Author: Kpop News Writer

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BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BTS’s Producer Said to Be Dating Weather Reporter

Pdogg

BTS‘s music producer Pdogg is reportedly dating weather reporter Kim Ga-young. South Korean media outlets reported on the rumors last Tuesday, February 13. The couple has been seen going out on dates and introducing each other as partners to their friends, according to SpoTV News. 

Pdogg, a fixture at BigHit Music, has been instrumental in BTS‘s success. He composed and produced many of their hit songs, including “No More Dream,” “Fire,” “Spring Day,” and “Fake Love.” His contributions have earned him high praise from the band. V has called him “the eighth BTS member” while Jungkook labeled him a “living legend.” 

Beyond his work with BTS as a group, Pdogg has also produced music for individual members. He worked on D-DAY, the first full-length album released by SUGA under the name Agust D. He also contributed to Jimin’s first EP FACE. Outside of BTS and BigHit Music, Pdogg has worked with other HYBE artists, such as ENHYPEN and LE SSERAFIM member Huh Yunjin. 

BTS Call Me Brother (Immortal Songs 2) I KBS WORLD TV 201114

Pdogg and his other half

When BTS was on Immortal Songs 2: Singing the Legend,  RM praised Pdogg. The leader of BTS said, “He’s got to be No. 1 in copyright royalties in Korea, right?” Indeed, Pdogg has led Korea’s music royalties list for the past five years. He also received the grand prize at the KOMCA Awards for five consecutive years.

Kim Ga-young, the other half of this power couple, has been the weather forecaster for MBC’s Newsdesk since April 2021. Her career also spans presenting for radio shows and sporting events. She has appeared on entertainment shows, and has had a regular spot on the SBS variety show Kick a Goal from its second season in 2022.

Regarding the reports of Pdogg‘s relationship, BigHit told Yonhap News that it “cannot confirm [their relationship] as it concerns personal matters.” It wouldn’t be a bad thing if the news were true. After all, Pdogg’s contributions to the K-pop industry have made plenty of fans happy. He deserves to be happy too. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Their relationship has progressed to the point where they’re meeting each other’s friends. Source: X/@PixyEditzz.

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BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BTS’s ‘Spring Day’ Reaches Seventh Year on MelOn Top 100

This emotive ballad has been on MelOn’s Daily Top 100 chart since it dropped on February 13, 2017, marking seven consecutive years on the chart. No other song has maintained such a consistent presence on the chart, operated by Korea’s largest streaming service. As the title track of You Never Walk Alone, the repackaged version of their second full-length album, “Spring Day” marked a significant shift for BTS. This release saw them transitioning from their earlier, more hip-hop-driven singles to a more introspective sound.

BigHit Music issued a press release about the song. “The band’s hope to make a song that will be played for a long time among Korean people has become true. It remains with us with a resonance that goes beyond music,” said the agency.

BTS (방탄소년단) ‘봄날 (Spring Day)’ Official MV

About ‘Spring Day’

During an appearance on Immortal Songs 2: Singing the Legend, members SUGA and RM shared the personal experiences that inspired “Spring Day.” SUGA claimed the song is based on how he felt when he lost a friend, an experience he deemed relatable. He believed that’s why people embraced the song the way they did. “Isn’t that common, though? Doesn’t everyone go through this loss at one point in life?”

RM said the idea for the song popped into his head while he was hanging out at the Han River. He wrote the lyrics while thinking about the friends he left behind in Ilsan. “I had friendships that meant a lot to me back in the day. But once I moved to Seoul and started my traineeship, we kind of drifted apart and I eventually lost them. So I thought of them as stars in the sky, floating around me.” 

RM Was Thinking About His Star-Like Friends (Immortal Songs 2)

The song’s poignant lyrics led fans to believe it’s about the lives lost in Korea’s 2014 Sewol Ferry disaster. RM acknowledged that “the song can be interpreted in many ways,” allowing it to serve as an anthem for all things lost but cherished.

