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BTS’s SUGA Announces ‘Agust D TOUR ‘D-Day’ The Movie’ Concert Film

Fans of BTS’s SUGA should brace themselves for an unforgettable cinematic experience. HYBE Labels and Trafalgar Releasing have partnered to announce the release of Agust D TOUR ‘D-Day’ The Movie. This concert film covers SUGA’s 2023 tour, offering ARMYs worldwide a chance to relive his electrifying performances on the big screen. As if that wasn’t enough, the movie will also feature appearances from BTS members Jimin, Jungkook, and RM. Their scenes will include performances as well.

In a heartfelt video message to fans, SUGA bared his enthusiasm for the project. “It’s been a while,” he began. “I’m back with a video to share some very special news with our dear ARMY. Do you remember SUGA Agust D TOUR ‘D-Day’…the finale to my solo tour last summer? The D-Day tour was so meaningful because it told the story of my journey as both SUGA and Agust D. The emotions I felt during the finale are still so vivid, as it was the last concert of the tour. And now, that very concert will be released in theaters worldwide!”

He continued, “I’m so happy, proud, and excited. I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as the concert meant to me.”

SUGA│Agust D TOUR ‘D-DAY’ THE MOVIE Announcement

SUGA loves performing

The trailer for Agust D TOUR ‘D-Day’ The Movie promises an exhilarating look at SUGA’s tour, highlighting the energy and passion he brought to the stage. Premiering in select theaters on April 10 and 13, the concert film compiles footage from the tour’s three encore concerts, held last August at the KSPO Dome in Seoul. The tour covered 10 cities for a total of 25 shows. SUGA embarked on this tour in support of his album D-DAY, which peaked at No. 2 on the US Billboard 200 in May 2023.

The rapper reflects on his career in the trailer. “When I go onstage, I think to myself that I have to kill it,” he can be heard saying. “Concerts and singers are inseparable. I’m someone who thinks a concert is what completes your career as a singer. I’m someone who loves performing.”

SUGA│Agust D TOUR ‘D-DAY’ THE MOVIE Main Trailer

The concert film will be screened worldwide, not just on standard movie screens but also in IMAX, providing fans with a larger-than-life viewing experience. Tickets for the screenings went on sale on March 12, with a website dedicated to the film, SUGATheMovie.com, listing all theaters where the film will be available.

This marks another cinematic venture for SUGA, following his 2023 solo documentary SUGA: Road to D-Day which premiered on Disney+ and Weverse, offering an in-depth look into his journey. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: This photo makes it clear that SUGA feels most at peace when he’s onstage. Source: YouTube/@BTS.

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BLACKPINK’s Jisoo Becomes New Face of Fashion Brand Self-Portrait

BLACKPINK’s Jisoo is the new face of self-portrait, a London-based fashion brand known for its contemporary and elegant designs. The brand announced its partnership with the K-pop star earlier this month by unveiling a new campaign, which generated 2.7 million USD in media value within 48 hours of the announcement. In the photos shot by photographer Yoon Jiyong, Jisoo wears pieces from self-portrait’s Spring/Summer 2024 collection. 

The photos are, in a word, dazzling. One of them features Jisoo in a glittery pink halter dress with black trim and a flower detail. Her makeup—glossy lips and a touch of eyeshadow—matches her dress. In another photo, Jisoo slipped into an orange and pink rhinestone ruched minidress. Her straight, long, dark hair is blown back, making her look every inch a pop star.

@mrselfportrait

JISOO Introducing the latest face of self-portrait. #240306 #selfportraitwithJisoo #jisoo #jisooblackpink #blackpink #blackpinkjisoo #jisoo_sooyaa

♬ original sound – MrSelfPortrait

This partnership with self-portrait marks a series of firsts for the BLACKPINK member. She represents Alo and Dior, but this is her first contemporary fashion campaign. By definition, a contemporary fashion campaign refers to a marketing initiative that promotes modern fashion brands, focusing on current trends and styles. It differentiates from traditional luxury or specialized sectors, emphasizing fashion that’s accessible and appeals to current consumer preferences.

