Author: Kpop News Writer

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Four BTOB Members Establish BTOB Company

BTOB

BTOB members Eunkwang, Hyunsik, Minhyuk, and Peniel have taken a significant step in their careers by founding BTOB Company, their own label. This new venture operates as a subsidiary of DOD, a newly-formed agency that the four members joined in December after signing exclusive contracts. They recently acquired the rights to use the name BTOB in an agreement with Cube Entertainment, their previous agency.

A representative from BTOB Company expressed their commitment to supporting the members in their future endeavors. “We will spare no effort to support Eunkwang, Hyunsik, Minhyuk, and Peniel as well as BTOB’s future activities so that they can be more active in various fields,” they said in a statement.

Following their departure from Cube Entertainment in November last year, when their contracts expired, all six BTOB members took new paths. Changsub signed with Fantagio, joining other K-pop acts like ASTRO and Weki Meki, while Yook Sungjae moved to I Will Media in December 2023.

[FULL] BTOB TALK SHOW｜fromm live｜240221

BTOB Company marks a new chapter

Despite the members signing with different labels, these companies have promised to support their activities with BTOB. Their latest group release was the mini-album Wind and Wish in May 2023.

Some of the group’s members are pursuing solo activities. Hyunsik released his second solo EP The Young Man and the Deep Sea on February 16 under DOD. Eunkwang is appearing on Mnet’s vocal survival show Build Up as a judge, not as a contestant. Changsub is also active in musical theater and hosts the online variety show Jengwaja on YouTube.

The establishment of BTOB Company marks a new chapter for Eunkwang, Hyunsik, Minhyuk, and Peniel. It provides them with a platform to explore and expand their musical and creative horizons while continuing to contribute to their group’s legacy. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Check out the new label’s logo. What do you think? Source: X/@jetzki06.

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Former ‘Produce 48’ Contestant Lee Kaeun Talks Vote Manipulation

Lee Kaeun, a former contestant on Produce 48, recently broke her silence on the vote manipulation scandal that rocked the show. 

During an appearance on the YouTube show Gatalk Chat, Kaeun joined a chatroom with other survival show alums, including GHOST9’s Lee Jinwoo, who appeared on Produce X 101. At one point, Kaeun opened up about how she felt upon learning that her rankings were manipulated. Throughout Produce 48, she was consistently in the Top 10 until a sudden drop in the final episode placed her at No. 14. Since then, it has been revealed that she actually placed fifth. That would’ve put her in the final lineup of IZ*ONE.

Kaeun looked back on the moment she learned about the manipulation. “I was getting skincare treatment, and when I finished, I started to get calls like crazy. So at first, I thought I did something wrong.” 

《가톡방》 EP1.🚫참가자 외 출입 금지🚫 서바이벌 리얼 후기방

She expressed discomfort with being labeled a victim. “It was something I wished to be forgotten. But when the list was revealed, I felt like I was being labeled as a victim in the world. I was fine, but people around me looked at me sympathetically, so I think that was hard.”

Despite her discomfort, Kaeun found solace in her mother’s happiness, “But my mom was happy that I actually made the cut. So I was satisfied with that.”

Kaeun has made significant strides

She may have missed out on a spot in IZ*ONE, but Kaeun has made significant strides in her showbiz career anyway. When she left PLEDIS Entertainment, she released a digital single called “Remember You” as a gift to her fans. She signed with High Entertainment in July 2019, embarking on a new chapter as an artist. 

In 2020, Kaeun participated in the special album project PROJECT10, for which she covered “Can You Hear Me” by SNSD’s Taeyeon.

Project 10 | 들리나요 – 이가은

Kaeun has since ventured into acting, making her debut in the web movie Motelier. The comedy, which includes elements of the multiverse genre, features Kaeun in the lead role of Yoo Da Hee, a concierge at a motel who runs a secret podcast at night where she shares intriguing stories.

Here’s hoping she has more in store for fans this year! – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: She was cheated out of a place in IZ*ONE by one of the show’s producers. Source: K-Pop Database.

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Fans Discover Evidence That Ex-NCT Member Lucas Will Return Soon

On February 21, excitement surged among fans as photos of former NCT member Lucas appeared online, fueling speculation about his upcoming solo debut. According to those who shared the photos, Lucas went to Budapest, reportedly to film a music video for his solo comeback. While the idol and his team are staying quiet, fans have gathered several pieces of evidence to support their theory that his return is imminent.

