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Lovelyz’ Seo Jisoo Embarks on New Career as a Video Game Streamer

Jisoo

Charting a new course in the entertainment industry can be daunting for idols whose contracts have expired or whose groups have disbanded. The options for continuing their careers are often limited. However, streaming has emerged as a viable platform for many former idols, allowing them to leverage their fame and connect with fans in new ways. Seo Jisoo, previously of Lovelyz, is one idol who has recently ventured into streaming on South Korea’s AfreecaTV.

Lovelyz debuted in 2014 and were best known for their signature song “Ah Choo.” They had a steady career until 2021 when seven members, including Jisoo, parted ways with Woollim Entertainment. Although they still wanted to promote together, the members found themselves embarking on separate paths. Jisoo signed with Mystic Story’s actors division but has yet to find significant success in her acting career.

러블리즈(Lovelyz) “Ah-Choo” Official MV

On February 26, she surprised fans by going live on AfreecaTV. “I’ve been pursuing acting opportunities, but things haven’t been going well for me lately. I decided to start streaming after carefully considering what I could do well in a world where trends are constantly changing,” she explained.

Jisoo embarked on this new chapter in her life with optimism, although she was initially hesitant to do so due to concerns about how streaming might affect her image. Many female AfreecaTV BJs (broadcast jockeys) wear revealing clothes and do suggestive things while streaming. While this is perfectly valid work, South Korea’s conservative values mean these streamers often face scrutiny. Even so, Jisoo didn’t back down.

 Jisoo on Lovelyz’ future

“My career in the entertainment industry has experienced highs and lows. As I’ve gone through both success and failure, all I want now is to stream with a happy heart and people I love to enjoy my streaming,” she said.

Jisoo also clarified her focus would be on gaming, a passion of hers. In her debut stream, she engaged with fans while playing a video game for over four hours. She earned an impressive 5.5 million KRW (approximately 4,127 USD) in donations from over 8,000 viewers.

She also addressed fans’ curiosity about Lovelyz’ future during her broadcast. While acknowledging the slim chances of a group reunion, she remained hopeful. “The chances are like five percent, but who knows? I believe it’s possible because CEO Lee Jung-yeop of Woollim Entertainment loves us a lot.” Despite the members’ busy schedules, Jisoo assured fans that everyone involved is doing their best to make it happen.

Jisoo’s decision to go from idol to streamer reflects the many ways in which celebrity-fan interactions have evolved since Lovelyz debuted 10 years ago. Here’s hoping that streaming becomes a viable source of income for her! – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: It’s nice to see that Jisoo is doing her best to move forward in life. More power to her! Source: AfreecaTV.

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LE SSERAFIM’s Sakura Compares Her Japanese and Korean Promotions

Source Music’s LE SSERAFIM recently made a comeback with their third mini album, EASY. As part of their ongoing promotions, leader Kim Chaewon and Miyawaki Sakura appeared on comedian Yoo Jae Suk’s YouTube show, Pinggyego. They discussed their early years in the K-pop industry and what it’s like to be in a group together for the second time (they were previously in IZ*ONE together).

Sakura has been an idol for over a decade. She debuted with Japan’s HKT48 in 2011, then with IZ*ONE in 2018, and finally with LE SSERAFIM in 2022. During the conversation, Sakura compared her experiences promoting in Japan and South Korea.

[EN/JP] 240220 mini핑계고 : 유재석, 르세라핌(김채원, 사쿠라) @뜬뜬편집실 (OneCam)ㅣ EP.10

When Sakura was in HKT48, she also held a concurrent position in AKB48. At its peak, the 48 Group, which includes AKB48 and its sister groups, had over 600 members. This number reflects the collective total across all the groups within the franchise, including teams based outside Japan. The extensive membership is more than just a characteristic; it’s a crucial part of how these groups perform and market themselves.

(Watch this performance of “Kimi wa Melody,” an AKB48 single for which Sakura was the center, to get an idea of how large their roster can be.)