As all members of BTS are currently serving in the military, “Spring Day” has taken on a new meaning for ARMYs. This anthem of longing and missing someone mirrors the sentiments of fans worldwide, who are most likely playing it on repeat, eagerly awaiting BTS’s return as a full group in 2025. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: This Daesang-winning song holds the record for the most streams, most unique listeners, most likes, and longest charting duration in the history of MelOn. Source: X/@Pk_bts_land.

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

TXT’s Soobin Donates 100M KRW to Seoul Children’s Hospital

On February 5, Seoul Children’s Hospital revealed that Soobin, leader of the K-pop boy group TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT), donated 100 million KRW. This generous act, carried out on January 31, aims to support children with severe disabilities, showcasing Soobin‘s deep compassion and commitment to making a difference in the lives of the young and vulnerable.

Hospital officials allocated his donation carefully. Twenty million KRW will cover medical expenses for children in need of mental and physical rehabilitation. The remaining 80 million KRW went to fund projects aimed at improving the treatment environment within the hospital. This initiative reflects a holistic approach to supporting the health and well-being of children dealing with serious ailments.

In March, the hospital will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Good Neighbors and the Seoul Community Chest. This will focus on identifying vulnerable groups in need of medical support. Starting in April, parts of the hospital will be remodeled based on user feedback. This will ensure that its facilities will meet the needs of those it serves.

@crimtheghoul

#greenscreen Philanthropy in Kpop and TXT Soobin’s amazing donation to help Children in need. #txt #hybe #philanthropy #kpopnews #kpop #kpopfyp #kpopers #kpoper #kpopfypシ #kpoptiktok #soobin #soobintxt #txt_bighit_official #txt_official_bighit #txtsoobin #txtnews #koreannews

♬ original sound – ☢️Ghoul☢️

Who taught Soobin to be generous?

The hospital has witnessed a significant increase in donations, totaling 940 million KRW last year. This includes contributions aimed at enhancing the treatment environment and providing essential medical equipment, such as ventilators and rehabilitation robotics, for children without guardians. Last year’s donations, more than four times the five-year average, played a crucial role in supporting the medically disadvantaged, a testament to the ongoing corporate social responsibility activities and the generosity of individuals like Soobin.

Nam Min, the director of the Seoul Children’s Hospital, expressed his gratitude for the donors’ kindness, which has enabled the hospital to continue its work. He pledged to honor them by identifying and supporting more vulnerable families this year.

Soobin‘s philanthropy is rooted in the values his family instilled in him. In a past interview with Weverse magazine, he shared a poignant memory of his mother’s influence, recalling how she once made a donation in tears while watching TV. She once advised him, “When you grow up, you should always be kind and help anyone in need.” This lesson has clearly shaped Soobin‘s personality, inspiring him to use his platform and resources to make a positive impact on society. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Soobin took his mother’s words to heart. Source: X/@translatingTXT.

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Sung Hanbin and Zhang Hao Showcase Their Chemistry on ‘M Countdown’

Sung Hanbin and Zhang Hao of ZEROBASEONE are the epitome of friendship goals in the K-pop scene. From their early days on Boys Planet, it was clear they shared a special connection.

Despite the competitive nature of the show, their bond stood out, especially when Hanbin fell to second place behind Hao in the finale. Despite the fact that many considered the South Korean trainee a shoo-in for the top spot, he graciously accepted the outcome. Hanbin even told Hao that the No. 1 seat suited the global trainee. This left a lasting impression on fans, who were charmed by the depth of their friendship.

ALL HAOBIN MOMENTS from 1st to last ep of BOYS PLANET

After Boys Planet, their chemistry was further showcased in a video where they shared fun facts about each other. This further endeared them to fans.

[팅글인터뷰] ASMR | 제로베이스원 장하오&성한빈 편 (ENG/JPN)

Hao and Hanbin have been flexing their friendship

This chemistry was on full display during a recent gathering of idols for M Countdown. When Hao arrived, he was met with a full couch. Instead of squeezing in next to one of the idols, he joked that he could simply sit in Hanbin’s lap. The M Countdown MC welcomed his friend by patting his leg and gesturing for Hao to have a seat, indicating that the Chinese idol could indeed sit in his lap.

