Category: K-POP ARTISTS

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Look: Pledis Entertainment Launches ‘Wonder Teens’ Global Audition

SEVENTEEN releases special video for 'April Shower.' Credit: Twitter/SEVENTEEN

PLEDIS Entertainment, home to K-pop groups SEVENTEEN and fromis_9, is on the lookout for their next idol superstars!

On Friday, August 25, the agency announced that they’re launching their Wonder Teens global audition. 

Only individuals born after 2005 can audition. However, it is open to any gender and nationality. 

 

Additionally, those who plan to audition can apply in four categories: vocal, rap, dance, and “confidence.” According to their website, the confidence category is open to anyone who can “showcase their talent and ability.” 

“Based on the creativity and know-how to make dreams of performing at a global stage a reality, we are looking for the stars of the future,” PLEDIS Entertainment said in a press release.

The online auditions will run until September 17. Aspiring idols need to send their entries and fill the form through PLEDIS Entertainment’s website. 

Those who will pass the first round of auditions will be notified of the results within two weeks. Then, they’ll have to go through a second set of auditions, which will be conducted in person or through a live call. 

Moreover, this isn’t the first time that PLEDIS Entertainment opened their Wonder Teens global audition. In 2022, the agency held online auditions from March 18 to April 17 for individuals born after 2003. 

Reportedly, successful applicants from the audition will be accepted as trainees under PLEDIS Entertainment and will be awarded a scholarship. 

Back then, it was also reported that the agency is set to debut a new group in 2023. However, the agency has yet to confirm this. 

 HYBE’s new set of idols

Currently, PLEDIS Entertainment only have SEVENTEEN and fromis_9 as the active groups under their roster. 

However, the agency was also home to After School, NU’EST, and PRISTIN. PRISTIN disbanded in May 2019, while NU’EST disbanded in March 2022.

Although NU’EST has disbanded, members Hwang Min-hyun and Baekho stayed with Pledis Entertainment and pursued solo careers. 

 

Interestingly, PLEDIS Entertainment is also a subsidiary label of HYBE. Other record labels under HYBE include BIGHIT Music, ADOR, Source Music, and KOZ Entertainment. Recently, HYBE also acquired BELIFT LAB, ENHYPEN’s agency. 

Aside from PLEDIS Entertainment, BIGHIT Music and KOZ Entertainment have also launched their online auditions. 

BIGHIT Music’s audition program is only open to male applicants born between 2005 and 2013. It will close on September 22. Meanwhile, auditions for KOZ Entertainment will run until November 18. Only individuals born after 2006 can apply. 

Featured image: SEVENTEEN releases special video for ‘April Shower.’ Credit: Twitter/SEVENTEEN

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Verivery Sends off Dongheon for His Military Enlistment

VERIVERY members were present when leader Dongheon enlisted. Credit: Twitter/VERIVERY

Lee Dongheon of K-pop boy group VERIVERY officially started his mandatory military service on Monday, August 28. 

While the exact time and location of his enlistment were kept private, the group’s official social media accounts also shared photos of the group accompanying Dongheon in his enlistment. 

In the photos, Dongheon, who is now sporting a military buzz cut, is surrounded by his members. “As he receives a sendoff from his lovable younger members, [we] wait for Dongheon to return in good health and even greater than he is now,” the caption read.

Present are members Hoyoung, Gyehyeon, Yeonho, Yongseung, and Kangmin in his send-off. 

 

On August 23, the idol announced his enlistment date, saying that he’ll fulfill his military service as an active duty soldier. However, Jellyfish Entertainment has first confirmed in April that Dongheon will be enlisting before 2023 ends. 

As the leader and oldest member of the group, Dongheon is the first member of VERIVERY to enlist. 

VERRER’s well-wishes for Dongheon

Since Dongheon announced his enlistment plans, he’s been updating their fans about his preparation. 