Kimi wa Melody 君はメロディー AKB48 Groups

A significant shift for Sakura

The scale of the 48 Group, while enhancing fan engagement by offering a diverse array of personalities for fans to support, made it challenging for individual members to form close relationships within the supergroup. It wasn’t unusual for Sakura to encounter fellow members at concerts or other events whom she hadn’t met before. This situation highlights the logistical and social complexities of being part of such a large ensemble.

Transitioning to being in groups like IZ*ONE and LE SSERAFIM marked a significant shift for Sakura. In a smaller setup, the dynamics are inherently different, allowing for closer interaction and collaboration among members. This fosters stronger bonds, contrasting sharply with Sakura’s time in the 48 Group.

LE SSERAFIM ‘Smart’ Special Performance Video

For Sakura, the difference in the number of members she performs with now versus her days as a J-pop idol represents the biggest contrast between her Japanese and Korean promotions. She expressed relief that these days, it’s easier for her to understand her fellow members, and she’ll never have to worry about not knowing a fellow member again. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: It’s easier to get along with everyone if you’re in a smaller group. Source: Instagram/@39saku_chan.

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Jimin’s ‘Serendipity’ Surpasses 400M Combined Streams on Spotify

Jimin’s solo song “Serendipity” continues to capture hearts—and ears—worldwide. Released in 2018 as part of the BTS album Love Yourself: Answer, its full version exceeded 270 million streams on Spotify last February 22. Remarkably, both versions of the song have garnered hundreds of millions of streams. “Intro: Serendipity,” released the year before as part of the Love Yourself: Her album, has over 130 million streams to date. Across both versions, it has surpassed 400 million streams.

BTS (방탄소년단) LOVE YOURSELF 承 Her ‘Serendipity’ Comeback Trailer

“Serendipity” is just one of many songs by Jimin that have done well on Spotify. “Lie” and “Filter” have 235 million and 420 million streams, respectively. Additionally, “Like Crazy” (the title track of his debut solo album) reached 880 million streams for the Korean version and 305 million for the English version. “Set Me Free Pt.2” has achieved 280 million streams. This brings his total to six solo songs that have exceeded the 200 million mark.

Beyond Spotify, “Serendipity” is also popular on the global music search platform Shazam. The intro version has garnered 400,000 Shazams, and the full version, 150,000. This comes as no surprise given how the song blends delicate, electronic-tinged R&B with Jimin’s airy vocals. Critics and fans alike have heaped praise on the track, describing it as both sensual and comforting. Its gender-neutral lyrics are about pursuing dreams, discovering one’s identity, purpose, and experiencing true love.

Serendipity (Full Length Edition)

Jimin has set a meaningful record

Many have said that Jimin looks like The Little Prince in the official music video for “Serendipity.” Directed by Choi Yongseok and Lee Wonju of Lumpens, and choreographed by Brian Puspos—who collaborated with BTS on “Butterfly”—the video has made significant strides. On YouTube, it’s the 19th BTS video to go viral. It’s also the first solo track by a BTS member to surpass 100 million views, currently boasting 177 million views.

BTS Jimin – Serendipity [2018 KBS Song Festival / 2018.12.28

Furthermore, the full version of “Serendipity,” along with “Lie” and “Filter,” has achieved significant sales milestones in the United States. Each has sold over 500,000 units. This makes Jimin the first Korean soloist to have all his solo tracks from group albums receive Gold certification from the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America). Additionally, Jimin has set a meaningful record by being the only member to have all three solo songs enter the Top 40 BTS Songs as selected by the UK’s Official Charts.

Congratulations, Jimin! – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: ‘Serendipity’ is popular on Shazam, Spotify, and YouTube. Way to go, Jimin! Source: X/@NEVERMIND13_PJM.

