Category: K-POP ARTISTS

Former LOONA member Yves is embarking on an exciting new chapter in her career. She’s pursuing a new musical path separate from her former group members. While the other LOONA members have signed exclusive contracts with new companies, Yves chose to go it alone, focusing on her solo activities and pursuing music that represents her unique style.

Yves’ decision comes after Chuu’s departure from LOONA in November last year and subsequent legal actions taken by other members against their former agency, Blockberry Creative, to suspend their exclusive contracts.

In a recent interview, Yves shared insights into her current status and plans. Yves shared, “I’m staying with my sister and cute cats. There’s a space at home where I can work, so I’ve been busy working. I also started a blog recently.”

Regarding her musical direction, Yves stated, “I like dreamy and rhythmic R&B music or pop-punk with cool band sounds. The fans love the charm that comes from the difference between my strong side on stage and my big smile. I think the musical genre also has that tendency, so I’ll be able to show you various sides.”

Before LOONA’s debut, Yves was interested in acting. Unfortunately, she was never able to pursue it. Now that she’s back in control of her own life, she expressed her desire to learn more about it, keeping the possibility of expanding her career open.

@lipsoulcrs

#CapCut i love her sm #loonaot12 #yves #loona #artms

♬ Elastic Heart (yeah, let’s be clear, I’ll trust no one. You did not break me, I’m still fighting for peace) – Sia

When asked who her role model is as a solo artist, Yves mentioned BoA. She said she admires the SM Entertainment artist’s unique color, singing skills, and performances that have stood the test of time. But although she’s looking forward to growing independently, Yves also had heartwarming words for her former group members. She expressed her love for them and acknowledged their impact on her life and career. 

“I don’t think they’ll like it if I say something long,” Yves laughed. “It sounds cheesy even after a few years, but I love the members and feel like I’m here because of them. Thank you so much.”

Lastly, Yves shared that her fans are a major source of happiness in her life. “I want to thank the fans who supported me silently. And I want to repay you.”

Fans can look forward to witnessing Yves’ solo journey as she continues to explore her musicality and showcase her growth as an artist. Although what she does from now on may be different from what she did during her time with LOONA, she remains dedicated to shining onstage.

(Featured Image: Yves posted a series of selfies recently. Source: Instagram/Yves’ official Instagram account)

Read the timeline of what happened to FIFTY FIFTY and ATTRAKT here: FIFTY FIFTY and How a Phenomenal K-Pop Career Can be Destroyed in Weeks; A Timeline

The world of K-pop has recently been rocked by a controversy surrounding the popular group FIFTY FIFTY and their agency, ATTRAKT. Known for the catchy song “Cupid,” FIFTY FIFTY is embroiled in a legal battle with their agency, leading to concern and speculation among fans and netizens alike. 

So what happened to FIFTY FIFTY and ATTRAKT?

ATTRAKT’s Response

In response to the cancellation of the girl group’s Barbie OST MV filming and their appearance at KCON LA, ATTRAKT released a statement about the issue. The agency confirmed the cancellation of these scheduled activities, citing internal problems and the ongoing legal dispute as the primary reasons. However, the agency has yet to provide specific details about the nature of these issues, leaving the public in the dark about the exact circumstances leading to these cancellations.

The controversy about what happened to FIFTY FITY has led to widespread speculation about the specific opportunities the K-pop group might have missed out on. Fans have expressed disappointment over the K-pop girl group’s canceled KCON LA appearance, a significant event in the K-pop calendar that would have allowed the group to reach a wider audience. The cancellation of the Barbie OST MV filming was also a major blow because it would’ve boosted the group’s international profile and potentially opened up new opportunities for collaborations and endorsements.

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What’s happening to #FIFTYFIFTY first their appearance in KCON was cancelled and now Barbie soundtrack and event?!? Omg I hope they are okay

— Maria 𓅪 (@mariavega191) July 4, 2023

Legal Battle Between FIFTY FIFTY and ATTRAKT Begins

The legal battle between FIFTY FIFTY and ATTRAKT officially started on July 5, with the first hearing held at Central Seoul’s 50th District Court. The group has asked to terminate its exclusive contract with ATTRAKT on the grounds that the agency violated it. The members’ lawyer has cited many grievances, including cloudy accounting practices and disregard for the members’ health. Such allegations could have serious implications for ATTRAKT and potentially lead to significant changes in how K-pop agencies operate.