First, he penned a letter to VERRERs, promising that he’ll return safely. 

https://twitter.com/bhlhjl/status/1694255125765001534

 

“Although you can’t see me on stage for some time, in anticipation for a better Heoni, please wait for me. Just how you do now. Even in time and place where I’m not present, I hope our VERRERs are happy and do well,” he said. 

https://twitter.com/bhlhjl/status/1694255125765001534

 

A day before his enlistment, Dongheon also held a livestream wherein he said goodbye to fans and showed his haircut. 

“Don’t worry. Nothing is different than what we have now, VERRERS. Other than the length of my hair, nothing else has changed. So don’t be too worried and don’t be too sad. Just stay how you are right now, okay?,” he said. 

https://twitter.com/bhlhjl/status/1695817281341927695

 

In addition to that, videos of the idol in his military camp also circulated on social media, wherein he was seen talking to fans. 

“Don’t cry. I will cry too. I will come back healthy. Thank you for coming. But no, I told you not to come,” he was seen telling VERRERs.

https://twitter.com/bhlhjl/status/1696025683473150289

 

In turn, fans took to social media to express their well-wishes for Dongheon as he begins his military service. 

VERIVERY debuted as a seven-member act in January 2019 with the EP Veri-Us. The group is known for songs “Tag Tag Tag,” “Trigger,” Super Special,” and “Thunder.”

In 2020, VERIVERY participated in Mnet’s reality television series Road to Kingdom, wherein they finished in fifth place. 

Featured image: VERIVERY members were present when leader Dongheon enlisted. Credit: Twitter/VERIVERY

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Boy Group OMEGA X Involved In Yet Another Controversy

The K-pop scene is no stranger to scandals, and OMEGA X, a promising boy band, is currently at the epicenter of one. Less than a year after their last controversy, the 11-member group is dealing with another one, putting their reputation and future at risk.

Seven months ago, OMEGA X parted ways with Spire Entertainment. Now, the latter is saying that the former conspired with their new agency, IPQ Entertainment, to pre-terminate their exclusive contract—a serious offense known as artist tampering. This information came to light when a K-pop YouTuber called In Ji-woong drew parallels between OMEGA X and another group, FIFTY FIFTY, who faced similar accusations.

원조 피프티 오메가X의 거짓말 밝힙니다

The word “tampering” comes from sports, where teams secretly persuade athletes from rival teams to join them. Though not illegal, the entertainment industry considers it a very foul thing to do. The FIFTY FIFTY case, where the “Cupid” hitmakers allegedly tried to sign with Warner Music Korea in secret, mirrors the accusations against OMEGA X.

The situation became escalated when In Ji-woong and journalist-turned-YouTuber Lee Jin-ho engaged in a public spat. While the former sided with Spire Entertainment and its ex-CEO Kang Seong-hee, the latter defended IPQ Entertainment and its CEO, Yoon Hye-young. Kang maintains she was unjustly portrayed as abusive, while Yoon counters that Kang’s violent tendencies towards OMEGA X were court-verified.

이진호 기자가 피프티 피프티는 까고 오메가x는 옹호하는 이유

OMEGA X and their tumultuous journey

OMEGA X’s journey has been quite tumultuous. The 11-member boy group, consisting of Hangyeom, Hyuk, Hwichan, Jaehan, Jehyun, Junghoon, Kevin, Sebin, Taedong, Xen, and Yechan, debuted under Spire Entertainment in June 2021. They moved to IPQ Entertainment after allegations surfaced of physical and sexual violence by Spire’s CEO. This switch was marked by a fan-released recording, capturing a heated altercation between member Jaehan and Spire’s Kang during their U.S. tour.

Adding another layer to this issue, some claim that OMEGA X members intentionally provoked Kang to capture her outbursts as evidence to justify their departure. Furthermore, there are allegations that they had been in discussions with IPQ Entertainment, previously known as Picturesque, before these controversies. Picturesque, known for producing erotic films, had produced a boys’ love drama featuring OMEGA X members Jaehan and Yechan. The drama’s postponement due to the members’ involvement in the controversy led IPQ to step in.

