Author: Kpop News Writer

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

RIIZE Announces Winter Comeback ‘Love 119’ Amidst Member Hiatus

RIIZE

RIIZE has unveiled the teaser for their eagerly awaited winter-themed single, “Love 119.” It’s set to drop on January 5 at 6:00 PM KST. The teaser only features six members due to Seunghan‘s ongoing indefinite hiatus. It depicts the group joyfully playing in the snow, which instantly warmed the hearts of their fans.

RIIZE 라이즈 ‘Love 119’ MV Teaser

About ‘Love 119’

In a press release, SM Entertainment described “Love 119” as a soft, mellow pop dance song. It has a dreamy atmosphere, steady drum beat, and sweet piano riffs. This marks a significant shift from RIIZE‘s previous tracks like “Get a Guitar” and “Talk Saxy,” which were known for their powerful performances and upbeat melodies. Fans can hardly wait for the group’s new musical direction.

SM Entertainment sent out a press release describing “Love 119.” The agency called it a “soft, mellow pop-dance song with a dreamy atmosphere, steady drum beat, and sweet piano riffs.” The release also notes that the lyrics poignantly capture the essence of first love. This makes it a perfect match for the winter theme, as people tend to get more sentimental in wintertime.

However, fans’ excitement for this comeback is tinged with sadness due to Seunghan‘s absence. The idol recently took an indefinite hiatus following controversies related to his past. While some fans say he didn’t need to take this step, the significant backlash from netizens seemed to justify his decision. The announcement of a six-member comeback has elicited mixed reactions. Many are demanding Seunghan‘s return and expressing reluctance to support the comeback because he’s not part of it.

RIIZE continues to make strides

Despite this, RIIZE continues to make strides in the industry. Recently, they were appointed as house ambassadors for the luxury brand Louis Vuitton. They joined the ranks of prominent Korean figures like Bae Doo-na, BTS‘ j-hope, Felix from Stray Kids, Girls’ Generation‘s Taeyeon, Hyein from NewJeans, Jung Ho-yeon, LE SSERAFIM, and Song Joong-ki. This partnership, announced just three months after RIIZE‘s debut, highlights their rising status in the music and fashion industries.

Louis Vuitton expressed excitement about the partnership. “The group has garnered significant attention for its confident and trendsetting fashion sense. We look forward to embarking on this creative journey together with RIIZE,” the brand stated.

As RIIZE prepares for their “Love 119” release, the K-pop community is abuzz with anticipation and support for the six members, while also hoping for Seunghan‘s eventual return. This comeback promises to be a bittersweet yet significant milestone in the group’s journey. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: RIIZE’s new single is set to tug at listeners’ heartstrings. Source: X/@riizefolder.

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Former FIFTY FIFTY Members Aran, Saena, and Sio Seek New Agency

Former FIFTY FIFTY members Aran (Jeong Eunah), Saena (Jeong Sehyun), and Sio (Jeong Jiho) are actively seeking a new agency after their departure from the group. The fan club FIGHT FOR FIFI contacted the girls’ legal team to ask how fans can support them.

Said legal team relayed a message from the girls themselves. FIGHT FOR FIFI shared it on social media with their permission. In the message, Aran, Saena, and Sia expressed gratitude for the fans’ unwavering support. “Currently, we’ve achieved the dissolution of the exclusive contract through mutual notification, which was the ultimate goal of the lawsuit,” they wrote. “We’re no longer artists under the management of ATTRAKT. Thus, there is no special legal assistance that fans can give us in the current situation.”

They added, “However, the three members Jeong Eunah, Jeong Jiho, and Jeong Sehyun continue to practice and recover while actively seeking new management. We remain determined to make music and aspire to be artists who positively influence others. We’ll do our best to present ourselves before our fans soon, and hope that fans will trust and support us even if it feels a little slow-footed.”

