Author: Kpop News Writer

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Miyawaki Sakura Explains Why She’s Not LE SSERAFIM’s Leader

Sakura

In a revealing interview with Yoo Jae Suk on Pinggyego, LE SSERAFIM members Sakura and Chaewon opened up about various aspects of their idol lives, from their hectic schedules to their group dynamics. A significant part of the conversation centered on Chaewon’s role as the group’s leader, a position that comes with its own set of challenges and responsibilities. 

Leaders in K-pop groups often act as the glue that holds the members together. They represent the group to the public and the company. They also frequently find themselves in the spotlight during interviews and other public appearances. Chaewon shared her thoughts on what it means to be LE SSERAFIM’s leader. “Having the title of leader is a burden to carry, but I think that kind of pressure keeps me productive,” she remarked.

She revealed that Source Music appointed her the leader just before LE SSERAFIM’s debut, a decision that wasn’t made through voting but rather recommended by the company itself. “They asked me, and I agreed to it. I said that I wanted to lead this group well,” Chaewon explained.

[EN/JP] 240220 mini핑계고 : 유재석, 르세라핌(김채원, 사쿠라) @뜬뜬편집실 (OneCam)ㅣ EP.10

Sakura shed light on her stance

Given South Korea’s hierarchical culture, it’s common for the oldest member of a K-pop group to automatically assume the leadership role. This prompted Yoo Jae Suk to inquire why Sakura, born in 1998 and the eldest in the group, was not the leader, especially when Chaewon was born in 2000. 

Sakura’s response shed light on her stance regarding leadership. She revealed her strong disinterest in being a leader, which led her to ask for a clause in her contract that would keep her from assuming the position. “It wasn’t because I was afraid,” she explained. “If the oldest person becomes the leader, then the others might feel uneasy.”

Chaewon supported Sakura’s reasoning, noting that their team’s current structure, with defined roles for the eldest member and the leader, works for LE SSERAFIM. “But I think it’s good for us. Having a leader is also like having an older sister. A leader could get burnt out carrying all the weight. So it’s nice to have an older sister to lean on,” Chaewon added.  – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Sakura’s still an asset to the group even if she’s not the leader. Source: X/@elsserafim.

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BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

HYBE Employee Song Ju-young Reveals What BTS Is Really Like

We may think we know our favorite idols because we get glimpses of their personalities when we keep up with their music and other content. But how much of what we see is actually real? We may never know the answer to that. But there are people who do: the staff members who work with idols like BTS. For instance, HYBE employees get to know the members really well because they work behind the scenes.

These individuals, working tirelessly within the idols’ agencies, are privy to moments unseen by fans and media alike. This means they have a unique perspective on whether these celebrated figures are as genuine as they appear. One of them, Song Ju-young, a member of HYBE’s IT department, talked about his encounters with BTS on his YouTube channel. His stories offer a glimpse into what the members are really like without all the glitz and glamor.

가장 많이 받은 질문! BTS 본 적 있어요?

Memorable encounters

One memorable encounter involved Kim Seokjin, better known as Jin. Song Ju-young described BTS’s eldest member as “very  handsome and young-looking.” Recalling a time when he ran into Jin in the HYBE cafeteria, he shared that he went there to get a drink when he saw the idol. “I just nodded, then I realized he’s Jin from BTS!”

Song also shared his admiration for Kim Namjoon aka RM. Song shared that he often sees the BTS leader at the company gym. He praised RM‘s impressive physique, noting, “He’s so tall and his face is so small. He’s so handsome in person. His manly force is so amazing!”

Park Jimin was another member he spoke highly of. Despite Jimin‘s stature, Song said the 95-liner extends so much kindness to HYBE staff. “Among the BTS members, if I had to choose my bias, it’d be Jimin. His body is so pretty! Even with that small body, his body line is too pretty!”

이 노래로 ”입덕“했어요!!

