Category: K-POP ARTISTS

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BTS’ Jungkook, Central Cee, and The Kid LAROI to Drop New Single ‘Too Much’

Jungkook

The Kid LAROI, Central Cee, and BTS‘ Jungkook are set to release their collaborative single, “Too Much,” on October 20. This single is a precursor to The Kid LAROI‘s debut studio album, The First Time.

The Kid LAROI previously hinted at this collaboration. He fueled the anticipation by sharing a video of Central Cee tattooing the words “Too Much” on his leg. Adding to the excitement, on October 5, he posted a selfie taken aboard a plane, captioned, “Was it too much?” Notably, a Funko Pop! figure of Jungkook was spotted beside him in the snap.

He later shared a selfie with the BTS star, which he captioned “Me & JK,” accompanied by a series of emojis, including a black arrow with “soon” beneath it. This post linked to a website called “Too Much Magazine,” which hinted at an announcement scheduled for October 10.

On October 10, the two-time Grammy nominee unveiled a teaser that seemed to be from the music video of the new track. The clip showcased the artists grooving to the song’s catchy instrumental, with details of the single’s release times across various cities like London, New York City, Seoul, and Sydney. In the caption, The Kid LAROI mentioned that his album is now up for pre-order.

Jungkook joins a stellar lineup

This year has been monumental for all three artists. The Kid LAROI started strong with his hit “Love Again,” which made it to the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 and earned him a Song of the Year nomination at the 2023 ARIA Music Awards.

Jungkook, on the other hand, has been dominating the charts. His recent single “3D” featuring Jack Harlow debuted at No. 5 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and No. 1 on Billboard’s Digital Song Sales chart. He also became the first Korean soloist to debut multiple songs in the top 10 of the Hot 100. His first single, “Seven,” featuring Latto, debuted at No. 1 in July. Furthermore, “3D” secured the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Global 200 and Global Excl. U.S. charts, marking him as the first Korean soloist to achieve this feat with more than one song.

Central Cee gained immense popularity with “Doja,” which went viral on TikTok in 2022. It sampled Eve‘s 2001 smash “Let Me Blow Ya Mind” and referenced American rapper-singer Doja Cat. This track debuted at number two on the UK Singles Chart and topped the charts in New Zealand and Greece.

With such a stellar lineup, “Too Much” is bound to be a hit, and fans eagerly await its release. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Talk about the power of three! Source: Too Much Magazine.

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Look: WHIB Reveals Final Lineup, Launches First Group Trailer

WHIB releases their first group trailer. Credit: Twitter/WHIB

The newest K-pop act in town is here! On Wednesday, October 11, C-JeS Studio revealed the final lineup of its latest boy group, WHIB.

Through a series of captivating posters on their social media, the agency introduced the members for their upcoming group. The eight members completing the team were: Jayder, Jinbeom, Leejeong, Inhong, Haseung, UGeon, Jaeha, and Wonjun.

In the individual photos, the members showed off their unique charms and gave a hint of their varying personalities.

 

According to the agency, the group name WHIB is a combination of the colors “black” and “white.” As for its meaning, the name is meant to signify the group’s desire to show various colors in the spectrum, covering all the dark and light hues.

Interestingly, the boy group introduced themselves through this concept in its recently released group trailer. In the 30-second clip, the members joyously played with spray paints while dressed in clean white clothes.

Moreover, fans are also looking forward to WHIB as they become C-JeS Studio’s first boy group in 13 years. Notably, the agency last launched a boy group in 2010, having the trio JYJ, composed of former TVXN members Junsu, Yoo-Chun and Jaejoong.

Upon the group’s debut announcement, C-JeS stated: “We ask for your attention to the new boy group that will lead the new generation of K-pop.” 

Get to know the WHIB members

Even before WHIB announced its debut, the members had already made an impression on several K-pop onlookers through a number of promotions.

For instance, Leejeong and Jaeha were previously featured as models for a carbonated beverage brand. On the other hand, Jayder and Jaeha have already made an appearance through MC Yoo Jae Suk’s web variety show titled PLAYou Level Up.