X/@FightForFifi

The FIFTY FIFTY saga

Previously, FIFTY FIFTY took legal action against their management company, ATTRAKT, to end their contracts, citing unclear financial dealings and poor healthcare. However, in August 2022, their case was dismissed, leading the members to appeal the decision. One member, Keena (Song Jakyung), chose not to continue with the appeal. Keena returned to ATTRAKT and implied that Ahn Sung Il of The Givers gaslit the group. The others disagreed; they attributed the issues to ATTRAKT’s mishandling of money and contracts.

Meanwhile, ATTRAKT, led by CEO Jeon Hong-jun, filed civil suits against Ahn Sung Il, Baek Jin Sil (also of The Givers), and the three former FIFTY FIFTY members. The agency is seeking tens of billions of won (tens of millions of dollars) in compensation for damages.

As they navigate these challenges, Aran, Saena, and Sio are determined to continue their musical journey and find new opportunities in the industry. This demonstrates their resilience and hope for the future. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Aran, Saena, and Sio won’t leave the idol life despite their legal struggles. Source: X/@UpdateFifty.

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BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BTS’s j-hope Posts New Year’s Message on Weverse

As 2024 dawned in South Korea, BTS‘s j-hope surprised fans with not one, but two heartfelt New Year’s messages. Despite serving in the South Korean military as a special forces soldier, his love for the fans remains unwavering.

His first message was shared across BTS’s official social media channels. As translated by @uarmyvibe on X (formerly known as Twitter), the message read, “Happy New Year, ARMY! It is 2024, everyone. Happy New Year. I sincerely hope that the year 2024 will be filled with only happiness for our ARMY! Let me give you some good news for the new year. Hobi will be discharged within this year. Of course, it’s a bit close to the end. Haha! Around that time, I think gifts for you will be gradually revealed. Please look forward to them! Anyway, as you start 2024 with Hobi’s message, hope will be with you and it will be a good start. More than anything else, health comes first. Don’t be sick! Be happy! I love you!”

@myjellbayanincastro

Letter from Jhope with translations thankyou Uarmyvibe twitter account 🙂 Can’t wait to see you this year Hobi! #BTS #Army #Jhope #happynewyear #Weverse

♬ i need u sped up outsold – Rowan🌷

In a longer post on Weverse, j-hope reflected on his activities in 2023. He talked about going to award shows and Paris on his own, and hinted that he has more surprises in store for ARMY. He also admitted that he’s looking forward to being discharged.

“I enlisted after living busily and intensely. Like that, I’ve already spent nine months as a soldier and am already preparing to see the day of my discharge (of course, it ends in October). What I feel is that I can only think about how I want to show you all a cool side of myself again, even a day earlier, and I miss you all just as much!” he wrote.

j-hope was as optimistic as ever

Despite admitting that he misses and worries about the other BTS members, j-hope was as optimistic as ever in his post. He expressed his excitement for what the next year has in store for all of them.

“While I miss our members too, I also worry, and on one hand, I feel a sense of relatability, which also gives me strength. I can say this because I’ve experienced it first! But I’m sure everybody feels the same,” he continued. “Before sleeping, I think about a lot of things and encounter a variety of dreams. Things that were a given and trivial have become ideal, and for a while, they relieve fatigue and let me release a stiff breath. My sleep tonight, as we transition to the new year, will be like that too, right? The day I faithfully finish my military duty makes me even more full of energy for the beginning of 2024.”

@ghabbie31

j-hope message in weverse💜💜 thanks hobiyahhh,we miss you always, happy new year hobiyahhh 💜💜army around the world were happy to read you’re message 💜💜our NEW YEAR is much happy💜💜we miss our 7 boys💜💜see u all in 2025💜I love you always 💜💜happy NEW YEAR hobiyahhh 💜 #jhope💜💜💜💜 💜#myhappypill💟 #foreverlove #foreverarmy💜💜💜 #foreverbts💜💜 #myot7king#APOBANGPO💜💜💜

♬ Jimin closer than this – nosyaa95

He sent birthday greetings to fellow member V, who enlisted last December. Finally, he left well-wishes for ARMY. “Anyway, I definitely moved and endured 2023 thanks to all of you. It’s sudden, but I still wanted to try and express it. Receive a lot of new year blessings for 2024! Our reality and ideals, our ARMY, our members, let’s not be sick and be happy! I love you!” 