The BTS members are genuine

Beyond their visuals, Song Ju-young was struck by the BTS members’ genuine personalities. He observed that their public image closely aligns with their true selves, a rarity in the entertainment industry. “They’re exactly as you see,” Song said.

ARMYs worldwide were touched by Song Ju-young’s insights. Everything he said about BTS further solidified their admiration for the group. After reading his comments, many were relieved to find that RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook are actually as nice as they make themselves out to be. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Song Ju-young talks about different facets of life as a HYBE employee on his YouTube channel. Source: X/@jupiter_song.

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Hwang Minhyun Sets March Release Date for New Single

Hwang Minhyun is gearing up to delight fans with a new digital single this March. Newsen brought this exciting update to light over the weekend. The media outlet revealed that Hwang Minhyun will premiere the song at his upcoming fan meeting titled The Oath of the Peach Garden. This event will take place over three days, from March 8 to 10, at the COEX Shinhan Card Artium in Seoul’s Gangnam district.

The fan meeting’s title symbolizes a promise of unchanging unity between Hwang Minhyun and his fandom, affectionately known as “Hwangdo.” The event’s poster is a beautiful representation of this bond. It shows the actor and singer posting in a serene peach tree forest. The pastel-colored illustration captures a moment of contemplation under a peach tree. It highlights the deep connection he shares with his supporters.

This upcoming single is said to be a heartfelt message from Hwang Minhyun to all who have stood by him over the years. Since his debut in 2012 with NU’EST and later with Wanna One, Hwang Minhyun has captured the hearts of K-pop fans worldwide. His long-awaited solo debut was met with acclaim, particularly after his first mini-album Truth or Lie dropped last year.

Hwang Minhyun, action star?

In 2023, Hwang Minhyun embarked on his first solo concert tour, 2023 HWANG MINHYUN MINI CONCERT ‘UNVEIL.’ He visited seven cities across Asia, including Manila, Seoul, Taipei, and Tokyo. The concert’s setlist featured tracks from Truth or Lie, such as the hit “Hidden Side.” It also offered fans a more intimate look at his journey through personal stories and live performances of fan-recommended songs.

@m2mpd

이 얼굴에 이 눈빛 유죄예요 황민현🦊 #M2 #STUDIOCHOOM #스튜디오춤 #BEORIGINAL #HWANGMINHYUN #황민현 #Hidden_Side

♬ 오리지널 사운드 – M2 – M2

Beyond his musical endeavors, Hwang Minhyun has also made a name for himself in acting. He appeared in the musical Marie Antoinette and the dramas Alchemy of Souls and Useless Lies. His next project is the adaptation of the webtoon “Study Group.” In it, he will take on an action-packed role for the first time. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: This new song came straight from Minhyun’s heart. Source: X/@MINHYUN_PLEDIS.

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Former Trainee A Member JJ Transfers to SM Entertainment

In an unexpected twist, former Trainee A member JJ made headlines by transferring to SM Entertainment. This move comes almost two years after the disbandment of Trainee A, a group that had been training at the old BigHit Entertainment building. The group was anticipated to be the next big thing from the label that gave K-pop stans BTS and TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT). Although the project fell through, JJ‘s journey in the music scene has taken a promising turn with this news.

@bunjayie

Future Perfect JJ focus #traineea #jj #justinjay #enhypen #bighit #hybe

♬ Future Perfect (Pass the MIC) – ENHYPEN

JJ, born Justin Jay Takagi on January 27, 2006, is a Japanese-American artist known not just for his dance skills but also for being fluent in English, Japanese, and Korean. His unique background and visuals have always made him stand out, even more so now as he embarks on a new chapter with SM Entertainment.

JJ‘s journey is marked by significant achievements. He was a backup dancer for TVXQ in 2019 and a champion of the DANCE ALIVE HERO’s dance competition in 2021. His ESFP personality type shines through in all that he does. He has a knack for playing the guitar and diverse interests, including a fondness for Justin Bieber and fashion. These qualities paint a picture of a passionate, vibrant individual ready to make his mark in K-pop.

