Category: K-POP ARTISTS

The K-pop world is no stranger to controversies, and the latest artist to face the storm is Sohee, a member of SM Entertainment’s new seven-member rookie boy group RIIZE. As the group officially introduced its members, the internet dug up Sohee’s pre-debut photos. The photos sparked heated debates and discussions. Here’s a look at the bad and the good surrounding this emerging star.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/GbI8qj0FwmE

Pre-debut photo of RIIZE Sohee at Hunting Bar #shorts #RIIZE #kpop #vortoone

The controversy began when a photo of Sohee chilling at a “hunting bar” in Ansan-si, Gyeonggi-do began circulating online. Such establishments, known as “hunting pochas” or “solo pochas,” are quite notorious for marketing not just food and drinks but also potential hook-ups. The photo, combined with another one of Sohee posing with friends outside an elementary school, ignited a firestorm of criticism.

Some netizens were quick to judge, expressing their disappointment. Comments ranged from calling him unsuitable to be a K-pop idol to expressing concerns about what more might come to light. But it must be said that not all reactions were negative. Some netizens pointed out that going to a hunting bar as an adult isn’t necessarily a problem, though it might be a turn-off for an aspiring idol.

A relatively normal life

Despite the ongoing controversy, there’s more to Sohee than meets the eye. Born on November 21, 2003, he is described as the main vocalist of RIIZE. By all accounts, Sohee led a relatively normal life before he was cast by SM Entertainment. Aside from the photos of him at that hunting bar, his cheerful yearbook photos (where he’s seen with an adorable gap in his teeth), and pictures of him as a normal student enjoying computer games also made the rounds.

Furthermore, his vocal training academy released a video of him singing a ballad alongside another trainee, showcasing his talent. Fans have already started falling for his bright smile and handsome looks, even before he was put in RIIZE. 

Netizens also found Sohee‘s graduation pictures, where he was described as “cute and reminiscent of someone who jokes around a lot.” These photos paint a picture of a young boy who is much, much more than the controversy that surrounds him.

All eyes on Sohee

The world of entertainment is often quick to judge, and the case of Sohee is no different. While the controversial photos have certainly raised eyebrows, it’s crucial to recognize the potential and talent of this young artist. Furthermore, we must also remember that whatever someone did in the past may not be an accurate reflection of who they are in the present.

As RIIZE prepares to debut in September, all eyes will be on Sohee and his fellow members. The journey ahead may be filled with potholes, but with determination, talent, and the support of people who adore him, Sohee has a chance to rise above this controversy and become a shining star in the K-pop scene. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Despite the controversy, Sohee already has supporters who are rooting for him to rise above it. Source: Twitter/@riizefiles.

The K-pop world is buzzing with excitement as Redstart ENM’s trainees from Boys Planet announce their official debut. This new group, called TIOT, comprises Choi Woo Jin, Kim Min Seoung, Kum Jun Hyeon, and Hong Keon Hee, and is set to make waves in the music industry.

On August 1, Redstart ENM revealed the new group’s name, TIOT, which stands for “Time Is Our Turn.” The name symbolizes the group’s determination and readiness to take on the world. TIOT will begin group promotions with a pre-debut project, showcasing their unique style and talent.

As part of their pre-debut project, TIOT will be remaking Click B‘s single “Undefeated,” originally released in 2001. This remake marks the first time someone has covered the song in approximately 22 years. A music video for TIOT‘s version of “Undefeated” will drop this August 23, followed by more material on August 28.

TIOT has a promising future

The anticipation for TIOT‘s debut has been building since their impressive performance on Mnet’s survival program Boys Planet. Fans are eagerly awaiting the group’s fresh take on a classic song and their official debut. Additionally, TIOT has been actively engaging with fans through social media, keeping them up to date on the group’s upcoming activities.

REDSTART BOYS INTERVIEW EP.1 [ENG/JPN]

With their official group name announcement and pre-debut song release, TIOT is gearing up for a promising future. The group’s talent and charisma have already captured the attention of netizens, and their upcoming debut is sure to solidify their place in the K-pop scene.

REDSTART BOYS INTERVIEW EP.2 [ENG/JPN]

TIOT’s debut is a milestone for Redstart ENM and the members themselves. The road they took to become a full-fledged boy group has been filled with dedication, hard work, and passion. As the four boys begin their journeys, fans and industry insiders are watching them with interest. Their official name announcement and pre-debut song mark the start of an exciting new chapter, and the K-pop community is looking forward to what TIOT has in store. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The Redstart ENM trainees hit the ground running after the show, and now their dreams are about to come true. Source: Twitter/@TIOT_NOW.