@haoandbin

oh that’s the best seat Hao 😂#zerobaseone #zb1 #sunghanbin #zhanghao #haobin #hanbinzhanghao

♬ original sound – ivy🐬 – ivy🐬ྀི

A video clip of this moment went viral on social media, racking up over 150,000 views on TikTok alone. On X (formerly known as Twitter), viewers couldn’t stop talking about what Hao did. The reaction of CIX’s Bae Jinyoung also became a hot topic. One fan pointed out that Jinyoung looked like he was side-eyeing the ZEROBASEONE members. While that wasn’t exactly true, he did look somewhat bemused, which made the incident funnier.

Adding to the amusement, Hao and Hanbin later posted a TikTok video together.

@zb1_official

‘I WANNA KNOW’ with HAN BIN 🐹 #ZEROBASEONE #ZB1 #제로베이스원 #SUNGHANBIN #ZHANGHAO #성한빈 #장하오 #I_WANNA_KNOW #환승연애3 #I_WANNA_KNOW_Challenge

♬ I WANNA KNOW – ZHANG HAO

Last year, fans accused WAKEONE Entertainment of homophobia, believing their agency had banned Hao and Hanbin from spending time together. It’s great to see that isn’t the case, as the two have been flexing their friendship whenever and wherever they can. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Theirs is truly a beautiful friendship. Source: X/@kpopachillean.

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KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

SM Entertainment to Debut British Boy Group With ‘X Factor’ Producer Nigel Hall

SM Entertainment made headlines when the agency announced plans to debut a boy group in the UK. Now, news has broken that Nigel Hall, the esteemed producer behind Britain’s Got Talent and The X Factor, has come on board to work on the project. SM will collaborate with Moon&Back Media, an entertainment company led by Hall, on a six-episode TV series focusing on the formation of a K-pop group consisting entirely of British members.

Hall has had quite the career in television. Starting his career in the BBC newsroom, he quickly made his mark by bringing You’ve Been Framed and Stars in their Eyes to Granada Television. His tenure at ITV as Head of Light Entertainment began in 2002. It was marked by the launch of wildly popular programs that remain staples of the network.

Perhaps most notable is Hall’s collaboration with Simon Cowell, leading to the creation of Syco Entertainment. Together, they launched the Got Talent and X Factor franchises. Not only did both generate over 2 billion USD in revenue, but they also made household names of Leona Lewis, Little Mix, and One Direction. As a result, Cowell became one of the highest-paid television personalities in the UK and the US.

Hall and SM will combine their expertise

Hall’s history with hit shows like Got Talent and X Factor shows he’s great at finding and growing talent. His work with SM Entertainment will combine his reality TV skills with SM’s knowledge of K-pop. This partnership plans to use Hall’s experience to make content that people everywhere will enjoy. With Hall at the helm, they could introduce new ways to discover stars.

This effort could start a new era for survival shows, blending the best of British production expertise with the dynamic world of K-pop. The goal is to form a boy group that’s popular in South Korea and around the world. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Hall and his associates posed with SM Entertainment representatives late last year. Source: X/@Jeff__Benjamin.

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Shinyu Speaks: TWS’s Leader Opens Up to Weverse Magazine

In a recent interview with Weverse Magazine, Shinyu, the leader of TWS, opened up about his musical roots, leadership philosophy, and the dreams that drive him. His candid reflections offer a deeper understanding of his artistic identity and vision for the group.

“I got into rap in middle school. I’d always look up songs and listen to them, and I still listen to it a lot. As you mentioned, I like boom bap and I’m pretty comfortable with it from having practiced it so much,” Shinyu said when asked why he decided to become a rapper.

Discussing his approach to music and performance, Shinyu said, “I pay special attention to the lyrics. I quickly find a personality for each song in my head and rapidly switch between them like changing films for a camera. So, in ‘BFF,’ I become this funky rapping character, then in ‘first hooky,’ I’m a tough rapper. It gives each song its own distinct personality.”