Fans are supportive of JJ

The news of JJ‘s transfer came as a pleasant surprise to many. Some former Trainee A members had already embarked on new paths, while JJ remained silent for the longest time. So when he was spotted at Gimpo Airport on his way to watch SMTOWN LIVE 2024 in Japan, fans were thrilled. He was immediately recognizable due to his distinctive features. 

@hyoursabe

beneran JJ😭 I hope he can make his debut. good luck jj🥹🥰 #JJ #justinjay #traineea #takagijustinjay #jjtraineea

♬ in the stars – sami rose

At first, fans weren’t sure if it was him. However, as more photos emerged, JJ’s sister hinted that she too was heading to the Tokyo Dome. It soon became clear that JJ had indeed gone to SM Entertainment.

Despite concerns from some fans about the agency’s reputation, the overwhelming sentiment is one of support and anticipation for JJ‘s future endeavors. His transfer to SM Entertainment isn’t just a new beginning for the young artist. It’s also a testament to his resilience and dedication to pursuing his dreams. As JJ navigates this phase of his career, fans are eager to see what he’ll bring to the music scene as part of SM’s roster. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: It’s nice to know this cutie didn’t give up on his dreams! Source: X/@taengooyaaak.

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ENHYPEN Drops Studio Version of One Direction Cover

It’s an exciting time for boy band stans around the globe as ENHYPEN recently unveiled a cover of One Direction’s hit single, “What Makes You Beautiful.” The septet first performed this song on The Seasons: Lee Hyori’s Red Carpet. It’s a new South Korean talk show that’s capturing international audiences on various platforms like Viki, KOCOWA+, and Apple TV+.

What Makes You Beautiful

The show, hosted by K-pop legend Lee Hyori, has quickly become a must-watch. It has already featured plenty of stars, including AKMU’s Lee Chanhyuk and BLACKPINK’s Jennie. ENHYPEN appeared on the show’s eighth episode, sharing the spotlight with ASTRO’s Cha Eunwoo and LE SSERAFIM.

Before the episode aired, ENHYPEN dropped their version of “What Makes You Beautiful” on major streaming platforms. Their rendition clocks in at a concise 2:18 minutes, trimming the original by a minute by skipping the second verse and chorus. Even so, it shows off the group’s vocals to full effect.

팬들을 위해 엔하이픈이 준비한 One Direction의 What Makes You Beautiful♪💕

ENHYPEN serenaded Lee Hyori and charmed viewers

Their performance of the song on The Seasons: Lee Hyori’s Red Carpet, albeit shorter than the studio version, was a memorable one. The septet serenaded Lee Hyori, presenting her with a rose mid-performance. That gesture undoubtedly charmed viewers and highlighted the group’s charismatic stage presence.

This cover arrives at a poignant time, as One Direction‘s Liam Payne recently reflected on the song’s journey towards a billion streams. Alongside a throwback photo of himself with former bandmates Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson, he wrote, “Never in the early stages of our career when we were making this song, did I imagine we would achieve such numbers. What an achievement, boys! I feel so fortunate not only to share this with you but also with our amazing fanbase.” Unfortunately, the post has since been archived or deleted by Liam himself, but the sentiment is touching nonetheless.

ENHYPEN‘s decision to cover “What Makes You Beautiful” follows their take on BTS’s “I Need U” for Spotify Singles, showcasing their ability to bridge generations of boy bands. As they continue to release new music, ENHYPEN continues to solidify their place in the industry, honoring the legacy of boy bands past while charting their own unique course. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The studio version dropped hours before the episode aired, heightening anticipation for their appearance on the show. Source: X/@heeseungcokr.

