Category: K-POP ARTISTS

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Kiss of Life Releases Fresh Summer Anthem ‘Sticky’

KISS OF LIFE has recently premiered the official music video for their latest track ‘Sticky.’ The video captures a delightful summer atmosphere complementing KISS OF LIFE’s captivating vocals. Shot in a seamless one-take style, it is filled with charming details that fans are sure to appreciate.

KISS OF LIFE (Korean: 키스 오브 라이프; Japanese: キスオブライフ), also known as KIOF, is a girl group managed by S2 Entertainment, consisting of four members. They made their debut on July 5, 2023, with their self-titled mini album ‘KISS OF LIFE’. The group’s name symbolizes their aim to rejuvenate the music industry with their unique style and charm, focusing on themes of adolescence and young adulthood in their concepts.

The formation of KISS OF LIFE was preceded by a documentary featuring Natty, who had previously signed with S2 Entertainment, alongside Julie, Belle, and two other trainees speculated to be future members of the girl group. S2 Entertainment officially announced the group’s formation on December 27, 2022, with plans for a debut in 2023. They began building anticipation with the trademark application for ‘KISS OF LIFE’ and the launch of social media accounts in February 2023.

Teasers and member reveals followed, starting with Natty on May 15, Belle on May 16, Julie on May 17, and Haneul on May 18. KISS OF LIFE finally debuted with their first mini album on July 5, preceded by promotional teasers in June.

Following their successful debut, KISS OF LIFE announced their first comeback with the second mini album ‘Born to be XX’, scheduled for release on November 8. Their journey continues to captivate fans with their fresh approach and promising talent in the K-pop scene.

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BLACKPINK Lisa Reportedly Parts Ways With CELINE

BLACKPINK Lisa, CELINE’s global ambassador since 2020, has reportedly parted ways with the luxury brand. This news follows her recent high-profile fashion appearances and the release of her latest solo single, “ROCKSTAR,” under her own label, LLOUD.

BLACKPINK Lisa appears to have ended her tenure as CELINE’s global ambassador, amidst her recent fashion and music ventures

On June 29, K-Media revealed that Lisa ended her three-year tenure with CELINE, a prestigious French luxury brand under LVMH. Sources close to the commercial contract confirmed her departure, noting that rumors began circulating after her appearance at a Louis Vuitton show in March.

Lisa joined CELINE in September 2020 and actively participated in their global promotional campaigns. She featured prominently in their fashion shows throughout 2022 and 2023. Despite inquiries, CELINE has not provided official comments on their contract status with Lisa.

Adding to the buzz, Lisa’s rumored relationship with LVMH heir Frédéric Arnault has also been in the spotlight recently.

Lisa’s current activities

Recently, on June 27, Lisa made a dynamic comeback. She released her first single in three years, “ROCKSTAR,” under her independent label LLOUD. This marks a significant milestone since her solo debut in September 2021 with the single album “LALISA,” which broke records as the first female artist in South Korea to sell 736,000 copies in its debut week. The lead single’s music video also became the most-viewed by a solo artist on YouTube within 24 hours.

Following the success of “LALISA,” her viral hit “MONEY” further cemented her status as a sensation, becoming the longest-charting song by a female K-pop soloist on the US Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart.

Additionally, Lisa is set to make her acting debut in the HBO series “The White Lotus,” scheduled for 2025. She has also been in the spotlight for collaborations with artists like Destiny Rogers, DJ Snake, and Rosalía, showcasing her vibrant presence in the music industry and generating excitement for her future endeavors.

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ENHYPEN Dorm Reveal in MBC’s “The Manager”

ENHYPEN will be appearing as guests on the famous reality show “The Manager.” The anticipation for the new episode is building as “The Manager” has released an intriguing preview, offering a sneak peek into ENHYPEN’s dorm, which will be revealed for the first time.

ENHYPEN gives fans an exclusive look into their personal living space

On June 30, 2024, “The Manager,” a popular reality show on MBC, revealed a preview of their upcoming episode. The preview announced that the next guests would be the spectacular boy group ENHYPEN. This episode is set to be special, as it will mark the first time ENHYPEN shows their dorm to the public, giving fans an exclusive look into their personal space and daily routines.

Viewers will get to see ENHYPEN members going about their busy schedules, including their travels from the Philippines to China. The episode also includes behind-the-scenes moments from the recent 2024 Weverse Con Festival, where the group chatted with HYBE founder Bang Si Hyuk. A highlight of the festival was when Bang Si Hyuk surprised fans by joining Park Jin Young on stage as a guitarist.

