Category: K-POP ARTISTS

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IU and Jo Jung Suk Recalls Working Together in ‘IU’s Palette’ Vlog

IU and Jo Jung Suk on IU's Vlog, "IU's Palette."

IU and Jo Jung Suk shared a heartwarming reunion on the latest episode of “IU’s Palette.” The episode featured Jo Jung Suk as a guest, promoting his upcoming film “Pilot,” and reminiscing about his past work with IU.

IU and Jo Jung Suk reflect on their time together during a heartwarming reunion on “IU’s Palette”

Reflecting on their collaboration in the hit 2013 drama “You Are The Best,” IU reminded viewers that the series marked the first leading roles for both actors. Expressing her gratitude, IU revealed that she recently sought Jo Jung Suk’s acting advice for a scene in her 2023 film “Dream.” She shared how he recorded different versions of her dialogue, saying, “I was so touched. How could I ever repay you?”

Jo Jung Suk responded, “I was a bit impressed. Regardless of who has more experience, we’re colleagues, and it’s not easy to ask for that kind of advice from a fellow actor. I was really impressed by that attitude and mindset, so I wanted to be helpful in any way I could.”

The reunion episode was filled with fun behind-the-scenes stories from “You Are The Best.” The two stars also participated in the show’s signature cover segment. IU performed “Aloha” and “I Like You,” popular remakes by Jo Jung Suk from the “Hospital Playlist” soundtrack, while Jo Jung Suk sang IU’s recent hit ballad “Love wins all.”

Fans enjoyed seeing the chemistry between IU and Jo Jung Suk as they shared their experiences and showcased their musical talents. The full episode is available with English subtitles, featuring IU’s performance at 21:10 and Jo Jung Suk’s cover at 28:30.

This delightful reunion not only highlighted their strong professional bond but also provided fans with a nostalgic trip down memory lane. As both stars continue to thrive in their careers, their heartfelt interaction on “IU’s Palette” serves as a testament to their enduring friendship and mutual respect.

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MLD Entertainment Struggles With Unpaid Wages

MLD Entertainment, the agency behind the once-popular girl group Momoland, is dealing with major financial issues. These problems have led to significant unpaid wages for their employees. According to Maeil Business Newspaper’s Star Today, the company has repeatedly missed payroll deadlines, causing most staff members to resign. Now, fewer than five employees are still with the company.

Those who left due to unpaid wages haven’t received their severance pay either. Complaints filed with the Labor Office have resulted in only partial compensation.

MLD Entertainment over the years

MLD Entertainment, established in 2015, gained fame with Momoland’s hits like “Bboom Bboom,” “BAAM,” and “Yummy Yummy Love.” Unfortunately, Momoland disbanded on January 27, 2023. Besides Momoland, the company launched groups such as T1419 (rebranded as TFN), Lapillus, and Horizon. However, none have reached significant success. CEO Lee Hyung-jin is currently focusing on managing the Filipino group Horizon, which is based in the Philippines. TFN, which debuted in January 2021, started disbanding in February this year.

Last year, singer Gil joined the company as a producer and artist but has remained inactive. He was recently involved in a controversy related to singer Kim Ho-joong’s DUI incident in May. MLD clarified that Gil was only a witness and not involved in any wrongdoing. Veteran singer Lee Seung-chul also joined MLD Entertainment in 2022.

The financial instability and management problems at MLD Entertainment highlight the challenges the company faces. This situation raises serious concerns about its future operations and overall stability. Immediate intervention is necessary to resolve financial issues and protect the remaining employees’ welfare.

Despite these challenges, MLD Entertainment has introduced a new group, NewID. This group will bring fresh energy to the company, offering hope for a turnaround. Fans are eager to see if NewID can revive MLD’s reputation with their promising talent. Their debut is highly anticipated and may mark a new chapter for MLD Entertainment.

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NewJeans Declines HYBE Exhibition Invitation Amid Controversy

NewJeans has declined the invitation to participate in the Grammy Museum’s ‘HYBE Exhibition,’ stirring controversy and speculation about internal conflicts within their management. The exhibition, which is set to run from August 2 to September 15, was supposed to feature a prominent display dedicated to NewJeans.