Startup entertainment company GRID Entertainment is making waves in the K-pop industry with the announcement of its new 5-member boy group, POW. The group’s name symbolizes an explosion. It reflects their goal to make a fun, refreshing, and significant impact on the scene.

The debut team is led by Yorch Yongsin, a Thai actor, model, and soloist under GRID Entertainment. Born on April 11, 2002, in Phayao, Thailand, Yorch has been acting since he was 10 years old and has starred in movies like 15+ IQ Krachoot and Timeline Letter Memory. He almost debuted in a boy group under HYBE, but when that didn’t work out, he shifted gears. He debuted as a soloist back in April with the single “Switch.” Yorch enjoys dancing, food (particularly durian and tteokbokki), and soccer.

YORCH – Seven (Official MV)

Joining Yorch is a Filipino-South Korean dancer-singer named Yoon Dong Yeon. Born on September 26, 2003, Dong Yeon, also known as Justin, was a contestant on the SBS survival program LOUD. He is fluent in English, Korean, and Tagalog and used to be active under JYP Entertainment. His zodiac sign is Libra, and his MBTI type is ENFP.

Youn Dongyeon | Filipino-Korean Participant in LOUD?

The remaining members, Jung Bin, Hyun Bin, and Hong, are newcomers to the industry.

All eyes on POW

On August 1, GRID confirmed the launch of POW, unveiling the group’s logo, and opening its official SNS accounts. POW‘s debut is scheduled for September 2023, and fans can hardly wait for what promises to be a dynamic addition to K-pop. The addition of well-known personalities like Yorch and Dong Yeon adds to the excitement, as their previous experiences and fan following are likely to contribute to the group’s initial success.

With experienced and up-and-coming talents, POW will surely make a significant impact. As their official debut in September approaches, all eyes are on POW, anticipating the refreshing explosion they aim to create in the industry. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Their explosive energy is evident in their teasers. Source: Twitter/@POW_grid.

RIIZE‘s Wonbin, a member of SM Entertainment’s new boy group, has recently become the subject of widespread attention. His pre-debut photos went viral, leading to allegations of plastic surgery. However, fans are rallying to his defense, and the debate is heating up.

On August 1, SM Entertainment unveiled the members of the new boy group RIIZE, consisting of seven trainees: Anton, Eunseok, Seunghan, Shotaro, Sohee, Sungchan, and Wonbin. Their Instagram page quickly amassed 500K followers, and Wonbin, hailed as one of the group’s “visuals,” became a viral sensation.

A post featuring Wonbin’s school days photos has collected over 40K views in just two hours. While he’s undeniably handsome, some netizens felt that he looked different from his debut photos. This led to allegations of plastic surgery, with comments such as, “His eye surgery went very well. Please tell me which hospital he went to.”

Wonbin has people in his corner

Despite the allegations, many fans defended Wonbin, emphasizing that his good looks were evident even as a child. They argue that the differences in appearance could be attributed to factors other than surgery. “He looks fine in the pictures. It’s rare to look good in graduation pictures, period. There are many people making up plastic surgery allegations. You guys are too much,” one RIIZE fan commented.

The debate continues to rage, with some netizens insisting on the plastic surgery claims, while many others dismiss them as baseless. “Who cares if he looked different in the past? It’s enough that he’s handsome now and is good at his job,” another supporter stated.

The controversy surrounding Wonbin‘s appearance elicited a passionate response from fans. While the allegations persist, the overwhelming support he’s receiving from fans highlights the loyalty and love people have for their idols. Whether or not Wonbin has had plastic surgery remains a matter of personal opinion, but one thing is clear: his talent and charisma continue to win hearts. – K-Pop News Writer

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/kmBHxR5JjiA

WONBIN RIIZE IS SO BEAUTIFUL I CANT!

Featured Image: Whether you believe the rumors or not, you can’t deny that Wonbin is handsome. Source: Instagram/@riize_official.

The K-pop girl group NewJeans finally joined forces with LINE Friends, creating a buzz with their latest collaboration. This partnership isn’t just a fusion of music and creativity. It’s a celebration of pop culture, as it features Powerpuff Girls-inspired characters representing each of the NewJeans girls.

