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The 2024 Weverse Con Festival: What We Know So Far

Weverse

HYBE has begun preparations for the 2024 Weverse Con Festival. Slated for June 15 and 16, the festival will take place at the Inspire Arena and Discovery Park in Yeongjong-do, Incheon.

2023 Weverse Con Festival – We Log

Who will perform at the Weverse Con Festival?

HYBE is keeping a tight lid on the Weverse Con Festival lineup, leaving fans in suspense about which of their favorite artists will be performing.

Weverse, launched by HYBE in 2019, has quickly grown into a major fan community platform. TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT) was the first group to join on June 11, followed by BTS on July 2. Since then, more artists from HYBE labels and international stars from Universal Music Group have joined. YG and SM Entertainment artists were added to the app in 2021 and 2023, respectively, broadening the platform’s appeal.

The 2023 edition of the Weverse Con Festival featured a stellar lineup, including BOYNEXTDOOR, BTOB, and fromis_9, among others, raising expectations for this year. The first set of performers will be unveiled in March, followed by another announcement in April.

2023 Weverse Con Festival ‘Artist Zone’ Behind

About the venue

The Inspire Arena and Discovery Park, the venue for this year’s Weverse Con Festival, stands as a testament to the event’s grandeur and scale. Located in Yeongjong-do, this integrated entertainment resort is poised to become the largest of its kind in Northeast Asia. It had a soft opening in November 2023. 

This resort features the Inspire Arena, a 15,000-seat multi-purpose indoor venue optimized for live performances. It also includes Discovery Park, an outdoor entertainment space that can hold up to 30,000 people. The state-of-the-art facilities and strategic location of the resort make it the perfect setting for the Weverse Con Festival. This ensures an unforgettable experience for all attendees.

How to get to INSPIRE Arena (about Transportation, Accommodation, and Storage Guide)

The history of the Weverse Con Festival

The Weverse Con Festival has evolved significantly over the years. In its first year, it was called 2021 NEW YEAR’S EVE LIVE presented by Weverse. It  was a virtual concert held on December 31, 2020 to ring in the New Year with performances by artists affiliated with HYBE. This event was a response to the coronavirus pandemic, allowing fans to enjoy live performances safely from their homes.

The second edition, known as 2022 Weverse Con [New Era], took place on December 31, 2021. By that time, the pandemic was beginning to subside. This paved the way for an offline concert at Hall 4 of the Korea International Exhibition Center. This concert was also streamed live.

By 2022, the festival had adopted the name “Weverse Con” and introduced an outdoor component, expanding its scope and scale. The edition held last year at the KSPO Dome and 88 Lawn Field was the first to be called the Weverse Con Festival. Moving to a June schedule and adding outdoor stages, the festival aimed to offer a more expansive and immersive celebration of K-pop.

https://www.tiktok.com/@k.no.17/video/7338265380961488136?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7313602339134817794

What will happen this year?

The 2024 Weverse Con Festival is set to offer a blend of in-person and online experiences, catering to fans worldwide. In addition to live performances, the festival will feature a tribute stage spotlighting legendary musicians who have left a significant mark on Korean popular music. Last year’s tribute to Uhm Jung-hwa, known as “Korea’s Madonna,” was a highlight. This year’s honoree will be Park Jin-young (JYP).

HYBE is also focusing on enhancing the festival experience with technology. Last year, they minimized the inconvenience of long lines through a queueing service on the Weverse platform. Fans also got to create customized merchandise. This year, HYBE plans to introduce new technologies in cooperation with Weverse, aiming to make things more convenient for festival-goers and provide new fan experiences.

Before ticket sales begin, HYBE will offer “Blind Tickets” at a discounted rate, allowing fans early access to the festival at a reduced cost. This initiative, along with the detailed planning and anticipation surrounding the event, underscores the Weverse Con Festival’s significance as a celebration of K-pop’s past, present, and future. 

As the festival approaches, fans and artists alike are gearing up for what promises to be an unforgettable showcase of innovation and talent in the world of K-pop. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: See you in June, everyone! Source: X/@weverseofficial.