Alo and Dior represent different sectors within fashion: Alo does premium activewear, and Dior focuses on luxury fashion. They aren’t typically categorized under contemporary fashion, which often refers to modern, trend-forward labels that bridge the gap between high-end luxury and everyday wear, like self-portrait. This distinction highlights the varied nature of Jisoo’s endorsements across different fashion tiers.

@mrselfportrait

self-portrait with Jisoo, Chance Street E1, London #selfportraitwithJisoo #jisoo #jisooblackpink #blackpink #blackpinkjisoo

♬ Dance You Outta My Head – Cat Janice

A deeper connection between Jisoo and the brand

Jisoo’s work with self-portrait also marks her first collaboration since launching her own company, Blissoo. Furthermore, Jisoo is the first musician to become a face for self-portrait, joining the ranks of models like Bella Hadid, Emily Ratajkowski, Gigi Hadid, and Irina Shayk, who have previously worked with the brand.

Han Chong, the founder and creative director of self-portrait, explained what led to this partnership with Jisoo, “Music has always played an important part in my life; it has been a universal language that has been a companion to me since I was very young, bonding me to communities from all around the world. Musicians quickly became a great source of inspiration for me as a designer—through their costumes, their chameleonic evolutions, and mesmerizing performances. I’ve therefore always wanted to work with an artist who could transmit the values we hold at self-portrait and who represents the women we connect with globally.”

@mrselfportrait

self-portrait with Jisoo, London Underground. #selfportraitwithJisoo #jisoo #jisooblackpink #blackpink #blackpinkjisoo

♬ Hurts Me (Alone At Prom) – Tory Lanez

Jisoo’s relationship with self-portrait isn’t new. She has been spotted wearing the brand’s designs on several occasions. However, this formal partnership signifies a deeper connection between the star and the brand. Chong sees the campaign with Jisoo as a natural and official next step in their relationship, describing her as an inspiring role model and a great source of inspiration.

“This is just the beginning,” he says excitedly. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jisoo killed it, didn’t she? Source: X/@hypebae.

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AMPERS&ONE Announces Comeback With Second Single Album ‘ONE HEART’

AMPERS&ONE—composed of Brian, Jiho, Kamden, Kyrell, Mackiah, Seungmo, and Siyun—will make a comeback with their second single album, ONE HEART. With their debut album AMPERSAND ONE, they told the story of how seven boys from diverse backgrounds came together to form a cohesive unit. In ONE HEART, they’ll delve deeper into the shared goals, emotions, and collective will that binds the group together.

The tracklisting for ONE HEART has already been released. This album includes songs like “Broken Heart,” “Crazy Stupid Fun,” and “Someday.” Each track showcases the group’s talent and versatility. What’s more, their sunbae Lee Seunghyub of the rap rock band N.Flying helped write the lyrics of “Crazy Stupid Fun” and “Someday.”

@ampersandone

앰퍼샌드원 (AMPERS&ONE) 2nd Single Album 【ONE HEARTED】 Highlight Medley 앰퍼샌드원 (AMPERS&ONE) 2nd Single Album 【ONE HEARTED】 👉 Pre-save https://ampersandone-official.lnk.to/ONE_HEARTED ❤‍🩹 TITLE – Broken Heart 🔥 ALBUM RELEASE 2024.03.26 6PM (KST) ▷OFFICIAL HOMEPAGE : https://fncent.com/AMPERSANDONE ▷OFFICIAL WEVERSE : https://weverse.io/AMPERSANDONE ▷OFFICIAL TIKTOK : https://tiktok.com/@ampersandone ▷OFFICIAL FACEBOOK : https://facebook.com/AMPERSANDONEofficial ▷OFFICIAL X : https://x.com/_AMPERSANDONE_ ▷OFFICIAL INSTAGRAM : https://instagram.com/ampersandone_official ▷OFFICIAL WEIBO : https://weibo.com/ampersandone #앰퍼샌드원 #AMPERSANDONE #Broken_Heart #브로큰하트 #ONE_HEARTED #원하티드

♬ 오리지널 사운드 – AMPERSANDONE – AMPERSANDONE

FNC Entertainment, the agency behind AMPERS&ONE, released two sets of concept photos for the album. It will have two versions. The concept photos of the Heart version are sporty. In the photos, the members are dressed in ice hockey uniforms. This is their way of embodying the album’s concept of passionately pursuing victory while in love. Each member’s assertive pose and unique facial expression added to fans’ excitement for the new songs.