ATTRAKT CEO Jeong Hong Joon’s mismanagement of the K-Pop group HOTSHOT also resurfaced. He founded K.O Sound, the company under which that ill-fated group debuted. Fans of HOTSHOT expressed concern about Jeong’s style, citing a lack of promotion and poor communication. This led to increased scrutiny and skepticism regarding Jeong’s handling of FIFTY FIFTY‘s situation.

A report by Dispatch has brought several of the group’s claims into question. The report provided text messages showing the group’s producer, Ahn Sung Il, pressuring the CEO to tell them to work on a music video for the upcoming Barbie movie, despite health concerns. This added another layer of complexity to the controversy and raised questions about power dynamics in the K-pop industry and the pressures idols face.

In a new development, The Givers, the producers of FIFTY FIFTY‘s hit single “Cupid,” released a statement addressing allegations made by ATTRAKT. The Givers claimed that ATTRAKT had given them $9,000 to purchase neighboring rights to “Cupid,” not the song’s copyrights. They also stated that the copyrights to “Cupid” are rightfully owed to them and Ahn Sung Il, and that ATTRAKT is spreading misinformation and confusing the public. The Givers ended their statement with a “final warning” to ATTRAKT and reporters, stating they would reveal their innocence in court.

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I feel so bad for fifty fifty their barbie song was cancelled due to the whole situation, along with a bunch of o… — RIGHT OMG and I can’t believe people are attcking the girls for it???? https://t.co/gNPJ1rfjlw

— YITS: aloka⁰-¹ 🐚 박건욱’s twin sister (@jjhyunology) July 4, 2023

The Controversy’s Impact on FIFTY FIFTY

The controversy has undoubtedly had a significant impact on FIFTY FIFTY. The group’s image may have been tarnished, potentially affecting their future prospects. The cancellation of their KCON LA appearance and the “Barbie” OST MV filming are significant setbacks, and there is speculation that the group may have missed out on other opportunities as a result of the controversy.

Despite what happened to FIFTY FIFTY and the controversy, fans of FIFTY FIFTY remain hopeful. They believe the group’s talent and charisma will help them overcome these challenges. The agency’s assurance that they are working to resolve the issues has also provided relief to the fans. However, the situation remains uncertain, and it is unclear what the future holds for FIFTY FIFTY.

It’s still too soon to determine the controversy’s long-term impact. As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on what happened to FIFTY FIFTY and everyone else involved in it. People are waiting to see what their next steps will be. The controversy highlighted the need for greater transparency and fairness in K-pop, and it is hoped that this situation will lead to positive changes.

Featured Image: FIFTY FIFTY releases official photos for their first Single Album, “The Beginning: Cupid”. Source: Twitter/FiftyFifty Official Twitter account

Jennie from the K-pop group BLACKPINK has sparked mixed reactions with her portrayal of Dyanne in the season finale of HBO’s The Idol. This has led netizens to debate the storyline and treatment of her character.

Jennie’s character Dyanne got limited screen time throughout the show’s five-episode first season. But in the finale, Dyanne’s fate turns for the worse as the record label withdraws their offer for her to sing “World Class Sinner” instead of the female lead, Jocelyn (played by Lily-Rose Depp).

Although the record label’s director promises to help her become a star in the future, viewers see the disheartened Dyanne stepping into an elevator as its doors slide closed, a scene symbolizing the backup dancer’s sad fate. She missed her chance to change her luck in the entertainment industry.

On a positive note, some found solace in the ending, interpreting it as a realistic portrayal of the harshness of the entertainment industry. They acknowledged that unforeseen circumstances often derail dreams and result in unfulfilled promises, regardless of one’s talent. They even drew parallels between what happened to Dyanne and Jennie’s prior experience as a singer.

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You know what’s the craziest part about the idol?

