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Busan to Establish Specialized K-pop High School for Aspiring Artists

To nurture and cultivate young talents in the K-pop industry, the southern port city of Busan has announced plans to open a specialized high school focused on incubating aspiring K-pop artists, including singers, performers, writers, and composers.

Set to launch in 2028, the high school aims to attract students from South Korea and abroad who aspire to follow in the footsteps of successful acts like BTS and BLACKPINK.

 

The Busan Metropolitan City Office of Education has revealed that the city’s education board will enlist specialists in the field of popular music to provide high-quality education tailored to the needs of aspiring K-pop artists at the dedicated high school. The school will be established within an existing educational facility that is underutilized due to low student enrollment.

According to officials from the Busan City government, graduates from middle schools in South Korea and foreign countries will be able to enter Busan’s K-pop high school and undergo training as future K-pop trainees. School construction is scheduled to commence in 2027, with the official opening slated for 2028.

“The K-pop high school will play a significant role in enhancing the professional skills and artistic potential of South Korean and international students who possess the necessary talent and passion for becoming key figures in the industry,” stated an official from the Busan Metropolitan City Office of Education on June 30.

As the K-pop phenomenon continues to captivate global audiences, Busan’s initiative to establish a dedicated K-pop high school reflects the city’s commitment to fostering the next generation of K-pop stars and solidifying its position as a thriving hub for the music industry.

Featured Photo Credit: Visit Busan

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Early Finale: Jennie’s Acting Debut in “The Idol” Cut Short

BLACKPINK’s Jennie’s acting debut in the HBO drama series “The Idol” is coming to an early end, surprising U.S. media outlets. Originally planned as a six-part series, it has been announced that the fifth episode will serve as the season finale, titled “Jocelyn Forever,” airing on July 2.

The decision to wrap up the series ahead of schedule has raised questions, with sources suggesting that the storyline underwent significant changes after Sam Levinson’s involvement. Levinson, known for his work on the popular teen drama series “Euphoria,” took over the directorial role from Amy Seimetz and collaborated on the project with the Weeknd (Tesfaye) and Reza Fahim.

The future of “The Idol” beyond its first season remains uncertain. While initial reports claimed that the show had been canceled for a second season, HBO denied this speculation on Twitter, stating that no decision had been made yet and expressing excitement for the upcoming episode.

“The Idol,” which premiered in June, centers around Jocelyn (played by Lily-Rose Depp), a pop idol striving to revive her career after a breakdown. Her journey intertwines with Tedros (portrayed by the Weeknd or Tesfaye), a mysterious club owner in Los Angeles, resulting in a complex relationship.

In the series, Jennie portrays Dyanne, one of Jocelyn’s backup dancers. Her involvement in “The Idol” even allowed her to attend official screening schedules at the 76th Cannes Film Festival in May, generating heightened anticipation among fans. 

However, the show has faced criticism for explicit sex scenes and has received modest viewership ratings, with some viewers finding the storyline lacking depth. However, its soundtrack continues to trend, with “One of the Girls” debuting as no. 1 on the charts, according to chart data. 

Featured Image Credit: HBO “The Idol” 

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PURPLE KISS’ Swan Announces Solo Debut with Single Album “Twenty”

Exciting news awaits fans as Swan, a talented K-pop girl group PURPLE KISS member, gears up for her highly-anticipated solo debut with the single album “Twenty.”

RBW Entertainment recently unveiled a captivating music video teaser for the title track “Twenty”, giving fans a glimpse of Swan’s mesmerizing vocals and captivating choreography. The single is set to be released on July 2 at 6 PM KST.

The album will feature four tracks, including Korean and English versions of the title track “Twenty” and the B-side “Be My Everything.” These songs were composed by renowned South Korean producer Jung Key, who collaborated with Swan to craft the tracks’ lyrics.

 

Swan’s solo debut marks an exciting milestone for PURPLE KISS as she becomes the first member of the group to venture into the world of solo music since their debut under RBW Entertainment in 2021. The group’s most recent release was their mini-album “Cabin Fever,” led by the energetic single “Sweet Juice.”