AMPERS&ONE in a completely different light

Meanwhile, the Broken version of the album saw its concept photos unveiled on the group’s social media. The photos present AMPERS&ONE in a completely different light. While they exude a confident, loving image in the Heart version, this version highlights the members’ anxious and wounded sides. Their facial expressions and eyes hint at everything they went through that left them broken.

AMPERS&ONE is set to release all tracks and the music video for the title track of ONE HEART at 6:00 PM on March 26. By that time, the septet’s second single album will be available on all major streaming services worldwide, ready for fans to enjoy.

This release comes after approximately four months. In that time, the group held a showcase in Japan and worked on content for their YouTube channel. All of that helped them get better at their craft, which bodes well for their upcoming comeback. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: What could’ve happened to the boys to leave them so ‘Broken’ like this? (Get it?) Source: X/@_AMPERSANDONE_.

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ZEROBASEONE Drops Japanese Single ‘Yura Yura’ After ‘Immortal Songs 2’ Win

ZEROBASEONE recently made their highly anticipated debut in Japan with the music video for “YURA YURA – Flower of Fate -.” Released on March 7, the video features the boys performing what has been described as the perfect serenade for spring. This release precedes their first Japanese single album, set to be released on March 20, and follows their triumphant win on Immortal Songs 2, where they paid tribute to TVXQ.

ZEROBASEONE (제로베이스원) ‘YURA YURA’ MV

TVXQ has made a significant impact with their music in Japan, topping the Oricon charts and selling more CDs there than any other foreign act. Their 2013 Time Tour was a huge success, breaking attendance records for concerts by foreign singers in Japan until 2017. That year, TVXQ broke their own record with the Begin Again Tour. They were the first non-Japanese Asian artists to embark on a five-city dome tour in Japan. They were also the first international artists to headline a concert at Nissan Stadium. Their achievements have paved an inspirational path for ZEROBASEONE to follow.

The Immortal Songs 2 episode dedicated to TVXQ’s music achieved a nationwide viewership of 5.0%. It featured renditions of TVXQ’s hits by artists such as JD1, La Poem, Red Velvet’s Irene & Seulgi, KARDI, ONF, and ZEROBASEONE. The nine-member boy group performed “The Way U Are” with a sophisticated concept, showcasing cohesive dance routines and individual flair. Their performance earned praise from TVXQ’s Yunho, who said it reminded him of TVXQ’s early days.

ZEROBASEONE – The Way U Are [Immortal Songs 2]

ZEROBASEONE outperformed well-known artists

Having garnered more votes from the judging panel than JD1 and KARDI, ZEROBASEONE took home the win. TVXQ personally presented the trophy to ZEROBASEONE, who were visibly overjoyed and honored by the gesture.

Online, many fans congratulated the boys. Winning Immortal Songs 2 is a significant achievement, coveted by many artists. ZEROBASEONE, only eight months into their career, won the show on their first attempt. The fact that they outperformed several well-known artists made their victory even more remarkable.

With two albums selling over 2 million copies each and a rookie grand slam under their belt, ZEROBASEONE is quickly establishing itself as a leading fifth-generation K-pop group. Their recent success on Immortal Songs 2 enhances their growing reputation and sets the stage for a promising promotional period in Japan. Many hope this will mirror the illustrious career of TVXQ. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: If you haven’t listened to their new Japanese single or watched the video of their ‘Immortal Songs 2’ performance, you’re missing half your life. Source: X/@ZB1_jp.