Each character in this collection has a distinct identity. Minji‘s character is blue and recognizable with her bold middle part and eyebrows, and Hanni‘s pink character sports her pigtails. Danielle‘s character rocks space buns and yellow clothes, Haerin‘s is green with cat-like vibes, and Hyein‘s is purple, recognizable through her small mouth and short bangs. Additionally, the NewJeans fandom, known as Bunnies, is symbolized by an adorable bunny character.

The collection offers a wide range of products that cater to different tastes. From phone griptoks designed with each character to small bunny keychains representing each member, the collaboration ensures a personal touch. Fans can also purchase collectible standing plushies that they can dress as they like, cute and squishy bunny head plushies, and various phone case designs, including Powerpuff Girls and the like. What’s more, those who purchase over $50 worth of goods will receive a reusable bag, adding to the excitement.

This LINE Friends collab is a must-have

This collaboration extends to three different types of plushies: characters wearing clothes, heads of the characters, and miniature versions. Smartphone covers and back holder grips are also part of the Powerpuff Girls-inspired set, enhancing the collection’s appeal.

Availability is key, and pre-orders begin on August 2 at midnight PDT. They are scheduled to run for only two days. The limited availability adds to the collection’s exclusivity, meaning fans will have to scramble to buy what they want before it all sells out. Pop-up stores in both Gangnam and Hongdae will also feature the collection, with individual times for each location. These pop-ups will be open from August 11 to 31 at the official LINE Friends stores, providing a unique shopping experience.

The NewJeans x LINE Friends collaboration is a celebration of creativity, fandom, and pop culture. With a diverse range of products inspired by the members of NewJeans and the Powerpuff Girls, this collection is a must-have for collectors and fans alike. It’s not just merchandise; it symbolizes a union of creativity and music that resonates with pop culture enthusiasts and the youth. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: These adorable plushies are just some of the items that will be part of the collab. Source: Twitter/@rainshop12.

ENHYPEN‘s Jay has become popular not just for his dancing and singing, but also for his amazing guitar skills. His guitars have been his constant companions for almost four years. Jay’s love for the guitar and rock music has always been a defining aspect of his identity, both as an individual and as a member of ENHYPEN.

The FATE World Tour was a significant milestone for the boy group, and Jay‘s guitar playing led to a standout moment. ENHYPEN presented acoustic unit stages during their two-day show in Seoul. Jake, Jay, Sunghoon, and Sunoo mesmerized the audience with their performance of “TFW (That Feeling When)” where Jay showcased his incredible talent on the guitar. He revealed that he drew inspiration from SUGA of BTS. His sunbae’s guitar playing during the D-DAY concert went over big with fans, which motivated Jay to improve his own skills.

Demonstrating his dedication, Jay put in a tremendous effort to condition his guitar before taking the stage. He revealed, “I oiled it, put essence on it, changed its strings, and even decorated it with the members’ signatures. My guitar received more treatment than me.” His dedication to his guitar is evident in the way he cares for it.

Jay stole the spotlight

[4K] 230610 WEVERSE CON ATTENTION, PLEASE! – ENHYPEN JAY FOCUS

The Weverse Con Festival in 2023 was another landmark event where Jay‘s guitar skills shone. The group mesmerized the audience with energetic dance routines and powerful vocals, but it was Jay‘s electrifying guitar solo that really stole the spotlight. Jay‘s musical prowess was on full display, and ENGENEs were amazed.

Interestingly, Jay revealed that he was the one who suggested incorporating a guitar performance into their set, highlighting his involvement in the creative process. Videos of him playing the guitar went viral, generating excitement on social media.

Jay genuinely loves the guitar

Jay has a genuine love for the guitar and a genuine passion for rock music, which sets him apart as an idol with a unique perspective on music. “I have a lot of hobbies, but the one that’s grabbed me lately is electric guitar,” he told Weverse Magazine. 

With two guitars, one at home and another at the label’s studio, he’s able to practice whenever he finds time. It hasn’t been easy to do that lately, though. He added, “I didn’t feel confident playing electric guitar before because I didn’t have enough time to practice, but I’m picking it up again.”

His approach to selecting a guitar reveals his thoughtful approach to music. For now, Jay recognizes his current skill level and chose an all-rounder guitar that can adapt to various genres. “I tried out a few guitars that looked and sounded just the way I like. From there, I chose the one that sounded the best and loudest.”

Not content with mastering just one instrument, Jay’s aspirations extend to learning other musical tools as well. “If I end up getting decent at the guitar, I’ll explore some other instruments as well. I want to learn bass, drums, and piano. I’d also like to learn the harmonica and saxophone just for my own enjoyment,” he shared.