First, an SM Entertainment staff member was also spotted in Budapest. This staff member is known for their role in casting and scheduling for SM artists. Fans believe they accompanied Lucas to the set of his music video shoot.

But that’s not all. Lucas’s recent public appearances suggest that SM Entertainment is laying the groundwork for his solo career. Earlier this month, Lucas attended Ten’s fan concert in Seoul alongside NCT members Jaehyun, Johnny, and Mark. Before that, he received a shoutout from SHINee‘s Key at another show.

Are you excited to see Lucas again?

Fans have also been monitoring social media. On February 23, SM Entertainment launched official accounts for Lucas on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). The agency has yet to post anything on either account, but they did use his new logo and profile photo to set them up. 

https://www.tiktok.com/@neocoffeebean/video/7338739002180177194?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=6908322787502065153

Lucas went on an extended hiatus in 2021 amid accusations of abuse, cheating, and gaslighting from his exes. The first accuser came forward on August 23, 2021, and more followed suit. Despite the absence of conclusive evidence, he still received significant backlash, leading him to issue an apology. Unfortunately, the damage had already been done. In May 2023, he officially left both NCT and WayV but stayed with SM Entertainment to go solo.

Now that all signs are pointing to his imminent solo debut, the question is: Are you excited to see Lucas again? – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: It’s clear that Lucas will return. But when? Source: UHD Wallpaper.

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BTS’s Jungkook Arranges to Take Care of ARMYs Visiting Gangnam Restaurant

BTS‘s Jungkook recently made headlines again. This time, it’s because of a heartwarming act of kindness towards an ARMY who visited a restaurant he had recommended.

Angoo, a popular Korea-based food and travel content creator and a proud fan of BTS, posted a TikTok of her visit to Sokurichon Cheongdam (소쿠리촌 청담), a barbecue place in Gangnam that Jungkook had frequented in the past. This restaurant has also played host to other idols like SEVENTEEN‘s Hoshi and Mingyu, as well as ASTRO’s Cha Eunwoo. Their signatures adorn the restaurant’s wall.

@angootv

Jungkook bbq tour with a mini food history😎 편집하는데 배가 너무 고팠다🥓 📍소쿠리촌 청담 서울 강남구 삼성로148길 10 #bts #jungkook #btsarmy #korea #seoul #food #foodtrip #koreanbbq #koreatravel #seoultravel #맛집

♬ Vintage – Cōrt

Located at 1st floor, 10 Samseong-ro 148-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Sokurichon Cheongdam is famous for its naengsam or frozen pork belly barbecue. It also offers a variety of traditional Korean pocha snacks and side dishes. Its unique blend of kitsch and retro vibes makes dining here a memorable experience. This restaurant is ideal for romantic dates, family gatherings, or company dinners. Go here to enjoy late-night meals in a cozy, nostalgic setting. The staff’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction makes it a must-visit spot in Cheongdam-dong.

During her visit, Angoo ordered the same menu Jungkook had supposedly enjoyed. It included three servings of frozen pork belly barbecue, kimchi rolled noodles, and cheonggukjang, a type of soybean paste and tofu stew. She praised the dishes he ordered, commending Jungkook for ordering a perfectly balanced meal.

Jungkook treats fans well

The visit took an even sweeter turn when the restaurant’s manager informed Angoo that Jungkook had asked him to take extra care of ARMYs who visited the place. In honor of Jungkook‘s request, the restaurant treated Angoo to some amazing freebies, including makgeolli, highball, and red bean shaved ice.

The video of Angoo’s experience recently went viral on X (formerly Twitter), where fans expressed gratitude for having an idol like Jungkook who treats them so well. Many fans reiterated how much they miss the singer, who is currently serving in the South Korean military.

Jungkook and fellow BTS member Jimin enlisted under the “동반입대” (dongbanipdae) or buddy system. This program allows them to enlist, train, and live together for the duration of their service. They’re scheduled to be discharged in 2025. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: This incident proves Jungkook thinks about ARMY 24/7. Source: X/@CalvinKlein.

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Baekhyun’s KSPO Dome Show Sells Out in One Day

EXO member and solo artist Baekhyun has proven his ticket-selling prowess once again with his 2024 solo concert, LONSDALEITE, at the KSPO Dome. The show sold out in just one day! General ticket sales opened at 8:00 PM on the 20th through the online ticketing site Melon Ticket. All seats were snapped up on the same day, highlighting the intense anticipation for Baekhyun’s solo concert.