 

Meanwhile, another member of PURPLE KISS, Yuki, is currently showcasing her talent in Mnet’s reality competition series “Queendom Puzzle.” The show, hosted by Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon, features 26 established K-pop idols vying for a spot in an upcoming seven-member project girl group.

Featured Photo Credit: PURPLE KISS Official Twitter

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Fifty Fifty Members Take Legal Action Against Agency ATTRAKT, Seeking Contract Suspension

All four members of the emerging K-pop girl group Fifty Fifty have filed a lawsuit to halt their contracts with the agency ATTRAKT. 

The group’s legal representative, law firm BARUN, released an official statement confirming that they have submitted an application to the Seoul Central District Court on June 19, requesting provisional disposition to suspend the validity of their exclusive contracts.

According to the statement, the members cited contract breaches and a breakdown of trust for their legal action. They alleged that ATTRAKT violated the terms of the agreement and engaged in actions that damaged their relationship. The ongoing trial is currently addressing these claims.

The group’s legal representative further highlighted that they had raised concerns with ATTRAKT and requested corrective measures. 

However, instead of addressing the issues, the agency allegedly discredited the members through continuous media coverage and accused them of attempting extortion. Additionally, ATTRAKT reportedly disclosed personal medical information about one of the members without her consent.

 

The statement also outlined instances where the agency failed to fulfill its contractual obligations, including non-transparent settlements and unilateral attempts to enforce scheduled activities despite the members’ poor health conditions.

Emphasizing that their decision to take legal action was independent and without external influence, the four members expressed their desire for ATTRAKT to refrain from slandering them in the future. They expressed their eagerness to reconnect with their fans as soon as possible.

Earlier, ATTRAKT had announced on June 23 that they would be pursuing legal action against “external influences” that allegedly induced their artists to breach valid exclusive contracts. 

While initially did not disclose the agency involved, they later named Warner Music Korea the “external force” approaching the Fifty Fifty members. Warner Music Korea denied the allegations, dismissing ATTRAKT’s claims as baseless.

On June 27, ATTRAKT announced that they had filed criminal charges against their former co-CEO Ahn Sung II and three others, accusing them of fraud, breach of duty, and obstruction of business.

Meanwhile, fans continue to express their support for the girl band, calling out those who continue to support mistreatment in the industry.

Fifty Fifty, consisting of Saena, Keena, Aran, and Sio, debuted in November 2022 and gained recognition for their song “Cupid.” Prior to the issues, they have also been named as one of the leading music contributors for the highly-anticipated Hollywood movie, “Barbie.”

Featured Photo Credit: FIFTY FIFTY Official Twitter

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Tiffany of Girls’ Generation Joins Cast of Highly-Anticipated Drama “Uncle Sam Sik”

Exciting news for fans of Girls’ Generation: Tiffany officially joins the cast of the upcoming drama “Uncle Sam Sik” (literal translation)!

Sublime Artist Agency, Tiffany’s agency, announced on June 28th that she had been confirmed for a role in the Korean drama and is thrilled to greet viewers once again as an actress. Tiffany expressed her excitement for this next K-drama project and is determined to deliver a memorable performance that viewers can look forward to.

“Uncle Sam Sik” takes place during the dynamic early 1960s in Korea and revolves around the ambitions and bromance between two men, Uncle Sam Sik and Kim San. The drama features an impressive lineup of actors, with Song Kang Ho portraying Uncle Sam Sik and Byun Yo Han taking on the role of Kim San. The star-studded cast includes Lee Kyu Hyung, Jin Ki Joo, Seo Hyun Woo, and many others.

According to Tiffany’s agency, she has already begun filming for “Uncle Sam Sik,” indicating her dedication and commitment to the project. Fans can anticipate seeing Tiffany showcase her acting skills in this highly-anticipated drama.

While waiting for “Uncle Sam Sik” to premiere, fans can enjoy watching Tiffany in her previous drama “Reborn Rich” with subtitles, immersing themselves in her talent and on-screen presence.

Stay tuned for more updates on “Uncle Sam Sik” and Tiffany’s captivating performance in the Korean drama.

