Author: Kpop News Writer

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ENHYPEN, STAYC, and Shownu x Hyungwon to Release ‘Spotify Singles’

Spotify

Spotify has big plans to celebrate the anniversary of K-Pop ON!, its flagship global K-pop playlist designed to help listeners discover and enjoy the best of the genre. The celebration will see the launch of a special series of Spotify Singles. The artists behind these singles are ENHYPEN, SHOWNU X HYUNGWON (of MONSTA X), and STAYC, centered around the theme of “My First K-Pop Crush.” 

These singles will include covers of songs by their sunbaes (senior artists) that first ignited their passion for K-pop. In that sense, these singles aren’t just a tribute to fans’ and artists’ journeys into the genre. They’re also an invitation for K-pop stans worldwide to celebrate the artists who pioneered it.

The Spotify Singles for the K-Pop ON! First Crush campaign are set to be released exclusively on Spotify every two weeks, starting with ENHYPEN’s single on February 16. This will be followed by SHOWNU X HYUNGWON’s single on February 29, and STAYC’s release on March 15. Here’s what one of the High Up Entertainment girl group’s members has said about their track.

Spotify to offer ‘exclusive bonus content’

In addition to the music, Spotify is offering a series of exclusive bonus content on its K-Pop ON! Video Podcast and YouTube channels. This content will range from performance videos to behind-the-scenes looks. Each piece of content will allow fans to delve into the stories of the artists’ first K-pop crushes. ENHYPEN, SHOWNU X HYUNGWON, and STAYC will discuss their song choices. They’ll also reveal how their sunbaes inspired their own journeys in K-pop.

Jungjoo Park, Korea Head of Music at Spotify, expressed excitement about the campaign, stating, “Beyond the celebration of our commitment to helping K-pop travel the globe and connecting Korean artists with fans and new audiences, Spotify’s K-Pop ON! First Crush campaign is also a powerful expression of how K-pop touches lives, spreads positivity, and unites listeners regardless of where they are from or the language they speak.” 

The initiative is part of Spotify’s ongoing efforts to drive discovery and bring K-pop to its global audience. Since its launch in 2014, the K-Pop ON! playlist has been “saved” by over 5.3 million Spotify users worldwide and has generated billions of streams for Korean artists, significantly expanding the genre’s reach beyond regional boundaries, languages, and cultures. The number of yearly streams from the playlist has seen a staggering 5647 percent increase globally since 2015. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: We can’t wait to hear these songs! Source: Spotify Newsroom.

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BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BTS’s V Completes SDT Training at Army General Administration School

Earlier this month, Kim Taehyung, aka BTS’s V, completed the second half of his military training at the Army Administrative School. Prior to this, V had undergone basic training at the Nonsan Training Center on January 16, alongside BTS leader RM. Both were recognized as elite soldiers of their graduating batch for their exceptional performance.

After completing basic training, he took an intensive three-week course, which started on January 18. This course is for members of the Special Duty Team (SDT) of the Army’s Capital Defense Command. V’s training regimen included close-quarters combat, live ammunition firing at automatic targets, military police service, rappelling, and more. All these took place at the anti-terrorism training center.

After he finished his advanced training, V was assigned to the “Ssangyong Unit” in the 2nd Corps of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Army. The 2nd Corps is under the Ground Operations Command. V began his service in the military police special task force, directly overseen by the headquarters of the 2nd Corps in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province. For security reasons, detailed public information about the exact activities of this military unit is limited.

Newly minted military police officer V reporting for duty

V maintained a strong presence in K-pop

Even while serving in the military, V has managed to maintain a strong presence in the entertainment industry. For instance, he made a cameo appearance in IU‘s “Love Wins All” music video, where he demonstrated his acting prowess. Furthermore, his solo album Layover has seen remarkable success, amassing 1.115 billion streams on Spotify. 

This achievement doesn’t just highlight his musical talent. It also establishes Layover as the fastest Korean-language album to reach this milestone. It’s the second fastest among K-pop solo albums. The fact that the album amassed that many streams demonstrates his ability to influence the music scene while serving. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: V has become a full-fledged member of the SDT, like he wanted. Source: YouTube/@KOREANOWyna.

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BTS K-DRAMA KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BTS-Inspired K-Drama ‘Begins Youth’ Stirs Excitement With Full Trailer

Several years ago, HYBE’s Bang Si-hyuk broke the news that a K-drama inspired by the worldwide phenomenon BTS was in the works. “We are working with a famous Korean production company to produce a drama where the theme is based on the way BTS looks at the world,” he said at a press conference. At the time, HYBE Labels’ Chairman told reporters the drama—now titled Begins ≠ Youth—was slated for a 2020 release. However, due to circumstances beyond the agency’s control, it will premiere later this year instead.