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DEAN Sets Rare Live Performance at WE BRIDGE Music Festival & Expo

The WE BRIDGE convention and music festival, set to light up Las Vegas from April 26 to April 28, recently made an unexpected announcement that thrilled fans to no end. Following the reveal of ten artists slated to perform at the festival, WE BRIDGE has added a special treat: a rare live performance by R&B wunderkind DEAN. This marks his long-awaited return to the US concert scene. His last performance on American soil was during his CONFIDENTIAL Tour, making this year’s festival his first stateside appearance since 2019. 

DEAN will join an impressive lineup of performers. This includes ALL(H)OURS, AMPERS&ONE, CRAVITY, Dynamic Duo, Hwasa, Jessi, KARD, KISS OF LIFE, NMIXX, and TEAM BEBE. All are set to perform at the Michelob ULTRA Arena and engage with fans through different activities. The convention and music festival are designed to celebrate Asian pop culture. Building on the success of the last edition, which featured acts like ENHYPEN and MONSTA X, WE BRIDGE teases even more surprises for attendees this year.

DEAN made a splash

In other news, DEAN made a comeback on November 18 with “Die for You.” This release ended his hiatus of over four years since his last single, “Howlin 404,” in May 2019. “Die for You” is an alternative R&B track for which he wrote the lyrics, composed the music, and arranged the entire piece. The song finds DEAN singing passionately about a lost love. “Could you tell me once again, again? / It’s raining like the day I held you close / Could you kill me once again, again? / Cuz I know, I know I’ll be loving you / I’m still loving you, baby you know I’d die for you.”

In the fast-paced music scene, artists who take long breaks between drops may struggle to make a comeback. This is due to the constant arrival of fresh faces and rapid shifts in musical trends. But DEAN made a splash despite his long time away from the scene. “Die for You” went to No. 3 on the Melon Top 100 and snagged the No. 1 spot on Apple Music, Genie and Bugs. Its official music video also topped YouTube Music’s Popular Rising Music Videos’ on November 25.

DEAN – DIE 4 YOU

Universal Music commented on his success. “It’s surprising that DEAN naturally claimed high rankings on the charts without any official activities. It’s thanks to the fans who waited for DEAN’s music for a long time.”

As DEAN prepares to take the stage at WE BRIDGE, those same are hoping he’ll be more active in the music scene from now on. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: DEAN is finally returning to the US after five years. Source: Instagram/@deantrbl.

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Cube Entertainment’s New Boy Group NOWADAYS Launches Promo Campaign

Cube Entertainment is gearing up to launch its latest boy group, NOWADAYS. 

In anticipation of the group’s official debut, Cube Entertainment launched a full-scale promotional campaign that smartly leverages Seoul’s urban landscape. They put up posters bearing QR codes all over bustling areas like Gangnam, Hongdae, Seongsu-dong, and Yeonnam-dong, inviting the curious to get to know the new group.

If you scan one of these QR codes, you’ll be treated to a video introducing the group. It captures the viewer’s attention with phrases that use a variety of adjectives. These include “curious,” “different,” “dreamy,” “fine,” “lovely,” “mysterious,” and “youthful.” The group’s name, NOWADAYS, also appears on screen.

It’s quite interesting to note that Cube left an empty space between “NOW” and “A DAYS” in this introduction video, hinting that fans can fill it in using other adjectives. This space symbolizes dreams, possibilities, or what could be. It could also represent the group’s potential for growth and success, raising expectations for their impact on the K-pop scene.

Can NOWADAYS be a source of growth for Cube?

NOWADAYS is Cube Entertainment’s first boy group in eight years since PENTAGON. The buzz around this group has been building for a while now. Occasional sightings and discussions about the members are circulating on X (formerly Twitter). The inclusion of trainee Kim Hyeon-bin, known for his participation in Mnet’s survival show Produce X 101 in 2019, has particularly heightened expectations for the group’s arrival. NOWADAYS will reportedly have five members. But as of this writing, not much is known about the other boys who will join Hyeon-bin.