Two members of the group have also gained visibility through competing in survival shows. In 2018, Inhong gained recognition by taking part on YG Entertainment’s program YG Treasure Box, which gave rise to the “DARARI” singers, TREASURE.

In addition, Haseung has showcased his talent in the survival show Stars Awakening. Said series later formed the boy group n.SSign, who also marked their debut recently.

All the eight members have also released covers and vlogs through the group’s Youtube variety show M.I.C. Trainees.

With most of the members already familiar to the public eye, fans have high anticipation for WHIB’s upcoming debut.

The boy group is scheduled to make their debut on November 8.

Featured image: WHIB releases their first group trailer. Credit: Twitter/WHIB

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Dawn Quietly Begins His Military Enlistment

Dawn in the poster of his EP 'Narcissus.' Credit: Twitter/Dawn

K-pop singer Dawn surprised his fans as he announced on Thursday, October 12, that he will be starting his mandatory enlistment on the same day.

In his personal Instagram account, the singer delivered the news and apologized to his fans for the sudden notice.

“I am carrying out my compulsory military duty through alternative service from today”, he said. Moreover, he also explained his decision, saying: “I wanted to enlist quietly, so please forgive me for not announcing it in advance.”

Furthermore, Dawn took the chance to express his gratitude to his supporters. “I sincerely thank the fans for their generous support, and I promise to return healthy after completing my duties,” he mentioned.

Additionally, AT AREA, the singer’s agency, confirmed the announcement. 

According to several Korean media reports, Dawn will carry out his public service as a social worker due to health concerns. As the singer has been suffering from myopia for a long time, reports explained that this may have resulted in his alternative service judgment.

A recap of the 2023 activities of Dawn

Before embarking on his solo journey, Dawn initially made his debut under the boy group Pentagon. The idol, whose former stage name was E’Dawn, left both the band and its agency, CUBE Entertainment in 2018.

In 2019, the “Dear My Light” singer signed with P Nation where he gained more recognition for his duo act with ex-girlfriend, HyunA. The former couple was known for their bold music and unrivaled visual performances, particularly their collaborative track “Ping Pong”.

In January, Dawn started afresh with AT AREA after parting ways with the PSY-led label in August 2022. Since then, the singer has worked on individual projects under his new home. In fact, Dawn even gifted fans with new music before enlisting. 

On September 15, the artist dropped his studio album Narcissus. Said album consists of eight songs including the double title track “Heart” and “Star,” with singer-songwriter 10CM featured in the latter.

Moreover, Narcissus also contained several songs featuring other artists such as pH-1 for the track “Fallin’”, GEMINI for “Seasons”, and Kim Sawol for the track “Memory.” 

As for his personal life, Dawn ended his engagement with fellow artist Hyuna in November 2022. Although in an April 2023 interview, he opened up that he still loves her. 

With his temporary break in the music scene, fans can only wait patiently for his return.

Featured image: Dawn in the poster of his EP ‘Narcissus.’ Credit: Twitter/Dawn

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Debate Over Jini Leaving NMIXX Reignites Amidst Her Solo Debut

Jini poses for her solo debut album 'An Iron Hand in a Velvet Glove.' Credit: Twitter/JINI

Jini made her official debut as a soloist on Wednesday, October 11, with the mini album An Iron Hand In a Velvet Glove. However, netizens are still left wondering about her sudden departure from K-pop girl group NMIXX.

On the same day of the album launch, Jini held a media showcase to celebrate her fresh start. There, the singer was suddenly questioned about her reason for leaving her former group, NMIXX. 

The show’s MC, Park Seul Gi, immediately spoke on her behalf. “It’s difficult to go into detail as it’s a personal matter. Right now, we’re here to introduce the album,” she said.

A clip of the incident immediately circulated on social media, leaving fans concerned with the artist’s seemingly anxious reaction and trembling voice. 

