Category: K-POP ARTISTS

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Stray Kids and Tomorrow X Together Both Bag Their 1st Vmas Award

Stray Kids at the red carpet of MTV Video Music Awards. Credit: Twitter/VMA

Jump for joy, MOAs and STAYs! TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT) and Stray Kids have both won at the 2023 MTV Music Video Awards (VMAs) held on Tuesday, September 12, at New Jersey, USA. 

At the start of the ceremony, TXT brought home the Push Performance of the Year award with their recent track “Sugar Rush Ride.” With this achievement, TXT becomes the first fourth generation group to win at the said awards show.

Upon receiving their first moon person, the five member boy group expressed their gratitude and love towards their fandom, MOAs. “We wanted to show who we are and our music with lots of people, this award means that we did that.” Huening Kai said. “Tonight is a night we’ll remember forever,” Beomgyu added.

Shortly after TXT brought home their award, it was announced that Stray Kids has won the Best K-Pop category for their hit track “S-Class.”

Surprised they bagged the award, the group’s leader Bang Chan stated: “We’ve been making our music ever since the start of our career, but to receive this award just really means a lot to us”.

With their fans in mind, Felix added: “We wanna thank our fans, our STAYs, for being so supportive and we have so much to show you guys so please look forward to the future.”

As Stray Kids was announced as winners, their fellow South Korean boy group TXT were seen showing their support and giving a round of applause for the ‘God’s Menu’ singers. 

Interestingly, this year’s event marked the first for two K-pop acts to perform at the VMAs. In the previous years, only worldwide superstars BTS and BLACKPINK have achieved this stunt. 

More about TXT and Stray Kids at VMAs 2023

What made TXT and Stray Kids’ first wins at the VMAs even more special is that it’s the both acts’ first time at the said music awards. 

To make things more exciting, both K-pop acts also showcased their talents in the ceremony. 

For their part, TXT premiered their collaboration with Brazilian singer Anitta. Said song is a pre-release track from their upcoming studio album ‘The Name Chapter: FREEFALL.” 

Meanwhile, Stray Kids wowed the crowd with their performance of “S-Class.”

Featured image: Stray Kids at the red carpet of MTV Video Music Awards. Credit: Twitter/VMA

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BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BTS’ RM Posts Heartfelt Letter on Weverse for His 29th Birthday

BTS‘ RM, born Kim Namjoon, recently took to Weverse to share a heartfelt letter with fans on his 29th birthday. As he stood on the threshold of a new decade, the septet’s leader reflected on his journey in the limelight.

In his letter, RM delved into all the challenges and joys of growing up in the public eye. He touched upon the lessons he learned in his twenties and the complexities of navigating fame. Despite facing criticism and not always being “loved” in whatever “form” he takes, he emphasized his desire to give back the immense love he has received.

RM wrote on the band’s Weverse page: “Hello. It’s the last birthday of my 20s. I don’t know if it’s because of the characteristics of the field I work in, but birthdays always get accompanied by a bit of bashfulness. I think of it as an ordinary day, but since many people congratulate me sincerely, I feel quite happy and blessed.”

He added, “I often think of the thought that love is like a name being given to someone. Until Kim Namjoon becomes ‘Kim Namjoon.’ It is just a day amongst the plentiful 365 days, but the fact that this day doesn’t feel like just a passing day to the twenty-nine-year-old me is because of you all.”

RM is ‘living really well’

RM‘s introspection made him ponder the relationship between artists and fans. He questioned the boundaries of this bond and the nature of the ties that bind them. “Can it all be accepted under the kind apparition or phantom called ‘love’? Even now, I’m going through the experience of exposures becoming weaknesses, and honesty becoming wounds, but I don’t know yet,” he shared.

He also touched upon the evolution of his words and thoughts, noting, “Before I said that, I’m sad that my words keep getting more complicated as time goes on. That fact seems to still be the same. But even then, I’ve become calmer. These days, I live with the thought of ‘why not.’ Explained by all the love I’m getting, I’m living while sharing optimism. And it’s also going in my next songs that will come out someday.”

RM ended his letter with a profound reflection on his journey with BTS and the love he received. “The feeling that no matter which version of me it’d have been, I would’ve been writing this letter to you in September 2023. My birthday letters are each a different love language of where I have reached at that present time. And because of you all, I’m living really well. I want to live well.”

He added, “I just wanted to let you all know that I love you with the latest version of me. I cannot hug each and every one of you but know that my feelings are more than that. I won’t ask you to love me no matter what my form is. But I want to try and make an effort for as much as I’ve received.” – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: BTS’ leader waxed philosophical for his birthday. Source: Twitter/@LemonamuRM.