NewJeans’ absence from the Grammy Museum’s ‘HYBE Exhibition’ fuels attention to HYBE x ADOR dispute

The Grammy Museum offered NewJeans a central position in the exhibit, making them the first thing visitors would see. HYBE, the parent company, communicated this offer to ADOR, NewJeans’ label, expressing a strong desire for the group to be included. Despite this, ADOR declined the invitation, citing insufficient representation of NewJeans in the overall exhibition.

Additionally, this decision has led to widespread attention to the conflict between HYBE and ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin. Fans and industry insiders have noticed NewJeans’ absence from recent HYBE events, including Weverse Con. While HYBE attributed NewJeans’ absence to their busy schedule and preparations for overseas activities, other artists managed to attend, leading to questions about ADOR’s cooperation with HYBE.

However, the controversy has not gone unnoticed. The public has continuously been pointing fingers at ADOR’s leadership for not supporting HYBE’s initiatives. HYBE responded to the situation by stating that the decision was made by the label, indicating that it was ADOR’s independent choice.

The ‘HYBE: We Believe In Music’ exhibition celebrates the history and achievements of HYBE and its artists. Despite the absence of NewJeans, the exhibition is expected to draw significant attention and highlight the contributions of other major HYBE artists.

In related news, Min Hee-jin is under investigation for embezzlement, intensifying public attention and the ADOR CEO’s dispute with HYBE. Sources close to the investigation report that Min Hee-jin faces thorough questioning about her handling of finances and particular transactions identified by HYBE’s internal audit team. However, her representatives argue that the company’s share structure prevents any possibility of a takeover and maintain that she has never engaged in embezzlement.

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PLAVE Partners With HYBE Labels for Japanese Activities

PLAVE is set to officially debut in Japan. Earlier this year, VLAST Entertainment CEO Lee Seong-gu admitted that he and the members want to expand their presence beyond their homeland. “We don’t know if it’ll happen this year, but we’re focusing on PLAVE’s overseas expansion, hoping to receive love beyond Korea.” Now, their dream is becoming a reality with the help of an influential partner.

PLAVE(플레이브) ‘왜요 왜요 왜?’ | AliExpress 2024 Weverse Con Festival

‘Glocalization’

VLAST Entertainment recently announced, “We have signed an agreement with HYBE Japan for the Japanese debut and activities of our group PLAVE. We anticipate high-quality activities in Japan through this collaboration with HYBE Japan, who has a deep understanding of the Japanese market.”

Earlier this year, rumors were rife that HYBE had acquired VLAST Entertainment, but Lee cleared them up at a press conference. “The rumors about HYBE acquiring us are false. They invested small stakes to help us with overseas expansion, not for funding purposes.”

PLAVE(플레이브) ‘Watch Me Woo!’ | AliExpress 2024 Weverse Con Festival

HYBE Japan will now support PLAVE’s activities. The contract HYBE Japan signed with VLAST Entertainment is the largest of its kind among artists outside HYBE Labels. Its confidence that PLAVE will find success in Japan played a key role in finalizing this agreement. VLAST Entertainment will now actively promote the five-member virtual boy group in the Land of the Rising Sun by working very closely with HYBE Japan.

HYBE Japan employs a ‘glocalization’ strategy, leveraging HYBE‘s global expertise while understanding the Japanese market. They manage strategic planning for K-pop artists in Japan, including music distribution, concerts, product planning and sales, IP-related businesses, content production, media bookings, and PR. PLAVE now has all that and more on their side as they begin promoting in Japan.

PLAVE(플레이브) ‘WAY 4 LUV’ | AliExpress 2024 Weverse Con Festival

About PLAVE

PLAVE, consisting of Yejun, Noah, Bambi, Eunho, and Hamin, quickly gained popularity in Asia since their debut in March 2023. Their second EP, ASTERUM:134-1, topped HMV & BOOKS Japan’s K-pop sales charts for the first half of 2024. Its title track, “WAY 4 LUV,” not only entered the top ranks of South Korean music charts but also made them the first-ever virtual group to win No. 1 on MBC’s Show! Music Core.