Featured Photo Credit: Tiffany Official Instagram

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TXT and Jonas Brothers Tease Fans With New Photos For “Do It Like That”

Excitement fills the air as K-pop group Tomorrow X Together (TXT) prepares for an incredible collaboration with the renowned Jonas Brothers on their upcoming digital single, ‘Do It Like That.’ Fans eagerly awaited this collaboration, especially the devoted MOAs (TXT fandom).

Unveiling the concept pictures for “Do It Like That” has brought a refreshing twist, as the Jonas Brothers embrace a pure K-pop-inspired concept ahead of the release. The concept pictures beautifully showcase the youthful charm of the TXT members and the charismatic personalities of the Jonas Brothers, making this collaboration truly one of a kind.

 

In preparation for the song, TXT members Soobin, Yeonjun, Beomgyu, Hueningkai, and Taehyun traveled to the USA for the shoot, creating a buzz with their hints on social media before confirming the exciting collaboration. The Jonas Brothers, including Nick, Joe, and Kevin, are enthusiastic about this joint project.

Joe expressed his excitement, stating, “So pumped to be working with @txt_bighit!! When @ryantedder brought us TOGETHER for #DoItLikeThat we immediately said yes! Can’t wait for you to hear this song on July 7th #TOMORROW_X_TOGETHER.”

 

TXT and the Jonas Brothers fans can anticipate a remarkable fusion of talent and musical styles in “Do It Like That.” The wait is almost over, and soon everyone will have the chance to experience this dynamic collaboration firsthand. 

 

Mark your calendars for July 7th and get ready to enjoy the incredible synergy of an innovative collab!

Featured Photo Credit: BIGHIT MUSIC Official and the Jonas Brothers

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KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

TXT’s Documentary to Premiere on Disney+ in July

Read your tissues MOAs because K-pop boy group TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT) is releasing their first documentary!

On Thursday, June 29, Disney+ unveiled the first poster for TOMORROW X TOGETHER: Our Lost Summer, which will premiere on July 28. 

“TXT has taken over the world… and our hearts,” the streaming platform said. 

The documentary follows the TXT members as they embark on their 2023 world tour ACT: LOVE SICK and take the stage at the Lollapalooza festival. 

Based on the poster, the featured stops on the documentary include shows in Seoul, Chicago, New York, Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. 

The TOMORROW X TOGETHER: Our Lost Summer is the latest documentary from Disney+ which features K-pop stars, following BTS members Suga and j-hope and group Super Junior. 

Prior to the release of their documentary, TXT will also be releasing their new digital single “DO IT LIKE THAT” featuring Jonas Brothers on July 7. 

The group is also currently having their second world tour ACT: SWEET MIRAGE, which will have stops in Asia in July to August. 

Consisting of members Soobin, Yeonjun, Beomgyu, Taehyun, and Huening Kai, TXT made their debut in 2019. The group is known for songs “Good Boy Gone Bad,” “Crown,” “Blue Hour,” and “Anti-Romantic.” 

Featured image from TOMORROW X TOGETHER’s Facebook

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Seventeen’s Jun Surprises Fans With Teaser for New Single ‘Psycho’

CARATs are in for a treat as member Jun of K-pop boy group SEVENTEEN is releasing a new single titled “Psycho”. 

On Wednesday, June 28, the Chinese lead dancer and sub-vocalist shared the first teaser for his upcoming solo release, which will be out on July 4.

The 20-second clip started with Jun’s back being shown, before it was interspersed with clips from his 2022 single “LIMBO.” The video also showed the transition of the logos from “LIMBO” to “Psycho.”

 

While SEVENTEEN’s agency PLEDIS Entertainment has yet to release additional details about Jun’s “Psycho,” CARATs are already theorizing that the upcoming track will be a follow-up to “LIMBO” given the similarities in the teaser. 

 

“PSYCHO” will serve as Jun’s fourth digital single following ballads “Crow” and “Silent Boarding Gate” and the sensual track “LIMBO.” 

In a September 2022 interview released on SEVENTEEN’s official YouTube channel, Jun described “LIMBO” as an “opposite extreme” to his earlier releases. “I wanted something that’s totally, completely, and overall different from my previous songs,” he said. 

