the military.

Jin (Kim Seok-jin), a member of the world-renowned K-pop group BTS, and Yoon (Kang Seung-yoon), a member of the popular group WINNER, are currently serving in the military. Jin, who serves as an instructor, shared pictures of himself with Yoon, who recently completed basic training. The photos show Jin wearing his sergeant’s uniform and Yoon in his private’s uniform, offering fans of both a rare glimpse into their military life.

BTS’ Jin and WINNER’s Yoon address rumors of special treatment

In his post, Jin also addressed the rumors of special treatment for idols in the military. He wrote that both he and Yoon were treated the same as everyone else, dispelling any misconceptions about preferential treatment. This statement was well-received by fans who appreciated Jin‘s honesty and transparency.

Jin‘s Weverse post also included a heartfelt message congratulating Yoon on completing his basic training and wishing him well on his next assignment. Jin also expressed hope that the photo would be well-received by both BTS (ARMY) and WINNER (INNER CIRCLE) fans.

The post sparked excitement among fans, with many expressing happiness on social media. Fans left comments such as “A two-shot we couldn’t even imagine,” “This is fascinating,” and “They both look good; I hope they have a healthy military life.”

As Jin and Yoon continue their military service, fans are eagerly awaiting their return to the music scene. Despite their current duties, both idols have shown commitment to keeping fans updated on their activities, even during military service. As always, BTS and WINNER continue to connect with fans in meaningful ways, even amidst their individual pursuits and responsibilities. — K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Fans called this “A two-shot we couldn’t even imagine.” Source: Weverse/Source: Weverse’s BTS Community.

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KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

The Super Stage by K-Pop in Manila Concert Canceled Unexpectedly

In a surprising and unfortunate turn of events, the highly-anticipated concert The Super Stage by K-Pop in Manila has been canceled. OctArts Entertainment organized the show, initially set for August 11. K-pop artists Kep1er, Lapillus, MAMAMOO+, and Sandara Park were slated to perform. Fans grew sad when the organizer broke the news, especially because they gave no specific reason.

https://twitter.com/OctoArtsEnt/status/1683839157041504261

OctoArts Entertainment made the announcement on July 25, stating that the show would no longer go on. They assured ticket holders they would receive full refunds. A refund process guideline was also provided on their social media accounts to guide ticket holders.

Fans on The Super Stage by K-Pop in Manila cancelation

The cancellation left fans feeling let down. Many had eagerly anticipated the concert and purchased tickets. The abrupt cancellation, without an explanation, has caused a wave of disappointment in the K-Pop community.

The Super Stage by K-Pop in Manila’s venue was the SM Mall of Asia Arena. OctoArts Entertainment had previously partnered with Cornerstone Entertainment for the June 11 Overpass: K-pop Music concert that featured acts EXO’s Baekhyun, B.I., and Jeon Somi. This concert was to be their next event following the Overpass concert.

Despite the disappointment, fans now look forward to other events and hope for a new date for the canceled concert. However, the organizers have yet to announce a new schedule. Stay tuned for updates. — K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: K-pop stans ranted about the cancelation on Twitter. Source: Twitter/OctoArts Entertainment’s official Twitter account.

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KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Queendom Puzzle Announces Name of Project Group; Eliminates 5 Contestants

The competition in Queendom Puzzle is heating up! 

On its Tuesday, July 25 episode, the survival show made a series of huge announcements including the first elimination ceremony, current top 7 members, and the name of its upcoming project group. 

Hosted by Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon, Queendom Puzzle is a spin-off of the survival series Queendom — but instead of featuring various girl groups, it will have female idols competing against each other instead. 

Some contestants include members of current active girl groups such as WJSN, Weki Meki, Rocket Punch, MOMOLAND, AOA, Lovelyz and Cherry Bullet, among others. 

26 members are battling for spots in a new seven-member project girl group. 

The seventh episode that aired on July 27 featured a special stage performance of “Rise Up,” wherein all participants performed together. 

 

It also revealed that the Puzzle Team won all the five rounds of the All-Rounder Battle, and was the ultimate winner of the battle. All members of Puzzle Team then had 20,000 points added to their individual voting scores as a benefit of their win. 

