Category: K-POP ARTISTS

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

MAMAMOO’s Hwasa Departs from RBW Agency, Fuels Speculation of Joining P Nation

RBW, the agency representing K-pop group MAMAMOO, announced on June 27th that Hwasa would be parting ways with them. While the official statement did not disclose the reason for the departure, rumors suggest Hwasa might be joining P Nation, the agency founded by renowned singer PSY.

In the statement released by RBW, they expressed gratitude to fans for their continuous support and love for MAMAMOO. The agency revealed that Hwasa’s exclusive contract recently expired, and after careful discussions, both parties mutually decided to conclude their journey together. RBW assured fans that they would continue to support the individual and group activities of MAMAMOO, emphasizing the importance of MOOMOOs’ support during this transition.

Fans had already started speculating about Hwasa’s departure when reports emerged that her contract with RBW would end in June. The news of her potential move to P Nation has sparked further excitement and anticipation among supporters.

Hwasa had previously followed a solo career after MAMAMOO. As Hwasa embarks on new endeavors in diverse fields, fans eagerly await further updates and express their unwavering support for her future endeavors.

We wish you the best, Hwasa!

Featured Image Credit: HWASA Official Instagram

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BLACKPINK’s Jisoo’s Solo Debut MV “FLOWER” Hits 300 Million Views

The solo debut of BLACKPINK’s Jisoo continues to make waves as her music video for the track “FLOWER” surpasses 300 million views on YouTube. The milestone was achieved on June 27 at approximately 6:20 p.m. KST, marking a significant achievement for Jisoo as a solo artist.

Released on March 31 at 1 p.m. KST, the “FLOWER” music video took just over 88 days and five hours to reach the impressive milestone. Notably, it is the only K-pop music video released in 2023 to achieve this feat.

 

Fans and the music industry alike have been captivated by Jisoo’s solo debut, and the overwhelming response is evident in the rapid rise of views on her music video. With this accomplishment, Jisoo solidifies her position as a powerhouse artist in the K-pop industry.

https://twitter.com/jisooaddiction/status/1671852078929690625?s=20

Congratulations to Jisoo on this remarkable achievement!

Relive the enchanting visuals and mesmerizing performance of “FLOWER” by watching the music video:

Featured Image Credit: BLACKPINK Official Twitter

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP ALBUMS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

SEVENTEEN Unveils Highly Anticipated Japanese Album ‘ALWAYS YOURS’

SEVENTEEN, the beloved K-pop boy band, continues to solidify their status as a global sensation, captivating audiences in Japan with their immense popularity. 

They recently made a significant announcement regarding releasing their highly anticipated first-ever Japanese best album, “ALWAYS YOURS.”

 

As revealed through a press release on SEVENTEEN Japan’s official website, the album is scheduled to be unleashed on July 23, 2023. It will encompass a compilation of all the group’s Japanese original songs, Japanese versions of their Korean tracks, and two brand-new Japanese original songs, ensuring a delightful musical experience for their dedicated fanbase, known as Carats.

Carats can anticipate hearing their favorite Japanese tracks such as “Fallin’ Flower,” “24H,” “Call Call Call!,” “Happy Ending,” “Not Alone,” “Power of Love,” and “DREAM” consolidated into one album. 

Additionally, the album will feature Japanese renditions of SEVENTEEN’s hit songs, including “HIGHLIGHT,” “Lean on Me,” “20,” “LOVE LETTER,” and “Oh My!” to name a few.

In their unwavering dedication to their Carats worldwide, SEVENTEEN will also present two brand-new Japanese original songs exclusively crafted for this album.

Since their Japanese debut on May 30, 2018, SEVENTEEN has amassed many accolades and a devoted fanbase. Their comebacks have consistently garnered immense support from their Japanese Carats, prompting the group to reciprocate the love by delivering exhilarating live performances.

Recently, the boy band kicked off their “SEVENTEEN 2023 JAPAN FAN MEETING ‘LOVE'” at the Kyocera Dome in Osaka and the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, enthralling audiences with their electrifying stage presence. 