PLAVE is known for their advanced use of motion capture technology combined with high-quality visuals and direction. They also garnered much love from fans through interactive live broadcasts. As a self-producing group, all members participate in songwriting, composing, and choreography, showcasing their musical talent and vocal prowess. 

PLAVE(플레이브) ‘니가 사는 그집’ (원곡 : 박진영) | AliExpress 2024 Weverse Con Festival

On April 13 and 14, PLAVE successfully held their first solo fan concert, Hello, Asterum!, at the Olympic Hall in Seoul. The presale saw 70,000 users accessing the ticketing site simultaneously, resulting in a complete sell-out.

Lee expressed gratitude to the fans, “Last year, despite our efforts, nothing worked out. We couldn’t get on shows or receive any offers. Now, thanks to the fans’ love, we are receiving many proposals for TV and commercial appearances. We are very thankful.” – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Thanks to HYBE, PLAVE will finally get to do something they’ve dreamed of doing since debut. Source: X/@plave_official.

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BTS’s Jin Reportedly Filming Self-Produced Content for Summer Release

BTS’s Jin is gearing up to engage with fans through self-produced content. Ten Asia reported on the 8th that the K-pop superstar is working on a project revolving around hiking. Recently, Jin went to Jeju Island, where he climbed Hallasan with several cameras. He planned this content himself in collaboration with his agency BigHit Music.

@bts_army_ghie0t7

Spotted..JIN in hallasan mountain hiking in jeju.. #btsarmyforever💜💜💜 #jin #🥰🥰🥰 #tiktok🇵🇭🇸🇬

♬ DI BAT IKAW REMIX – J E L A I🇵🇭

All about Hallasan

Hallasan is a shield volcano and the highest mountain in South Korea, located on Jeju Island. Rising to an elevation of 1,947 meters or 6,388 feet, it’s a popular destination for hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers in general. 

Hallasan is the centerpiece of Hallasan National Park, which features a variety of flora and fauna, scenic trails, and volcanic landscapes. The mountain also holds cultural and spiritual significance. It’s often referred to as one of the three main mountains in South Korea, along with Jirisan and Seoraksan. Its crater lake, Baengnokdam, meaning “white deer lake,” is one of its most notable features.

People can and frequently do climb Hallasan. There are several well-maintained trails leading to the summit, all of which have different levels of difficulty. The two main trails are the Seongpanak Trail and the Gwaneumsa Trail. The Seongpanak Trail is longer but slightly less steep, typically taking 4-5 hours to ascend. Meanwhile, the Gwaneumsa Trail is shorter but steeper, and hikers who choose it usually take 5-6 hours to get to the top. That said, both trails offer stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. 

If you want to hike up Hallasan like Jin, it’s important to start your ascent early. Access to the summit is restricted in the afternoon to ensure hikers have enough daylight to complete their descent safely. The trails are usually open year-round, though conditions can vary with the seasons, so it’s advisable to check the weather and trail conditions before planning a hike.

Hiking Hallasan: South Korea’s Highest Peak on Jeju Island 한라산

What else is Jin up to?

In addition to his hiking project, Jin visited his old high school to film more content. The release date for all of it has yet to be confirmed. According to BigHit Music, “Detailed information about our own content will be revealed later.”

Jin is also expected to appear on the variety show Half-Star Hotel in Lost Island. It’s an MBC show where celebrities and guests travel to remote islands to renovate abandoned houses into makeshift hotels. Led by TV personality Ahn Jung-hwan, the show’s fixed cast includes singer Boom and newscaster Kim Dae-ho. According to Sports Chosun, Jin has already finished filming his episode, with the broadcast date to be announced soon.

Furthermore, he recently became the new global ambassador of French jeweler Maison Fred. The brand has been around since 1933, but the people behind it never saw the need for an endorser—until now. Perhaps they were simply waiting for someone like Jin to come along.