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GHOST9’s Prince Goes Viral for Cooking in Their Practice Room

Prince, a member of the fourth-generation group GHOST9, recently went viral after filming himself using a practice room in an unexpected way. Normally, idols use such rooms to hone their dancing and singing skills. But one day, the Thai K-pop idol snuck into one of Maroo Entertainment’s practice rooms. Not to do anything even remotely related to performing, mind you. Instead, he invited his fans to watch him cook unagi (freshwater eel). 

Unagi is a staple in Japanese cuisine, known for its soft texture and rich flavor. It’s often served grilled over rice or in sushi. This dish is valued for its taste and energy-boosting properties.

@maroo_ghost9

Cooking in the practice room behind my manager’s back pt.1 #GHOST9 #고스트나인 #PRINCE #프린스

♬ 참나 어이가 없어서 – BGM President

In a chaotic yet hilarious video, Prince grilled the eel in a mini cooker, being careful not to set off the smoke detector above him. He attempted to make onigiri but eventually settled for a rice bowl dish. He had to be very discreet since cooking in practice rooms is against the rules. These rooms are meant for perfecting performances and need to be kept clean, professional, and safe. Cooking poses a fire hazard, can leave lingering smells, and could damage the flooring or disrupt other artists.

However, it seems the risk was worth it, as Prince’s video was a hit in more ways than one. First, he successfully cooked the meal without his manager’s knowledge, commenting, “Manager-nim forgot that I existed, so we live another day.” Additionally, the video went viral in less than 24 hours. It earned more than 362,900 views and over 86,200 likes. Some netizens even said the video made them want to stan GHOST9 because of Prince. (He has since posted another cooking video in which he made Chocolate Stuffed Coffee Buns.)

아기밤비의 해피 홈타운🏡🇹🇭｜프린스의 VLOG

All about GHOST9’s Prince

Prince, aka Pasidh Vataniyapramote, is a lead dancer and sub-vocalist in GHOST9. He was born on January 10, 2003, and he’s a Capricorn. Not only is he Thai, but he’s part Chinese as well. That’s why he’s fluent in Chinese as well as English, Korean, and Thai.

Hailing from Samut Prakan, Thailand, Prince has two brothers. He studied at Concordian International School and the Crescendo School of Music. Although he can be reserved around new people, he’s a live wire when he’s with his members. His favorite colors are blue and black, and his favorite season is winter. Prince likes having alone time so he can draw, play the piano, spend time with his dogs, and watch movies. 

@maroo_ghost9

Cooking in the practice room behind my manager’s back 🫢 pt. 2 #GHOST9 #고스트나인 #PRINCE #프린스

♬ original sound – Nintendo – Nintendo

Prince has confessed to having acrophobia. He looks up to BTS as his role models and he absolutely loves being an idol. Lastly, he has a varied palate. He favors sweet treats like cookies and ice cream, but isn’t fond of most fruits except for tangerines. It’s safe to say that should his luck with his manager hold out, he’ll probably cook something spicy next time he makes a practice room meal. Prince is from Thailand, after all, and real Thai food is the spiciest cuisine in the world.

Here’s hoping Prince didn’t get into too much trouble with his agency so he can make more videos in this series. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Talented, cute, and cheeky—Prince is the total package, indeed. Source: Instagram/@prince.vatani.

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CIX Announces Third Solo Concert Tour in North America

K-pop sensation CIX (Bae Jinyoung, BX, Hyunsuk, Seunghun, and Yonghee) is preparing to hit the road again. Titled ‘0 or 1,’ their new tour will cover eight cities across North America. Set to kick off in Seoul this April, it will extend through May.

This new tour is CIX’s third consecutive solo tour following the successful runs of ‘REBEL’ and ‘Save me, Kill me’ over the past two years. Named after their first single album released earlier this year, 0 or 1 symbolizes the group’s commitment to pushing artistic boundaries. Fans can look forward to a diverse setlist. The quintet has been rehearsing tracks from their latest EP OK Episode 2: I’m OK, as well other songs.