OMEGA X (오메가엑스) | 2nd Debut Anniversary Mini Fan-Meeting Behind Clip

The broader issue highlighted by this is the standard seven-year exclusive contracts that artists typically sign with their agencies. Established in 2009, following a dispute involving boy band TVXQ, these contracts are now seen as outdated and skewed in favor of artists. Industry insiders, like Lee Nam-kyung of the Korea Management Federation, are advocating for revisions to protect companies from situations like tampering.

Despite all the back-and-forth, both IPQ and Spire Entertainment want to resolve things as soon as possible. Meanwhile, OMEGA X will drop new material by year’s end. As fans await the band’s next move, the industry grapples with the implications of these events. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Despite this new controversy, the group remains committed to their fans and their work. They recently held a concert in Japan. Source: Twitter/@OmegaX_jp.

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP ALBUMS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Look: Fantasy Boys Drops Promo Schedule for ‘New Tomorrow’

FANTASY BOYS drops first teaser for debut album 'New Tomorrow.' Credit: Twitter/FANTASY BOYS

Mark your calendars because upcoming rookie group FANTASY BOYS is gearing up for the release of their highly-anticipated debut album NEW TOMORROW. 

On Monday, August 28, the boy group unveiled its timetable for their first mini-album. According to the scheduler, they will be releasing various concept photos, track list, and music video teasers. 

They will also have a special performance on September 16 as a treat to their fans. However, details about this supposed special day have not been disclosed. 

All activities will lead up to the group’s debut showcase on September 21. Meanwhile, preorders for the album NEW TOMORROW begins on September 1. 

In addition to the timetable, FANTASY BOYS also shared a still-cut from their music video, showing the 11 members posing by the beach. 

Other details, such as the number of tracks and title song, about NEW TOMORROW have yet to be disclosed.

Initially a 12-member group, FANTASY BOYS was formed through an MBC global audition program.

However, Pocketdol Studios recently announced that leader Yu Jun Won would no longer debut with the group.

Now, FANTASY BOYS is only made up of members Hikari, Hikaru, Hong Sung Min, Kaeden, Kang Min Seo, Kim Gyu Rae, Kim Woo Seok, KSoul, Lee Han Bin, Lingqi, and Oh Hyeon Tae. 

Yu Jun Won’s departure from FANTASY BOYS 

On August 23, Pocketdol Studios revealed that Yu Jun Won is no longer part of FANTASY BOYS’ lineup.

According to the agency, Jun Won has been removed from the group due to his “unauthorized departure.” The label added that the idol’s parents also requested to modify the contract several times. 

However, the artist also aired his own sentiments, saying that Pocketdol Studios lied about certain matters in their statement. 

According to Jun Won, instead of editing some unfavorable clauses in the contract, Pocketdol Studios instead attempted to force an agreement after adding more ridiculous demands. 

Because of this, Jun Won reasoned out that he has lost trust with the company. And it was this that made him decide not to continue his relationship with PocketDol Studios. He said that although it’s his dream to debut as an idol, he can’t do that under the said agency.

Currently, the legal battle between the two sides continues even though the label tries to promote FANTASY BOYS’ debut. Meanwhile,  Jun Won has also called for entertainment agencies to treat their artists better and the practice of unfair contracts to be fixed. 

Despite no longer pushing through with the group, Jun Won still asked fans to continue their support for the 11 members of FANTASY BOYS. 

Featured image: FANTASY BOYS drops first teaser for debut album ‘New Tomorrow.’ Credit: Twitter/FANTASY BOYS

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

TIOT’s Kum Junhyeon Reveals How ZEROBASEONE Cheered Him On

The K-pop scene is buzzing with excitement as TIOT (Time Is Our Turn) preps for their official debut in 2024. But before that grand event, they already gave fans a taste of their musical prowess with a pre-debut EP titled Frame the Blueprint: Prelude to Possibilities. This release follows their time on the Mnet survival show Boys Planet, where each member showcased their personalities and talents.