Finally, Jin expressed excitement for fellow member Jimin’s second solo album MUSE by saying, “Jimin, I’m next. I’m going to sing too.” Rumor has it that Jin will drop his own solo effort in the latter half of 2024. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jin was spotted walking the trails of Hallasan with a camera. Source: X/@nightstar1201.

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BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BigHit Music Announces Pop-Up Event for Jimin’s ‘MUSE’ Album

BigHit Music will hold a special pop-up event to celebrate the release of BTS member Jimin’s second solo album, MUSE. The event, titled MUSE Smeraldo Garden, will take place from July 22 to 28 at the Sikmulgwan Plant House in Gangnam-gu, Seoul.

[복합문화공간 강남 카페] 식물관PH Sikmulgwan PH / Seoul cafe

About the venue

Located two bus stops from Irwon Station, Sikmulgwan Plant House is known for its modern design and spacious interiors. When you walk through the doors of this four-story cafe and exhibition space, the first thing you’ll need to do is go up to the counter and pay the admission fee. The fee varies by age, with prices set at 10,000 KRW for adults, 7,000 KRW for teenagers, and 5,000 KRW for children, except those under 36 months who can enter for free.

The fee covers the cost of a drink. You can choose any one of these coffee-based drinks: americano, cafe latte, einspanner, espresso, and vanilla latte, all available hot or iced. There is also a selection of non-coffee drinks, such as Earl Grey tea, lavender lemon soda, matcha cream, organic hibiscus berry, pineapple ginger soda, and freshly squeezed orange juice (exclusively for kids). Desserts like carrot cake and New York cheesecake can be purchased separately.

After paying the admission fee and choosing a drink, you’ll receive a wristband that gives you access to all areas inside Sikmulgwan Plant House. The Foliage Plants Zone and the Glass House are also on the first floor. Lush trees fill the former, while many potted plants are on display in the latter, which is very Instagrammable. The Cafe Lounge is on the second floor, a mezzanine-level area. It serves as a quiet place where people can hang out or read any of the botany books stacked along one wall. The third floor is an exhibition space featuring art from various artists. Finally, the fourth floor is reserved for events, seminars, and workshops. Sikmulgwan Plant House is open on weekdays, from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

@bts_official_bighit

🚗➡️🎈➡️🏞️➡️🎹➡️🌹 On the way to ARMY💜 #지민 #Jimin #SGMB #Jimin_MUSE #NewMusic

♬ Smeraldo Garden Marching Band (feat. Loco) – Jimin & Loco

The pop-up will be based on ‘MUSE’

According to BigHit Music, the MUSE Smeraldo Garden pop-up will have a photo zone and various experiential content based on Jimin’s new album. The pop-up will span three floors, each reflecting different concepts and themes the K-pop superstar tackled on MUSE. Fans will be able to leave handwritten messages for him as well. Additional details will be provided to ARMY Membership holders at a later date.

The fictional flower Smeraldo, featured in Jimin’s pre-release track “Smeraldo Garden Marching Band,” will play a significant role in creating memorable experiences for Jimin and his fans at the pop-up. 

“Smeraldo Garden Marching Band” was released last month and has reached No. 88 on Billboard’s Hot 100 singles chart, marking Jimin’s fifth solo song to appear on the chart. It will soon be followed by “Who,” the title track of MUSE.

Jimin’s MUSE album, set to release on July 19 at 1:00 PM, features six songs. Jimin wrote lyrics for some of the songs and produced two. Knowing that he had creative control over this project is one of the reasons why fans are looking forward to listening to MUSE when it drops. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Will you visit the pop-up? Sources: X/@ARMYNation_MX, X/@BTSJMTURKEY.

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YSL Beauty Apologizes After Replying to a Negative Comment Against Twice Sana

YSL Beauty writes an apology after replying to a comment about TWICE’s Sana

On July 13th, YSL Beauty’s official Instagram shared photos of TWICE Sana. The girl group member is the brand’s new ambassador for Japan, attending the ‘YSL Loveshine Factory’ pop-up event in Tokyo. Shortly after the post, it was flooded with comments from fans demanding an apology to Sana. The backlash came after YSL Beauty responded with a heart emoji to a comment suggesting BLACKPINK’s Rosé was a superior ambassador.