The tour will kick off with performances in Seoul at the Blue Square Mastercard Hall on April 6 at 6:00 PM and April 7 at 5:00 PM. CIX will begin the overseas section of their ‘0 or 1’ tour in Chicago on May 10. They will then perform in New York City on May 12, followed by Montreal, Canada, on May 14. The tour will continue with performances in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on May 17; Atlanta, Georgia, on May 19; Dallas, Texas, on May 21; and Mexico City, Mexico, on May 24. The tour’s finale will take place in Los Angeles, California, on May 26.

CIX is preparing to take North America by storm

In other CIX news, all five members recently did a photoshoot and interview for Allure Korea’s March 2024 issue. They donned various accessories, including chain bracelets, necklaces, and sunglasses, pairing them with outfits that highlighted their individual charms. Despite a mishap involving a prop they were supposed to use for the shoot, CIX impressed the shoot crew with their adaptability, composure, and enthusiasm.

Last month, CIX released their first single album 0 or 1. They’ve been actively promoting their title track “Lovers or Enemies” in a bid to solidify their place in the K-pop industry. Meanwhile, vocalist Seunghun signed on to take part in the vocal survival show Build Up. He has been getting rave reviews from netizens and the show’s judging panel alike for his vocal abilities. Check out his performance of “기도 (I’ll Be Your Man),” which he did alongside Choi Suhwan and Park Jeup.

🎤 기도 (I’ll Be Your Man) – 박제업, 승훈, 최수환 @트리플 데스매치 미션 [#빌드업/풀버전]

As CIX prepares to take North America by storm with their ‘0 or 1’ tour, their international fans are eager to see how much they’ve grown since the last time they were on tour. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Make way for CIX, North America! Source: X/@kbgcharts.

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SEVENTEEN’s Producer Bumzu Is Highest-Paid K-Pop Songwriter of 2023

Bumzu, the creative force behind SEVENTEEN, was named the highest-earning K-pop songwriter for the year 2023. The Korea Music Copyright Association (KOMCA) made this announcement, giving Bumzu the Grand Prize at the 10th KOMCA Awards on February 26, 2024. The Grand Prize goes to the creator who made the most money from their copyrighted music in the previous year. BTS’s producer Pdogg held this title for five consecutive years.

The annual KOMCA Awards, held every February, also recognizes achievements like the best rearrangement and most-streamed song. Bumzu’s work with PLEDIS Entertainment artists like NU’EST and SEVENTEEN played a pivotal role in propelling K-pop to the forefront of the global mainstream market. With SEVENTEEN alone selling over 10 million albums in South Korea and securing four No. 1 songs on the US Billboard World Albums chart, Bumzu’s influence is undeniable.

“Frankly, I feel a lot of pressure. There are many times when that pressure gnaws away at me. But it’s also true that this feeling drives me to become stronger again,” said Bumzu in a previous interview. 

[Special Clip] BUMZU(범주) _ 아낀다(Adore U) of 세븐틴(SEVENTEEN) Cover

How Bumzu got his start

Growing up in Seoul, Bumzu—whose real name is Kye Beom-joo—was a talented child violinist. At five years old, he was already writing songs in his head. He was heavily influenced by his older brother, who filled their home with musical equipment. Because he was forbidden to touch any of it for fear of breaking something, he began working part-time to buy his own equipment so he could get into music production himself.

Bumzu’s musical influences are diverse, ranging from visual kei—a blend of glam rock, metal, and punk popular in Japan since the 80s—to hip-hop and R&B. He honed his skills in Hongdae’s underground music scene. In 2012, he competed in the televised talent show Superstar K. Although he didn’t win, he gained enough popularity to release his first EP a year later. After joining PLEDIS Entertainment, he started out as a vocal coach for a group of young trainees who later became SEVENTEEN. He co-wrote their first hit, “Adore U.” He now credits that song with helping him to develop and refine his style.