 

Before releasing their upcoming Japanese album “ALWAYS YOURS,” SEVENTEEN will treat their Korean Carats to a memorable two-day concert at the Gocheok Sky Dome on July 21 and July 22, 2023.

Congratulations to SEVENTEEN, and may their musical journey continue to flourish!

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

K-pop Star AleXa Takes a Stand Against “White Girl Idol” Label and Challenges Invalidation of Her Korean Heritage

In a recent livestream, Korean American K-pop soloist AleXa bravely addressed the derogatory labels thrown at her, such as “White girl idol,” and expressed her frustration over the invalidation of her Korean heritage.

During the livestream, AleXa shed light on the hate she has been receiving, emphasizing the need to recognize her as a half-Korean K-pop idol.

TikTok videos capturing her powerful message have been circulating online, with supporters condemning the racism and harm caused by disregarding a significant part of her identity.

@aitrooperofficial

PSA!!!!!! Alex growing up in America doesn’t make her white nor does it take away from the fact she is half korean. It’s such a racist and and harmful rhetoric to dismiss such a major part of her identity. @AleXa #kpop #alexa #alexakpop #alexazb #alexazblabel #zblabel #zanybros #alexchristine #produce48 #알렉사 #aitrooper #aitroopers #alexalive #tiktoklive #tiktoklivealexa #alexatiktoklive #fypシ #kpopfyp #psa #aitrooperofficial

♬ original sound – Charlotte ❤️🐇

 

Raising thought-provoking questions, AleXa questioned whether her American upbringing and mixed heritage made people treat her differently compared to other half-Korean idols, such as SEVENTEEN‘s Vernon and former Momoland member Nancy.

Despite her strong connection to her Korean roots, AleXa expressed disappointment in the constant bashing and the dismissal of her half-Korean identity. She pointed out that while there are now actual Caucasians in K-pop, it is unjust to label her solely as the “White girl idol.” Furthermore, she highlighted her mother’s struggles as an immigrant in America and how it shouldn’t be undermined.

@aitrooperofficial

It’s disrespectful how underrated her music is. She is one of the most unique KPOP soloists there is. @AleXa #kpop #alexa #alexakpop #alexazb #alexazblabel #zblabel #zanybros #alexchristine #produce48 #알렉사 #aitrooper #aitroopers #backinvogue #backinvoguealexa #alexabackinvogue #girlsgonevogue #alexagirlsgonevogue #juliette #juliettealexa #alexalive #tiktoklive #alexatiktoklive #tiktoklivealexa #fypシ #kpopfyp

♬ original sound – Charlotte ❤️🐇

 

AleXa’s powerful stance serves as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging and respecting diverse identities within the K-pop industry. Her courage in speaking out against discrimination sheds light on the need for inclusivity and understanding in the global music community. She continues to invite fans to join her TikTok lives to talk about life and the industry:

Featured photo from AleXA Official

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

SHINee Returns as the “Princes of K-pop” with Highly Anticipated Comeback Track “Hard”

After a hiatus of over two years, South Korean boy band SHINee, widely recognized as the “Princes of K-pop,” has made a triumphant comeback.

Fans can rejoice and declare, “SHINee’s back,” reminiscent of the iconic phrase from their 2012 hit “Sherlock (Clue + Note),” as the four-member group released their eighth full album titled “Hard“ along with the music video for the lead single of the same name.

The single “Hard“ is described as a “hybrid hip-hop track,” showcasing SHINee’s versatility and evolving musical style. Accompanying the single, the album features a total of 10 songs, including the anthemic pre-release track “The Feeling” unveiled on June 9.

Prior to the album release, SHINee held a series of concerts titled “SHINee World VI: Perfect Illumination” in Seoul over the weekend. However, due to health issues, leader Onew was unable to perform, with Key, Minho, and Taemin taking the stage.

This comeback marks SHINee’s first new music in over two years, following their April 2021 repackage album “Atlantis,” which was an extension of their seventh full album, “Don’t Call Me.”