In a touching interaction, ENHYPEN’s Jay praised Bang Si Hyuk for his guitar skills, to which the founder responded with a laugh, saying his heart felt like it would explode. The episode will also feature the members returning to their dorm, noting how long it had been since they were last there, and gathering in the living room for a meal and conversation.

Fans are eagerly awaiting this episode to see ENHYPEN’s personal space and gain a deeper understanding of their lives behind the scenes.

The group will revive their ‘vampire romance’ concept in their comeback this July 12

Currently, the group is gearing up for their comeback on July 12, 2024. This exciting news is accompanied by the group’s plan to elevate their vampire romance concept.

In this comeback, the boy group will collaborate with Ballerina director Lee Chung Hyun, who will helm their upcoming short film-style comeback. Sources indicate that this film will advance ENHYPEN’s popular vampire romance theme with an even more captivating storyline.

The group first introduced the vampire concept in the music video for “Drunk-Dazed,” the lead single from their second EP, BORDER: CARNIVAL. They further developed this theme in their albums DARK BLOOD and ORANGE BLOOD. The vampire storyline has received widespread acclaim, praised for its originality and impact within the K-pop scene.

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BTS Jimin Tops iTunes Charts Worldwide With New Solo Track

BTS Jimin has once again showcased his immense popularity with the release of his new solo track, “Smeraldo Garden Marching Band,” featuring Loco. Dropped on June 28 at 1 p.m. KST, the song immediately soared to the top of iTunes charts across various countries.

BTS Jimin conquers global iTunes charts and amasses millions of views on YouTube with new solo track

By 7 a.m. KST on June 29, the track had already secured the No. 1 spot on iTunes Top Songs charts in at least 108 different regions, including major markets like the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Brazil, France, Germany, Australia, and Canada. Additionally, by 1:00 p.m. KST on June 30, the track’s video had surpassed 7 million views on YouTube, reflecting Jimin’s powerful global influence.

Considering the strong sales performance and Jimin’s widespread popularity, “Smeraldo Garden Marching Band” will significantly impact Billboard’s Digital Song Sales chart next week. This feat wouldn’t be new for Jimin, who is familiar with chart-topping success.

Fans are eagerly anticipating the rest of Jimin’s second solo album, “MUSE,” which is set to be released on July 19 at 1 p.m. KST. The upcoming album promises to solidify Jimin’s position as a leading solo artist in the music industry.

BTS members’ busy and successful solo careers

2024 has been a notably busy year for BTS members as they pursue their solo careers. V released his solo single “FRI(END)S” on March 15, which has garnered over 40 million views as of June 30. He is also preparing to release his Type 1 photobook on July 9. RM released his second solo album, “Right Place, Wrong Person,” on April 24, exploring the themes of internal conflict and anxiety.

Meanwhile, Jin has recently completed his 18-month military service. The remaining members—Suga, J-Hope, Jungkook, Jimin, RM, and V—are currently serving their mandatory military duties. They are expected to be discharged by June 2025, except for J-Hope, who will be released in October 2025. Despite their enlistment, their solo musical careers thrive, topping music platforms like Spotify.

With each member carving out their unique path, the BTS phenomenon continues to captivate the world, collectively and individually.

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Seventeen Travels from Paris to London by Train

The K-pop group navigates an unexpected travel change and enthusiastic fans

SEVENTEEN recently experienced an unexpected twist in their travel plans. After their flight from Paris to London was cancelled, the 13-member boy group had to switch to taking a train. Despite the sudden change, SEVENTEEN faced a mobbing situation at the station, showcasing their calm personalities and dedication to fans.

On June 28, SEVENTEEN’s travel plans were disrupted by a cancelled flight, forcing them to take a train journey instead. The news of their change in itinerary did not go unnoticed by their dedicated fanbase, CARATs. Upon arrival at the station, the group was greeted by a large crowd of enthusiastic fans eager to see their idols. The station became a frenzy as fans flocked to catch a glimpse of SEVENTEEN, creating a chaotic scene that required security personnel to be on high alert to ensure everyone’s safety.

Despite the overwhelming situation, SEVENTEEN managed to navigate through the crowd with grace. The members smiled and waved at their supporters, acknowledging their presence and showing appreciation. This positive interaction highlighted SEVENTEEN’s strong connection with their fans and ability to stay composed under pressure.