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TEEN TOP’s Niel Sets Solo Concert on March 17

According to his agency, New Entry, TEEN TOP member Niel is gearing up for his first solo concert on March 17 in Seoul. This landmark event, titled NIELISS: Niel 1st Solo Concert, will be held at the Shinhan pLay Square in Mapo District. The concert comes thirteen years after he debuted with TEEN TOP in 2010 and nine years after Niel went solo with the EP oNiely in 2015.

Niel began his showbiz journey in 2005

Niel will sing songs from his third single album Parting Emotion. He’ll also perform other solo tracks, including

“Lovekiller” (2015), “Love Affair” (2017) and “A to Z” (2022). Early ticket sales will start on February 29 and end on March 3. Regular sales will begin on March 4 via Interpark.

Niel, whose real name is Ahn Daniel, began his showbiz journey as a child actor in 2005. It was at his mother’s prodding that he auditioned for a spot in what would become TEEN TOP. “My mother knew from the beginning that I was not very interested in studying,” he said sheepishly. “A few years after becoming a child actor, she made me apply for a K-pop audition held by TEEN TOP’s management company, TOP Media. She brought me to an amusement park in Seoul where the audition was taking place without telling me what was going on. Luckily I passed it in one go and ended up becoming an idol trainee.”

[Hangout with Yoo] Did You Miss Teen Top? ✨Teen Top’s Dance Medley✨

Trainee life wasn’t easy for Niel. He had no musical background when he began training, but he never gave up. His perseverance paid off when TEEN TOP debuted in 2010 with the album Come Into the World. The group quickly gained popularity thanks to their catchy tunes and synchronized choreography.

TEEN TOP’s recent appearance on Hangout with Yoo brought the group back into the limelight and led to the creation and release of the album 4SHO and title track “HWEEK” in July 2023. Some of the songs they sang on the show returned to South Korean music charts about a decade after their original release dates.

TEEN TOP (틴탑) ‘휙 (HWEEK)’ MV

Increased freedom and therapeutic moments

Reflecting on his career, Niel appreciates the increased freedom he now enjoys. “When I was young, I mostly had to follow what the company told me to do. But now, I am given more leeway and I can carry out different plans that I mapped out on my own.”

“One of them was the launch of my own concert brand—Niel’s Shahan Night—in which I communicate with my fans through music. I felt that I had not showcased a broad musical spectrum as a K-pop star, so I wanted to do so with ‘Shahan Night’ and also provide therapeutic moments for my followers,” he added.

니엘의 샤한 밤 Ep.1 첫 만남 (with 더 넛츠 정이한) FULL ver.

Every ‘Shahan Night’ concert has a different theme. The most recent one held on Dec. 10 revolved around the themes of goals and challenges. “The audience and I talked about our dreams. We shared our experiences and exchanged opinions,” he recalled. “We also sang songs that explore these topics.”

Another plan he put into place had to do with his decision to forgo music shows in favor of live concerts. “Only a limited number of fans can attend music shows and that always made me feel sad,” he said. “So, this time, I will try to organize more in-person concerts, invite as many people as possible and closely interact with them.” – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: These days, Niel’s all about intimate, therapeutic moments. Source: X/@CelebConfirmed.

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Stray Kids to Open Pop-Up Store in Seoul

Stray Kids is set to launch an enchanting pop-up store and cafe in Seoul featuring their SKZOO characters. According to JYP Entertainment, the Stray Kids x SKZOO Pop-up & Cafe and SKZOO’s Magic School will open their doors from March 14 to March 31. This event will be hosted at two locations: AP Again in Seongdong District and Soundwave in Mapo District. Fans and the general public can check both out to immerse themselves in the magical world of SKZOO.

This event will complement the band’s magician-themed fan meeting. SKZ’s Magic School is scheduled from March 29 to 31 at the KSPO Dome. Tickets for this special gathering are available via Yes24. Pre-sales start on March 4 at 8:00 PM for STAY fan club members, and general admission opens on March 6 at 8:00 PM. Fans are encouraged to keep an eye on Stray Kids’ official SNS accounts for more details.

All about SKZOO

In 2020, Stray Kids created animal characters representing each member of the group. These characters have appeared on official merchandise and in animated YouTube videos. (Check out the ones where they dance to Stray Kids hits like “God’s Menu” and “S-Class.”) Each SKZOO character has a lot in common with its human counterpart.