He didn’t get into K-pop to pursue fame and fortune. “I first dreamed of becoming a model, but the whole idea that K-pop groups stick together for a long time and basically become families struck a deep chord with me,” he admitted. “More than anything else, I wanted to look cool and be a good influence to lots of people. My two nunims always told me, ‘You’d make a great K-pop artist,’ and over time those kind words made my aspirations balloon up. I was just drawn to it.”

@weverseofficial

신유 #Quotes | TWS | Weverse Magazine 위버스 매거진에서 TWS의 인터뷰를 확인하세요! 🔎 신유 “행복은 멀리 있지 않고 주변에 있어요” – SHINYU #Quotes | TWS | Weverse Magazine Check out TWS’s interview on Weverse Magazine! 🔎 SHINYU: “Happiness isn’t somewhere far away—it’s within reach” – SHINYU #Quotes | TWS | Weverse Magazine Weverse MagazineでTWSのインタビューをチェック！ 🔎 SHINYU「幸せは遠くにあるのではなく、身近なところにあります」 #위버스매거진 #데뷔인터뷰 #TWS #투어스 #신유 #SHINYU #위버스 #Weverse #Weverse_Magazine

♬ 오리지널 사운드 – Weverse – Weverse

Shinyu is a thoughtful artist and leader

His trainee journey began when he took a trip to Seoul with one of his sisters. “I was actually against it—I like just staying home,” he laughed. “But she insisted, so we went, and that’s when I was scouted for the first time, which is what started me down the path of life as a trainee. Sometimes I wonder what would’ve happened if I hadn’t gone up with her that day. Maybe this current version of me wouldn’t even exist.”

As the leader of TWS, he navigates his role with a blend of observation, flexibility, and careful consideration. He strives to make decisions that benefit the group while fostering a supportive and collaborative environment. “I became the permanent leader after we all took turns being leader for the day. I believe leadership is about sticking to your duties and adopting a responsible attitude, and I figure that’s what made them trust me. Still, this is my first time being a leader, and I’m not that good yet, so I’m learning as I go.”

Shinyu dreams of winning Best New Artist. His bucket list also includes doing concerts and fan sign events. “If you’re going to dream, dream big, right?” he remarked.

Shinyu‘s Weverse magazine interview paints a picture of a thoughtful artist and leader, deeply committed to his craft, his group, and their fans. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: We can’t wait to see him lead TWS to success! Source: Weverse Magazine.

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

SEVENTEEN’s Hoshi Pays it Forward to Children in Need

Earlier this month, the Fruit of Love in Northern Gyeonggi announced that SEVENTEEN‘s Hoshi donated 100 million KRW to support children and teenagers in need worldwide. This act of generosity isn’t new for him. The idol, originally from Namyangju city in northern Gyeonggi, made a similar contribution last year. His donations have secured him a spot in the Honor Society, an esteemed group of donors who have contributed over 100 million KRW to the Community Chest of Korea within a span of five years.

Hoshi‘s recent donation will help build classrooms at national orphanages. This reflects his family’s desire to spread positivity within South Korea and beyond.

SEVENTEEN’s performance leader is all about paying it forward. In a statement released through a Fruit of Love platform, he said, “I’m grateful to the fans who have given me so much love, so I wanted to pass on the love I’ve received through this act of sharing. I hope children and adolescents in need, both in Korea and abroad, will grow up healthy. I aim to continue to be an artist who leads in spreading positivity.”

@seventeen17_official

Just shoot the SOS Thanks! (dc : @vk_is_vincekloyd)

♬ SOS (Prod. Marshmello) – SEVENTEEN

What sets Hoshi apart

Kwon In-wook, the president of Gyeonggi’s Love’s Fruit, expressed gratitude to Hoshi. “We’re thankful for his ongoing acts of sharing for the benefit of our neighbors in need. This precious donation will be used to support projects for children and adolescents facing difficulties both domestically and internationally,” he said.