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Lee Seung-hwan Changes Stage Name to ‘ONLEE,’ Releases First Single

Former Boys Planet contestant Lee Seung-hwan has embarked on a new beginning by adopting the stage name ONLEE (a combination of his last name, “Lee,” and the word “only”) and releasing new material.

How did he get his start?

He began his K-pop journey as a contestant on Under Nineteen in 2018 and later joined the project group 1THE9. After the group disbanded in 2020, he tried different things. He went on SBS’ LOUD in 2021, and danced backup for ONEUS in 2022. A year later, he participated in Boys Planet. After the show, he joined Inyeon Entertainment. He then changed his name and made his solo debut with “Be With You” on September 9.

ONLEE(이승환) ‘그 영화처럼 우린(Be With You!)’ CONCEPT FILM

The song is special to him. Not only is it his first release after Boys Planet, but it’s also a heartfelt gift he prepared for the fans who supported him since the beginning of his career. He had a hand in composing, producing, and writing “Be With You.” The song is a masterful blend of powerful guitars and a refreshing pop sound. Its dramatic progression evokes scenes reminiscent of youth-oriented movies, immersing listeners in a cinematic experience. 

ONLEE engages with his supporters

Adding to the anticipation, ONLEE released a band video for “Be With You.” He says the track was his attempt to capture the emotion of longing to be by someone’s side. In this case, because he did it for his fans, it represents his desire to greet them however and whenever he can. His dedication to them extends beyond music. Since Boys Planet, he has actively engaged with his supporters, even hosting a solo fan meeting titled HWANDERLAND MT IN SUMMER in July.

[Official Video Band ver.] ONLEE(이승환) ‘그 영화처럼 우린(Be With You!)’

ONLEE’s first single, “Be With You,” is a testament to his unwavering commitment to music and his fans. With his new stage name and rejuvenated sound, he is determined to make a significant impact in the industry. As he embarks on this chapter, fans from all corners of the globe eagerly anticipate what ONLEE will do next. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: His first single is an energetic pop-rock track that you can’t help but sing along to. Source: YouTube/@ONLEEOFFICIAL-im1mr.

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BTS’ Jungkook Bares His Soul for DAZED UK

Jungkook, a name synonymous with international musical success, graced the pages of DAZED UK to offer fans a glimpse into his world. As one of BTS‘s most prominent members, his journey from a young K-pop idol to a global pop icon is nothing short of inspiring.

The world stood still when he released his first solo single, “Seven.” This UK garage-influenced hit, featuring American rapper Latto, became a worldwide favorite. It was back in March, by Jungkook’s estimation, that he first heard “Seven,” and fell instantly in love with it. “We scheduled a recording session in Los Angeles right away and then a meeting about the video’s concept. Everything was such smooth sailing,” he recalls. Its meteoric rise on platforms like Spotify and YouTube is a testament to its global appeal.

Jungkook‘s relationship with music is so personal. He often relies on his instincts, which have rarely steered him wrong. “It’s kind of indescribable. I don’t get chills or anything like that, I just have a feeling, like this is going to work, this is it.”

Jungkook remains introspective

Despite the dizzying heights of fame, Jungkook remains introspective. He’s always worn his heart on his sleeve. “I’’m the type of person who is honest with their emotions,” he said. “I change quickly. I have to do the things I want to do right now.” This raw honesty endeared him to ARMY worldwide.

His interactions with fans, whether during international tours or through live broadcasts on their fan community platform, are always genuine. He’s been to London and New York, constantly under the limelight, yet Jungkook remains true to himself. “When I go on stage, my wandering thoughts and feelings die down,” he mused, highlighting the sanctuary the stage provides him.

The global pandemic, while challenging, also gave Jungkook a chance for introspection. He opened up about his internal battles, saying, “Rather than dwelling on missed opportunities and blaming myself for being lazy, I accept who I am and focus on what I can do,” he said. This self-awareness has been pivotal in his growth, both as an artist and an individual.

A beacon of authenticity

Over the years, Jungkook has evolved. From exploring new fitness regimes like boxing to expressing himself through piercings and tattoos, he’s on a journey of self-discovery. “I like extreme things,” he admitted with a chuckle. “People always tell me I look round and soft. I want this sharp, powerful image.”

As he looks to the future, Jungkook is filled with optimism and ambition. He’s ready and raring to push boundaries, explore various genres, and surprise fans. He reflected on his achievements and looked forward, “I trusted my gut with my single and thought, ‘Will I be able to reach the audience, and a lot of them?’ And I sort of proved that I could.”