Wolf Chan, for example, shares leader Bang Chan’s leadership qualities and his affinity for the wolf emoji. Lee Know’s character, a rabbit named Leebit, draws inspiration from his bunny-like front teeth and playful nature. Dwaekki, a pig-rabbit hybrid, is a nod to an infamous sculpture Changbin once made. Hyunjin got a ferret as his SKZOO character because he’s tall and long like a ferret. His character’s name, Jiniret, is a combination of his nickname “Jinnie” and the word “ferret.”

Stray Kids “특(S-Class) (SKZOO ver.)” M/V

Han got the character Han Quokka due to his resemblance to a quokka. A quokka is a small marsupial native to southwestern Australia. Quokkas are known for their distinctive round face and perpetual smile, which has earned them the title of the “world’s happiest animal.”

Felix’s character, BbokAri, shares his sunny personality. BbokAri’s name is a combination of Felix’s Korean name, Yongbok, and “병아리” (byeongari), the Korean word for “chick.” Seungmin got PuppyM because he acts like a puppy sometimes, and I.N. got FoxI.NY because he has foxy eyes—or so fans say.

Stray Kids recently won big

In other news, Stray Kids recently won big at the Hanteo Music Awards and the People’s Choice Awards. The latter named them Group of the Year, while the former awarded them Best Performance. Talk about big wins! They’re also set to make history as the first K-pop boy group to headline the BST Hyde Park music festival in London on July 14.

The upcoming SKZOO pop-up store and cafe not only celebrates Stray Kids’ creativity but also offers fans a unique way to connect with the group and their beloved SKZOO characters. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Get up close and personal with the SKZOO characters at the cafe or store! Source: X/@chartdata.

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Plastic Surgeon Reveals the Popularity of BTS’s V’s Nose

When it comes to male plastic surgery, rhinoplasty is a highly sought-after procedure, with an increasing number of men turning to it to refine their visuals. Dr. Lee Byung-hoe, a seasoned plastic surgeon, recently highlighted the current trends in male nose surgery. In his latest YouTube video, he discussed the types of noses that appeal to men. He also mentioned the celebrities whose features are often used as inspiration during consultations.

Kim Taehyung, also known as V from BTS, was identified as a significant influence. His nose is the most popular reference men bring to plastic surgery clinics, according to Dr. Lee. The “Slow Dancing” singer’s nose is admired for its natural-looking, masculine shape that runs straight from the bridge to the tip.

“V’s overall nose bridge is high and straight. But from the front, it has quite a bit of volume,” the surgeon explained. “The tip of his nose has a strong rounded feel rather than being pointed. So, his nose is soft, but it has a clear T-zone, giving it a very masculine look.”

[SUB] 코성형 상담할 때 가장 많이 물어보는 연예인 코?

Many men want to look like V

V’s facial features have long been celebrated for their natural beauty and symmetry, often aligning with the “golden ratio,” which represents the ideal beauty standards across various cultures. His high nose bridge and large, expressive eyes contribute to a strong, masculine profile. This is despite the fact that his face is smaller and his eyes larger than those typically associated with traditional handsomeness. His mismatched eyelids—one double eyelid and one monolid—further enhance his unique appeal. That’s why many men want to look like him.

Despite the increase in requests for a nose like V’s, Dr. Lee and his colleagues emphasize that the idol’s striking features result from genetics, not cosmetic surgery. This distinction serves as a reminder that while procedures can enhance one’s appearance, the natural symmetry and unique charm of features like V’s are rare.

As such, those seeking to look like V should manage their expectations about the outcomes of such surgeries. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Even when it’s partially obscured by shadows, the shape of V’s nose is outstanding. Source: Vogue Korea.

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f(x)’s Krystal Signs With BANA Entertainment

Actress and singer Krystal, formerly of the girl group f(x), has begun a new chapter in her career by signing with BANA (Beasts and Natives Alike). This agency is home to animator Eric Oh, rappers Beenzino and Kim Ximya, producer 250, and singer Cho Woong. Producer 250 is best known for producing the NewJeans smash hits “Attention” and “Hype Boy.” BANA Entertainment was founded by Kim Kihyun, who previously served as a designer and music video unit head at SM Entertainment.