[M/V] 세븐틴(SEVENTEEN)-아낀다 (Adore U)

Collaborative spirit

Bumzu spends most of his day writing songs for other artists, working in the studio, and attending meetings with few breaks. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration and open communication in the music industry. “Nobody can accomplish everything or shine alone,” he says. “I have a team to strengthen my expertise, and I always consult professionals in other areas.” He works closely with SEVENTEEN member Woozi, who he says is one of his closest friends. Together, they co-write and co-produce the group’s releases.

For Bumzu, inspiration can come from anywhere, even while working out. “I feel like I’m in the same boat with the singers I produce for. We know that teamwork is important and everyone tries to go in one direction. If I row the opposite way, we can’t sail where we want to go. Even a small paddle can have a big impact,” he shares, highlighting the collaborative spirit that has led to his success. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Congratulations, Bumzu! Source: X/@SpainCarat.

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Seungkwan Releases First Self-Penned Song, ‘Dandelion’

SEVENTEEN’s main vocalist Boo Seungkwan recently released the solo single “Dandelion,” which was warmly received by fans for its well-crafted lyrics and Seungkwan’s emotional vocals.

The song’s blend of R&B elements with piano and strings gives it a comforting vibe. The lyrics, co-written by the idol, liken dandelion seeds to little beacons of hope. They encourage people to move forward despite the pains of the past. Lines like “I live my day as if I forgot yesterday” and “I walk gently in the spring breeze” evoke a sense of peace and tranquility. The chorus emphasizes the importance of love, sharing it with others, and keeping memories alive through acts of kindness.

The song is dedicated to Seungkwan‘s late BFF, ASTRO’s Moonbin. Before he passed away, Moonbin posted a photo of a dandelion on ASTRO’s official X (formerly Twitter) account. Dandelions are celebrated for their resilience and ability to thrive even in adverse conditions. They symbolize hope and the renewal of spring following a severe winter. Moonbin’s final words, coupled with the imagery of the dandelion, provided comfort to fans. They serve as a cherished reminder of the joy and warmth he brought into their lives.

This connection to Moonbin makes Seungkwan’s new song all the more meaningful, especially for those who knew the late idol well. In fact, following the release of “Dandelion,” Seungkwan and Moonbin’s bandmate, Cha Eunwoo, shared a moment of reflection. They took a late-night walk together while listening to the song.

Seungkwan talks ‘Dandelion’

On the eve of the song’s release, Seungkwan shared his thoughts on Weverse, “The song I’ve been working on since last year’s break will be released to the world in about two hours. I wasn’t nervous at all, but now I’m feeling a bit jittery,” he admitted. “It’s probably because this is the first song being released by just me, aside from broadcasts or OSTs. But I’m happy to start this new beginning with ‘Dandelion.’”

Seungkwan also talked about his creative process. “Working on songs has always been a top item on my bucket list, but I kept postponing it, using my busy schedule as an excuse and finding it a bit daunting. But I wanted to ensure ‘Dandelion’ wasn’t delayed, and thanks to some wonderful people, I was able to muster the courage to work on it. Through this work, I’ve realized once again how much effort from many people goes into completing a single song. This process has been an invaluable series of experiences and lessons, turning it into an unforgettable work period and deepening my love for music.”

@zhangsoul

#seventeen #astroeunwoo #fyp #viral #trending #xyzcba #seventeen17_official #dandelion

♬ Dandelion – SEUNGKWAN

He ended by saying, “I hope this song reaches many people, including CARATs. I wish that when spring arrives and they see dandelion seeds, even if only for a brief moment, it inspires them to live with a bit more warmth. I’m grateful to everyone who contributed to making this song’s release possible.”

“Dandelion” is available on streaming services worldwide. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Reeling from Moonbin’s passing, Seungkwan turned to music to help himself heal, leading to the creation of ‘Dandelion.’ Source: X/@116_jpg.

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Netizens React to Fan Selling Strands of Jang Wonyoung’s Hair

A recent event in China has captured widespread attention and sparked a flurry of reactions online. Last week, the Chinese media outlet NetEase posted a story about an unusual auction. An unnamed individual auctioned off three strands of hair belonging to IVE‘s Jang Wonyoung. Conducted on an online platform, the auction attracted over 1,200 viewers, showcasing the high level of interest in the item.