Kum Junhyeon of TIOT shared stories about the support he’s received from his fellow Boys Planet alumni. Even before Redstart ENM finalized all its plans for Junhyeon and the other trainees, the ZEROBASEONE members were supportive of him. 

[DEBUT] TIOT(티아이오티) – 백전무패(undefeated) Title Track Stage | Pre-Debut Showcase

In a previous interview, he shared, “When I debut, I want to film Reels with everyone I was close with and bring back memories. I really want to film one with Gunwookie. There’s a ZEROBASEONE member I want to film a cover with. Every time I post a cover, Hanbinnie-hyung would say it’s good, ask me to upload more and cheer me on.” (“Gunwookie” is Boys Planet fifth-placer Park Gunwook. “Hanbinnie-hyung” is the show’s runner-up. Both are very good friends of Junhyeon’s.)

On the day of TIOT’s showcase, Junhyeon recalled teasing the ZEROBASEONE members about it. He joked about wanting to receive lengthy, supportive messages, and Gunwook did as he asked. The message he wrote for Junhyeon was so long that the TIOT member got amused and overwhelmed reading it.

Kum Junhyeon will make magic happen

When asked if the other ZEROBASEONE members had reached out to him too, Junhyeon decided to share a message from Kim Jiwoong: “Become a person of value rather than a successful person. While it’s great to have a successful stage, aim for a stage that brings you genuine happiness.” He also mentioned that Kim Taerae sent him a sweet message in which Taerae encouraged Junhyeon to forget past hardships and focus on the present.

With their pre-debut release and showcase marking the end of their trainee journey, many netizens are curious about TIOT‘s official debut plans. Junhyeon assured fans that they’re gearing up for a grand launch in the first half of 2024.

TIOT’s EP Frame the Blueprint: Prelude to Possibilities comprises five tracks, including the title track “Unbeatable.” Its title refers to the beginning of an amazing journey. It also hints at the boundless potential TIOT and its members bring to the table. Tracks like “This is our time” (which Sunwoo from THE BOYZ contributed to), “BUNGEE” (the first song TIOT members Hong Keonhee and Kim Minseoung ever co-wrote), “Surfing,” and “Starlight” also made the EP.

As TIOT prepares to take the K-pop industry by storm, the camaraderie between its members and their peers are evident. Buoyed by all the love and support they’re receiving, Junhyeon is poised to make magic happen as part of this group. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Junhyeon is lucky to have supportive friends. Source: Twitter/@TIOT_NOW.

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K-DRAMA K-POP ARTISTS LATEST STORIES

BL Drama Starring OnlyOneOf Drops Spicy Teaser

Korean BL (Boys’ Love) dramas have seen a surge in popularity, captivating fans across the globe. As the BL genre continues to flourish, it’s becoming increasingly common to spot K-pop idols taking on lead roles. Series like Kissable Lips and Semantic Error have already set the trend by incorporating idols into their casts.

After the resounding success of Semantic Error (which starred DKZ’s Park Jaechan and KNK alum Park Seoham), fans wondered which BL webtoon would end up on TV next. Their speculations ended in 2022 when RK Studios revealed plans to adapt Bump Up Business into a web drama. It’s set to air in October 2023. 

[K-Webtoon RK] 범프 업 비즈니스 (Bump Up Business) – RK Studio Trailer Video

This webtoon revolves around Eden, a trainee who’s given an opportunity to debut alongside Jihoon, a once-celebrated star whose career was ruined by scandals. For the sake of their popularity, their agency makes them engage in plenty of fanservice and skinship. Eventually, they develop feelings for each other, which complicates things.