Taeyeon then revealed that the group that will be formed in Queendom Puzzle would debut under the name EL7Z U+P, which is a stylized anagram of the word “puzzle.” 

Who’s out? Who’s moving forward to the next rounds?

The host also announced the current 7 contestants leading the global votes by the time the episode aired, which include: H1-KEY’s Hwiseo, WJSN’s Yeoreum, woo!ah!’s Nana, Weeekly’s Jihan, PURPLE KISS’ Yuki, CLC’s Yeeun, Lovelyz’s Kei. 

However, all votes were reset after the Tuesday episode. 

 

After announcing the leading contestants, the show then bid goodbye to five participants, including tripleS’ Seoyeon, Cherry Bullet’s Chaerin, MOMOLAND’s JooE, LIGHTSUM’s Sangah, and Weeekly’s Seoun. 

 

Queendom Puzzle will air its semifinals and finals live on August 8 and 15, respectively. 

Featured image: Mnet’s YouTube

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KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Kang Daniel to Release “My Parade” Documentary Film

South Korean soloist Kang Daniel is starring in his first documentary film titled My Parade! 

The movie follows the idol’s preparation for his first world tour, First Parade, and will feature exclusive never-before-seen footage of his rehearsals and performances. 

It will also include interviews not only with Kang Daniel, as well as his acquaintances from the industry. 

 

“This concert documentary film chronicles Daniel’s time in the rehearsal room, his stripped back and natural self with the people closest to him, and a glimpse into his mindset and resolve through heartfelt interviews,” the synopsis on the film’s website read. 

The film will be available in select cinemas worldwide on August 30 and September 2. Tickets will be available starting August 2, and fans can sign up at the website for more updates. 

My Parade will be distributed worldwide through the collaboration of Trafalgar Releasing and WYS En Scenea. 

“As a sensational solo artist, Kang Daniel has widespread appeal and a dedicated global fanbase, and we believe My Parade is a perfect fit for the event cinema experience and a welcomed addition to the K-pop genre on the big screen,” Marc Allenby, CEO of Trafalgar Releasing, said in a press release. 

Kang Daniel rose to fame after finishing first in the second season of the reality survival show Produce 101 in 2017. He became the center of the project group Wanna One, until it disbanded in 2019. 

 

He then pursued a solo career and established his own agency Konnect Entertainment. He released his latest album REALIEZ in June, and has also hosted dance survival shows Street Woman Fighter and Street Man Fighter.

Featured image: Kang Daniel’s Twitter

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KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Is Riize the Name of SM Entertainment’s New Kpop Boy Group?

Fans are already looking forward to the debut of SM Entertainment’s new boy group and they can’t help but look for any development about it. 

Eagle-eyed netizens took to social media to discuss what could be the possible name of the said group, especially that some users have discovered that SM Entertainment has applied for a new trademark over the phrases “Rise&Realize” and “RIIZE.” 

Online users pointed out how the agency applied for the trademark on May 24, 2023 — the same day wherein SM Entertainment released their statement about their plans for upcoming groups, as well as Shotaro and Sungchan’s departure from the group NCT. 

This prompted fans to search for “Rise&Realize” and “RIIZE” on social media platforms, which led to them discovering Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok accounts that carry the name RIIZE_OFFICIAL. Said social media accounts were registered in April 2023. 

 

Although SM Entertainment remains tight-lipped about their upcoming boy group, a representative from the agency has earlier confirmed that it is gearing up for a September debut. 

“The new boy group is currently filming their music video and at the final stage of preparations,” the agency said. 

SM Entertainment’s CEO Jang Cheol Hyuk has revealed that the new boy group will have former NCT members Sungchan and Shotaro and SM Rookies Eunseok and Seunghan as part of its lineup. The seven-piece act will also feature other members of Korean and American nationalities. 

Meanwhile, aside from the new boy group, SM Entertainment is also currently forming the last unit of NCT. Through the reality series, NCT Universe: LASTART, they will be looking for members of NCT Tokyo. 

Featured image: SM Rookies’ Facebook

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

The Boyz to Release Second Full Album “Phantasy” as Trilogy

DEOBIs, your 2023 is about to get more exciting as K-pop boy group The Boyz just confirmed that they’ll make three comebacks for the remainder of the year! 