The unnamed individual claimed to have personally collected the hair during a concert. To address those doubting the item’s authenticity, he suggested that a DNA test would prove its legitimacy. Despite questions about his credibility, the auction went on as scheduled.

The bidding started at a staggering 99,999 CNY (approximately 18.47 million KRW or 13,862 USD). This illustrates the lengths some fans are willing to go to own a piece of their idol, in this case, quite literally. Subsequent bids drove the price up to an astonishing 103,662 CNY (approximately 19.15 million KRW or 14,373 USD).

Get ready with Jang WonYoung in Paris 💖💄

Jang Wonyoung deserves privacy and respect

As news of this auction spread, netizens expressed their disbelief and criticism. Comments ranged from shock—”Are they really selling that?”—to outright condemnation of the act as absurd, even if the hair genuinely belonged to Jang Wonyoung. The sale raised concerns not just about the ethics of selling personal items of celebrities but also about the implications for their privacy. Many found it disturbing that someone would sell another person’s hair, and equally strange that there was a market for such items.

Furthermore, this incident has prompted discussions about the boundaries of fan culture and the invasion of privacy of public figures. Some netizens condemned the auction as a gross invasion of the artist’s personal space, calling for respect and privacy for celebrities.

In other news, Jang Wonyoung and the other members of IVE—An Yujin, Gaeul, Leeseo, Liz, and Rei—are gearing up for their second fan meeting in South Korea. Titled MAGAZINE IVE, it’s set to take place at the Seoul Olympic Handball Gymnasium on March 9 at 6:00 PM and March 10 at 5:00 PM. Their agency, Starship Entertainment, recently released a set of concept photos for the fan meeting, heightening fans’ excitement. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: This news begs the question, ‘How did the unnamed individual get Wonyoung’s hair?’ Source: Vogue Korea.

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NCT’s Taeyong Cries While Wrapping Up ‘TY Track’ Concerts in Seoul

NCT’s Taeyong left NCTzens deeply moved when he hit the Olympic Hall stage for the last of his TY Track concerts in Seoul. As he performed “Back to the Past,” the idol found himself overcome with emotion, tears streaming down his face. The song, with references to seeking approval and understanding from his parents, conveys Taeyong’s journey towards self-acceptance and growth. This moment of vulnerability was a stark contrast to the vibrant, confident persona he had maintained throughout the show.

2402245 TAEYONG – Back to the Past / 엔딩멘트 | TY TRACK

Taeyong connected with fans

The concerts were split into six thematic sections: Artistry, Love, Separation, Hurt, Healing, and Autobiography. The 23-song setlist featured tracks Taeyong had a hand in creating, including ones from his solo EPs Shalala and Tap. This demonstrates his deep involvement in his music.

From the opening number “Concrete,” with lyrics about overcoming adversity, to his high-octane renditions of “Virtual Insanity” and “¥£$,” Taeyong captivated the audience with his dancing and stage presence. His performance of “Shalala,” the title track of his debut solo EP, was particularly memorable.

240225 TAEYONG – SHALALA | TY TRACK

The concert’s Love section paid tribute to classic musicals with “H.E.R,” set against a romantic cityscape reminiscent of the films Singin’ in the Rain and La La Land. Following this, “Lonely” transformed the stage into a retro American bar. Then, on “Move Mood Mode,” Taeyong invited the crowd to sing Wendy’s part. The show’s most exciting part came in the third section with “404 File Not Found.” Here, Taeyong, suspended in the air, delivered an awe-inspiring performance.

The journey through Taeyong’s emotions culminated with “Tap,” which led into “Run Away.” This segued into the autobiographical segment where he performed “Long Flight,” weaving through the crowd and connecting with fans on a personal level.