Krystal announced her latest move on social media, accompanied by a cover of Lalah Hathaway’s hit single “I’m Coming Back,” which she posted on her SoundCloud account.

I'm Coming Back by krystal

Krystal’s move to BANA marks a significant shift since she left SM Entertainment  in 2020. She started her journey by debuting with f(x) in 2009. The group originally consisted of five members: Amber, Krystal, Luna, Sulli, and Victoria. Known for its experimental style, f(x) delivered hits like “Electric Shock,” “Hot Summer,” “Red Light,” and “Rum Pum Pum Pum.” The group has been on an indefinite hiatus since the release of their 4 Walls album in 2015, although they briefly reunited in 2019 for a performance at SMTOWN LIVE in Tokyo.

Krystal left SM Entertainment in 2020 and signed with H& Entertainment. She wanted to focus on her acting career, which began in 2010 with a minor role in MBC’s sitcom More Charming by the Day. She has starred in notable projects such as SBS’s teen drama series The Heirs, tvN’s drama series Prison Playbook, and the film Cobweb in 2023.

Krystal on her journey

Last year, Krystal opened up about wanting to reunite with the other f(x) members. She also touched on the possibility of doing music on her own.

“We have a group chat with the members where we share updates about our lives. Everyone is living busy lives. Seeing other groups reunite often brings a wave of emotions. In fact, we never anticipated that our last album would actually be our last. It would be truly wonderful if an opportunity to reunite came about. I haven’t ruled out the possibility of debuting as a solo artist either. However, there hasn’t been the right song, or the timing hasn’t worked out, or some situation has made it not feasible. Given the chance, I would love to stand on stage again. The thrill and excitement of syncing with the audience on stage are unforgettable. I want to experience it again,” she told Money Today in an exclusive interview.

f (X) クリスタル- Krystal – Melody

Krystal’s musical endeavors include releases in 2010 (“Melody”) and 2017’s (“I Don’t Wanna Love You.”) She’s also the younger sister of former Girls’ Generation member Jessica Jung, who returned to music in November with her fourth mini-album, Beep Beep.

As Krystal embarks on this latest part of her journey, fans are eager to see what new heights she’ll reach in both acting and music. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Although she’s been concentrating on acting lately, fans hope this news means Krystal’s also going to return to music. Source: Instagram/@vousmevoyez.

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Cha Eunwoo Confirms Appearance on ‘Return of Superman’

Actor and ASTRO member Cha Eunwoo is slated to appear on the popular variety show Return of Superman in March. This appearance comes nearly three years after his last visit to the show in August 2021. When the episode airs, viewers will see him meet the first son of fencer Kim Junho, who shares his name.

The anticipation around Cha Eunwoo‘s return to the show is high. The last time he was on Return of Superman, he and fellow ASTRO member MJ spent time with the three young children of retired soccer player Park Jooho. Known for his talent and visuals, his behavior on the show earned him the nickname “genius of childcare.” He did so well with Naeun, Jinwoo, and Gunhoo that fans are excited to see how he’ll interact with 27-month-old Kim Eunwoo. They’re looking forward to seeing what kind of bond he’ll forge with his namesake.

Naeun is holding on to Eunwoo! (The Return of Superman) | KBS WORLD TV 210829

Genius of childcare

Kim Eunwoo, a regular on Return of Superman with his father, Kim Junho, has won over audiences with his gentle nature. His adorable chubby appearance earned him nicknames like “chubby legs” and “gentle boy.” His visuals, reminiscent of his father’s, have also drawn considerable attention.

The connection between Cha Eunwoo and Kim Eunwoo was first brought up on a previous episode of the show, where Kim Junho name-checked the ASTRO member. In that episode, which aired on the 23rd of last month, the fencer and his son were watching the sunrise together to celebrate the New Year. Suddenly, Kim Jun-ho said, “There’s a really handsome uncle named Cha Eunwoo who has the same name as Eunwoo. May Eunwoo be as successful as Uncle Cha Eunwoo. This year is for Cha Eunwoo and Kim Eunwoo.”