Big Hit Corporate Briefing with the Community (2H 2019)

The inspiration for Begins ≠ Youth comes from the BTS Universe (BU). Created by HYBE when the agency was still called BigHit Music, the BU tells the stories of characters based on the BTS members. It was introduced in 2015 with the release of the “I NEED U” MV and has since expanded into a multi-platform narrative. It’s a complex fictional narrative that spans across some of BTS’s albums, books, short films, webtoons, and more.

BTS STORYLINE SUMMARY + EXPLAINED | 2020 UPDATE

The trailer references old BTS songs

The drama’s storyline follows seven boys through their tumultuous school years. Each boy faces their own set of challenges like abandonment, family obligations, loss, poverty, rejection, and violence.

Its full-length trailer dropped for the first time last November and resurfaced a few days ago, reigniting the ARMY’s excitement. The trailer is rich with references to BTS’s past work, including the “Spring Day” MV. It also shines a light on each character and the problems they face. Despite the dark tone of the trailer, it ends with a shot of the seven boys, highlighting their friendship. The BTS song “Mikrokosmos” can also be heard in the background of the trailer’s last frame.

Its full-length trailer dropped for the first time last November and resurfaced a few days ago, reigniting the ARMY’s excitement. The trailer is rich with references to BTS’s past work, including the “Spring Day” MV. It also shines a light on each character and the problems they face. Despite the dark tone of the trailer, it ends with a shot of the seven boys, highlighting their friendship. The BTS song “Mikrokosmos” can also be heard in the background of the trailer’s last frame.

Begins ≠ Youth (2024) Official Full Trailer | BTS UNIVERSE

While the exact release date remains unannounced, the anticipation for Begins ≠ Youth continues to build. As the members are still serving in the military, the drama will surely tide ARMYs over till all seven are officially discharged. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Featured Image: Fans paid more attention to the trailer when it resurfaced because they miss the members. Source: YouTube/@KdramaZone.

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K-DRAMA LATEST STORIES

Lee Young Ae to Return as Dae Jang Geum in New Drama

Lee Young Ae stars in the 2003 hit drama 'Jewel in the Palace.' Credit: Twitter/Soompi

After two long decades, the iconic Dae Jang Geum is back! On January 30, entertainment company Fantagio confirmed that veteran actress Lee Young Ae will reprise her iconic role as Dae Jang Geum from the hit 2003 classic drama Jewel in the Palace.

According to Fantagio, the upcoming drama with the working title of  Uinyeo Dae Jang Geum, will follow the story of Jang Geum’s journey as the king’s first female physician. 

During the airing of Jewel in the Palace, the 54-part series became the top program and recorded a whopping average viewership rating of 45.8% in South Korea. Later, it was exported to 91 countries and became one of the primary components of the “Korean Wave”. 

After the drama ended, Young Ae won the Daesang grand prize at the 2003 MBC Drama Awards for her legendary performance as  Jang Geum.

Initially, many thought that the new drama would be a sequel to Jewel in the Palace. However, a few weeks after the project was first announced, it was clarified that the new drama is unrelated to the 2003 show. 

According to reports, Fantagio clarified that it is a “new fiction based on the historical figure Dae Jang Geum and her history.” Moreover, they noted that it “does not feature the return of the character from the previous drama.” 

Prior to this, scriptwriter Kim Young Hyun, the original creator of Jewel in the Palace, has clarified that she’s not involved in the new project. 

Nostalgic return of Jang Geum

With the confirmation of Jang Geum’s return, many K-drama fans who were avid watchers of Jewel in The Palace expressed their excitement for the new show.

On social media, fans said that the sequel will be a nostalgic treat and will bring old memories back. One even mentioned that “watching Dae Jang Geum as an adult is going to be emotional.”

Other fans are also thrilled to see Young Ae’s exceptional performance as an older version of Jang Geum. Some fans shared they are really looking forward to the sequel and will definitely tune in once it airs.

Aside from her role in Jewel in The Palace, Young Ae is also loved for her outstanding acting skills in the films One Fine Spring Day and Sympathy for Lady Vengeance. In 2023, her latest drama Maestra also achieved massive success.

According to the production crew, the series will begin filming in October 2024 and will air in the first half of 2025. Stay tuned for further details about the project! 