저희 드라마를 한 단어로요? ‘청불’이죠 🔥 | ‘범프 업 비즈니스’ 제작발표회 비하인드

OnlyOneOf is perfect for ‘Bump Up Business’

Given the nature of the plot, it seemed almost inevitable for idols to be cast. So the announcement that the members of OnlyOneOf would star in the series didn’t come as a shock. Many believe that OnlyOneOf is perfect for this drama, especially considering their undergrOund idOl project, which earned praise for its LGBTQIA+ representation. 

The drama will see members Mill and Nine in the lead roles, while the rest of the group will take on various characters. To fuel the anticipation, teaser images have been unveiled. One depicts Mill and Nine in an intimate and suggestive pose, hinting at the drama’s spicy scenes.

Another shows them with their backs turned to each other, suggesting future conflict or distance. 

As the release date approaches, fans are on the edge of their seats, eager to see how OnlyOneOf will bring Bump Up Business to life. With its unique blend of BL drama and K-pop sensibilities, this series promises to be a treat for both music and drama enthusiasts. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The members attended the 27th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival to promote the show. Source: Twitter/@OnlyOneOf_twt.

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BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BTS’ Jimin and Jungkook Join the ‘Billionaires’ Club’ on Spotify

The international K-pop sensation BTS is known for breaking records. So it’s not surprising that two of its members, Jimin and Jungkook, have carved out their own unique places in the annals of music history. Their solo work not only resonated with fans, but has also set unprecedented milestones on Spotify, the world’s leading music streaming platform.

Jimin ‘FACE’ Playlist l 지민 ‘FACE’ 플레이리스트 – BTS (방탄소년단)

Jimin, despite having struck out on his own as a solo artist just five months ago, has had an enviable, undeniable impact. His solo debut set new milestones previously unseen in the history of Korean solo artists. For instance, he became the first Korean solo artist to debut at No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and achieved the highest debut for a B-side track by a Korean soloist on the same chart. Furthermore, Jimin became the first Korean soloist to reach No. 1 on the Japan and US Billboard Artist 100 charts, ranked as the top two biggest music markets worldwide. 

Most importantly, his album FACE has now exceeded 1 billion streams on Spotify as of August 24, making him the first and so far only Korean soloist to cross that mark with just one album. Notably, FACE achieved this record in just 153 days.

Jimin and Jungkook shine on their own

Meanwhile, Jungkook has written a new history on Spotify. If you add up the number of streams his solo songs have earned, they’ll amount to 2 billion streams. This includes the streams earned by hits like “Dreamers,” “Left and Right,” “SEVEN,” and “Still With You.” Jungkook joins the ranks of BTS member SUGA and female soloist IU in achieving this particular milestone.

정국 (Jung Kook) ‘Seven’ @ BBC The One Show

Jungkook‘s achievements don’t stop there. In July, he became the first Korean soloist to debut a song at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100, Global 200, and Global Excl. U.S. charts. His song “SEVEN” has maintained its hold on the No. 1 position on both the Global 200 and Global Excl. U.S. charts for an impressive fifth consecutive week. “SEVEN” has also achieved the distinction of becoming the very first Korean song to spend five weeks at No. 1 on the Global 200, surpassing the prior record set by BTS‘ 2020 hit “Dynamite.”

Even as BTS is taking a break from group activities, individual members like Jimin and Jungkook are proving that they too can shine brightly on their own. Their recent Spotify achievements are a clear indication that K-pop, as a genre, is not just a fleeting trend but a musical movement that’s here to stay.  Congratulations, Jimin and Jungkook! – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Not many can say they’ve hit this milestone. Source: Twitter/@BIGHIT_MUSIC.

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BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BTS’ Jungkook’s Accuser Is Facing Plagiarism Accusations Himself

The K-pop world is buzzing with a series of plagiarism allegations that are taking an ironic twist. Yang Joon Young, a first-generation K-pop producer, accused BTS‘s Jungkook of plagiarizing his song. Jungkook‘s accuser claimed that “SEVEN” copied the scale sequence of Fin.K.L‘s “Time of Mask,” a track he had produced. 