The production team also actively courted the idol by adding a caption to the scene that said, “Uncle Cha Eunwoo, we must meet.”

일출 보며 소원 빌기 [슈퍼맨이 돌아왔다/The Return of Superman] | KBS 240123 방송

Cha Eunwoo continues to engage with fans

Upon watching the episode, netizens became interested in seeing Cha Eunwoo meet his young namesake—and now, it’s really going to happen. With the meeting between the two Eunwoos now set, viewers can’t wait to see how Return of Superman will capture their time together.

Having released his first solo mini-album, ENTITY, on the 15th and held a solo fan concert two days later, Cha Eunwoo continues to engage with his fans through various mediums. Additionally, his acting career is poised to flourish with his upcoming role in the new MBC Friday-Saturday drama Wonderful World, premiering on March 1. His upcoming appearance on Return of Superman adds another layer to Cha Eunwoo’s multifaceted career, promising fans a glimpse into his gentle and caring side. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: These two cutie pies have the same name! Source: YouTube/@KBSEnt.

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BTS’s Jimin’s TikTok Hashtag Exceeds 166 Billion Views

BTS’s Jimin has demonstrated his worldwide appeal once again by reaching a new TikTok milestone. His unique hashtag “#jimin” has surpassed an astonishing 166 billion views for a single mention as of February 14. This underscores the idol’s charm and the global impact of his music. It also serves as a clear indicator of the widespread love and support he enjoys from fans around the world.

230224 Jimin Dose – ‘Jimin-level popularity’ Jimin’s TikTok hashtag exceeds 166 billion views

Jimin’s solo song “Filter,” which appeared on BTS‘s fourth studio album, Map of the Soul: 7, is quite popular on TikTok. It has been used as background music over 397,700 times. This ranks it seventh overall and first among solo songs on BTS‘s official account. It is followed by some of the group’s songs, like “Permission to Dance,” “Fake Love,” and “Boy With Luv.”

Moreover, Jimin’s “Like Crazy”—the title track of his debut solo album FACE—was named the Song of March in TikTok’s 2023 K-pop mid-year summary. But that’s not all. From becoming the first song by a Korean soloist to hit No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100, “Like Crazy” has also become a favorite on TikTok. As of February 18, 2024, it has been used in over 316,000 videos.

@bts_official_bighit

방방콘을 보기전에 흥을 올려볼까요 #방방곡곡방방콘 #방방콘 #2등신파티 #저는춤을준비했어요 #JIMIN

♬ Boy With Luv – BTS

Everything Jimin touches turns to gold

It’s almost like everything Jimin touches turns to gold—on TikTok, at least. A BangBangCon promotional video he filmed and posted in 2020 has recorded the highest views for an individual on TikTok, with 130 million views and 13.81 million likes. Meanwhile, a video of Jimin dancing to BTS’s first English hit “Dynamite,” garnered significant attention as well. That video has 108.3 million views and 15.9 million likes as of this writing.

@bts_official_bighit

멈출 수 없는 ✨지민의 다이너마이트 댄스✨BTS #방탄소년단 💜 Dance ‘Dynamite’ with #Jimin 🐤 #Dance_Dynamite #BTS_Dynamite

♬ Dynamite – BTS

Normally, after achieving such success on TikTok, one might rush to create more content for the platform. However, Jimin can’t do that right now because he’s still serving in the South Korean military. He and fellow BTS member Jungkook enlisted together under the “동반입대” (dongbanipdae) or buddy system. This program allows them to enlist, train, and live together for the duration of their service. Maybe after they’re discharged, sometime in June 2025, they can make a TikTok video together.

Given Jimin’s current success on TikTok, he might break the platform once he’s able to post again. Until then, ARMYs worldwide are eagerly counting down the days till his return. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jimin is a certified TikTok sensation. Source: X/@bts_bighit.

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ASTRO Releases Digital Single ‘Circles’ for Eighth Anniversary

On February 23, at 6:00 PM KST, ASTRO surprised fans with the release of their digital single “Circles” to commemorate the eighth anniversary of their debut. This release serves as a heartfelt token of appreciation to their fans, known as AROHA, who have supported them throughout these eight years. The song’s lyrics were penned with the involvement of leader Jinjin, who also contributed to the song’s composition and production.