In addition to his philanthropic efforts, Hoshi and SEVENTEEN are gearing up for their ‘FOLLOW’ AGAIN tour. It will kick off with performances at the Incheon Asiad Main Stadium in South Korea on March 30 and 31. From there, the 13-member boy group will perform at Japan’s Yanmar Stadium Nagai in Osaka on May 18 and 19, and head to the Nissan Stadium in Kanagawa on May 25 and 26. 

Hoshi‘s commitment to making a difference in the lives of children and teenagers in need sets him apart as a leading figure in K-pop. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Hoshi clearly has a heart of gold. Source: X/@svt_verse.

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Look: ENHYPEN Announces 2024 ‘Fate Plus’ Encore US Stops

ENHYPEN poses for their 'Orange Blood' album. Credit: Twitter/ENHYPEN

Attention, ENGENEs! K-pop boy group ENHYPEN is set to take the stage once again as they announce additional stops for their highly-anticipated 2024 FATE PLUS encore concert tour. 

On February 7, BELIFT LAB unveiled the schedule for the US leg of the group’s FATE PLUS stops. Initially, the encore concert was only set for a two-night residency at the KSPO Dome in Seoul on February 24 and 25. However, since tickets for both nights quickly sold out, the agency added another show for February 23. 

After their three-night encore concerts in Seoul, South Korea, ENHYPEN is taking their tour to the United States. From April to May, the group will be gracing five cities, including notable stops in California, Illinois, and New York. 

Furthermore, the announcement about the encore stops came after the group’s successful conclusion of their initial FATE concert tour. To note, the “Bite Me” hitmakers wrapped up their 21st show at the New Clark City Stadium in Tarlac, Philippines on February 3. 

In this concert tour, the group visited 13 cities in the world for the last six months. In a press release, BELIFT LAB said that a total of 327,000 fans attended the group’s concert. According to reports, 85,000 of those were from the US leg of the concert. Now that the septet is returning to the United States, more of their fans have the chance to see them perform live. 

Fans call for the agency to give ENHYPEN time to rest

While concert announcements are usually met with excitement, some fans of the group are worried about ENHYPEN’s schedule. On social media, several ENGENEs are asking BELIFT LAB to give the group ample time to rest. 

Some pointed out that the act has been on tour for three years in a row. Others also raised that some members have been getting sick on tour. Aside from these concert stops, fans also pointed out that the group have been busy doing comeback activities in between. 

Several ENGENEs emphasized that the timing of the encore concert was “unreasonable” and “exploitative.” Meanwhile, others called for BELIFT LAB to put the members’ health and well-being their priority. 

As of writing, BELIFT LAB has yet to react to the fans’ clamor. 

Featured image: ENHYPEN poses for their ‘Orange Blood’ album. Credit: Twitter/ENHYPEN

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K-DRAMA LATEST STORIES

Hyeri May Star in Upcoming Girls’ Love Drama ‘Friendly Competition’

Hyeri, known for tackling dynamic roles in K-dramas, is considering an offer to appear in TVING’s upcoming Girls’ Love (GL) drama, Friendly Competition. This drama, inspired by the webtoon of the same name, tells the compelling story of Woo Seul-gi. She’s the new kid at an elite girls’ high school in Seoul who crosses paths with Yoo Jae-yee, the school’s top student.

Friendly Competition isn’t just about the budding romance between two girls from different backgrounds. It’s a narrative rich with complexity and depth. Woo Seul-gi, having been the top student at her old school, faces a whole new set of challenges at the prestigious Chaehwa Girls’ High School. Here, she meets Yoo Jae-yee, who’s blessed with a high IQ and exceptional talents. Unlike Woo Seul-gi, who’s targeted by bullies, Yoo Jae-yee is admired and envied by everyone around her. The drama unfolds as these two young ladies gradually develop feelings for each other.

However, Friendly Competition is set to be more than a typical GL drama. It will touch on topics like  substance abuse, self-harm, and masturbation. These will be portrayed in such a way that will push the boundaries of what is usually aired on television. This bold portrayal of teenagers grappling with various addictions adds a layer of depth and realism to the show. It’s one part love story, one part mystery, and one part psychological thriller. Screenwriter Kim Tae-hee penned the script.