Because of his messages, ARMYs worldwide are more excited than ever for j-hope’s return to the entertainment scene. As far as they’re concerned, October 2024 can’t come fast enough. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: With his New Year messages, j-hope proved the fans are always on his mind. Source: X/@bts_bighit, X/@InPandoraWorld.

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BLACKPINK’s Jisoo to Pursue Solo Activities Under Family Management System

BLACKPINK‘s Jisoo is set to pursue solo activities under a family management system run by her older brother. According to Exsports News, Jisoo will join Biomom, a company where her brother is the CEO. Best known for manufacturing children’s health supplements, Biomom is expanding into the entertainment industry under the name Blissoo. The company has posted job listings for various positions, indicating a comprehensive plan to manage Jisoo‘s activities.

Rumors have circulated in the industry about Jisoo potentially leaving YG Entertainment to continue her activities under a different agency. Given her close relationship with her brother, there are high expectations for her to do well under this new system after leaving YG Entertainment.

Meanwhile, BLACKPINK, of which Jisoo is a member, renewed their group contract with YG Entertainment after months of negotiations. This renewal followed intense speculation about the group’s potential split. The group debuted under YG Entertainment in August 2016, and their contract renewal has been a topic of discussion in the industry for several months.

@crimtheghoul

#greenscreen Breaking News!! Jisoo has signed for a new agency. #jisoo #jisooblackpink #blackpink #blacpinkofficial #blacpink붐바야 #blackpinkjisoo #fyp #crimtheghoul #kpop #kpopnews #breakingnews #kpopfyp #kpopers #kpoper #kpopfypシ #kpoptiktok #yg #ygentertainment

♬ original sound – ☢️Ghoul☢️

Jisoo will have more autonomy

As of 2024, the members of BLACKPINK are taking new directions with their solo careers, separate from their group activities under YG Entertainment. Jennie co-founded her own label, ODD ATELIER, with her mother. This label will be the base for her solo activities, separate from her work with BLACKPINK. ODD ATELIER’s official website features new photos of Jennie and provides an introduction to the label. 

Jennie’s decision to establish her own company marks a significant step in her career. Overall, both she and Jisoo are adopting a strategy to receive support from their families in smaller agencies rather than executives in large corporations. This approach allows them more autonomy and control over their solo careers while maintaining their roles within BLACKPINK.

Meanwhile, the other two members of BLACKPINK, Lisa and Rosé, have yet to announce their plans for solo activities. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: All eyes are on Jisoo as she embarks on a new path with her brother by her side. Source: X/@PopBase.

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

SISTAR19’s Hyolyn Bares Hardships of Establishing Own Label

Hyolyn poses for the concept photo of her digital single 'This Love.' Credit: Twitter/HYOLYN

On December 28, SISTAR19’s Hyolyn and Bora appeared as guests in Tak Jae Hoon’s Youtube series No Backwards Jaehoon. In this episode, Hyolyn opened up about the challenges of establishing her own label.

In November 2017, Hyolyn established her own one-man agency Bridge. To note, this came following SISTAR’s disbandment and departure from the group’s home agency, Starship Entertainment.

When asked by the host about its current state, the K-pop idol candidly admitted that the agency is not doing okay. With this, the artist revealed that Bridge is run by herself and her CEO as it is impossible to do everything by herself. Bursting into laughter, she then lightly shared about being the only artist under the label.

 “My agency doesn’t have any other artists. How could we take on another artist when we’re already struggling financially?” the singer said. “Yes, I get to keep everything I make. But running the agency hasn’t been very profitable,” she added.

Despite the difficulties, Hyolyn shared that she ensures paying her employees on time. “I’ll pay them no matter what. Even if it means I have to starve,” the singer declared.

Wrapping up the topic, Hyolyn then explained that she decided to set up her own agency because she wanted to explore things she wanted to do. “I don’t feel like I’ve wasted any of that, though,” she reflected. 