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Virtual Boy Group PLAVE Sells 500K Copies of Second EP

Virtual boy group PLAVE broke records with their second mini-album, ASTERUM: 134-1, recording initial sales of 569,289 copies according to the Hanteo Chart as of March 5. This achievement established a new career-high record for the group. With this new release, they surpassed the sales of their debut album, which sold 27,000 copies, and their first mini-album, which sold 203,000 copies. Before its official release, ASTERUM: 134-1 had already exceeded the pre-order quantity of 500,000 copies.

PLAVE’s achievement made them the 17th highest among boy groups for initial sales, according to the Hanteo Chart. They also dominated the Circle Chart with nine consecutive weeks in weekly album sales and topped the weekly sales on Ktown4u for two straight weeks. This wave of success culminated in PLAVE winning their first music show trophy on the March 6 episode of Show Champion, becoming the first virtual group ever to win on the show. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ij12BleNfTQ

PLAVE ‘WAY 4 LUV’ 1st Win @ Show Champion 240306

On the March 9 episode of MBC’s Music Core, they won first place again. With 6,271 points, their single “WAY 4 LUV” beat “EASY” by LE SSERAFIM and “Bam Yang Gang” by BIBI.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4tQrB8cL28

PLAVE ‘WAY 4 LUV’ 2nd Win + Speech @ Show! Music Core 240309

All about PLAVE

PLAVE is a virtual K-pop boy group formed under VLAST, consisting of five members: Bamby, Eunho, Hamin, Noah, and Yejun. The group made its official debut on March 12, 2023, with their single album Asterum. The name is a combination of the words “play” and “rêve” (meaning “dream” in French), symbolizing their goal to create a new world where they can achieve their dreams.

PLAVE uses artificial intelligence (AI) like VTubers, who stream content using animated characters instead of showing themselves. This allows the members to engage with fans and perform without revealing their human identities. This group is also noted for being the first virtual K-pop group on Weverse, a South Korean fan community platform.

Despite their current success, the road to fame wasn’t smooth. “When PLAVE was looking for songs, our members said they felt the composers were not giving them A-level quality songs. That led the group to make their own songs,” Lee Sung-gu, CEO of VLAST, told the press. 

PLAVE(플레이브) 1st Anniversary Interview 🎤

Overwhelming support

The group’s determination to produce quality music has paid off, judging by the overwhelming support for ASTERUM: 134-1. When they released it and its title track “WAY 4 LUV,” they held a press event at MBC’s Golden Mouth Hall in Mapo District, western Seoul. The members appeared onscreen to talk about their latest release. It was then that Yejun, the group’s leader, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support they’ve received.

“Honestly, it still feels like a dream. Every day, I find myself wondering, ‘How are we receiving such an incredible amount of love?’ It really makes me think about how we need to step up our game and give our fans the absolute best of ourselves.”

They say you get what you give—and because the members of PLAVE are giving it their all, they’re getting all they’ve ever dreamed of. Congratulations to the group on their unprecedented (but definitely well-deserved) success! – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Their career is definitely on an upswing. Source: X/@iur4ya.

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RIIZE Sets Dates and Venues for Fan-Con Tour ‘RIIZING DAY’

RIIZE is set to embark on a global journey to connect with fans through their upcoming 2024 RIIZE FAN-CON ‘RIIZING DAY’ tour. On March 5, the group unveiled a poster detailing the dates and locations for this highly anticipated tour. 

It will begin with a performance at Seoul’s Jamsil Indoor Stadium in May. Fans can choose between General Admission and VIP tickets. VIP ticket holders will enjoy exclusive access to the soundcheck, which will take place before the main show. The concert will be held offline and online, which means BRIIZE worldwide can watch it via live streaming.

Members of RIIZE’s official fan club can reserve tickets on the 13th from 8:00 PM to 11:59 PM. These fan club presales are limited to one ticket per person. General sales for the remaining seats will open afterward. General ticket sales will begin on the 14th at 8:00 PM, and each person will be allowed to buy two tickets per show, including fan club presale tickets. If you’re not part of the official fan club, you may want to join it as soon as possible. If the fan club presale sells out, no seats may be available when the general sales open.