During the hiatus, Taemin fulfilled his mandatory military service, making him the final member to complete his enlistment while his fellow bandmates pursued solo endeavors.

Managed by SM Entertainment, the boyband made their debut in May 2008 with the extended play “Replay.” Although originally a five-member group, the untimely passing of vocalist Jonghyun in December 2017 deeply impacted the group and their dedicated fan base.

Renowned for their experimental electro-pop sound and captivating stage performances,  they once again demonstrate their musical prowess and solidify their status as one of the most respected groups in the genre.

Stream the new track here:

Featured photo from NME

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BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BTS Jimin Dominates Individual Kpop Idol Brand Rankings

The Korea Corporate Reputation Research has unveiled the latest brand reputation rankings for individual K-pop idols—and K-pop stans are buzzing with delight and happiness for their respective idols.

Holding the top spot, BTS member Jimin solidifies his position as the most popular male K-pop idol brand, according to the Korea Corporate Reputation Research.

 

With a collection of 1,590 personal K-pop idol brand data between May 22 and June 22, 2023, the institute scrutinized its brand reputation.

There was a notable increase of 34.51 percent in data points compared to April, growing from 47,897,433 to 64,428,614. 

The rankings for June were determined using the most recent data points, considering factors such as consumer participation, media coverage, communication, and community indexes.

 

This month’s top 5 popular K-pop idols in South Korea include BTS members Jimin and Jungkook, BLACKPINK’s Jisoo, BTS’s RM, and BLACKPINK’s Jennie.

The Top 5 Most Popular Individual Kpop Idols

BTS Jimin maintains his position as the top K-pop idol with a brand value 5,590,865 this month. His brand value has grown significantly by 18.20 percent since April.

 

 

Keyword analysis revealed that the most associated phrases with BTS Jimin were “10th anniversary,” “face,” and “ARMY.” In link analysis, “record,” “happy,” and “release” were the most popular related terms. 

Moreover, BTS Jimin received an impressive positive rating of 93.57 percent in the positivity/negativity analysis.

BTS Jungkook secures the second spot on the list, experiencing a remarkable increase in brand value of 124.07 percent, soaring from 1,799,263 in April to 4,031,592 in June.

On the other hand, BLACKPINK’s Jisoo drops to the third spot, with a brand value of 3,508,791, experiencing a decline of 18.84 percent from April’s 4,323,294.

In fourth place is BTS RM, whose brand reputation skyrocketed by an astounding 227.04 percent, surging from 910,804 in April to 2,978,648 in June.

Rounding up the top five for this month is BLACKPINK’s Jennie. The rapper saw her brand value increase by 41.99 percent, from 1,984,611 in April to 2,818,026 in June.

Who Else is On the List?

The Korea Corporate Reputation Research Institute, under the leadership of Director Koo Chang-hwan, is dedicated to measuring and disclosing the brand reputation index of domestic brands.

Here’s an extensive list of the top K-pop personalities based on the research results:

  1. BTS Jimin
  2. BTS Jungkook
  3. BLACKPINK Jisoo
  4. BTS RM
  5. BLACKPINK Jennie
  6. BTS V
  7. NewJeans Danielle
  8. BIGBANG G-Dragon
  9. ASTRO Cha Eun Woo
  10. BLACKPINK Lisa
  11. Wanna One Kang Daniel
  12. BTS Jin
  13. NewJeans Minji
  14. BLACKPINK Rosé
  15. SEVENTEEN Jun
  16. aespa Karina
  17. NewJeans Hyein
  18. BTS Suga
  19. IVE An YuJIn
  20. Girls’ Generation YoonA
  21. Red Velvet Seulgi
  22. Oh My Girl Mimi
  23. IVE Rei
  24. NewJeans Hanni
  25. aespa Winter
  26. NewJeans Haerin
  27. TWICE Nayeon
  28. BTS J-Hope
  29. Wanna One Park Ji Hoon
  30. SHINee Onew
  31. aespa Giselle
  32. IVE Jang Won Young
  33. TWICE Mina
  34. Red Velvet Joy
  35. LE SSERAFIM Kim Chaewon
  36. LE SSERAFIM Kazuha
  37. SEVENTEEN Seungkwan
  38. SEVENTEEN Mingyu
  39. SEVENTEEN Jeonghan
  40. aespa Ning Ning
  41. Girls’ Generation Yuri
  42. BIGBANG Taeyang
  43. SHINee Minho
  44. LE SSERAFIM Huh Yunjin
  45. SEVENTEEN Wonwoo
  46. EXO Suho
  47. SHINee Taemin
  48. Girls’ Generation Seohyun
  49. SHINee Key
  50. SEVENTEEN Hoshi