ASTRO 아스트로 – ‘Circles’ Special Clip

The official music video for “Circles” brings fans closer to the group. It features the members singing in the studio while sharing candid moments from their daily lives and the recording process. This single marks their first release in two years, following their third full-length studio album, Drive to the Starry Road, in 2022. That album was a success. It topped the Gaon Weekly Retail Album Chart and sold over 142,380 copies in its first week. Its title track, “Candy Sugar Pop,” secured four music show awards. The song took first place on M Countdown, Music Bank, Show Champion, and The Show.

ASTRO 아스트로 – Candy Sugar Pop M/V

ASTRO’s journey began as a six-member ensemble on February 23, 2016. They quickly gained attention with their debut EP Spring Up, which charted in South Korea and elsewhere, including on the US Billboard World Albums Chart. Their early success laid the groundwork for a career that has seen them receive plenty of awards and nominations, including the Hallyu Special Award at the Newsis K-EXPO 2019, and nominations at prestigious events like the MAMA Awards and Seoul Music Awards. Beyond music, ASTRO has made their mark through international tours, which helped them establish a global presence and connect with fans worldwide.

The bond between ASTRO and AROHA remains strong

Over the years, ASTRO has experienced changes in its lineup. Rocky left the group on February 28, 2023, following the expiration of his contract. Tragically, Moonbin passed away on April 19, 2023, leaving ASTRO as a quartet consisting of Cha Eunwoo, Jinjin, MJ, and Yoon Sanha. Each has pursued and achieved success in their own right. Sanha is preparing to hold an intimate theater show to closely interact with fans. Cha Eunwoo has appeared in various K-dramas and recently released his first solo EP. Meanwhile, Jinjin and MJ have branched out into acting too. They just completed successful stints in the musical Winterreise.

Despite their individual pursuits, the remaining members of ASTRO have reaffirmed their commitment to the group and their fans with the release of “Circles.” This release not only honors ASTRO‘s past but also signals a promising future. It ensures that the bond between ASTRO and AROHA remains strong. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Happy eighth anniversary, boys! Source: X/@ASTRO_Staff.

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AKB48 Begins Korean Promotions by Announcing Seoul Fan Meeting

AKB48, Japan’s premier all-female idol group, is set to expand its presence in South Korea by holding a fan meeting in Seoul. This move marks a significant step in the group’s Korean promotions, building on a relationship that began with a collaborative performance at the MAMA Awards in 2017. During the show, AKB48 joined forces with several Korean artists, including fromis_9, PRISTIN, and Weki Meki. The Koreans hit the stage first to sing “PICK ME” from Produce 101 season one. The Japanese girls joined them near the end of the song, and together, they performed the AKB48 hits “Heavy Rotation” and “Koisuru Fortune Cookie.”

[2017 MAMA in Japan] CHUNG HA & Weki Meki & PRISTIN & fromis_9 & Idol School Class 1 & AKB48

[2017 MAMA in Japan] AKB48 & CHUNG HA & Weki Meki & PRISTIN & fromis_9 & Idol School Class 1

AKB48 continued to engage with the Korean audience

This performance served as an announcement for the airing of Produce 48. Produce 48 was the third season of the Produce 101 series, but with a unique twist: it pitted Korean trainees from different agencies against Japanese trainees from the AKB48 Group. AKB48 and its sister groups HKT48, NGT48, NMB48, and SKE48 sent representatives to compete on the show. In total, there were 96 contestants from both Japan and South Korea. The goal was to form a 12-member group, IZ*ONE, that would be active in both countries. Among the finalists who debuted in IZ*ONE were Honda Hitomi from AKB48’s Team 8, and Yabuki Nako and Sakura Miyawaki from HKT48.

Becoming IZ*ONE Was Not Easy (Honda Hitomi Version)

Following Produce 48, AKB48 continued to engage with the Korean audience. Almost two years after the show ended, the group was invited to perform at the 2020 Asia Song Festival. At the time, the COVID-19 pandemic was still raging, so they couldn’t fly to Korea and perform there in person. Instead, they taped a performance of their song “First Rabbit” for the festival. When it aired in Korea, Korean netizens were impressed with the fact that AKB48 sang live, without any backing AR track.