Seventeen as Goodwill Ambassadors

On June 26, SEVENTEEN was honored as the first-ever Goodwill Ambassador for Youth by UNESCO at their Paris headquarters. This historic recognition, presented by UNESCO’s Director-General Audrey Azoulay, emphasized SEVENTEEN’s role in promoting global youth engagement and cultural exchange. During the ceremony, Joshua delivered a heartfelt speech on behalf of the group, highlighting their commitment to inspiring positive change through their GoingTogether campaign. Additionally, SEVENTEEN announced a generous $1 million donation to UNESCO’s Global Youth Grand Scheme, supporting initiatives that foster positive youth communities worldwide.

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BTS V Serve Boyfriend Looks in Upcoming PhotoBook Type 1

BTS V is gearing up for the release of his eagerly awaited photobook, TYPE 1. Ahead of the exciting revelation, he has unveiled a new concept poster featuring a variety of previews from the upcoming collection.

BTS V releases concept poster #2 for photobook “Type 1”

BTS V has once again captivated fans with a sneak peek into his upcoming photobook, TYPE 1. On June 28, V revealed a second concept poster, which includes a stunning collage of photos that will be featured in the photobook. The images range from shirtless shots to his adorable, well-loved smile, perfectly capturing his ‘boyfriend-material’ persona.

TYPE 1, the photobook, and its accompanying magazine are highly anticipated releases from BIGHIT MUSIC. They shared that V took a brief hiatus from his busy schedule to embark on a special trip, choosing the location himself to ensure this project would be a memorable gift for his fans. V was deeply involved in every aspect of the creation, from naming the photobook to selecting its components.

The 224-page photobook offers a glimpse into V’s comfort moments, including sweet scenes with his beloved pet dog, Yeontan. The photobook will officially launch on July 9, with pre-orders starting on June 27. Fans have already been treated to previews of V’s  shirtless photos, which are quickly becoming fans’ favorites.

What’s keeping V busy?

In addition to preparing for the photobook release, V has been busy with his music career. His latest single, “FRI(END)S,” has topped global charts and set new records on various music platforms. Currently, V is fulfilling his mandatory military service, having enlisted on December 11, 2023. He is expected to complete his service by June 2025, alongside his fellow bandmate RM.

As fans eagerly await the release of TYPE 1, it’s clear that V’s dedication and effort have paid off, promising a photobook that will be cherished by the ARMYs worldwide.

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LE SSERAFIM Preparing for August Comeback

On June 28, Source Music officially confirmed that LE SSERAFIM is gearing up for a highly anticipated comeback, aiming for a release towards the end of August. This announcement comes amidst growing excitement from fans and industry observers alike, eagerly awaiting the group’s return after a six-month hiatus since their last release, the third mini album “EASY” in February.

The news was initially reported by SPOTV News, sparking speculation and anticipation within the K-pop community about what LE SSERAFIM has in store for their upcoming comeback. Source Music, the agency managing LE SSERAFIM, emphasized that while preparations are underway, they will provide more details, including the precise comeback date, in due course.

LE SSERAFIM, known for their distinct style and captivating performances, has steadily built a dedicated fanbase since their debut. With each release, they have showcased versatility and growth, contributing to their rising popularity in the competitive K-pop industry. As anticipation mounts, fans are eagerly awaiting updates on the concept, music style, and overall direction of their new release.

The timing of LE SSERAFIM’s comeback towards the end of August suggests strategic planning by Source Music to maximize visibility and impact in the music scene. As they prepare to unveil new music, expectations are high for the group to deliver another memorable and successful comeback, further solidifying their position in the industry.

As fans await further announcements and teasers leading up to the comeback, the buzz surrounding LE SSERAFIM continues to grow, reflecting the group’s influence and the anticipation for what promises to be a significant moment in their career. Stay tuned for more updates as LE SSERAFIM prepares to captivate audiences once again with their music and performance prowess.

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NMIXX’s Haewon To Perform Sitting Due to Minor Back Injury

Haewon of NMIXX will be seated during her performance at ‘Show! Music Core in Japan’ this weekend, following a minor back injury. The group, NMIXX, is scheduled to appear at MBC’s ‘Show! Music Core in Japan’ on June 29-30 at the Belluna Dome in Saitama.