LONSDALEITE is his first offline solo concert. It has been the subject of much attention since he announced it, which is proof of his unparalleled ability to draw a crowd. The KSPO Dome, formerly known as the Olympic Gymnastics Arena, holds significant prestige as a concert venue in South Korea. It boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced sound and lighting systems. What’s more, it can accommodate 15,000 spectators. These features make it an ideal location for artists to deliver spectacular performances. Holding a concert at the KSPO Dome is often seen as a milestone for artists. The fact that Baekhyun sold out a show there in just one day shows how popular he really is.

Baekhyun has been working hard

Baekhyun has been working hard to prepare for the concert. His goal is to showcase his strengths as a soloist while unveiling new facets of his artistry. He has also been meeting fans through various performances, which he carried out under his independent label, INB100. He has made headlines for his exceptional fan service on his SNACK PARTY national tour, which spanned seven shows across Busan, Gwangju, and Seoul.

The ‘LONSDALEITE’ concert is set to kick off an Asia tour, beginning with shows on March 16 and 17 at the KSPO Dome. Baekhyun will then visit 13 cities across Asia to bring his captivating performances to fans across the continent. He will hit Japan, specifically Chiba, Fukuoka, Kobe, Sendai, and Tokyo. The tour will also take him to Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Manila, Singapore, and Taipei. BTW, tickets to the Manila show also sold out in just one day. Talk about amazing! – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Tickets to his shows have been selling like hotcakes. Source: X/@BAEKHYUN_INB100.

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Dex to Return in Netflix’s ‘Zombieverse’ 2

KHTD Studio shares new company profile photos of artist Dex. Credit: Instagram/KHTD Studios

The original Zombieverse member is back! On February 18, South Korean Youtuber Dex confirmed his appearance on the second season of the Netflix program Zombieverse. 

After showing a stellar performance in the first season, Dex is set to make his return in the anticipated variety show.

For those who don’t know, Zombieverse is a groundbreaking unscripted program where the cast needs to complete a quest in order to survive. In the first season released in August 2023, Dex starred alongside actress Lee Si Young, comedian Park Na Rae, TV personality Noh Hong-Chul, rapper Dindin, and Billie member Tsuki. Also part of the lineup were well-known comedian siblings Patricia and Jonathan. 

After its premiere, the first season easily secured a spot in Netflix Korea’s top 10 series. Following its success, the production team confirmed that a sequel will be made. Although the rest of the cast for the second season are yet to be revealed, Dex, who survived the first season, will be bringing back his wits and agility in the show.

More about Dex and his rise to fame

For those unaware, Dex rose to fame with his appearance in the hit dating program Single’s Inferno. Prior to that, he was a former UDT soldier who did content creation and streaming.

Since being in the spotlight, the 28-year old TV personality appeared in multiple shows including Bloody Game season 2, Adventure By Accident season 2 in the last year. Moreover, he even had his own web show titled Dex’s Fridge Interview. 

On top of that, he ended 2023 with a successful note as he took home a number of awards. Among these were the MBC Drama Awards “Rookie of the Year” and the 2nd Blue Dragon Series Awards’ “Best Rookie Male Entertainer”

Aside from the upcoming Zombieverse season 2, Dex is already booked and busy for 2024. According to reports, he is set to be a regular member of Yoo Jae Suk’s variety show The Zone: Survival Mission season 3, which will be released in the second half of 2024.

Moreover, Dex is also rumored to make his acting debut in his first lead role in the upcoming horror series Tarot. Additionally, actors Jo Yeo Jeong and Park Ha Sun are also in talks to take part in the show. However, additional details about it, however, are yet to be revealed.

Featured image: KHTD Studio shares new company profile photos of artist Dex. Credit: Instagram/KHTD Studios

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Song Hye Kyo to Star in Comeback Film ‘Dark Nuns’

Song Hye Kyo shares photo from fashion shoot. Credit: Instagram/Song Hye Kyo

Get ready to see Song Hye Kyo return to the big screen! On February 16, South Korean news outlets announced that veteran actress Hye Kyo will be leading the upcoming thriller film Dark Nuns. 

According to reports, the film will be a spin-off of Kang Dong Win’s hit 2015 movie The Priests.