The comment reads, “Nobody being the same the original nobody,” which implies that BLACKPINK Rose was a better ambassador for the brand. Below the comment, YSL Beauty replies with a heart and a shining star emoji.

In the same post, YSL Beauty wrote a statement about the issue.

“Today, one of our community managers mistakenly replied to a negative post about our beloved and respected ambassador, Sana. This action does not reflect our brand values. Nevertheless, we apologise to Sana and any of her fans hurt by this action.
Our commitment to supporting all our ambassadors remains unwavering.
At YSL Beauty, we foster a community built on respect, love and positive engagement.”

In 2023, TWICE Sana’s appointment as Yves Saint Laurent Beauté’s ambassador in Japan marked a notable collaboration. The partnership proves the idol’s significant influence in pop culture with YSL’s iconic fashion and beauty image. Together, they aim to set new trends in the beauty industry, particularly among Japan’s younger audience. Sana’s role will underscore her expanding global impact and highlight the ongoing collaborations across the fashion, beauty, and music industries.

Meanwhile, BLACKPINK’s Rosé continues her role as an ambassador for YSL. She recently attended the 2024 Paris Fashion Week, showcasing multiple chic looks for the brand. Rosé’s influential role within the fashion house proves her strong impact as a global ambassador and modern-day muse for YSL Beauty.

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BLACKPINK Jennie Faces Heavier Backlash for Indoor Smoking Over Other Idols

BLACKPINK Jennie recently faced significant backlash after a video titled “A Moment in Capri with Jennie” was released on her official YouTube channel. In the video, Jennie appears to be smoking an e-cigarette indoors while getting her makeup done, with a staff member nearby. This incident quickly spread online, leading to widespread disappointment and criticism from netizens.

The controversy intensified because smoking indoors is already considered problematic, but Jennie’s actions were seen as particularly inconsiderate due to the presence of a staff member. Additionally, past controversies involving her, such as allegations of school bullying and abuse of her position, resurfaced.

BLACKPINK Jennie sparked a heated debate over receiving heavier criticism compared to other K-idols

Comparatively, other idols like EXO’s D.O. and Lim Young Woong have faced indoor smoking scandals in the past. However, they received more sympathetic responses from the public. Back then, D.O. and Lim Young Woong were fined for smoking indoors but had strong fan support. Lim Young Woong’s case, in particular, highlighted privacy invasion as he was filmed smoking in a waiting room while changing clothes.

@hallyu_site

BLACKPIINK’s Jennie Was Caught Smoking Indoors.. #kpop #fyp #kpopfyp #kpopfan #kpopstan #kpopedit #kpopers #blackpink #jennie #lisa #lesserafim #ive #wonyoung #newjeans #bts

♬ original sound – Hallyusite – Hallyusite

In contrast, Jennie and Ji Chang Wook’s incidents have escalated into accusations of inconsiderate and abusive behavior. Both were criticized for smoking indoors in front of staff members or fellow actors. As a result, fans have raised questions about their respect for others in shared spaces.

Jennie’s agency, Odd Atelier, apologised on July 9, stating, “We sincerely apologize to everyone who felt uncomfortable due to Jennie’s behavior in the content released on July 2.” They added, “Jennie is reflecting on her actions of smoking indoors and causing inconvenience to other staff members. She has also directly contacted the staff present at the scene to apologize. We apologize to the fans who felt disappointed and promise to show a more mature and better side in the future.”

This incident has sparked a debate among Korean netizens about whether Jennie is being unfairly criticized compared to D.O. and Lim Young Woong. While some argue that Jennie faces harsher criticism, others point out that D.O. and Lim Young Woong also received severe backlash at the time.

The scrutiny of idols’ behavior underscores the high standards the public holds for them. Incidents like these reveal the intense pressure on celebrities to maintain a perfect image. As the industry evolves, it is crucial to balance holding idols accountable and understanding their human fallibility.