Featured image: Lee Young Ae stars in the 2003 hit drama ‘Jewel in the Palace.’ Credit: Twitter/Soompi

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K-DRAMA K-POP ARTISTS LATEST STORIES

EXO’s Xiumin and WJSN’s Exy To Star in ‘Restaurant Heo’

EXO's Xiumin and WJSN's Exy in promotional photos. Credit: Xiumin and WJSN's Twitter

Mark your calendars, K-drama fans! K-pop idols  Xiumin and Exy will be headlining a new drama! 

Xiumin from boy group EXO and Exy from girl group WJSN are confirmed to star as the main characters in the upcoming fantasy romantic-comedy series Restaurant Heo.

According to the drama’s production crew, Restaurant Heo will be based on the web novel of the same title. The story will revolve around Heo Gyun (to be played by Xiumin), a problematic figure from the Joseon Dynasty. He will time travel 400 years into the present time and accidentally starts a restaurant.

On the other hand, Exy will take on the role of Eun Sil, a realist daughter of a restaurant owner who believes a home-cooked meal business will not make enough money. With Heo Gyun appearing in front of the restaurant out of nowhere, Heo Gyun and Eun Sil’s messy relationship begins.

Also part of the series are actors Lee Sae On and Lee Soo Min. Moreover, both Sae On and Soo Min will be taking on dual roles with different characters set in the past and the present.

According to reports, Restaurant Heo is scheduled to air in the latter half of 2024. As of writing, a final release date has yet to be announced. 

More about Xiumin and Exy’s acting ventures

While Xiumin and Exy have established their singing careers in their respective groups, they continue to make names for themselves in the acting industry as well.

To note, Xiumin made his musical theater debut in SM Entertainment’s 2015 musical Wizard of Oz, where he starred alongside his fellow SM artists. In that same year, he also starred in his first ever drama, Falling for Challenge.

In 2016, the EXO member made his big screen debut with the film Seondal. After an acting hiatus of about seven years, Xiumin made his anticipated return last 2023 with the drama Boss-dol Mart.

As for Exy, her acting career began in the 2021 drama Idol: The Coup. After receiving praise for her skills as a rookie actress, she continued to take on a number of dramas and films. Aside from Restaurant Heo, Exy will also star in the 2024 film 18 Youth, where she will be acting alongside Weki Meki’s Doyeon and actress Jeon So Min. 

Are you excited to see Xiumin and Exy in the upcoming drama, too? 

Featured image: EXO’s Xiumin and WJSN’s Exy in promotional photos. Credit: Xiumin and WJSN’s Twitter

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Stray Kids to Become the 1st Male K-Pop Group to Headline 2 Major European Music Festivals

Stray Kids opens membership for fan club. Credit: Facebook/Stray kids

Stray Kids are indeed everywhere all around the world! On January 30, the K-pop boy group Stray Kids was officially announced as a headliner for two prestigious European Music Festivals this year. 

The eight-piece act  is set to take on the stages of the British Summer Time (BST) Hyde Park in London and I-Days Milano.

Notably, this marks another huge feat for the “LALALALA” hitmakers as they become the first male K-pop group to headline both festivals. As for BST Hyde Park, they now join the sensational quartet BLACKPINK as the only K-pop acts to headline the big event.

Aside from the upcoming music festivals, Stray Kids also made history as the first K-pop boy group to perform at the Le Gala des Pièces Jaunes Charity Event held in Paris, France on January 28. Showing their global dominance, Stray Kids performed alongside international stars such as Maroon 5, ASAP Rocky, Pharell Williams, and fellow K-pop singer Lisa of BLACKPINK.

For that event, the idol act  graced the stage with their electrifying performances of their hit tracks “S-Class” and “Topline.” Moreover, the group also heated the atmosphere with “God’s Menu,” which was made even more spectacular by an accompanying orchestra.

Following its huge success, the group is yet to continue headlining events with BST Hyde Park and I-Days Milano in July.

Eventful year for Stray Kids

While 2024’s looking promising for the Stray Kids, 2023 has been equally exceptional for the all-rounder boy group.

In July 2023, the group became the first K-Pop act to headline the large-scale music festival Lollapalooza Paris. During that event, they incredibly attracted over 60,000 audiences from different parts of the world.

Moreover, the group also won several awards for their previous albums. To specify, their 3rd full-length album 5-Star gained massive success both domestically and overseas. Notably, the said album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 list and bagged the Billboard Music Awards’s “Top K-pop Album” award in 2023.

Another proof that their influence goes beyond their idol careers, Stray Kids was also hailed as one of TIME Magazine’s 2023 “Next Generation Leaders.”