RIIZE is also set to go global

Meanwhile, the 2024 RIIZE FAN-CON ‘RIIZING DAY’ in TOKYO concert is slated for May 11 and 12, at the National Yoyogi Stadium in Tokyo. Doors will open at 4:00 PM, and the concert will start at 5:00 PM. Tickets are set at 11,000 JPY each, with a strict policy of being non-exchangeable and non-refundable. A purchase limit of two tickets per person is in place, and an additional handling fee of 1,000 JPY will be applied to each ticket. Ticket registration will proceed through a lottery system, which opened on March 6. It will close on March 17. For more details, visit RIIZE’s official Japanese website.

RIIZE is also set to go global. After they perform in Japan and South Korea, RIIZE will fly to Los Angeles for a show on May 20. They will then perform in Hong Kong on June 1 and Taipei on June 15. The tour will proceed with concerts in Manila on July 14, Singapore on July 20, and Bangkok on July 27 and 28, before concluding in Jakarta on August 31.

More dates and locations are expected to be announced later, promising a series of unforgettable experiences for fans and the group alike. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Now’s your chance to see Anton, Eunseok, Shotaro, Sohee, Sungchan, and Wonbin in person! Source: X/@RIIZE_official.

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NOWADAYS Introduces Members via Profile Films and Photos

CUBE Entertainment is all set to debut a new boy group, its first since PENTAGON eight years ago. Named NOWADAYS, this five-member group is already stirring excitement ahead of their debut in the first half of 2024. On March 6, the agency delighted fans by unveiling the five boys who made it into this new group. These handsome, talented individuals are poised to make a huge impact on the K-pop scene.

NOWADAYS(나우어데이즈) Debut Trailer : D-Day

An element of mystery

Leading the group is Hyeonbin, born on August 31, 2002, making him 21 years old. Not much is known about his members, but there’s a lot of information about him out there. He has trained at KOZ Entertainment and WM Entertainment. He was even in WM’s pre-debut group Ggumnamu

NOWADAYS(나우어데이즈) Debut Trailer #HYEONBIN

But most K-pop fans know Hyeonbin from his time on Mnet’s Produce X 101. Standing at 176 cm (5’9.5”), his rapping and composing skills, particularly with a piano, have earned him significant attention. That’s why CUBE set up a grand piano for him when he filmed his debut trailer. Hyeonbin’s debut has been highly anticipated, with many saying he’s become much more handsome over the years.

Following Hyeonbin in age is Yoon, born on August 27, 2003, making him 20 years old. Little is known about him, adding an element of mystery to his persona. Check out his debut trailer below.

NOWADAYS(나우어데이즈) Debut Trailer #YOON

Meet the maknaes

Yeonwoo is the group’s “middle child” (only because he was born about a month after Yoon was). His birthday is September 23, 2003, and he’s also 20 years old. He has been training at CUBE Entertainment for approximately six years, indicating a serious dedication to his craft.

Jinhyuk, born on May 21, 2004, is the second-youngest member at 19 years old. His first taste of the idol life came when he participated in a special performance of “Cold Killer” by PENTAGON‘s Hui. His debut trailer arrived on the official NOWADAYS YouTube channel at the same time as Hyeonbin’s and Yoon’s. Here he is in all his glory!

NOWADAYS(나우어데이즈) Debut Trailer #JINHYUK

The group’s maknae (youngest member), Siyun, was also in that performance of “Cold Killer.” But that’s not all he and Jinhyuk have in common. They were born in the same year, but Siyun’s birthday is August 24, three months after Jinhyuk’s.

The future is bright for NOWADAYS

Recently, NOWADAYS was spotted filming content in Hongdae, dressed in casual yet stylish outfits while executing choreography. This sighting fueled the anticipation for what NOWADAYS will bring to the industry. 

@nwdys_

seem like they filmed it a hundred times. poor jinhyuk he looks tired 😅 also, kim hyunbin is so handsome 🥰 #NOWADAYS #CUBENEWBOYGROUP

♬ Say Yes by Loco Punch speed up version – yuri

Furthermore, the group’s visuals have caught the eye of many, with comments praising Cube Entertainment for assembling such an attractive lineup. Fans and netizens alike have been vocal about the members’ looks, with some saying, “The blonde guy and Hyeonbin are seriously handsome. How did Cube do this? How did they find such handsome guys?”