IST Entertainment confirmed on Tuesday, July 25, that the group’s second full-length album titled PHANTASY will be divided into three parts. 

“The Boyz will release their 2nd full album ‘PHANTASY’ in three parts, as a trilogy, in the second half of 2023,” the agency said. 

 

Following the confirmation, The Boyz then released a collage of three sequence posters for the album, where each showed three different places – a beach, a drive-in theater, and a field of snow. 

 

 

The first part of the PHANTASY trilogy album will be titled Christmas in August, which will be released on August 7. 

The Boyz also released the first teasers for Christmas in August, with most of the photos being in a tropical beach setting. 

 

Additional details about the album, such as its title track and number of songs, have yet to be announced. 

Meanwhile, the remaining parts of the album, which will be titled Sixth Sense and Love Letter, will be released in the coming months. Final dates have yet to be disclosed. 

PHANTASY would serve as The Boyz’s first full-length album in more than three years following REVEAL, which was released in February 2020. BE AWAKE, their latest mini-album, was released in February. 

Currently, The Boyz is embarking on their second world tour called Zeneration. 

The Boyz initially made their debut as a 12-member group in December 2017. However, Hwall left in October 2019 due to health reasons. 

Currently, the group is composed of Sangyeon, Jacob, Hyunjae, Younghoon, Kevin, Juyeon, New, Q, Sunwoo, Ju Haknyeon, and Eric. 

Featured image: THE BOYZ’ Twitter

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K-DRAMA LATEST STORIES

Kim Woo Bin, Kim Sung Kyun to Star in Netflix’s “Officer Black Belt”

South Korean actors Kim Woo Bin and Kim Sung Kyun are teaming up for the first time for the upcoming action-comedy film from Netflix titled Officer Black Belt. 

In a press release on Wednesday, July 26, Netflix shared that the film will follow the lives of a probation officer and a martial arts officer as they attempt to fight crimes together. 

Woo Bin, who is best known for his roles in Black Knight and The Heirs, will portray Lee Jung Do, an easygoing and ordinary man who is also a martial arts prodigy. His character has nine dans (or ranks) in taekwondo, kendo, and judo. 

Meanwhile,  Sung Kyun, who starred in D.P. and Reply 1998, will play probation officer Kim Seon Min. 

The story will kick off with Woo Bin’s character saving a martial arts officer from being attacked by a criminal. As a result of his heroic behavior, he was made to become a substitute martial arts officer for five weeks. 

The film will be helmed by Jason Kim, whose works also include Midnight Runners and Bloodhounds. 

Netflix has yet to announce a release date for Officer Black Belt. 

Meanwhile, aside from Officer Black Belt, Woo Bin is also confirmed to star in a new variety show from renowned PD Na Young Seok, alongside Lee Kwang Soo, EXO’s DO, and Kim Ki Bang. 

Featured image: Netflix Korea’s Twitter

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BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BTS’ SUGA to Conclude D-DAY Tour with Encore and Event Appearance

BTS‘ SUGA will conclude his successful D-DAY tour with three encore concerts in South Korea. He will also appear at Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event, marking a busy schedule for the superstar.

SUGA‘s D-DAY tour, which has seen him perform across Asia and the U.S., will conclude with three shows on August 4, 5, and 6 at the KSPO Dome, aka the Olympic Gymnastics Arena. The concerts will be streamed online on Weverse, with ticket prices ranging from 59,000 KRW for a single day to 178,000 KRW for all days. Delayed single-view streaming will also be available for those who wish to rewatch the concerts.

The D-DAY tour has been a significant journey for SUGA. It had guest performances from artists like Halsey, MAX, and Psy. With the encore concert announcement, ARMY hopes to see more guest appearances from artists such as IU, Jimin, RM, and Woosung.

SUGA loves Samsung

In addition to his tour, SUGA will attend Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event. This will be Samsung’s first unveiling of its flagship phones in Korea. His presence is expected to add a special touch to the event. Samsung has collaborated with BTS for promotional activities, but this will be the first time a BTS member will be attending a Galaxy event in person.

Multiple industry sources confirmed SUGA‘s participation in the Samsung event. One source stated, “Samsung put much effort into inviting SUGA to attend its first Unpacked event on its home turf.” Another source added, “Since the event means a lot to the firm, SUGA’s presence will make it more special.”