In addition, they were also one of the right recipients of South Korea’s prestigious Prime Minister’s Commendation, which is given to people who have made significant contributions to the promotion of Korean culture. 

Featured image: The group opens membership for their official fan club. Credit: Facebook/Stray kids

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K-DRAMA K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

What We Know So Far About EXO’s Suho New Drama ‘The Crown Prince Has Disappeared’

MBN releases photos from script reading of 'The Crown Prince Has Disappeared.' Credit: Instagram/MBN

EXO-Ls, are you ready to see leader Suho as a crown prince? On January 26, TV program MBN has confirmed that Suho of the boy group EXO is set to star in the upcoming historical romantic-comedy drama The Crown Has Disappeared. 

According to reports, the idol will play the role of Yi Geon, the Crown Prince of Joseon.

Moreover, the EXO member will be joined by a number of esteemed actors in the industry. First off the list is actress Hong Ye Ji, who is set to play the role of Choi Myung Yoon. In the story, Myung Yoon is known as the best female general of Joseon and a well-known daughter of a royal courtier.

Next is veteran actress Myung Se Bin, who will be making her return in a historical drama as Queen Min Soo Ryeon. Meanwhile, actor Kim Joo Heon will take on the role of Choi Sang-Rok, Myung Yoon’s father.

Notably, the amazing cast line-up will be completed by actor Kim Min Kyu, who will be playing as Prince Do Sung, the Crown Prince’s half-brother. Bringing his good looks and excellent martial arts skills, Do Sung will liven up the atmosphere with his undeniable charms.

 

Fans get excited for actor Suho! 

In the released still cuts of the drama’s script reading, the actors were seen immersing in their respective characters. Moreover, the production crew said that the actors’ performances were met with applause as they showed off their impeccable skills. 

Furthermore, it was revealed that the new series will be a spin-off of the successful 2021 drama Bossam: Stealing Fate, which was labeled as the most-watched MBN drama of that year. In addition, it will be spearheaded by director Kim Jin Man, who is known for his delicate directing through the dramas Kill Me, Heal Me and Rebel: The Thief Who Stole the People.

Following his 2023 drama Behind Your Touch, fans have expressed their excitement to see Suho back on the small screen. 

On social media, the singer’s fans said that they are proud of Suho’s rising acting career. One wrote that they’re looking forward to seeing the idol-actor “shine even brighter.” Meanwhile other fans noted that the project is a drama to watch out for.

Meanwhile, The Crown Has Disappeared will release its first episode on March 9.

Featured image: MBN releases photos from script reading of ‘The Crown Prince Has Disappeared.’ Credit: Instagram/MBN

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Meet UNIS: Girl Group from ‘Universe Ticket’ Releases Member Profiles

UNIS greets fans in a new video. Credit: YouTube/UNIS

Gather up, K-pop fans! The newest girl group, UNIS, is in town!

Formed through the survival program Universe Ticket, FNF Entertainment is set to launch its newest girl group, UNIS. To recall, the reality talent show premiered on November 18, 2023 and had its finale episode on January 17, 2024, where it announced its final lineup selected from a total of 82 contestants.

On their official social media accounts, UNIS introduced the final lineup through the member profiles. In a series of photos, the eight girls were seen showing off their individual charms as they begin their idol journey. 

Although there is no official date yet, UNIS will be making their much-anticipated debut in 2024. According to reports, they’re also set to promote for the next two years and six months.

Meet the UNIS Members

First to be confirmed as a member is the Filipina trainee Elisia. Showing a remarkable feat, Elisia secured her spot in the group after ranking first overall during the show’s ninth episode. Notably, she is known as a former trainee of Starship Entertainment and a cousin of Marcus from HORI7ON, an all-Filipino global pop group.

Next is the group’s eldest member: the half-Filipina and half-Korean trainee, Hyeonju. Prior to participating in“Universe Ticket, Hyeonju has already made her debut twice. She started off her singing career as a member of the now-disbanded group Good Day, and then re-debuted as Belle of Cignature. As she’s set to focus on her activities with UNIS, Hyeonju will be temporarily inactive in Cignature.

Also joining Elisia and Hyeonju is another Filipina, Gehlee Dangca, who has gained attention in the show for her good looks. Notably, UNIS became the first K-pop group with a Filipina line, having three members on board.

Aside from the Filipina line, UNIS will also have two Japanese members: Kotoko and Nana. The 14-year old rookie singer Kotoko will be making her first steps as an idol. Meanwhile, Nana will be making her second debut. Prior to UNIS, the 16-year old trainee is already a part of the Japanese pop girl group PRIKIL.