Jun is among the SEVENTEEN members who actively release solo songs. In 2022 alone, Woozi and Vernon released their respective mixtapes “Ruby” and “Black Eye.”  

The release of his single “Psycho” is also in between SEVENTEEN’s continuous group activities. The 13-piece act released their 10th mini-album FML in April, while they’ll also be releasing their first-ever Japanese best album ALWAYS YOURS in August. 

SEVENTEEN is also set to kick off their FOLLOW concert tour at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on July 21 and 22. 

Featured image from SEVENTEEN’s Facebook

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Watch: SM Entertainment Reveals New SM Rookies Yushi, Sion

Meet Yushi and Sion, the newest trainees that joined SM Entertainment’s pre-debut team called SM Rookies. 

On Wednesday, June 28, the agency released two videos featuring Yushi and Sion. The almost one-minute clips teased fans on the visuals and skills of both aspiring idols. 

Although SM Entertainment didn’t provide any additional details about the two, Yushi and Sion’s introduction came a month after the agency unveiled its plans about a new NCT unit and the debut of several SM Rookies. 

In May, SM Entertainment CEO Jang Cheo-hyuk shared that the new NCT sub-unit will be the group’s last. Currently, NCT has 20 members that are scattered along several sub-units: NCT 127, NCT DREAM, WayV, and NCT U. NCT127 also has its own sub-unit, which is DoJaeJung. 

At the time, Jang said that SM Entertainment will soon introduce two new members – one Korean and one Japanese – that will become part of NCT’s new unit. Other members of the said sub-unit will be selected from a pre-debut reality show. 

It was also then when the CEO mentioned that Shohei, who was introduced as part of SM Rookies, won’t be joining NCT’s new unit due to health reasons. He will pursue individual activities, instead.

Meanwhile, former NCT members Shotaro and Sungchan are confirmed to debut as a new boy group under SM Entertainment later in 2023, alongside SM Rookies Eunseok and Seunghan. The lineup for the new boy group will also include members of Korean and American nationalities. 

Stay tuned for more updates on which SM Entertainment group Yushi and Sion are debuting.

Featured Image from SMTOWN’s YouTube account

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS

Monsta X’s Shownu and Hyungwon to Release the Unseen in July

Credit: Monsta X's Facebook

Mark your calendars, MONBEBEs! Shownu and Hyungwon of K-pop boy group MONSTA X are gearing up to make their debut as a sub-unit with the release of the mini-album THE UNSEEN.

On Wednesday, June 28, the act released a teaser image of what appeared to be a rear view mirror reflecting an industrial building, along with the message “Coming soon.” 

 

THE UNSEEN is slated for a July 25 release. As of writing, additional details about the track list and title track have yet to be disclosed. 

Prior to the teaser, MONSTA X also unveiled a logo motion video for the sub-unit, which showed the two members’ initials merging into one. 

https://twitter.com/OfficialMonstaX/status/1673315797530476552

In an interview with VOGUE KOREA, Shownu talked about how he and Hyungwon are preparing for their sub-unit debut. “They’re all good,” he said. “When I ask for song recommendations, he sends them through KakaoTalk and he mainly listens to songs he could’ve written. Good and modern music.”

Despite not having made their official sub-unit debut yet, the duo is also confirmed to perform at the Krazy K-pop Super concert in New York and KCON in Los Angeles in August. 

Starship Entertainment first confirmed in May that Shownu and Hyungwon will form a sub-unit – marking MONSTA X’s first sub-unit in the group’s eight-year career. 

It will also serve as Shownu’s first official activity following his discharge from the mandatory military service last April. 

Shownu and Hyungwon’s sub-unit debut comes after solo releases of fellow MONSTA X members. In May, Jooheon made his solo debut with the album Lights, while I.M made his solo comeback in June with the mini-album Overdrive. 

MONSTA X, who made their debut in May 2015, is known for their hits “Love Killa,” “Hero,” “Shoot Out,” “Dramarama,” “Gambler,” and “Beautiful Liar.” 

Featured Image from Monsta X’s official Facebook page

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