The rapper’s love for Samsung products has been evident in the past. During a solo concert in New Jersey, he offered to take selfies with fans using their smartphones, but only if they were Galaxy phones. He also showed off his own Galaxy smartphone with concert stickers during a live stream on Weverse, the social platform BTS uses to communicate with fans. — K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: SUGA’s concerts are audio-visual and emotional spectacles. Source: Instagram/SUGA’s personal Instagram account.

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KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

FIFTY FIFTY’s Agency Files for Trademark Rights in Major Markets

ATTRAKT, the agency of the girl group FIFTY FIFTY, has officially applied for trademark rights in the US, UK, China, and Japan. This comes after the group filed to suspend their exclusive contract, allowing them to operate independently. However, this development may restrict the members from performing under the name FIFTY FIFTY overseas without ATTRAKT’s consent.

On July 5, ATTRAKT filed for trademark rights in the four countries. The applications have already been assigned numbers and are currently in the process of being officially registered. According to Jong-Hak Jeon, a patent attorney representing ATTRAKT, each country’s trademark rights should be obtained individually due to the principle of national independence in intellectual property law.

Previously, ATTRAKT had applied for the English name of FIFTY FIFTY as a trademark in Korea on May 15. Later, on June 19, it was revealed that the four members who had requested the suspension of their exclusive contract also applied for the Korean name as a trademark. However, due to the Treaty Priority Right System in trademark law, countries like the US and the UK look at the first application date in Korea, May 15, as the standard. Ergo, even if the girls apply for trademark rights overseas in the future, the priority will be given to ATTRAKT.

What if ATTRAKT gets the rights?

There is no evidence that the members have applied for trademark rights overseas. If ATTRAKT’s overseas trademark rights are officially registered, their options will be reduced. Given the current situation, even if the members find a way to operate independently, taking domestic stages will be difficult. That’s why many believe FIFTY FIFTY may focus on overseas activities for now by partnering with a foreign label, considering their notable achievements on the US and UK charts. They took their first step on that road by contributing to the Barbie soundtrack.

But if ATTRAKT gets the rights, they can’t use the FIFTY FIFTY name overseas. That will put a monkey wrench in their plans. Stay tuned for more updates on this case. —K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: When the MV for “Cupid” crossed 100M views, ATTRAKT posted a performance video for the song. Source: YouTube/FIFTY FIFTY’s official YouTube channel.

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Donatella Versace Becomes an Avid Fan of Stray Kids’ Hyunjin

Stray Kids‘ Hyunjin, known for his charismatic performances and stunning visuals, has been winning hearts worldwide. Recently, he caught the attention of an influential figure in the fashion industry. Donatella Versace, the chief brand director of Versace, loves him—and she sure isn’t shy about it!

On July 20, Hyunjin was named a global ambassador for Versace, following his impressive presence at the brand’s recent fashion events. His appointment was well-received, particularly by the fashion house’s leader Donatella Versace, who seems to have become an ardent fan of the K-pop star.

Interestingly, Donatella’s Instagram account has started to resemble a Hyunjin fan page. Out of her last six posts, three feature Hyunjin, and fans have also noticed her comments on Stray Kids‘ Instagram posts. She has been praising Hyunjin, calling him “Versace perfection.”

Fans of Stray Kids, known as STAYs, have found this amusing and relatable. They have been leaving supportive comments for “Versace’s Prince” on Donatella’s Instagram posts, expressing approval of Hyunjin‘s ambassadorship.

Moreover, STAYs have humorously welcomed Donatella to “STAYville,” joking about the possibility of competing with her for Hyunjin merchandise in the future. Tweets about Donatella’s Instagram turning into a Hyunjin fan account have been circulating, adding a fun twist to the story.

This isn’t the first time Donatella Versace has shown her admiration for Hyunjin. Her interactions with him have been a topic of interest among many fans, further proving Hyunjin‘s global impact.

In conclusion, the bond between Donatella Versace and the Stray Kids member is a testament to the K-pop star’s charm. It’s delightful for STAYs to see such a prominent figure in fashion supporting their idol. — K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Donatella Versace is quite happy with the brand’s new global ambassador. Source: Twitter/Versace’s official Twitter account.

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