The allure of the past

He expressed a growing interest in rock music, which shines through when he talks about the band Oasis. He identifies with the positive attitude and hopeful messages conveyed by Oasis. He shared, “I feel uplifted when I listen to songs that have hopeful lyrics, like ‘Stop Crying Your Heart Out.’ Of course, the music sounds good, too, but I think the messages are cool and inspiring.”

Jay‘s appreciation for rock doesn’t end with modern interpretations. He delves into the charm of older rock music, recognizing the timeless appeal it holds. “These days a lot of music’s influenced by rock but reinterpreted in a modern way, and that evolves into whole new genres. I listen to music that dates all the way back to the 1950s. I think what makes old music so captivating is the vibe and the romance,” he explained.

The allure of the past and its unique charm resonate deeply with Jay. He expressed his longing for a time machine. “I’ve wished I could hop in a time machine and go back to some of Oasis’ concerts,” Jay shared. “There’s something completely different and uniquely special about things from the old days. I have the live LP from Oasis’ Knebworth concert, and every time I listen to it I wish I could just go back to that time.”

Jay is truly a guitar god

[enhypen] Jay playing the electric guitar during HeeJay’s live (03.17.23)

Jay‘s relationship with the guitar is more than just a hobby; it’s a reflection of his soul. His love for rock music, his dedication to his craft, and his respect for his instruments paint a picture of a young artist deeply connected to his musical roots.

His performances at the FATE World Tour and Weverse Con Festival are just the beginning of what promises to be a successful journey. ENHYPEN‘s Jay is truly a guitar god, and his relationship with the instrument is a beautiful symphony that enchants fans worldwide. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jay owns many guitars and takes great care of them. Source: Twitter/@mainlyjay.

In a thrilling development that has captured the attention of K-pop fans worldwide, former LOONA members Gowon, Hyeju, Hyunjin, Vivi, and Yeojin are set to debut as a new group called Loossemble under CTDENM. Meanwhile, other ex-members of LOONA are charting new paths with Modhaus as Odd Eye Circle.

CTDENM has announced that the five members will soon be debuting as Loossemble, a portmanteau of LOONA and “assemble,” symbolizing the gathering of LOONA members. The group recently held a fan event called Orbit Sports Day at the Jamsil Student Gymnasium, marking their first official appearance under their new company. LOONA’s Chuu and Yves also made a surprise appearance at the event, adding to the excitement.

It was after that event that CTDENM announced the girls would be debuting as Loossemble. The announcement initially sparked some confusion regarding the spelling of the group’s name in English. However, members Hyunjin and Vivi clarified on the fan messaging app Fromm that their new group would be called Loossemble. The news of Loossemble‘s upcoming debut comes shortly after LOONA sub-unit Odd Eye Circle made a comeback under Modhaus.

Where are the other LOONA members?

On the other side, Modhaus recently announced the signing of Haseul, the latest addition to their roster. In a press release, the agency said, “We will do our best to help Haseul show off her talents and meet with her fans in many ways.” With Haseul’s arrival, Modhaus now has five former LOONA members, all of whom will be part of their ARTMS project. This initiative aims to debut different units consisting of former LOONA members.

The first unit to make a comeback is Odd Eye Circle, comprising Choerry, Jinsoul, and Kim Lip. The trio initially debuted in 2017 with their mini album Mix&Match. They are gearing up to release a new album and kick off their first Europe tour in August.

LOONA, a 12-piece group, debuted in December 2018 and quickly rose to stardom. However, due to financial difficulties and disputes between its company BlockBerry Creative and the artists, the girl group disbanded. All of its members have since joined new agencies after successfully terminating their exclusive contracts with BlockBerry Creative.

A fresh start with Loossemble

The re-debut of these former LOONA members under new agencies signifies a fresh start. Fans eagerly anticipate the music and performances that Loossemble and Odd Eye Circle will bring to the K-pop scene. In a recent interview with NME, Jinsoul shared: “There’s definitely a possibility for us to keep releasing music as Odd Eye Circle. But we also have Haseul and Heejin being part of our ARTMS project, and the new units and combinations that can be created from that remains to be seen.”

As the K-pop scene buzzes with excitement, the former members of LOONA are ready to write a new chapter in their careers. With Loossemble‘s debut on the horizon and Odd Eye Circle‘s return, the legacy of LOONA continues to thrive, promising to bring fresh music and performances to fans worldwide. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: News of Loossemble’s upcoming debut sent shockwaves through the K-pop scene. In a good way. Source: YouTube/@candychoerry.