AKB48, ファースト・ラビット (First Rabbit) [2020 ASIA SONG FESTIVAL]

AKB48‘s Korean connection also includes collaborations with Sakura Inoue, a Performance Director at HYBE Labels Japan, and GANMI, choreographer of the BTS hit “Butter.” GANMI choreographed AKB48’s “Motokare Desu” and “Hisashiburi no Lip Gloss.” Inoue worked with the group on “Doushitemo Kimi ga Suki da” and “Idol Nanka Janakattara.”

【Dance Practice】AKB48 「アイドルなんかじゃなかったら」 Fixed Point ver.

A landmark event

To further establish their presence in Korea, AKB48 has taken significant steps over the past year. They joined the fan community platform Weverse, started the Weverse DM service, and opened Weverse Shop JAPAN/GLOBAL for pre-orders of their 63rd single “ColorCon Wink.”

カラコンウインク Music Video / AKB48 63rd Single【公式】

Their first fan meeting in Seoul promises to be a landmark event, with Weverse picking 200 fans to attend through a special lottery draw. It’s set to take place on April 20 at the CTS Art Hall. The participating members are Akiyama Yuna, Chiba Erii, Hirata Yuki, Kashiwagi Yuki, Kuranoo Narumi, Mizushima Miyuu, Mukaichi Mion, Murayama Yuiri, Nagatomo Ayami, Narita Kohina, Oguri Yui, Omori Maho, Sato Airi, Shitao Miu, Taguchi Manaka, Yagi Azuki, and Yamauchi Mizuki.

【Dance Practice】AKB48 「カラコンウインク」 Fixed Point ver.

Some say it’s a shame that AKB48 chose to begin Korean promotions after Honda Hitomi graduated from the group. However, the remaining members are just as charming and talented, which bodes well for their success in Korea. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: AKB48 is out to prove they have what it takes to succeed in South Korea. Source: X/@48RequestHour.

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HYBE’s Girl Group I’LL-IT To Release Debut Album ‘Super Real Me’

I'LL-IT shares photo of the group ahead of its debut. Credit: Twitter/I'LL-IT

Get ready to meet the newest addition to the HYBE family! On Monday, February 26, I’LL-IT, the latest girl group under HYBE LABELS announced that they will be dropping their debut album Super Real Me on March 25.

In addition, BELIFT LAB, HYBE’s subsidiary, also revealed the girl group’s official logo through a 28-second Youtube video. 

Composed of members Yunah, Minju, Moka, Wonhee and Iroha, the group shared their thoughts on finally debuting through the agency. “We are very glad and excited to make the debut we’ve been longing for. Thank you to the fans who have waited patiently for us,” the members expressed.

Moreover, the members also shared that they have grown through the process of recording music and filming music videos. Additionally, the I’LL-IT members asked their fans to give them a lot of interest for their much-anticipated debut.

Additional details about Super Real Me such as its tracklist and title song are yet to be revealed.

Aside from ‘Super Real Me,’ what we know about I’LL-IT

For those who don’t know,  I’LL-IT is a product of the idol survival program R U Next?, which aired from June to September 2023. According to the agency, the group’s name is a combination of the words “I’ll” and “it,” which means that you have the potential to become anything. 

Initially, six contestants were chosen to be part of the debut line up. However, Youngseo, who placed second in the show, left the agency in January 2024 prior to the group’s debut. As per HYBE’s notice, both the company and the artist decided to terminate the exclusive contract. With this, I’LL-IT will continue with five members.

Notably, I’LL-IT will be the latest addition to the growing roster of girl groups under HYBE, following fromis_9, Le Sserafim and NewJeans. Although all under HYBE Label, I’LL-IT is set to be the first girl group and the second artist of the subsidiary BELIFT LAB. Furthermore, the quintet will be the first juniors of K-pop boy group ENHYPEN.

While waiting for the release of Super Real Me, fans can catch the latest I’LL-IT content through the group’s own Youtube variety shows I’LL-IT Ready and I’LL LIKE IT!

Featured image: I’LL-IT shares photo of the group ahead of its debut. Credit: Twitter/I’LL-IT

 

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