Hyolyn reunites with Bora for SISTAR19 

With Hyolyn and Bora’s appearance in the show, the two idols are in the midst of promoting their upcoming comeback in January. Interestingly, this will be the duo’s first release in 11 years. The sub-unit released their last mini EP Gone Not Around Any Longer in 2013.

For those who don’t know, SISTAR19, known as a sub-unit of the girl group SISTAR, debuted with the hit single “Ma Boy” in 2011. However, the duo became inactive for a long period as they had to focus on individual projects. 

Despite SISTAR disbanding in 2017, SISTAR19 surprised fans with the announcement of their reunion in late 2023.

Other details about the comeback such as its title track, release date, and music video are yet to be announced. 

Featured image: Hyolyn poses for the concept photo of her digital single ‘This Love.’ Credit: Twitter/HYOLYN

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

MOMOLAND’s Nancy Tops ‘Most Beautiful Faces of 2023’ List

Nancy McDonie updates fans that she signed with new agency, ATOC. Credit: Instagram/Nancy

Proving her unrivaled visual, Nancy McDonie of K-pop group MOMOLAND has been named as the Most Beautiful Face in TC Candler’s 2023 List.

According to the American film review site, the South Korean-American idol ranked No. 1 in the Top 100 chart for the women’s category. 

TC Candler, who has been publishing the ranking for the most beautiful faces since 1990, said that the list was far from being a popularity contest. Moreover, the site mentioned that from approximately 300,000 celebrities in various fields such as entertainment, music, film and many more, only 100 women from more than 50 countries were selected to make it on the year-end reveal.

Notably, Nancy’s ranking comes to no surprise as this marks her sixth year being part of the list. But the singer drew attention as she rose from the No. 2 spot last 2022, to claiming the first rank in 2023.

In other news, Nancy is currently set for a solo career after signing an exclusive contract with ATOC in September 2023.  For those unaware, her group MOMOLAND officially disbanded in February 2023.

Aside from Nancy, here are the other K-op idols who made it to the list

While Nancy clinched the top spot, several K-Pop idols also made it to the list. Following the “Bboom Bboom” singer are members from girl groups TWICE and BLACKPINK. 

In particular, TWICE’s Sana ranked No. 3 while her fellow member Tzuyu placed No. 11. Meanwhile, all the BLACKPINK members also bagged places in the list. In particular, Jisoo, Rose and Lisa took home the No. 9, No. 12 and No. 14 spots, respectively. Only Jennie didn’t make it to the list’s Top 20, but still ranked as No. 23. 

Other idols who made it to the top 50 of the list are soloist Jeon Somi (#17), IVE’s Wonyoung (#27), and Red Velvet’s Seulgi (#34). Also part of the list are NewJeans’ Danielle (#36) and (G)I-DLE’s Yuqi (#38).

Featured image: Nancy McDonie updates fans that she signed with new agency, ATOC. Credit: Instagram/Nancy

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K-DRAMA LATEST STORIES

Watch: ‘Death’s Game’ Releases Teaser for Part 2

TVING releases poster for 'Death's Game.' Credit: Instagram/TVING

The star-studded cast of the hit South Korean drama Death’s Game are gearing up for a fierce battle in the show’s upcoming second part. 

In the one-minute teaser, Lee Do Hyun’s character appeared to hint that there will be higher stakes in the series continuation.  “This scenario is not up to you. In a good scenario, there’s always a twist,” he said in the clip. 

To note, the said fantasy drama aired its first part, which is composed of eight episodes, in December 2023. 

Based on the webtoon of the same name, Death’s Game was translated to live action by powerhouse cast. Among the lead cast members are Park So Dam, Seo In Guk, Lee Jae Wook, Lee Do Hyun, Go Yoon Jung, among many others. On top of that, the heavy lineup will be joined by veteran actor Oh Jeong Se who will appear in Part 2.

According to the drama’s director Ha Byeong Hoon, the casting process for the drama took about 10 to 11 months. “I heard most [of the actors] would be impossible to cast. The process was very difficult, but it was good,” he said. 