This bold claim was met with skepticism from many corners, especially since “SEVEN” was crafted by international producers. Moreover, a significant portion of listeners found it hard to pinpoint any notable similarities between the two tracks.

The plot thickened when Dispatch, a reputable news outlet, stepped into the fray. On August 24, they published an article that seemingly exonerated Jungkook from Joon Young’s plagiarism claims by providing compelling evidence. 

But as the controversy continued to simmer, many listeners, driven by curiosity, revisited Fin.K.L‘s “Time of Mask.” Their collective astonishment was palpable when they discovered the song bore a striking resemblance to the Spice Girls‘ 1996 classic, “Say You’ll Be There.” 

@jantristan3

Fin.K.L is accusing Hybe of Jungkook’s Seven plagiarising their song Time of Mask but it seems that it’s them who obviously plagiarized Spice Girls’ Say You’ll Be There 3 years after release #jungkook #jungkookseven #plagiarism #BTS #finkl

♬ original sound – Jan Tristan

It’s worth noting that the Spice Girls‘ track predates “Time of Mask” by three years, having been released in 1996.

Jungkook’s accuser exposed himself

Netizens worldwide recognized the irony of the situation. Many took to social media platforms to voice their disbelief and amusement. Comments ranged from observations about “Time of Mask” sounding more like the Spice Girls than Jungkook‘s “Seven,” to declarations that the Fin.K.L track was eerily similar to the British girl group’s classic.

The overwhelming sentiment was one of incredulity, with many finding it almost laughable that Yang Joon Young‘s attempt to call out Jungkook for plagiarism had inadvertently shone a spotlight on his own potential act of borrowing from a legendary pop group.

As the K-pop community and fans worldwide continue to grapple with this unexpected development, the question remains: What’s next in this unfolding drama? – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jungkook’s accuser shot himself in the foot when his attempt to shame the global star backfired. Source: Naver.

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BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Armys Enraged After a Fan Grabs BTS V in a Japan Event

BTS V on his way to the CELINE event in Japan. Credit: Twitter/ELLE Singapore

Kim Taehyung, also known as BTS V, has been the talk of the town for his highly-anticipated solo debut. However, his recent encounter with fans is making headlines for an alarming reason. 

On Wednesday, August 23, the idol was visiting the newly-renovated flagship store of CELINE in Tokyo, Japan. V is known to be one of the brand’s fashion ambassadors, alongside Park Bogum and BLACKPINK’s Lisa.

For the event, the idol was sporting a denim jacket and form-fitting leather pants. 

After his visit to the store, V was seen waving enthusiastically to the crowd that formed who went there just to catch a glimpse of him. Based on the videos by fans, the artist was smiling and waving to ARMYs around the area. 

 

Unfortunately, the crowd’s enthusiasm got a bit out of a control, with some even pushing each other. In the middle of the commotion, one unnamed fan grabbed V’s hair in excitement while he was trying to enter the vehicle. 

Luckily, the singer was able to escape the hold and was quickly escorted by the security to leave the area. 

ARMYs reminder to fans 

Videos of the incident circulated on social media, with several ARMYs reprimanding the fan’s behavior. 

“Please don’t do this ever again,” another fan wrote. “Trying to grab Taehyung’s hair is never okay. You can tell he is so happy seeing his fans but keep it respectful. 

Another wrote: “This is disgusting behavior. Idols also deserve personal space and respect. This is never okay.” 

“Not only are you losers mobbing him and creating an unsafe environment, but now you’re touching him without his consent,” a different user said. 

https://twitter.com/taeminjoestar/status/1694376082403897741

Aside from calling out the rude behavior, ARMYs also urged their fellow fans to be on their best behavior every time they meet BTS members in public. 

Moreover, some fans are also calling for a tighter security for BTS especially when they’re in public. 