 

In addition to the international members, South Korean members Yunha, Yoona, and Seowon will be completing the final lineup. Both debuting at 14 years old, Yunha and Yoona were former JYP and STARON Entertainment trainees, respectively. Meanwhile, Seowon will be the group’s youngest member at 13 years old. 

 

 

Featured image: UNIS greets fans in a new video. Credit: YouTube/UNIS

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Former ‘Boys’ Planet’ Contestant Winnie Leaves Group NINE.i

NINE.i introduces Winnie as a member of the group. Credit: Twitter/NINE.i

Agency FirstOne Entertainment announced on January 28 that Winnie has parted ways with K-pop boy group NINE.i.

According to the agency’s statement, it was revealed that former Boys’ Planet contestant Winnie was diagnosed with a shoulder injury in April 2023. As the rookie idol needed consistent treatment and rehabilitation, he went on an indefinite hiatus.

However, FirstOne continued that based on the opinions of medical experts, it will be difficult for Winnie to completely recover if excessive choreography is performed. After a long and in-depth-discussion with the company, FirstOne decided to let NINE.i continue as a nine-member boy group without Winnie.

Moreover, the agency reassured fans that the singer will return as a soloist once he fully recovers. “Winnie will take some time to focus more on recovering his health and then show his various sides through personal activities,”  FirstOne explained. 

Fans wish Winnie a speedy recovery

While fans were saddened with Winnie’s departure from the group, a lot still wished him a speedy recovery. Others also reassured the idol that they will continue supporting his solo endeavors.

On social media, NINE.i fans sent their encouraging words for Winnie. One comment read: “You worked so hard.” Meanwhile another said: “You’ll be missed but I sincerely hope that you can recover and move on well to a new path.” 

Other fans also expressed their appreciation for Winnie’s hard work despite the short time he’s been with the group. “Your talents did not go unnoticed. You accomplished so much in such a short time. Be proud,” the user wrote.

For those who are unaware, NINE.i made their official debut in March 2022 with the mini album New World. In December 2023, they released their latest single “Back to Christmas.”

With Winnie’s departure, NINE.i is set to continue promoting with members Eden, Jewon, Minjun, Vahn, Vari, Seowon, Taehun, and Joohyung.

Featured image: NINE.i introduces Winnie as a member of the group. Credit: Twitter/NINE.i

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Jessi Departs From Jay Park’s Agency MORE VISION

Jessi in concept photos for digital single 'Gum.' Credit: Twitter/MORE VISION

On January 31, MORE VISION announced that rapper Jessi will be parting ways with the agency. 

In a notice posted through the label’s social media accounts, they informed the fans that both parties have mutually concluded to terminate the exclusive management contract. “MORE VISION will wholeheartedly continue to support JESSI’s endeavors,” they added. 

Notably, it has only been nine months since the “Zoom” singer has been with the entertainment company launched by her fellow artist Jay Park. After joining the label in April 2023, Jessi has released the digital single “Gum” and participated in the remix of Dynamic Duo’s “Smoke.”

Furthermore, speculations that Jessi will be leaving the agency started circulating in December 2023. Several reports claimed that both parties have considered terminating their contract. However, both parties have addressed the rumors, with Jay Park and Jessi even saying that they’re on good terms. 

With Jessi departure, Honey J and the Holy Bang dance crew remain as the only artists under MORE VISION, aside from Jay Park.

Jessi hints on her next plans

After announcing that she is no longer with MORE VISION, Jessi immediately dropped hints of her next moves on social media.

On her personal Instagram account, the rapper posted an intriguing photo that simply said “Stay Tuned.” In the caption, Jessi wrote: “The time is NOW!  #BOSSMAMA”. 

 

 

Moreover,  the rapper  shared a link for her new page “JessiNotPlayin,” which raised fans’ speculations that she is gearing up to launch her own label soon. If this is true, her next step is even more thrilling considering she’s been moving from one agency to another in the past.

Prior to parting ways with MORE VISION, Jessi first signed a contract with PSY’s record label, P Nation in 2019. After releasing a couple of hits and making appearances in multiple variety shows, the rapper decided to not renew her three-year contract with the agency and left P Nation in July 2022.

Although there are no confirmations yet, fans are already looking forward to seeing the possibilities of the 35-year-old star handling her own activities.

Featured image: Jessi in concept photos for digital single ‘Gum.’ Credit: Twitter/MORE VISION

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