In the ever-evolving world of music, Jungkook stands out as a beacon of authenticity. His interview with DAZED UK reveals the man behind the music and much more. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jungkook is one of four celebrities fronting the cover of DAZED UK’s latest issue. Source: Twitter/@Dazed.

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RIIZE Becomes Million Seller in Just One Week After Debut

In an industry where success can be elusive, SM Entertainment’s new boy group, RIIZE, has made a resounding statement. Just one week into their debut, the group has already written their name in the annals of K-pop history as a “million seller.” This remarkable achievement underscores RIIZE’s immense popularity and the anticipation that surrounded their debut.

Last week, fans eagerly awaited the release of RIIZE‘s single album, “Get A Guitar,” along with its catchy title track of the same name. Their excitement was palpable, and the sales figures reflected this enthusiasm. Hanteo Chart, a trusted source for album sales data, reported that “Get A Guitar” sold over a million copies from September 4 to 10.

On the first day, its sales soared past 178,000 copies, a number that’s truly astounding for a rookie group. The momentum didn’t stop there. The second day saw sales figures ascend to an outstanding 310,500. Another 227,800 copies were sold on the last day. That brought the number of copies sold in the first week to more than 1,016,849.

RIIZE is only the second artist to achieve this

To put this into perspective, even when including groups formed through survival shows, RIIZE is only the second artist in Hanteo history to sell over a million copies of their first album in its debut week. The only other act to achieve this feat was the Boys Planet project group ZEROBASEONE, who set the record earlier this year. Their debut album, YOUTH IN THE SHADE, sold 1,833,028 copies in its first week.

The success of RIIZE‘s debut is a testament to their talent, the dedication of their fans, and the strategic planning of SM Entertainment. As the group continues its journey in the K-pop world, fans and industry insiders alike will be watching them closely. Who knows, the group might set or shatter other records in the future. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The members held a listening party on Stationhead to celebrate this achievement. Source: Twitter/@RIIZE_official.

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Billlie’s Moon Sua Takes Hiatus Due to Health Concerns

Moon Sua updates fans with new selfie. Credit: Facebook/BILLLIE

Moon Sua of K-pop girl group BILLLIE will be taking a break from her scheduled individual and group activities due to health reasons. 

On Tuesday, September 12, Billie’s agency Mystic Story released a statement about the idol’s condition. 

According to the label, Moon Sua needs “sufficient rest and stability for the time being.” However, Mystic Story didn’t provide additional details about the artist’s welfare.  

Then, the agency apologized to fans for the inconvenience caused by the sudden news. They also assured fans that they’re doing their best to help their artists improve their well-being.

With the recent hiatus announcement, Mystic Story shared that BILLLIE will continue promotions as a five-member group for the time being. Only Haram, Haruna, Sheon, Siyoon, and Tsuki will participate in the group’s activities. 

Additionally, Moon Sua’s hiatus came two months after fellow BILLLIE member Suhyeon announced her own hiatus. Suhyeon also halted activities to focus on recovery. 

Fans show support for Moon Sua

This isn’t the first time for Moon Sua to take a break from activities in 2023. 

Following the passing of her older brother, ASTRO’s Moon Bin in April, she also halted her activities as she was the chief mourner at the time. Her group, BILLIE, also canceled all of their activities for that week before Mystic Story announced that the group’s comeback promotions had been cut short and their upcoming schedules will push through without Moon Sua. 

During her earlier hiatus, she was absent on the group’s promotions for the album the Billage of perception: chapter three, as well as the group’s Japanese debut.

In June, she resumed her activities and returned to host Show Champion. 

With the announcement of her second hiatus for this year, fans took to social media to show their support for Moon Sua. Most of the replies and comments were the fans’ telling the idol to “get well soon,” and  “come back stronger.” 

Featured image: Moon Sua updates fans with new selfie. Credit: Facebook/BILLLIE

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Look: Tommy Hilfiger Selects Stray Kids as Their Ambassador

Stray Kids poses in Tommy Hilfiger apparel. Credit: Instagram/Vogue Korea

STAYs, you have another amazing collaboration to watch out for! K-pop boy group Stray Kids has been selected by Tommy Hilfiger as its Asian Ambassadors for its upcoming Fall 2023 brand campaign “Always Together”. 

In a teaser released on GQ Korea’s Youtube account on Monday, September 11, the eight members are seen stylishly posing with Tommy Hilfiger apparel.

Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin and I.N, are also featured in the different sections of the brand’s website, including Tommy Families, Everyday Essentials and Tommy Tartan.

Additionally, Vogue Korea also released youthful photos of the “S-Class” hitmakers wearing the brand. “The meaningful narrative of Stray Kids and Tommy Hilfiger, who become even more powerful when eight people come together, starts now.“

As per Tommy Hilfiger, the campaign is an all-out celebration of the brand values of belonging and inclusivity with a focus on family, which Stray Kids represents.

SKZ taking over the fashion industry

Stray Kids are indeed all over the world, taking over even the fashion industry. Aside from their recent team up with Tommy Hilfiger, the boy group has already been tapped as ambassadors for numerous brands.

In June, the “Maniac” singers were chosen as SLBS’ brand ambassadors. Through this partnership, the boy group worked closely with SLBS for their campaign called “Star to Galaxy.” For this campaign, they also released products in collaboration with Samsung.

Apart from group activities, the members have exhibited their impressive styles individually as well.

In July, Hyunjin was named as Versace’s newest global ambassador. Which made him the first K-Pop idol to achieve this feat. Described as a “true Versace man” by the brand’s chief creative officer Donatella Versace, he is set to front the brand’s Holiday 2023 campaign in November. 

Moreover, the group’s lead dancer Felix, has been tapped as Louis Vuitton’s ambassador. Described by the brand as a “multi-talented artist” who is “Internationally revered for his stellar stage”, Felix flaunted his visuals as Louis Vuitton announced the news in August.

Besides their fashion ventures, the group under JYP Entertainment are in the midst of their 5-STAR Dome Tour. One of their upcoming schedules also includes performing for the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs). 

Featured image: Stray Kids poses in Tommy Hilfiger apparel. Credit: Instagram/Vogue Korea

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Pre-Orders for TXT’s ‘The Name Chapter: Freefall’ Reach 2.35m Copies

With over a month left till their much-anticipated comeback, TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT) is already making waves in the music industry. On September 8, BIGHIT MUSIC announced that TXT had shattered their personal record for stock pre-orders in a mere eight days. The agency said in a statement, “Eight days after pre-orders opened, TXT’s third full-length album The Name Chapter: FREEFALL reached 2.35 million stock pre-orders.”

This achievement is noteworthy as the album surpassed the 2.34 million stock pre-orders of TXT’s previous release, The Name Chapter: TEMPTATION, in just over a week. With five weeks still to go before the album’s official release, fans and industry experts alike are excited to see how much higher these numbers will climb.

Stock pre-orders represent the estimated album demand, calculated using various factors, including the number of albums pre-ordered by fans. It’s a testament to the group’s growing popularity and the anticipation surrounding their new music.

What can we expect from The Name Chapter: FREEFALL?

So, what can fans expect from The Name Chapter: FREEFALL? The members have hinted that the closing track of their previous release, “Farewell Neverland,” provides significant clues. The lyrics “Neverland my love, I bid you goodbye and I’m free-falling” suggest a potential indie-rock influence. If this is the direction TXT is heading, fans are in for a treat.

Details about the album’s different versions have also been revealed. Fans can choose from three standard editions: Clarity, Melancholy, and Reality. Additionally, there are Gravity member versions and two Weverse versions. Interestingly, these details have been shared without a single concept photo being released, further fueling the excitement.

A collaboration with Anitta

As part of their comeback strategy, TXT has announced a collaboration with Brazilian pop sensation Anitta titled “Back for More.” Anitta recently shared several behind-the-scenes details, revealing her trip to South Korea to possibly film a music video with TXT. She confirmed that the song has full choreography, which she described as challenging. The members of TXT have expressed their love for the track, with Soobin even telling fans it might be his favorite.

The world will get a first taste of this collaboration at the MTV Video Music Awards on September 13, where TXT and Anitta will premiere the song. With the album set to drop on October 13 at 1:00 PM KST, the countdown has truly begun. Fans worldwide are eagerly waiting to dive into the musical journey that TXT has prepared with The Name Chapter: FREEFALL. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The anticipation for TXT’s new music has reached fever pitch. Source: Weverse.

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EVNNE Unveils More Details on Debut Album ‘Target: Me’

On September 10, Jellyfish Entertainment, the agency behind the new sensation, EVNNE, made an official announcement. Through their SNS accounts, they revealed the tracklist for the boy group’s first mini album Target: ME. The tracklist teased a unique sonic palette, sparking fans’ heightened interest in EVNNE‘s imminent debut.