Moreover, Dark Nuns will be Hye Kyo’s first appearance on the big screen in 10 years. Although she starred in multiple dramas over the past decade, her last film, My Brilliant Life, was released in 2014.

Since she set high records for her stellar performance in the 2022 revenge drama The Glory, Hye Kyo is expected to show her remarkable acting skills in the new project. Moreover, said drama, which also falls under the psychological thriller genre, earned her multiple awards. 

For the Dark Nuns, she will be joined by fellow actress Jeon Yeo Been, who is best known for her roles in Vincenzo and Be Melodramatic. Meanwhile, Sweet Home actor Lee Jin Wook has also been confirmed to be a part of the cast.

What we know so far about Dark Nuns

According to the film’s production team, Dark Nuns will tell the story of nuns who perform exorcisms.

In the movie, Hye Kyo will play the role of Sister Junia, a brave nun who saves a young boy’s life. Although no method seems to help the little boy, Sister Junia makes it her mission to relieve the child’s pain.

Meanwhile, Sister Michaela, who will be played by Yeo Been, becomes curious about Sister Junia’s plans and later decides to help her save the boy.

On the other hand, actor Lee Jin Wook will take on the character of Father Paolo. Both a priest and a psychiatrist, Father Paolo believes that medicine can cure the boy.

In addition, the cast lineup will be completed by veteran actor Hee Joon Ho and child actor Moon Woo Jin. Joon Ho will play Father Andrea, the priest who performs an exorcism to save the young boy. Meanwhile, Woo Jin will take on the role of the little boy possessed by a powerful evil spirit.

Led by director Kwon Hyeok Jae, the shooting for Dark Nuns will begin in late February. As of writing, there’s no schedule yet for its release. 

Featured image: Song Hye Kyo shares photo from fashion shoot. Credit: Instagram/Song Hye Kyo

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Listening Party of GOT7 Yugyeom Turns Into a Star-Studded Event With SEVENTEEN, NCT, and Other Celebs

Numerous celebrities were present for the listening party for the album 'Trust Me.' Credit: Instagram/Yugyeom

It’s not every time that we get to see several artists from different agencies in one frame. But Yugyeom just did that! And to the delight of fans, these artists also come from different fields in the South Korean entertainment industry. 

On February 20, Yugyeom of the K-pop boy group GOT7 hosted a listening party for his first full-length album Trust Me. To fans’ surprise, a number of familiar faces in the industry came in to support the singer.

After the event, the youngest GOT7 member treated the fans by showing a glimpse of the party through a series of photos. Notably, the guest list included SEVENTEEN members DK, Mingyu, The8, Woozi and Vernon, NCT members Johnny and Jaehyun, and fellow GOT7 member Bambam.

Moreover, ATEEZ’s Mingi, BtoB’s Peniel, iKON’s Donghyuk, and Pentagon’s Kino and Hui were also among the boy group members who went to celebrate with Yugyeom.

As if these male idols’ crossover wasn’t enough, a couple of soloists and celebrities were also spotted at the star-studded event. Some of which are actor Song Kang, rapper Loco, music producer CODE KUNST, and the Kwon brothers who gained popularity in the hit reality show Street Man Fighter.

All out support for Yugyeom and his debut album

As Yugyeom finally dropped Trust Me on February 21, his friends and fans made sure to praise him on this milestone.

In his Instagram post where he announced the album’s track list, the idol was showered with congratulatory messages. Among those who celebrated his achievement is Jennie of BLACKPINK, who’s known to be close friends with GOT7’s maknae.

In addition, his labelmates in AOMG Record Label, also showed their support for the singer. For instance, rapper PUNCHNELLO and singers Gray and DeVita, who also attended the listening party, all commented under Yugeom’s post.

Meanwhile, Ahgases, GOT7’s fanbase, also shared their excitement on social media as they showered the artist with praises. One wrote: “The album is insane honestly. Yugyeom deserves all of this.”

Only two days after the album’s release, Trust Me already debuted at the #2 spot on the iTunes Worldwide Album Chart.

 

Featured image: Numerous celebrities were present for the listening party for the album ‘Trust Me.’ Credit: Instagram/Yugyeom

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Look: The Boyz’ Juyeon Attends the 2024 NBA All-Star Game as a Fashion Ambassador

The Boyz member Juyeon shares photos from NBA All-Star Weekend 2024. Credit: Instagram/The Boyz

The basketball fanboy is now living his fanboy dreams! On February 19, Juyeon of the K-pop boy group THE BOYZ attended the 2023 NBA All-Star Game as an NBA Fashion Ambassador. 