I know Jennie wasn’t acting like, she prolly goes thru sneaky music industry shit the way the k pop industry moves

— 🦭i need club penguin back (@vainillaenjoyer) July 4, 2023

Although critics bashed the show, Jennie’s performance received defense and praise from BLINKs. They commended her for showcasing her acting skills and daring to do something outside the K-pop industry.

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If Jennie was excited for the idol it’s because she was the best part of the show and wanted to show us her acting. I loved watching this side of her every week 🤧🩷🩷

— midoriii⁷⚡SevEN (@jaykayhey13) July 3, 2023

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One thing #THEIDOL    did was showcase Jennie from BLACKPINK cuz she probably had the least screen time but when I say she ate every scene I mean it! Her subtle acting is top tier.

— Frankie Blanche Devereux (@OldSoulLyn) July 3, 2023

But some simply couldn’t understand why a K-pop star like Jennie signed on to do a minor role in a show that became a lightning rod for controversy. They think Jennie was cast only because HBO higher-ups hoped to rope her loyal fans into watching the show.

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Just finished The Idol… don’t waste ur time watching it. It’s just really gross and exploitative and there’s genuinely no point to it. Like there was barely a plot, zero character development. And I’m gonna be honest, they fully used Jennie for her fame to get more views.

— FAIRY (@realfairyfield) July 4, 2023

What do you think of Dyanne’s fate? Do you want to see Jennie do more acting projects? Sound off in the comments.

Featured Image:

South Korean-Chinese boy band EXO is set to make a grand comeback with their new single “Cream Soda.” The SM Entertainment group recently unveiled individual teaser images featuring Baekhyun, Chanyeol, Chen, D.O., Kai, Sehun, Suho, and Xiumin.

They also dropped OT8 photos.

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EXO ‘Cream Soda’ Teaser Image #BAEKHYUN #SUHO #CHEN #CHANYEOL

【EXO The 7th Album ‘EXIST’】
➫ 2023.07.10 6PM (KST)

Album pre-order
➫ https://t.co/W5wDsJLD6R#EXO #엑소 #weareoneEXO#EXIST #EXO_EXIST#CreamSoda #EXO_CreamSoda pic.twitter.com/1SHijJNZN2

— 🐥🇲🇾мαℓαуѕια g.σ🐰 (@byxunqisbbh) July 3, 2023

“Cream Soda” is the title track of EXO’s upcoming full-length album EXIST, scheduled to drop on July 10 at 6:00 PM KST. The track is an addictive slice of dance-pop, with cheerful brass, drum, and keyboard sounds. As if that wasn’t enough, the members’ vocals present a cool, sexy vibe that will send shivers up and down EXO-L’s spines. Meanwhile, EXIST will have nine songs, each showcasing various charms.

Before the release of “Cream Soda,” EXO had already dropped music videos for pre-release tracks “Let Me In” and “Hear Me Out.” They received a warm welcome from fans worldwide. The latter was wildly successful. It began topping iTunes charts upon its June 30, 6:00 PM KST release.

By July 1 KST, “Hear Me Out” had gone to No. 1 on iTunes in at least 37 different regions, including Argentina, Armenia, Belarus, Botswana, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Greece, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Laos, Malaysia, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Oman, Panama, Paraguay, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Venezuela, and Vietnam. It also reached No. 1 on KuGou Music’s and QQ Music’s digital sales charts in China.

These releases mark EXO‘s first group comeback in more than two years. The anticipation for their seventh full-length album EXIST is high, and EXO-Ls are eagerly waiting for it to drop.

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I’m so excited for EXO’s new album ‘EXIST’! I absolutely love the teaser image of SEHUN – he looks amazing. Can’t wait to hear what ‘Hear Me Out’ has in store! #SEHUN #EXO_EXIST #we

— L5 (@L5_artist) July 3, 2023

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I can’t wait for the album to drop ahdhdhdh#EXO_CreamSoda
D-7 TO EXIST
EVERYTHING FOR EXO#EXO_TeaserImage5#EXO_EXIST @weareoneEXO

— Baek n’ ℓight✨🌒 (@baekhyuns_eggs) July 2, 2023

Congratulations to EXO on the success of “Hear Me Out” and best wishes for their upcoming album!