Despite her difficulty to speak about the matter, Jini carefully clarified: “It’s hard to discuss this due to personal reasons, but I’m determined to debut as a solo artist this time.”

This is the first time that the young idol briefly commented about her departure from NMIXX. As per JYP Entertainment’s statement, Jini terminated her exclusive contract due to personal circumstances. At the time, the singer also didn’t provide additional details about her career move. 

However, her departure came as a shock to NSWERS, NMIXX’s fans, especially that Jini was known as one of the members who trained the longest. Moreover, she left not even a year after NMIXX made their official debut. 

Focusing on Jini and her new beginning

After parting ways with NMIXX and JYP Entertainment in December 2022, Jini found a new home under the entertainment company, ATOC.

After signing with the agency, Jini focused on preparing for her first mini album An Iron Hand In a Velvet Glove. Said album consisted of a total of five songs, including the English title track “C’mon,” featuring American rapper Amine and three other B-sides.

During the media showcase, Jini shared her thoughts about the title song. “When I first heard the demo, I was so fond of the English version that I suggested it to the company,” she explained as to why she opted for the track.

In addition, the singer also took the opportunity to express her appreciation to her devoted fans. “First of all, I would like to say thank you so much for waiting. I want to tell you that I hope to make many memories together for a long time,” she said. 

With a positive mindset, Jini mentioned her ambitions for the future. “I want to show a more positive side of myself in the future, alongside never-seen-before sides of myself. Please look forward to it,”  she declared.

Featured image: Jini poses for her solo debut album ‘An Iron Hand in a Velvet Glove.’ Credit: Twitter/JINI

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Look: aespa to Return With ‘Drama’ in November

aespa shares photo from filming 'Better Things.' Credit: Facebook/aespa

Save the date, MYs! K-pop girl group aespa is returning with new album titled Drama in November. 

On Wednesday, October 11, the quartet released the first teaser for their fourth mini-album Drama. 

In the 19-second “INTRO” teaser, the shot opened with the members walking on what appears to be an abandoned building. Then, the shot changed to a hand picking up a miniature car toy. 

According to the press release from SM Entertainment, Drama will include six songs encompassing a variety of genres. Notably, the title track will be of the same name as the album. 

Moreover, SM Entertainment teased fans that aespa will “showcase more mature vocal charms and musical colors” in the upcoming album. 

MYs’ excitement for ‘Drama’ 

Drama will serve as aespa’s comeback in five months. 

Previously, the quartet released their third EP My World in May, which carries the title track “Spicy.” Said album recorded over 1.37 million sales on the first day of its release and 1.69 million in the first week. Which made it the highest-selling K-pop girl group album in the first week of its release. 

Given this feat, SM Entertainment shared that the group is looking forward to setting a new record for their upcoming release. 

“With the overwhelming popularity of the prior album’s title track, ‘Spicy,’ we are excited to witness the fresh music and evolving personas that aespa will unveil in this new album,” the agency said. 

In between these albums, the group also released their English-language single “Better Things” in August.

And although no other details about Drama have been provided yet, fans are already looking forward to the group’s new music. 

Drama is set to drop on November 10.

2023 for aespa

Outside of their album releases, aespa alo recently wrapped up their first world concert tour called SYNK: Hyper Line. It included stops across the United States, Asia, and Europe. 

In May, the group made history as the first K-pop act to attend the Cannes Film Festival. The quartet attended the prestigious event as the global ambassador of the luxury Swiss jewelry Chopard. 

Aside from that, aespa also recently collaborated with footwear brand Crocs. 

Featured image: aespa shares photo from filming ‘Better Things.’ Credit: Facebook/aespa

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SHINee’s Taemin to Make Solo Comeback With ‘Guilty’

Taemin poses for the teaser of SHINee's 'Hard' album. Credit: Facebook/SHINee

Mark your calendars, SHAWOLs! Taemin of K-pop boy group SHINee is making his first solo comeback in over two years with his fourth mini-album Guilty.