On June 28 KST, JYP Entertainment revealed, “During practice this week, Haewon sustained a minor back injury and visited the hospital for a thorough checkup. Although the injury will not affect her daily activities, the medical experts advised that she refrain from strenuous movements, and so it has been decided that she will avoid strenuous movements to focus on her treatment.”

NMIXX, previously known as JYPn, is a dynamic six-member girl group signed under JYP Entertainment, one of South Korea’s prominent entertainment agencies. They made their highly anticipated debut on February 22, 2022, with the release of their single album “AD MARE,” which featured the mesmerizing track “O.O”.

Originally conceived as a seven-member ensemble, NMIXX embodies versatility and individuality within its ranks. JYP Entertainment has adopted a unique approach with NMIXX by eschewing traditional fixed roles within the group. Instead, each member is encouraged to showcase their multifaceted talents across various domains including vocals, dance, and visual presence.

This innovative strategy allows NMIXX members to explore and excel in diverse aspects of performance, contributing to their collective identity while highlighting their unique strengths. The group’s formation reflects a commitment to nurturing artistic expression and promoting each member’s distinct abilities, fostering a cohesive yet diverse musical unit.

Since their debut, NMIXX has garnered attention not only for their musical prowess but also for their captivating stage presence and innovative concepts.

With their roots firmly planted under the guidance of JYP Entertainment, NMIXX continues to captivate audiences with their artistry and creativity.

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2PM’s Taecyeon Stars in Japanese Romance Drama ‘Soul Mate’

Taecyeon from 2PM is gearing up for an exciting role in an upcoming Japanese Netflix series titled “Soul Mate.” His agency 51K announced this on June 28. The series is currently in production and slated for release next year. Taecyeon will portray Hwang Johan, a Korean boxer, marking his debut in a Japanese drama. This role promises to connect with audiences not only in Japan but worldwide.

“Soul Mate,” written and directed by Hashizume Shunki, explores a decade-long love story set across Berlin, Seoul, and Tokyo. The narrative revolves around Johan and Ryu, played by Isomura Hayato, who embark on a transformative journey after a chance encounter in a foreign church.

Taecyeon expressed his enthusiasm for the role, citing his desire to explore new characters and genres as an actor. He shared his deep connection with Johan’s complex emotions and is dedicated to preparing diligently for the role, including dieting and boxing training.

Fans can anticipate Taecyeon’s heartfelt portrayal of Johan as he delves into the character’s inner struggles and personal growth throughout the series. Stay tuned for further updates on “Soul Mate” as production progresses towards its anticipated release.

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BTS Jimin Teams up With Loco for ‘Smeraldo Garden Marching Band’

On June 28 at 1 p.m. KST, Jimin, a prominent member of the globally acclaimed K-pop group BTS, unveiled the highly anticipated pre-release single from his upcoming solo album “MUSE.” Titled “Smeraldo Garden Marching Band,” the track marks Jimin’s debut into solo work outside BTS, showcasing his unique musicality and artistic direction.

“Smeraldo Garden Marching Band” is a dynamic fusion of genres, blending lively bounce with the grandeur of a big band arrangement and infused with modern hip hop elements. The song not only highlights Jimin’s versatility as a performer but also underscores his ability to innovate within the K-pop landscape. Collaborating with rapper Loco adds a fresh dimension to the track, combining their distinct styles to create a vibrant and compelling listening experience.

The release of “Smeraldo Garden Marching Band” has generated immense excitement among fans worldwide, who have eagerly awaited Jimin’s solo endeavors. Known for his powerful vocals, captivating stage presence, and charismatic personality, Jimin has consistently captured the hearts of millions, both as a member of BTS and through his solo performances.

Beyond its musical prowess, “Smeraldo Garden Marching Band” also carries thematic significance.

The use of “Smeraldo,” a flower known for its symbolic representation of sincerity and healing, suggests deeper layers of emotion and storytelling within the song’s narrative. This thematic depth, combined with the energetic and experimental musical production, promises to resonate deeply with listeners.

As Jimin embarks on this solo journey with “MUSE,” anticipation for his full album release continues to build. Fans and music enthusiasts alike eagerly await further details about the album’s concept, tracklist, and the artistic vision that Jimin will bring to fruition.

With “Smeraldo Garden Marching Band,” Jimin has not only reaffirmed his status as a multifaceted artist but has also set the stage for what promises to be a groundbreaking solo debut, further solidifying his influence in the global music industry.

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