@nwdys_

before the Debut era starts! #NOWADAYS #CUBENEWBOYGROUP #debut #soon

♬ Like I Do – J.Tajor

As fans eagerly await more teasers and announcements, the future is bright for NOWADAYS. Watch this space for updates on their journey! – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Have you chosen a bias yet? Source: YouTube/@CUBE_NOWADAYS.

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NCT’s Chenle, Jaemin, and Renjun Spark Curiosity for Comeback With Unusual Teasers

As NCT DREAM’s comeback date draws near, fans have been clamoring for spoilers to get a glimpse of what the group has in store. Chenle and Renjun responded to these requests in a manner that was both amusing and bewildering, sharing photos that sparked more questions than answers.

On his Instagram, Chenle posted a photo of his right foot, bruised and bandaged, captioning it with a coy “Spoiler 😏🤟🏽.” The post quickly attracted attention, including humorous responses from fellow NCT members Kun and Mark, who were just as puzzled by the peculiar teaser.

Renjun followed suit. He posted a photo of both his feet, similarly bruised and bandaged. His post came with the intriguing caption, “But I’m gonna run..🦋.”

Days later, Jaemin did the same thing. He created an Instagram carousel comprising eight photos. The first was a photo of—you guessed it—his injured feet. These unusual teasers have added an air of mystery around their upcoming album, [DREAM( )SCAPE], set to drop on March 25. The title track “Smoothie” will be accompanied by five B-sides: “i cant feel anything,” “Box,” “Carat Cake,” “Unknown,” and “Breathing.”

NCT DREAM will impress fans

The group also released a schedule poster for the EP. It features a black and white butterfly stitched onto fabric with red thread.

A new film teaser that hints at eerie mysteries and captivating storylines followed suit. In this latest teaser, member Jisung is depicted navigating a surreal, dystopian system.

( )SCAPE Film : Chapter 1

Adding to the excitement, NCT DREAM announced their third world tour, THE DREAM SHOW 3, starting in Seoul from May 2 through 4. The Nagoya, Osaka, and Tokyo stops will be a Japanese dome tour. These stops will take place at the Vantelin Dome, Kyocera Dome, and Tokyo Dome, respectively. NCT DREAM will then take their tour to Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore, and Manila. SM Entertainment will share details on the stops in Latin America, the United States, and Europe on May 8.

The cryptic nature of the posts by Chenle and Renjun has left fans both amused and intrigued. NCTzens worldwide are now wondering if these feet pics have a deeper meaning behind them. But whether they hint at the intense preparations for their comeback and tour, or if they play into the upcoming album’s themes, one thing is certain: NCT DREAM will impress fans worldwide with their latest project. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: In the ‘icantfeelanything’ set of concept photos, the members’ feet are clearly bruised. What’s up with that? Source: X/@NCTsmtown_DREAM.

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LE SSERAFIM Enters US Billboard Hot 100 for the First Time With ‘EASY’

LE SSERAFIM has officially entered the Billboard Hot 100 with their new single, “EASY.” This marks a major milestone for the South Korean girl group. The quintet, whose name is an anagram of “I’m fearless,” includes members Hong Eunchae, Huh Yunjin, Kazuha, Kim Chaewon, and Sakura. “EASY” debuted at No. 99 on the Billboard Hot 100. It secured 5.2 million official streams and 1,000 downloads sold in the U.S. during its first full tracking week (Feb. 23-29), according to Luminate.

The song was released as part of their new five-track EP of the same name. It also made an impressive entrance at No. 8 on the Billboard 200 with 41,000 equivalent album units earned. This achievement comes as TWICE’s With YOU – the EP enters at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. It marks the very first week that two all-female K-pop groups made the top 10 at the same time. “EASY” also debuted at No. 2 on both the World Albums and Top Album Sales charts. Meanwhile, the title track surged to No. 6 on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart. This represents the group’s second, and highest-charting, top 10 entry.