As NOWADAYS prepares to debut, all eyes are on them to see if this new group can become a fresh source of growth for the agency. Cube Entertainment’s financial performance has been strong lately. Its consolidated revenue for the third quarter of last year reached 39.1 billion KRW, while its operating profits stand at 3.4 billion KRW. This success was largely driven by (G)I-DLE’s three consecutive hits, boosting performance across albums, music sources, and advertising in the entertainment sector.

With the excitement surrounding NOWADAYS, many are wondering whether they can reach the level of (G)I-DLE. As the debut approaches, fans and industry watchers alike are eager to see how NOWADAYS will do in the competitive world of K-pop.– K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Here’s a closer look at one of the posters. Source: X/@NOWADAYS_UPDATE.

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CARATs React as Na PD’s 20-Year-Old Dance Video Resurfaces Online

SEVENTEEN fans are currently reveling in a delightful surprise as a 20-year-old dance video featuring the beloved producer Na Yeong-seok has gone viral. The video surfaced on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on February 23. It features a younger Na PD energetically dancing to Toni Basil’s iconic track “Hey Mickey,” leaving fans both amused and impressed.

This unexpected gem came from an episode of the old South Korean variety show Heroine 5. Na PD, then 29 years old, was a guest on the show alongside Jee Seok-jin. In a memorable segment, Na PD was challenged to dance to “Hey Mickey.” He enthusiastically accepted the challenge and danced his heart out. He even taught his shoulder moves to the other guests on the show. The video has since captured the hearts of CARATs, all of whom can’t get enough of his spirited dancing. After two decades, it resurfaced, highlighting a side of Na PD that many didn’t know existed.

The resurgence of this video is particularly significant because of Na PD’s relationship with SEVENTEEN. The producer and the 13-member boy group became close after working together several times. Their most recent collaboration was the six-episode reality travel show NANA Tour with SEVENTEEN. Their interactions, filled with comedic moments and friendly banter, have endeared Na PD to CARATs. 

https://twitter.com/goohaewon/status/1759798966642995458

CARATs praised Na PD’s dancing

Fans, recalling the many hilarious exchanges between the producer and the boy group, couldn’t help but laugh at the thought of SEVENTEEN reacting to Na PD’s dancing. Some took to X to write, “Don’t let SEVENTEEN see this.” They feared the boy group would never let Na PD hear the end of it if they ever watched the video of him dancing to “Hey Mickey.” Some added that Jeonghan in particular would have a field day with it, as he and Na PD like to playfully one-up each other.

CARATs have taken to social media to praise Na PD’s dancing, with many joking that he could have had a good career as a K-pop idol if he hadn’t gone into directing and producing. They affectionately dubbed him “Dino‘s father,” after noticing that 29-year-old Na PD looked a little bit like SEVENTEEN’s youngest member.

This incident underscores the deep bond between Na PD and SEVENTEEN, as well as the relationship he has with their fans. Here’s hoping they get more chances to work together in the future! – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Images: Na PD should pray that the SEVENTEEN members never see this video! Source: YouTube/@15ya.fullmoon.

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BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BTS Makes Wikipedia and YouTube History

K-pop sensation BTS has once again proven their unparalleled influence and popularity by setting new milestones on both YouTube and Wikipedia. Although RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, V, Jimin, and Jungkook are serving in the South Korean military, they continue to rack up achievements. This is proof of their enduring star power and impact on the music industry and beyond.

The group’s 2020 hit single “Dynamite” has etched its name in YouTube history by surpassing 1.8 billion views on February 23, at approximately 3:06 AM KST. This remarkable achievement has crowned “Dynamite” as the first music video by a Korean boy group to reach this milestone. 

It’s also the fastest music video by a K-pop group to achieve such a feat. Released on August 21, 2020 at 1:00 PM KST, it took “Dynamite” a little over three years, six months, one day, and 14 hours to amass 1.8 billion views. In so doing, BTS broke the previous record held by BLACKPINK, whose “DDU-DU DDU-DU” took approximately three years, seven months, and 16 days to earn the same number of views.