On Tuesday, October 10, the group released a poster announcing Taemin’s solo return. In the photo, a person’s feet is standing next to what appears to be a white shirt on the ground. 

Notably, the poster revealed that Guilty will be released on October 30. Moreover, the mini-album will reportedly contain six songs.

Other details such as its track list and concept have yet to be disclosed. 

Soloist Taemin is back!

Following the news, fans couldn’t contain their excitement as it’s been awhile since Taemin released a solo music. For those unfamiliar, his last solo comeback was in May 2021 for the EP Advice. 

Shortly after the release of the mini-album, Taemin enlisted in the military.

In January 2022, the SHINee member was transferred from the military band to supplementary public service. According to SM Entertainment, it was because the idol had “worsening symptoms of depression and anxiety.” However, at the time, the agency was quick to assure fans that he’s receiving treatment and therapy in the military. 

In April 2023, he was discharged from the military. Among the SHINee members, Taemin was the last to complete his service. 

As for his career as a soloist, he made his solo debut in August 2014 through the album Ace. Since then, he has had many hit singles such as “Move,” “Criminal,” and “Danger.” 

SHINee’s year for 2023

Aside from all SHINee members completing their service, 2023 also saw the 15th debut anniversary of the group. 

To celebrate, the group released their eight full-album Hard in June 2023. It served as the group’s first new music in over two years, following their April 2021 repackaged album Atlantis.

Moreover, the group will also be marking their anniversary with the release of their documentary My SHInee World. Said film is expected to premiere in November. 

Managed by SM Entertainment, SHINee made their debut in May 2008 with the extended play Replay. Initially a five-member group, vocalist Jonghyun passed away in December 2017. 

Throughout their career, the boy group has been collecting masterpieces in their discography. The list includes “Ring Ding Dong”, “Lucifer”, “Sherlock”, among many others. 

Recently, Key confirmed that all four members of SHINee renewed their third contract with SM Entertainment. 

Featured image: Taemin poses for the teaser of SHINee’s ‘Hard’ album. Credit: Facebook/SHINee

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ZEROBASEONE Reveals Release Date and Title of New Album

Rookie idol group ZEROBASEONE made waves in the K-pop scene shortly after they were formed on Mnet’s survival show Boys Planet. Now, they’re getting ready to do it all over again with their first-ever comeback. The group, managed by WAKEONE Entertainment, recently unveiled the logo poster and promotional schedule of their second mini-album, MELTING POINT, set to release on November 6. The poster, shared through their official SNS, showcases the album’s title amidst a snowy backdrop. 

X/@ZB1_official

X/@ZB1_official

The teaser materials for MELTING POINT hint at a winter-themed concept, a departure from their summery debut. The teaser video, captioned “Hello, Another World,” features the nine members stepping into a mesmerizing winter wonderland. The enchanting melody of “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” plays in the background. Some say the video is hinting at the possible sampling of this classic tune for their title track.

ZEROBASEONE‘s debut was nothing short of spectacular. Their first mini-album, Youth In The Shade, performed exceptionally well on music charts and set a record by becoming the first K-pop debut album to sell over a million copies. This impressive feat was further solidified when the album was certified Million by the Korea Music Content Association (KMCA).

X/@ZB1_official

What ‘MELTING POINT’ will bring

Fans and industry insiders speculate on the musical direction ZEROBASEONE will take with MELTING POINT. Given the winter theme, some believe the album might explore ballads or mid-tempo tracks that match the season’s ambiance. The group’s versatility and ability to tackle various genres have been a talking point since their debut, and MELTING POINT is expected to showcase their range further.

With such a strong start and the buzz surrounding their comeback, fans eagerly anticipate what MELTING POINT will bring. As the release date approaches, the K-pop community remains on the edge of their seats, waiting to witness ZEROBASEONE‘s next big move. The group’s commitment to delivering high-quality music and captivating concepts has set them apart, and MELTING POINT promises to be another testament to their prowess. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The ZB1 boys are ready to break more records with their first-ever comeback. Source: X/@ZB1_official.