What happened so far in ‘Death’s Game’ Part 1

In the first part of the drama, Death, played by actress Park So Dam, challenged Seo In Guk’s character Choi Yi Jae to survive 12 lives. In turn, Yi Jae tries to overcome this test and is determined to survive. However, he struggles as he reincarnates into different lives including that of a prisoner, a student, and many others.

In an attempt to rewrite the predetermined ending in Death’s story, Yi Jae gets to meet different characters trying to take him down. As seen in the trailer for Part 2, Yi Jae exclaimed that his “revenge is only just beginning now”.

Viewers’ excitement for Part 2

Upon releasing the thrilling trailer, viewers who were left hanging in Part 1, expressed their excitement on social media.

“Love how all the characters are connected. All the actors are amazing,” one shared. Meanwhile another said: “The cast is packed and full of talented people. I can’t wait for part 2.”

 

Other fans of the drama have shared their different guesses on what will happen on the last four episodes of the series. 

On January 5, Death’s Game Part 2 will officially be out via TVING Network. 

Featured image: TVING releases poster for ‘Death’s Game.’ Credit: Instagram/TVING

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

TWS Introduces Members Through Pre-debut Single ‘Oh Mymy: 7s’

TWS releases their pre-debut single 'Oh Mymy: 7s.' Credit: Twitter/TWS

PLEDIS Entertainment has officially revealed its latest boy group, TWS!

Ahead of their official debut on January 22, TWS surprised fans with a pre-release single titled “Oh Mymy: 7s” on Tuesday, January 2. 

Through this video, the group also officially introduced its six members. Pronounced as “two-us,” TWS consists of Dohoon, Kyungmin, Youngjae, Shinyu, Hanjin, and Jihoon. Additional details about each member have yet to be provided. 

According to a press release, the song “Oh Mymy: 7s” aims to showcase the group’s confidence in their color. Accordingly, it’s meant to feature their essence in just seven seconds. 

“As it is a song that introduces TWS to the world, its splendid performance and fantastic melody shows why they are the ‘highest expectations of 2024,’” agency PLEDIS Entertainment said. 

In the six-minute video, the members were seen preparing for their debut and sharing their thoughts about their training experiences. “The process of practicing for the final evaluations was very difficult. But it’s thanks to the other five members cheering me on and encouraging me that I am able to be where I am now,” Dohoon said. 

After the footage, the group skillfully delivered a powerful, synchronized dance performance of their pre-debut track. Notably, TWS highlighted their talent and charisma in front of a panel composed by HYBE and PLEDIS Entertainment executives, as well as all SEVENTEEN members. 

What we know about TWS 

After their pre-release single, the group also plans to release various video content. Among these are behind-the-scenes stories and individual trailers for each member. Additionally, they’ll also be releasing official photos, track lists, teasers, and highlight medley for the group’s debut mini-album Spring Blue. 

Meanwhile, the official music video and album will be released on January 22. In relation to that, the group will also host a debut showcase on the same day. 

To build excitement for their debut, TWS will also open a pop-up store in Seoul from January 18 to 31, 2024. 

Short for “Twenty-Four Seven With Us,” TWS is meant to signify the group’s desire to be a constant companion to listeners.

Notably, the sextet will be PLEDIS Entertainment’s first boy group in more than eight years, following the debut of SEVENTEEN in 2015. Furthermore, they’re also the first act under HYBE Labels to make a debut in 2024. 

Featured image: TWS releases their pre-debut single ‘Oh Mymy: 7s.’ Credit: YouTube/PLEDIS Entertainment

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BABYMONSTER to Release New Single in February

BABYMONSTER makes their debut with 'Batter Up.' Credit: Twitter/BABYMONSTER

K-pop rookie group BABYMONSTER is gearing up to drop new music! On Monday, January 1, YG Entertainment’s founder and former CEO Yang Hyun Suk announced the upcoming plans for their latest act. 

Through a Youtube video, he announced that the girl group is set to release a new song titled “Stuck In The Middle” on February 1.

In the three-minute clip,Yang gave a brief description of the upcoming track. “This song is not a hip-hop track. It’s so fresh to me that I wonder if YG Entertainment has ever released a song like this,” he said. According to the music executive, the song “feels like being in a state of zero gravity in outer space”.