According to the tracklist, the mini album will have six songs, including the title track “TROUBLE.” The five B-sides are “Role Model,” “Pretty Thing,” “Your Text,” “JUKEBOX,” and “Even More.” The title track is particularly intriguing. Its lyrics paint a vivid picture of a captivating, mysterious troublemaker determined to reshape the world. This track, as its title suggests, captures EVNNE’s free-spirited, untamed vibe, promising listeners a taste of their unique charm.

The boy group meticulously crafted the album to highlight their distinctive color and the individual personalities of its members. Furthermore, they designed it to appeal to fans from South Korea and elsewhere in the world. Adding to its allure, hitmakers from the domestic and international music scenes, known for crafting chart-toppers for other K-pop acts, lent their expertise to Target: ME to elevate it.

In a testament to their talent, members Ji Yunseo, Keita, and Lee Jeonghyeon have writing credits on this album. Specifically, Jeonghyeon and Yunseo co-wrote the lyrics for track five, “JUKEBOX.” Keita and Yunseo teamed up to pen the lyrics for track six, the fan song “Even More.” It’s about how the members feel toward their fans.

EVNNE also dropped new concept photos

Comprised of Ji Yunseo, Keita, Lee Jeonghyeon, Mun Junghyun, Park Hanbin, Park Jihoo, and Yoo Seungeon, EVNNE is embarking on their musical journey with a lofty goal. As their name translates to “Evening’s Newest Etoiles”—with “etoile” being French for “star”—they aim to shine like stars in the night sky. All seven have come a long way since Boys Planet, and they’re set to dazzle the music industry with their growth.

A highlight of their pre-debut promotions is their newest set of concept photos, which their label unveiled to the fans’ delight. The members, with their dapper suits and intense gazes, exude a blend of chic and dreamy allure. The use of primary colors in these concept photos symbolizes the unique personalities and strengths of the members. This signifies their commitment to showing their color to the world.

EVNNE will drop Target: ME on September 19 at 6:00 PM KST across various online and offline platforms. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Fans got even more pumped when EVNNE’s label posted more information on their upcoming release. Source: Twitter/@EVNNE_official.

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EL7Z UP Announces Official Fandom Name

EL7Z UP shares concept photo for '7+UP' album. Credit: Twitter/ELYZ UP

Anticipation for EL7Z UP just got higher as the girl group formed from Mnet’s survival series Queendom Puzzle announced their official fandom name. 

On Friday, September 8, the seven-piece act revealed that their fan club would be called ELYZ U. It is pronounced as “elzz-u.”

For the meaning of the fan club name, they explained that it’s derived from the phrase “EL7Z UP, I love u.” “It means that the fans love EL7Z UP. Let’s spend days full of love under the name of ‘EL7Z U,’” they captioned the post. 

Interestingly, ELY7Z UP is pronounced as “else-up.” Moreover, MNet has previously explained that the group name is intended as an anagram of the word “puzzle.” It was initially stylized as ELYZ U+P before the show announced some adjustments.

This momentous occasion is a testament of EL7Z UP’s solid bond with their fans even before the group make its official debut. 

Moreover, ELYZ Us can also start signing up for the official fan club community. 

What ELYZ U should know about EL7Z UP

For those unfamiliar, EL7Z UP is formed through MNet’s survival show Queendom Puzzle, a spin-off  of Queendom. There, 26 idols from currently active girl groups battle for spots to be part of the seven-member group.

H1-KEY’s Hwiseo, woo!ah!’s Nana, and PURPLEKISS’s Yuki were the top three in the final votes.

Meanwhile, Lovelyz’s Kei and WJSN’s

Yeoreum placed fourth and fifth, respectively. Rocket Punch Yeonhee, and CLC’s Yeeun also made it to the debut group. 

According to reports, EL7Z UP will not have a set amount of contract year, but plans to release a total of three albums. It is different compared to other project groups from survival programs, who only promote within a two-year period. 

Additionally, it was revealed that the EL7Z UP members will still be promoting with their original groups or solo during the duration of the project group. 

Time for 7+UP 

Along with revealing the official fandom name, EL7Z UP also released new set of concept photo teasers. 

The project group is set to debut on September 14 with the album 7+UP. It will have a total of five songs, with “Cheeky” as the title track.

To celebrate the group’s debut, they will also open a pop-up cafe and store at The Hyundai Seoul from September 21 to September 27.

Aside from their debut album preparations, the group is also preparing for a fan concert in Japan. They will also reportedly have a world tour and a special performance at the 2023 MAMA Awards.

Featured image: EL7Z UP shares concept photo for ‘7+UP’ debut album. Credit: Twitter/ELYZ UP

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