Check out the rest of the list on the Brand Reputation Index.

 

Featured photo from Wikimedia Commons

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BLACKPINK Set to Rock Vietnam: Landmark Performance at My Dinh National Stadium

BLACKPINK is set to make history as the first K-pop girl group to grace the stage of Vietnam’s largest concert hall. Hanoi’s My Dinh National Stadium will be the venue for their upcoming performances on July 29 and 30. 

YG Entertainment recently announced the new encore show dates for BLACKPINK‘s highly anticipated ‘BORN PINK’ world tour. The stadium, with a massive capacity of 40,192 seats, solidifies its position as the largest venue in the country.

The addition of the Hanoi concert expands BLACKPINK’s ‘BORN PINK’ world tour to a remarkable 26 performances in 13 regions, highlighting the group’s global popularity. Fans across Asia have been eagerly anticipating their favorite group’s live shows, and BLACKPINK continues to deliver memorable experiences.

Before their performance in Hanoi, the next stop on the global tour will be an encore show in Paris, scheduled for July 15. As BLACKPINK continues to captivate audiences worldwide, their achievements mark significant milestones in the K-pop industry.

Featured photo from BLACKPINK Official

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

LE SSERAFIM Skyrockets to Record-Breaking Heights on Billboard Charts

LE SSERAFIM’s viral B-side sensation, “Eve, Psyche & The Bluebeard’s Wife,” continues its meteoric rise, reaching unprecedented heights on the illustrious Billboard charts.

 

This chart-topping anthem, initially storming the scene at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Trending Songs chart, has now conquered the global charts, surpassing LE SSERAFIM’s title track “UNFORGIVEN.” Backed by an edgy music video, LE SSERAFIM’s new single is only set to increase in popularity:

 

The single gracefully ascended to No. 38 on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart, outshining “UNFORGIVEN” which followed closely at No. 39. Moreover, it soared to No. 71 on the Global 200, with the latter trailing just behind at No. 72.

LE SSERAFIM’s debut, marked by the full-length album “UNFORGIVEN,” etched a remarkable milestone by becoming the group’s inaugural record to grace the prestigious Billboard 200 for six consecutive weeks. 

The girl band continues to tease fans with posts, including a recent Instagram reel showcasing dance moves and bopping away to the song:

The Billboard 200 ranks the most popular albums in the United States, and LE SSERAFIM’s stellar opus claimed the respectable position of No. 146.

In an astonishing feat, LE SSERAFIM joins an elite group as only the third K-pop girl group to maintain an album on the Billboard 200 for six weeks, following the footsteps of BLACKPINK and TWICE. 

Impressively, this achievement transpired within a mere year of their remarkable career, solidifying their status as the fastest-rising stars.

Featured photo from LE SSERRAFIM Official

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

TXT and the Jonas Brothers Collab for Chart-Topping Hit Potential

K-pop group TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT) and the Jonas Brothers are teaming up for a new single called “Do It Like That,” set to release on July 7. BIGHIT MUSIC recently shared the schedule for track highlights, concept photos, music video teasers, and the official music video:

 

TXT consists of members Yeonjun, Beomgyu, Soobin, Huening, and Taehyun, debuting in 2019 with popular songs like “0x1=LOVESONG (I Know I Love You),” “Run Away,” “Ghosting,” and “Frost.“ 

The Jonas Brothers, composed of brothers Kevin, Joseph (Joe), and Nick, gained fame after their first album “It’s About Time” in 2006, delivering hits like “Only Human,” “Cool,” and “What a Man Gotta Do.“

Last 23 June, TXT dropped a teaser of the single on their TikTok page. The clip shows the band in the confines of a recording studio, where TXT members swayed in sync with the music, showcasing their infectious groove and leaving fans eagerly awaiting the full release.