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The ENHYPEN Effect: Lotte World Reports a 17% Increase in Visitors

Lotte World, a major amusement park in Seoul, has witnessed a remarkable 17% surge in its visitor count. This increase is attributed to the “ENHYPEN effect,” a phenomenon stemming from the boy group’s immense popularity. The iconic Magic Castle of Lotte World was recently transformed into the Dark Moon Castle. This change isn’t merely aesthetic; it symbolizes the collaboration between HYBE and Lotte World.

@enhypen

#잇츠유앤미인디스롯데월드 🌕 #ENHYPEN #DARKMOON

♬ CRIMINAL LOVE – ENHYPEN

The park has morphed into a vast stage for the Naver Webtoon Dark Moon: Altar of the Moon. This webtoon, boasting over 100 million views, is a testament to HYBE’s innovative approach to storytelling. It’s not just a webtoon; it’s an original story IP, a concept that HYBE has been pioneering. Based on the artist IP of the boy group ENHYPEN, the story has been reborn in a visual format, captivating fans and newcomers alike.

Moreover, this collaboration isn’t just about visuals. It’s an immersive experience. Visitors to the park can purchase official merchandise from the Dark Moon series and even experience the Drexelius Party Room, a setting straight out of the webtoon. This room, located on the third floor of the Magic Castle, is designed to emulate the party space of the seven vampire boys from the webtoon. 

For the love of ENHYPEN

It’s not just a hit among local fans; international enthusiasts from countries like China, Japan, and even the US flock to this attraction. One such international fan, a 25-year-old named Xing from Shanghai, expressed her excitement: “I came from Shanghai because I love ENHYPEN.” Such testimonies highlight the global appeal of this collaboration. The event also offers limited-edition photo cards and special admission ticket packages, further enhancing the experience for the group’s fans.

[BIRTHDAY VLOG] 🎂 LOTTE WORLD//ENHYPEN DARK MOON 🌚

This collaboration signifies a broader trend in the K-pop industry. It’s not just about music anymore; it’s about creating a universe, a narrative that fans can immerse themselves in. HYBE’s strategy of blending artist IPs with diverse storytelling formats is a testament to this evolution. As Hwang Bo-sang, the business representative of HYBE’s Story Business Division, aptly put it, “In the future, we will strive to deliver a more diverse and immersive content experience to fans who love artists and stories.”

The success of this collaboration between HYBE, ENHYPEN, and Lotte World underscores the potential of such innovative ventures. It’s a blend of music, storytelling, and real-world experiences, creating a synergy that’s hard to replicate. And as the numbers suggest, it’s a formula that resonates deeply with fans worldwide. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Right now, walking through the park is like walking straight into the pages of the webtoon. Source: X/@PRODBYENGENE.

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Former LOONA Members Talk About Rebranding as LOOSSEMBLE

The members pose for the concept photo of their debut mini-album. Credit: Twitter/LOOSSEMBLE

In a cutthroat industry like K-pop, it’s not every time that we get to see idols get several chances in making their dreams come true. And LOOSSEMBLE, a group formed of LOONA members, is aware of that. Which is why, they couldn’t help but be emotional as they look back at their fresh start. 

On September 15, quintet made its official debut as they presented their new music with a self-titled album. A month after their debut, Hyunjin, Yeojin, Vivi, Go Won, and Hyeju, held a press event at Ilchi Art Hall in Seoul to open up about their new beginning. 

According to Korean media, Go Won stated: “Embarking on this new journey was quite daunting for me. However, after numerous discussions with my fellow members, we realized our shared desire to accomplish more, reconnect with our fans and rekindle the excitement. Furthermore, she explained that this sparked a desire in them to “wholly embrace this re-debut.” 

Meanwhile, Yeojin couldn’t help but share the group’s goals for the future. “We want to win a No. 1 trophy on a weekly music show, break existing records and more,” she said. As for Hyunjin, LOOSSEMBLE’s leader, she has bigger dreams for the group. “I also want our song to land on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart,” she mentioned.