To his fans, Juyeon is known as an avid fan of basketball. Now, the idol had the chance to watch the main games, attend events such as fashion content shooting and exclusive interviews related to the sport. 

In a statement, Juyeon, through his agency IST Entertainment, relayed his gratitude on getting the invitation. “Thank you very much for inviting me to the 2024 NBA All-Star Game. It’s an honor to be able to see the great game with my own eyes,” the singer said.

For those who don’t know, THE BOYZ was selected as the official ambassador for NBA Style Korea in September 2023. Recently, THE BOYZ members Jacob, Kevin, Eric and Juyeon were also invited to watch a Lakers game a few days before the All Star Weekend.

 

 

A dream come true for Juyeon

As most of THE BOYZ fans would know, Juyeon has been very vocal and transparent with being a basketball fan. Knowing that it is his dream to witness the NBA idols play live, Deobis, the group’s fanbase, are extremely happy for the idol’s achievement.

On his personal Instagram account, Juyeon, sharing his exciting experience, revealed that his phone wallpaper has been a picture of Kobe Bryant for years. After watching the Los Angeles Lakers game where Lebron James showed a jaw-dropping performance, Juyeon wrote in his caption: “Yesterday I saw a similar photo of another legend and I was there.”

Aside from watching on the courtsides, Juyeon also had the opportunity to meet a number of NBA stars including Jaylen Rose and Jackson Hayes. Moreover, he even played a mini shooting game with the veteran player Pau Gasol. 

Wrapping up his dream-come-true moment, the idol posted a couple of his photos of his experience. In his caption, he wrote: “It was an honor to be at the All Star Weekend.”

Meanwhile, NBA Korea’s Tiktok account also shared a compilation of clips from the event. In the comments section, the THE BOYZ member wrote: “I had such a good time during the All Star Weekend. It doesn’t feel like work, it feels like I came to have fun.” 

 

Featured image: The Boyz member Juyeon shares photos from NBA All-Star Weekend 2024. Credit: Instagram/The Boyz

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MONSTA X’s Shownu Makes Runway Debut at New York Fashion Week

Shownu poses during the Concept Korea event at NYFW. Credit: Twitter/MONSTA X

Make way for model Shownu! Last February 14, Shownu of the K-pop boy group Monsta X left fans in awe with his jaw-dropping visuals as he made his runway debut at the New York Fashion Week.

In one of his looks, the K-pop idol flaunted his toned body in a black cropped jacket. Notably, the stint proved that his versatility as a performer goes beyond his singing and dancing abilities. 

 

To note, Shownu, whose real name is Son Hyun-Woo, made an appearance as an ambassador and a model for the Concept Korea 2024 F/W. For those unaware, Concept Korea is a platform given to Korean fashion designers to showcase their works internationally, and this time, in the prestigious fashion event. 

Another testament to his global influence, Shownu also appeared in Concept Korea’s global campaign video which was broadcasted in the ever popular Times Square.

During the stint, the Monsta X leader expressed his gratitude with the rare opportunity. According to South Korean reports, he shared that it was fun to have experienced a new field he had never tried before. “It was a very meaningful time to participate as an ambassador representing Korean fashion,” he added.

Fans proud of model Shownu

After seeing Shownu excel in another field apart from being an idol, fans, especially Monsta X’s fanbase, Monbebes, can’t help but be proud of the singer.

On social media, Monbebes showered the artist with positive comments as they trended the hashtag #Shownu_NY_FashionWeek. “You did an amazing job on the runway. You are an icon and a legend,” one fan wrote.

Moreover, other fans also complimented him as he showed an amazing performance as a model. “That’s how you make your NYFW runway debut,” one said. Meanwhile another called him the main event of the show.

Another fan took the time to appreciate the idol’s progress over the years as he went from being an invited guest who watched on the sidelines in 2016 to becoming an ambassador who walked the runway in 2024.

In other news, Shownu is also set to make his musical theater debut in the upcoming production The Great Comet which will begin its run in the last week of March.

Featured image: Shownu poses during the Concept Korea event at NYFW. Credit: Twitter/MONSTA X

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