 

Layover of BTS V

Currently, V is in the middle of promotions for his upcoming solo debut album Layover. The six-track EP will be released on September 8.  

Even before the official release of Layover though, V has already treated fans to two tracks from the album: “Love Me Again” and “Rainy Days.”

Interestingly, Layover will be in collaboration with Min Hee Jin, the creative director of NewJeans and CEO of ADOR. 

Moreover, V is the last member of BTS to officially make a solo debut. Since the group took a break in June 2022, the members have been busy working on solo endeavors. 

Featured image: BTS V on his way to the CELINE event in Japan. Credit: Twitter/ELLE Singapore

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NCT’s Taeyong Worries Fans With Recent Health Updates

Taeyong in the teasers for NCT's 'Golden Age' album. Credit: Facebook/NCT

Taeyong of K-pop group NCT sparked concern among his fans as his health condition seems to worsen in the days leading to the act’s upcoming NCT NATION: To the World tour. 

After performing at the KCON LA 2023, Taeyong held a live broadcast wherein he updated fans with what he’s been up to lately. At one point of the livestream, he was seen trying to get up while appearing to look like he’s experiencing a lot of pain. 

The idol then confessed that he’d been feeling weak and experiencing chest discomfort recently. Because of this, Taeyong shared that he’s apprehensive as to how he’ll perform at the group’s August 26 concert. 

“I don’t know if I can perform well next week. I’m worried. I hope I get better by then,” he said. 

 

But what caused more worries among fans was that Taeyong had to fly out of the United States a day after his KCON LA 2023 stage to return to South Korea to resume his preparations for the group’s upcoming concert.

What frustrates fans even more was that the artist even arrived in the US on the day of his performance, proving that he’s following a very tight schedule. This incident then prompted discussions about NCT‘s hectic activities and well-being. 

Taeyong and his grueling schedule 

2023 saw Taeyong bloom as a solo artist while still doing promotions with NCT. 

In June, he made his highly-anticipated solo debut with the EP Shalala. Additionally, he also had solo schedules such as attending Paris Fashion Week and performing at the KCON LA 2023. 

 

On top of his solo ventures, he’s also actively participating with NCT’s group activities. In fact, he tried juggling his solo work and preparation for the group’s upcoming concert. 

However, eagle-eyed fans noticed that Taeyong was notably absent from a group photo taken during rehearsals. Since fans were getting perplexed about his whereabouts, the idol explained that he had to visit the hospital. 

Additionally, the artist disclosed through the online cafe that he had to receive treatment because of cold and high fever. Instead of focusing on his health, though, he was more fretful about missing the rehearsals. 

“There was no time to feel sick,” he wrote. 

Fans irked by SM Entertainment’s treatment of artists

Following Taeyong’s situation, fans took to social media to send their well wishes and prayers for the idol’s recovery. 

Moreover, many of them called out SM Entertainment for not putting their artist’s health and safety their priority. Several pointed out that the agency didn’t even updated fans about the idol’s health status.  

 

Several were also scrutinizing at how the label just let their artists continue to do a series of rigorous activities despite not being in their best health conditions. 

However, what angered fans the most is that Taeyong isn’t the only NCT member who’s not feeling well. Taeil will be taking hiatus from group activities after he sustained a fracture in his thigh because of a motorcycle . 

Aside from Taeyeong and Taeil, other members such as Winwin, Renjun, Haechan, Johnny, and Chenle were also experiencing health problems in the previous months. 

https://twitter.com/staytinyallie/status/1694745128399728669

 

Despite this, fans pointed out that SM Entertainment isn’t doing enough to make sure that their artists aren’t overworked.

Given that NCT has more scheduled activities set for the coming weeks, fans are asking for the agency to at least give the group a proper resting period. 

Featured image: Taeyong in the teasers for NCT’s ‘Golden Age’ album. Credit: Facebook/NCT

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