BTS (방탄소년단) ‘Dynamite’ Official MV

BTS rules the Wikipedia roost

In addition to their YouTube success, BTS also became the most-viewed K-pop artist on Wikipedia. According to a post by About Music on February 22, 2024, the group’s page in the online encyclopedia has accumulated over 90 million views since 2015. This further solidifies the septet’s dominance in the digital space. About Music provides real-time sales data for artists, highlighting BTS’s significant online presence across different metrics. This includes digital sales, physical sales, and streaming numbers.

Amid their achievements as a group, each of the BTS members also continue to shine brightly on their own. V, who also goes by his real name Kim Taehyung, nabbed the title of the most-viewed K-pop idol on Wikipedia. His personal page amassed an impressive 42 million page views since 2015. This accomplishment underscores the star power each member brings to the group, contributing to BTS‘s overall success and influence.

In other news, eldest member Jin will be discharged from the South Korean military sometime in June. j-hope will follow suit in October. The rest of the members will start returning one by one in 2025. Once they’re all together again, you can bet they’ll be breaking and setting even more records! – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: ‘Dynamite’ really blew up on YouTube. (Get it?) Source: X/@chartdata.

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP ALBUMS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

tripleS to Release Their First 24-Member Album in May

Girl group tripleS is gearing up to launch their first-ever album as a complete 24-member ensemble, dubbed ASSEMBLE24. Slated to drop in May, this album signifies the beginning of full-group activities for the girls. Girl groups with more than 10 members are a rarity in K-pop, making tripleS’s ambitious endeavor a topic of much discussion and excitement. 

With this upcoming release, tripleS is poised to claim the title of the girl group with the largest number of members in K-pop history. Leader’S, a girl group from 2011, planned to expand to 24 members. But they never managed to do it. Until now, the record was shared by i-13, who debuted in 2005, and Cosmic Girls (WJSN), who started in 2016. They each had 13 members. While i-13 is no longer active, WJSN is still promoting as a 10-member group after losing their three Chinese members.

MODHAUS, the agency behind tripleS, has adopted a unique approach by forming units, or “dimensions,” through fan-voting events on their official app, COSMO. This interactive process allows fans to use voting tokens called COMOs to directly influence the group’s activities. Since their first unit, Acid Angel from Asia, debuted in October 2022, tripleS has introduced other units, including Aria, EVOLution, LOVElution, and +(KR)ystal Eyes. Each unit features different combinations of members.

Rookie of the Year in 2023 Hanteo Music Awards! Thank you WAV♥ | EN | SIGNAL 240221

There’s no telling how far tripleS can go

To date, 20 members have been introduced through unique content, including Yoon Seo-yeon, Jung Hye-rin, Lee Ji-woo, Kim Chae-yeon, Kim Yu-yeon, Kim Su-min, Kim Na-kyung, Gong Yu-bin, Kaede, Seo Da-hyun, Kotone, Kwak Yeon-ji, Nien, Park So-hyun, Shin Wi, and Mayu. The remaining four members are expected to be introduced to fans before ASSEMBLE24’s album drops. This approach has not only heightened anticipation but also fostered a deep connection between the members and their fans, known as the WAV (Wave).

The album’s title track was chosen through a fan-voting event that began on February 17. Eight songs battled it out to be the title track of ASSEMBLE24’s first-ever album. Ultimately, “Girls Never Die” won with 88,857 COMOs, out of the grand total of 227,221 COMOs cast by fans worldwide.

tripleS’s journey has already been marked by significant achievements. First, they nabbed the rookie award at the 2023 MAMA Awards in November last year. On the 18th, they attended the 2023 Hanteo Music Awards 2023 at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Jung-gu, Seoul, where they won another rookie award. Anticipation is building for what tripleS will achieve next. With so many talented girls in their ranks, there’s no telling how far this group can go. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: These 20 girls will soon welcome four new members into their team. Source: X/@triplescosmos.

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