240225 TAEYONG – Run Away | TY TRACK

Emotional peak

The concert reached its emotional peak during the final song, “Back to the Past.” Taeyong made a heartfelt confession to the audience, acknowledging the immense pressure he felt to meet his own expectations. The moment was a poignant reminder of the human behind the idol. A human striving for recognition and now, perhaps, finding a sense of peace.

“I tried my best for 10 years. I really did my best up till now,” the performer said after shedding tears during “Back to the Past.” “It took me 10 years to match up to the standards I set up for myself. In some parts of my mind, I always had this compulsion of having to be recognized and to do well. But now I think I can let go.”

@noonayong71

YOU DID WELL TAEYONGIE.. SO PROUD OF YOU, YOU KNOW I LOVE YOU SO MUCH TAEYONG 1ST CONCERT D2 #TYTRACKinSEOUL_D2 #TAEYONG_TY_TRACK

♬ suara asli – nonot – nonot

Taeyong’s journey from a trainee in 2012 to this moment on stage showcases his perseverance, talent, and how fame has shaped him. After bidding farewell, fans left the venue not just with memories of an unforgettable performance but also with anticipation for what’s next for Taeyong. This excitement was heightened by an announcement made earlier in the evening about the release of a solo documentary.

Indeed, Taeyong’s readiness to share every aspect of himself—from his talent to his deepest emotions—sets him apart. He bared his soul that night, creating a profound connection with his audience. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Taeyong paused the waterworks long enough to pose for a photo with the audience. Source: X/@NCTsmtown.

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Lucas Opens Up About the State of His Mental Health During His Hiatus

Lucas Wong, a former member of the K-pop groups NCT and WayV, opened up about his past controversies in a new documentary titled Freeze. Released on February 24 on his YouTube channel, this documentary is one of the steps he’s taking to return to the music industry under SM Entertainment—this time as a solo artist. The 22-minute video sheds light on what the Hong Kong-born idol has been up to during his time away from the spotlight. Lucas went on hiatus in August 2021 amid accusations of abuse and gaslighting by an alleged ex-girlfriend, along with similar claims from another individual.

Freeze opens with a look at a day in the life of Lucas during his hiatus before delving into the controversy that led to his official departure from NCT and WayV in May 2023. He admits that the “incident” altered his “personality and thoughts” and goes into detail about the toll it took on his mental health.

LUCAS Documentary Part1 | Freeze

“I stayed only in my room for about six months; I didn’t want to do anything,” he reveals. “In all seriousness, my hair kept falling out. I didn’t even eat properly because I had no appetite. I had terrible thoughts; I was so sorry I wanted to die because honestly, it was all my fault.”

His candid reflections on his actions and their consequences show a level of self-awareness and responsibility. He admits, “Honestly, I did the things I did in the past because I really was out of my mind.”

Lucas issues another apology

At the height of the controversy almost three years ago, he posted a handwritten note in which he apologized to “those who were hurt by my wrong behavior” without directly mentioning what happened. He issues another apology in Freeze. Lucas opening up about his mental health struggles and taking responsibility for his actions offer a glimpse into his significant growth.

“I haven’t been able to say this properly, not even once. But I feel so sorry. I’ve done a terrible thing; I feel so sorry that I let everyone down. Nothing can justify what I’ve done. Now, my views have changed; I realized many bad things about myself,” he says.

LUCAS Documentary Part2 | Unfreeze

Five days after Freeze dropped, another video titled Unfreeze dropped on Lucas’s YouTube channel. It serves as a continuation of his apology tour. (For the uninitiated, an apology tour involves a public figure making multiple appearances or statements to apologize for past mistakes and seek forgiveness, aiming to repair their reputation or address controversies.)

SM Entertainment recently launched new official social media accounts for Lucas, although the agency hasn’t announced any concrete plans for his comeback. As he makes his way back into the spotlight, his diehard fans hope people will look kindly on him and give him a second chance. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The controversy changed Lucas irrevocably. Source: X/@lucas_official.

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