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(G)I-DLE Yuqi Shares How Cube Entertainment Motivates Idols to Lose Weight

In a recent appearance on the YouTube show ‘ZIP Daesung,’ (G)I-DLE Yuqi opened up about Cube Entertainment’s methods for motivating their idols to lose weight. Yuqi shared that after the Chuseok holiday, Cube Entertainment would weigh all their idols and publicly post their weights for everyone to see. This tactic aimed to embarrass those who had gained weight and compel them to lose it.

(G)I-DLE Yuqi discusses the company’s unique and intense methods for managing idols’ weight

During the YouTube interview, Yuqi explained, “It was during Chuseok. Everyone would gain a lot of weight. But the company printed a list of everyone’s weight and posted it in front of the office…!! For example, ‘Yuqi, XX kg.'” She continued, “Back then, there were Sunbaenims too. Pentagon and HyunA were there, and BTOB seniors could all see it. We had to keep seeing it.”

Yuqi revealed that she lost weight to remove her weight from the public list. She elaborated, “Back then, I lost 5kg in three days. It was a wake-up call. That was posted until we lost weight to our goal weight.” She added, “I thought that was amazing about our company. I still remember my weight from then.”

Daesung was amazed at how Yuqi managed to lose so much weight in a short amount of time. Hence, he asked. She responded, “I ate almost nothing to lose it… I wanted to take down the printout quickly…”

Yuqi’s revelations highlight the intense pressures idols face in the K-pop industry, where image and appearance are often paramount. Her story sheds light on the extreme measures taken by some entertainment companies to ensure their idols meet specific standards. As fans continue to support their favorite artists, it is crucial to recognize the importance of their health and well-being over appearance. The industry must balance maintaining an image and ensuring idols are treated with care and respect.

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NewJeans Hyein Returns to Perform ‘Supernatural’ After Injury

NewJeans, the rising K-pop sensation, made a grand return with their new single “Supernatural,” showcasing a five-member performance on KBS 2TV’s ‘Music Bank’ on July 12. This event marked a significant moment as NewJeans Hyein joined the stage after recovering from an injury, returning the group to its full strength.

NewJeans Hyein comes back onstage to debut a five-member performance of ‘Supernatural’ on KBS 2TV’s ‘Music Bank’ stage

Newjean’s performance of “Right Now” wows audiences with its flawless choreography and vocal power. Fans were thrilled to see the group back together as they delivered an electrifying performance.

Following their ‘Music Bank’ appearance, NewJeans is set to grace the stages of MBC’s ‘Show! Music Core’ on July 13 and SBS’s ‘Inkigayo’ on July 14. These performances will include not only their latest tracks but also a medley of their popular hits “ETA,” “OMG,” and “Hype Boy” from their previous albums.

This series of performances is especially meaningful as it will mark NewJeans Hyein appearing for the first music show since her injury. Her return has been eagerly anticipated, and her presence will reinforce the group’s bond and performance.

In their previous announcements, ADOR, the agency behind NewJeans, had emphasized their commitment to presenting a complete five-member performance on domestic music shows. Their dedication is evident in the intense preparation and energy they displayed on stage, which serves as a heartfelt thank you for the support they received since the group’s debut.

Since the release of “Supernatural” on June 21, NewJeans has actively engaged with fans through various fan meetings and appearances on Japanese music programs. Their promotions included performances on major shows like Fuji TV’s ‘Mezamashi TV’ and ‘Mezamashi 8,’ TV Asahi’s ‘Music Station,’ and Nihon TV’s ‘THE MUSIC DAY 2024.’ These appearances have solidified their popularity and showcased their impressive talent to a wider audience.

“Supernatural” has seen remarkable success, topping domestic music charts and achieving high ranks on global platforms such as Billboard in the U.S., Spotify Japan, and Apple Music Japan. The single has also recorded over 1 million copies in sales, making all five NewJeans releases million-sellers, a testament to their widespread appeal and enduring popularity.

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