Moreover, Vivi also concisely answered that she was half nervous and half excited to re-debut. 

While the other members’ answers were more positive, Hyeju became candid with her response. “I was actually quite hesitant and worried about starting again,” she uttered with honesty. However, Hyeju revealed that it was the fans who cleared her doubts. “We are here together with the goal to meet our fans once again and to march forward together,” she added. 

From LOONA to LOOSSEMBLE 

The debut of LOOSSEMBLE comes months after their exhaustive legal battle with LOONA’s agency, Blockberry Creative.

Originally an 11-member group, LOONA has suspended their exclusive contracts with Blockberry Creatives citing unfair contract terms as their basis. After winning their lawsuit against the agency, Hyunjin, Yeojin, Vivi, Go Won, and Hyeju found a new home under CTDENM.

According to CTDENM,  the name LOOSSEMBLE stands for LOONA Assemble, referring to the quintet coming together as one. 

Putting behind their struggles in the past, the girl group started afresh with a self-titled album consisting of eight songs including the title track “Sensitive.” Said album also has six other songs, and the English version of its title track. 

As proof of their solid fanbase, their debut album was warmly received by K-pop fans. In the first week of its release, LOOSSEMBLE sold over 75,000 copies, marking a good start for the girl group.

Featured image: The members pose for the concept photo of their debut mini-album. Credit: Twitter/LOOSSEMBLE

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TWICE to Celebrate 8th Anniversary With Pop-up Store, Fan Meeting

TWICE sharing a behind-the-scene photo from their 'Ready to Be' filming. Credit: Facebook/TWICE

ONCEs, mark your calendars! The 8th anniversary of K-pop group TWICE is just around the corner and the girl group has prepared fun activities to celebrate it in style!

On October 6, JYP Entertainment announced through social media that the agency will operate the “TWICE Records” pop-up store in Seoul. The said event will allow ONCEs, the group’s fanbase, to take pictures at a photobooth, check out exclusive merchandise, and participate in other exciting activities.

Moreover, “TWICE Records” will have a week-long operation which will begin on October 18 and last until October 24.

Aside from that, the “Set Me Free” singers will also hold an exclusive fan meeting event titled “2023 TWICE Fan Meeting: Once Again.” Additionally, the fan meeting will have two shows – 1 PM and 7PM – on October 21 at the Olympic Hall in Seoul. 

As the tickets for the event were immediately sold out upon its release, JYPE announced that the final performance at 7PM will be accessible through a live stream on the platform Beyond LIVE. So that global fans will also be able to celebrate the group’ anniversary, as well.

In relation to the fan meeting, TWICE released a dress code notice for the fans. Revealed to be a 90s-themed event, the girl group is hoping to time-travel with ONCEs as they reminisce their journey since debut.

8 years with TWICE: the group’s milestones throughout their career

Before being one of the most popular K-Pop acts in the world, TWICE was first formed through the reality show SIXTEEN.

Composed of Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Sana, Mina, Jihyo, Dahyun, Chaeyoung, Momo, and Tzuyu, the nine-member girl group made their official debut in October 2015. Since then, TWICE has conquered the music industry with their colorful style and eye-catching performances.

The girl group has even won the “Song of the Year” for the Circle Charts Music Awards seven times. In particular, the recognition were for the tracks: “Cheer Up”, “TT”, “Knock Knock”, “Heart Shaker”, “What is Love?”, “Dance the Night Away” and “Scientist.” 

Now in their eight year, TWICE has achieved greater heights in their career. For instance, they are the first female K-pop group in history to headline and sell out shows in the iconic Sofi Stadium through their fifth world tour Ready To Be.

Currently, the girls are expanding their global influence as they continue the Ready To Be tour in numerous countries. Among their concert stops include North America, Europe, Southeast Asia, among others.

Featured image: TWICE sharing a behind-the-scene photo from their ‘Ready to Be’ filming. Credit: Facebook/TWICE

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