@txt.bighitent

Pre-save it like that #DoItLikeThat #NewMusic #JonasBrothers

♬ Do It Like That – TOMORROW X TOGETHER & Jonas Brothers

 

The single “Do It Like That” is produced by Ryan Tedder, a renowned American singer-songwriter and frontman of the popular band OneRepublic. Tedder is recognized for his work on Beyoncé’s hit song “Halo.”

You can pre-save the single here:

 

Featured Image:  Billboard

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FEATURES K-POP ARTISTS LATEST STORIES

ASTRO Member Moon Bin Dies at Age 25 in Suspected Suicide

ASTRO member Moonbin was found dead in his home in southern Seoul by his manager on Wednesday night, reports CNN. His death has sent shockwaves through the K-pop industry and its global fans alike, with many taking to Twitter to express their grief and shock.

 

 

Fantagio, the music label that represents him, confirmed the death on Thursday, saying he has “suddenly left us and became a star in the sky.”

“All ASTRO members, Fantagio colleagues, executives and employees who’ve been together for a long time are deeply mourning the deceased in such great sadness and shock,” the music label said in a statement they released on Twitter.

‘No Foul Play’ says Police

As per Gangnam police officials who spoke to CNN, the authorities believe Moon Bin had taken his own life. “No signs of foul play have been found related to this case,” police emphasized. According to South Korean outlets, they have also said: “We are currently discussing the possibility of an autopsy to determine the precise cause of death.”

 

 

If so, it wouldn’t be the first time the K-pop world had seen such a tragedy. Several K-pop idols have passed away due to suicide since 2015 such as Kim Jong-hyun, Sulli and Goo Hara.  

Kim Jong-hyun, the incredibly gifted singer-songwriter for the renowned group SHINee, passed away on December 18, 2017. The vivacious and talented Sulli, from the girl group f(x), died on October 14, 2019. It was reported she endured severe scrutiny and cyber bullying. Goo Hara, a cherished member of the girl group KARA,  faced numerous personal and professional challenges that were often exacerbated by the media and public. Her passing on November 24, 2019, underscored the urgent need for mental health support for those in the entertainment industry. Their stories are stark reminders of the intense pressures that idols face in the industry.

Mental Health in K-Pop Industry

The pressure on K-Pop artists begins even before their debut, as they undergo years of intense training, which often involves long hours, strict diets, and limited personal lives. Once they debut, the demands only intensify, with idols expected to maintain a flawless image and consistently deliver exceptional performances. This pressure to be perfect not only comes from their agencies but also from fans and the general public, with social media playing a significant role in magnifying criticism and scrutiny.

The demanding nature of the K-Pop industry can take a toll on an idol’s mental health. High levels of stress, anxiety, and depression are not uncommon.

In recent years, there has been growing awareness and concern about mental health in the K-Pop industry. Some idols have chosen to openly discuss their struggles, destigmatizing mental health issues and encouraging fans to prioritize their well-being. Moon Bin was one of them – he had openly discussed his struggles with anxiety to various media outlets. In 2019, Moonbin shared with Korean outlet Newsen that he has suffered from anxiety since he was young and took medication to manage his symptoms.

He was also not shy of taking mental health breaks.  In December 2019, he went on a hiatus. Fantagio released a statement on behalf of the singer: “We ask for your understanding in the decision to temporarily suspend activities for healthier activities in the future and we promise to provide unsparing support and do our best to help Moonbin recover his health.”

Agencies these days are increasingly recognizing the need to provide better support for their artists, including offering mental health resources and allowing for breaks when needed. These heart-wrenching incidents show how essential it is in fostering an environment where artists can thrive both professionally and personally.

Featured Image: Screengrab from TV10 Youtube coverage

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