@.kessiia

Jay x Seulgi❤️ #webtoonofficial #fy #foryou #추천 #naver #webtoon #recommendation #fypシ #fyp #friendlycompetition

♬ original sound – yxacutie – sopi

Hyeri is ‘considering’ the role

Hyeri‘s agency, Creative Group ING, has confirmed that the actress is seriously thinking about taking the role in Friendly Competition. If the reports are accurate, this role will mark her return to the small screen since the MBC drama May I Help You? which ended in December 2022. Additionally, Hyeri is preparing for the release of her film Victory.

The announcement of Hyeri‘s involvement in Friendly Competition has sparked excitement and surprise among Korean netizens. Many expressed anticipation for the drama and wondered how the webtoon would translate to television. Some were particularly eager to see how a well-known actress like Hyeri will do in a drama featuring a same-sex romance.

As Friendly Competition currently has no set premiere date, fans are awaiting further announcements. This drama promises to be a groundbreaking addition to the K-drama scene, offering a fresh perspective on girls’ love stories and the complexities of teenage life. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Will Hyeri accept the offer or not? Source: X/@iconickdramatweets.

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Chung Ha Opens up on Leaving MNH Entertainment: ‘I Was Quite Naive’

MORE VISION releases new company photos of Chung Ha. Credit: Twitter/MORE VISION

Almost a year after leaving her former label MNH Entertainment, soloist Chung Ha opened up about her idol journey as she looked back on the challenging periods of her life. 

In her recent guest appearance on Eric Nam’s The Daebak Show, Chung Ha reminisced about her period as an independent artist after parting ways with MNH Entertainment and before joining Jay Park’s More Vision label.

For those unaware, the singer has been with MNH Entertainment since 2016. During her stay with her long-time label, she represented the agency in the survival talent series Produce 101. Through this show, Chung Ha debuted as part of the project girl group IOI after securing the fourth place. After the group’s disbandment, she debuted as a soloist in 2017. 

In April 2023, MNH Entertainment announced that the idol will be leaving their agency after seven years. At the time, the singer also penned a handwritten letter to her fans, apologizing that she didn’t keep them updated about her plans. 

During her interview with Eric Nam, the singer reflected on the changes she went through as she transitioned to an independent artist. To note, Chung Ha only moved to More Vision in October 2023. 

“After parting ways with my [former] company, I just had the freedom, I just had that time to make my own choices and just be a blank [slate],” she said. “I always belonged somewhere. I was always on schedule with my manager.”

 Furthermore, the singer admitted that she felt the urge to be “away” from constantly being managed at a “certain point” in her career. 

Chung Ha on healing, moving to More Vision

Since she’s used to having a manager, Chung Ha revealed that she struggled handling herself as an independent artist. “I didn’t know what to do when I was alone,” she recalled. “Even the small things, I didn’t know how to do it… I think I was quite naive and a bit vulnerable.”

Despite this, the singer shared that she approached this tough time with determination. “But I wanted to go through this wisely. I wanted to figure out that fragileness in me. So I wanted to overcome this in my way.” 

Moreover, the artist also shared that previous hectic schedule took a toll on her mental health. “I was exhausted,” she said. Additionally, the singer said that she even felt burnout when she was still actively promoting in her previous company. 

As she looks back on it now, Chung Ha shared that maintaining a positive mindset became essential for her. Aside from this, she also acknowledged how helpful it is to have strong friendships and a good strong support system. 

“It’s crucial to not shut down people… Don’t push back the people who come to you. Because there aren’t many people who do that. There are fewer than expected,” she said. 

Notably, this isn’t the first time that Chung Ha opened up about experiencing burn out. In a previous interview, she also expressed her gratitude to Jay Park, saying that he helped her reconsider her career choices. At the time, she recalled that she was planning to leave South Korea and focus on her studies. 

Currently, Chung Ha teased that she plans to return with new music in “early 2024.” Although there’s no official details yet, the comeback would serve as her first release since 2022. 

Featured image: MORE VISION releases new company photos of Chung Ha. Credit: Twitter/MORE VISION

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