Signed to Source Music/Geffen Records/IGA, LE SSERAFIM notched its first Billboard chart entry on May 14, 2022. That was the day “FEARLESS” debuted on the Global Excl. U.S. and the Billboard Global 200 charts. To date, the quintet has charted seven songs each on the Global 200 and Global Excl. U.S. and five on World Digital Song Sales.

LE SSERAFIM (르세라핌) ‘EASY’ Dance Practice (Moving ver.)

Congratulations, LE SSERAFIM!

The group has also tallied three entries on the World Albums chart: ANTIFRAGILE (No. 1 in November 2022), UNFORGIVEN (its debut full-length LP; No. 1 in May 2023), and now EASY.

While the group has faced severe criticism in South Korea for their poor live singing during music show encores, this latest feather in their cap may shut up the haters once and for all. It’s not easy to crack the Billboard Hot 100 as the U.S. music market is extremely competitive. The fact that they did it bodes well for their future as a group outside of their Japanese and Korean promotions.

Congratulations, girls! – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: They released a dance practice video for ‘EASY’ after the track made its Hot 100 debut. Source: YouTube/@LESSERAFIM_official.

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Kim Wooseok Joins H& Entertainment After His TOP Media Contract Expires

Kim Wooseok (formerly known as UP10TION’s Wooshin), has joined H& Entertainment, an agency that specializes in managing actors. His move marks the end of his exclusive contract with TOP Media after 10 years. After word of his departure got out, TOP Media released a statement on Kim Wooseok’s official fan café.

“Hello, this is TOP Media. First and foremost, we sincerely thank the fans who have loved Kim Wooseok. We are here to announce that the exclusive contract with Kim Wooseok, who has been with our company for a long time, has come to an end,” the agency wrote. “After careful discussions over a long period with Kim Wooseok, we have mutually agreed to conclude the contract following its expiration.”

The agency continued, “We are truly grateful to Kim Wooseok, who has continuously grown as a solo artist and actor, and we will support his active endeavors as an artist in the future. We would like to once again thank the fans who have generously supported Kim Wooseok and ask for your continued love and interest.”

Kim Wooseok speaks

Kim Wooseok reciprocated this sentiment, reflecting on his decade-long journey with TOP Media. He thanked the agency and his fans for their support and love.

“It has been over ten years since my journey began with TOP Media. I want to express my gratitude to the TOP Media family for giving me happy and precious days during this time and for helping me grow. It was truly a happy time,” he acknowledged. “There were days of joy and days that ended, but I was able to persevere and move forward because of the precious fans always by my side. Thank you! I want to once again express my gratitude to the TOP Media family for making such connections possible.”

He added, “I will continue to challenge myself and face obstacles. Please help me ensure that it always ends happily! I will be Kim Wooseok, who works harder and puts in more effort. Thank you. Lastly, to my fans who have always been by my side, offering their unconditional love, I want to say, even if just through this message, that I love you. I love you.”

An exciting new chapter

Kim Wooseok debuted as an idol in September 2015 with UP10TION’s first mini-album Top Secret. He gained further recognition after participating in Mnet’s Produce X 101 in 2019. This led him to become a member of the ill-fated K-pop group X1. He launched a solo career and released his first solo album 1ST DESIRE [GREED] in 2020. To date, he has released four solo albums.

Besides his musical achievements, Kim Wooseok has made his mark as an actor. He took lead roles in K-dramas such as Twenty-Twenty (2020), Immortal (2021), and Finnish Papa (2023). His most recent role in Night Has Come last December further solidified his position as an actor.

Kim Wooseok’s decision to sign with a new agency signifies an exciting new chapter of his career. Anticipation for the synergy he will bring to his new home is heightened by the careful consideration that preceded his big move. H& Entertainment is known for its roster of esteemed actors, including Go Dooshim, Ju Jihoon, Jung Ryeowon, and many others. This promises a dynamic, supportive environment for Kim Wooseok’s future projects. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The fans who have followed him from 2015 to now are happy with his choice to leave TOP Media. Source: X/@kpopers_family.

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