Moreover, the former CEO also emphasized that the skills and unique colors of the members’ vocals will encourage listeners to focus intensely on the song.

In the same video announcement, Yang shared an update about member Ahyeon, who was supposed to debut with BABYMONSTER. Initially, YG Entertainment announced that Ahyeon will no longer be part of the group. However, they clarified days later that she will only be missing the group’s debut. 

In this latest update, Yang revealed that Ahyeon had to stop training due to health reasons. With this, he mentioned that Ahyeon is still with YG Entertainment although it’s still uncertain when she could debut.

The next phase for BABYMONSTER

Notably, this will be the K-pop rookies’ first comeback after making their debut on November 27 with the single “Batter Up.” Composed of members Ruka, Haram, Rora, Asa, Pharita, and Chiquita, BabyMonster became YG Entertainment’s first girl group since BLACKPINK in 2016.

Notably, the “Batter Up” official music video has now garnered over 150 Million views in just over a month since its release. Additionally, the track immediately entered Billboard’s World Digital Song Sales chart, where it took the No. 5 spot. Moreover, “Batter Up” also became the fastest song by a K-Pop group in history to reach 10 Million streams on the music platform Spotify.

Hoping to carry on with the good start, Yang shared the agency’s future plans for the girl group. Aside from the single scheduled to drop in February, BABYMONSTER is also set to release their first mini album around April.

“2024 will be a year to unleash BABYMONSTER potential,” YG Entertainment said. “We will reach out to our fans in various forms, so please pay a lot of attention,” the agency added.

Featured image: BABYMONSTER makes their debut with ‘Batter Up.’ Credit: Twitter/BABYMONSTER

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

EXO’s ‘First Snow’ Tops Music Charts 10 Years Since Its Release

EXO poses for their album 'EXIST.' Credit: Facebook/EXO

EXO-Ls, your favorite holiday track is back on the charts! 10 years since its release, EXO’s song “First Snow” has made an appearance in multiple music charts in South Korea as the winter season came.

To recall, the said song is part of the boy group’s 2013 album Miracle in December.

Remarkably, “First Snow” clinched the top spots in numerous charts beating more recent tracks. The list includes bagging the song’s first win in the music show Music Bank, achieving a double crown in Circle Charts, and hitting the No.1 spot in streaming platforms like Bug and Flo.

Considering it has been a decade since the song’s release, the EXO members have expressed their gratitude to the love “First Snow” has been receiving lately.

On the group’s official social media account, EXO made sure to thank their loyal fanbase, EXO-Ls. “It’s all thanks to EXO-L that we’re ending 2023 with first place,” they wrote.

“We celebrated our chart success together”, the group’s leader Suho said as he shared his appreciation through their agency SM Entertainment.

“At first, we were surprised to see our song’s performance on the charts but we are all enjoying it. We want to thank our fans and hope they can have a warm year-end season with our track,” he added.

EXO and the entire K-pop industry joins the ‘First Snow’ challenge

To celebrate the wins, the EXO members gifted the fans clips of them joining the famous “First Snow” dance challenge.

The group’s sub-unit CBX composed of members Chen, Baekhyun and Xiumin participated in the trend together. On social media, fans shared their excitement upon seeing the trio back again.

On their personal Instagram accounts, Suho, Chanyeol, and Sehun also posted separate videos of them dancing to the challenge in the snow. Moreover, the members also sent their holiday greetings for the fans on their captions.

 

Aside from the EXO members themselves, numerous K-Pop idols from different groups also joined the challenge. Among those who participated are EXO’s fellow labelmates Karina and Giselle of aespa, Irene and Yeri of Red Velvet, and the entire NCT Dream. 

Moreover, groups from other agencies including TWICE, SEVENTEEN, Treasure, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, Ateez, The Boyz, among many others joined as well.

Because of the widespread engagement of the track on the platform Tiktok, “First Snow” has reentered the music charts. Such achievement proves that the timeless B-Side track is indeed everyone’s seasonal favorite. 

Featured image: EXO poses for their album ‘EXIST.’ Credit: Facebook/EXO

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