Category: LATEST STORIES

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

U-Kiss’ Alexander and Eli Sign With Tango Music, Reunite With the Rest of the Group

Five U-KISS members are now all under Tango Music. Credit: Twitter/U-KISS

Good news, KissMes!  Alexander and Eli of the boy group U-KISS have signed an exclusive contract with Tango Music. 

With this, they will now be joining fellow U-KISS members Soohyun, Kiseop, and Hoon in the agency.

On Thursday, September 21, Tango Music made the announcement. “Following members Soohyun, Kiseop, and Hoon, we have recently signed exclusive contracts with Alexander and Eli. This is a significant and proud moment for us,” they said.

Additionally, the agency shared that member AJ, plans to remain within the reach for future activities with U-KISS as he is driven by passion for the group. As per reports, AJ had a change in career and is now working at a finance company.

U-KISS’ 15 years in the industry

Initially, a six-member group, U-KISS made its debut in 2008. Four more members: Hoon, Jun, AJ, and Kiseop were added to the group later on.

Throughout their career, the group released numerous hits including “330,”“Neverland,” and “Believe.”

Since then, U-KISS has undergone multiple lineup changes with a number of members leaving the group. Among them are members Shin Dong-Ho, Kevin, Lee Jun Young, and Kibum who are no longer with the band.

After the groups’ contract with their previous agency NH EMG ended in 2021, members Soohyun, Kiseop, and Hoon joined Tango Music. In 2022, they started promoting as a 3-member group. 

In June 2023, Alexander, Eli, and AJ, who also left, rejoined the group to celebrate their 15th debut anniversary. The now six-member group released the special mini album Play List with the title tracks “Party Tonight” and “The Wonderful Escape. Said album was the group’s first release in five and a half years. 

Additionally, U-KISS also held their successful Japan concerts in July.

With the members together again in one agency, fans are thrilled to see the group’s continued promotions in the future.

Feautred image: Five U-KISS members are now all under Tango Music. Credit: Twitter/U-KISS

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

ENHYPEN Stole the Show at Milan Fashion Week

On September 19, the world watched ENHYPEN leave Korea to attend Prada’s Spring/Summer 2024 show in Milan. After checking into their hotel, the members teased the event on social media, heightening fans’ anticipation.

Carefully chosen clothes

Before the show, they spent some time exploring the city, turning the streets of Milan into their own runway. Heeseung, Jake, Jay, Jungwon, Ni-ki, Sunghoon, and Sunoo looked like models as they headed to Milan’s Prada store. They remained calm, cool, and collected even as the crowd behind them grew larger. A video that captured them greeting ENGENEs went viral on social media.

@jakeilmaranza

Milan fashion week #milanfashionweek #enhypen #enhypenedit #milan

♬ Sweet Venom – ENHYPEN

Two days later, the fashion show was in full swing. ENHYPEN, dressed in Prada’s Fall/Winter collection, drew plenty of attention. Their entrance was grand, with the cheers of fans heralding their arrival. Their star power was palpable, and they looked regal in their carefully chosen clothes as they took their front-row seats. While Heeseung chose a cream coat with a green color-blocking border detail, the others opted for more comfortable looks. Sunoo, for instance, donned a brown sweater featuring a stylish peekaboo sharp lapel collar. 

For footwear, the boys sported Prada’s Diapason brushed leather lace-up shoes in an all-black or black and burnt sienna colorway.

ENHYPEN stole the show

The show was as much about connections as it was about fashion. ENHYPEN mingled with other Prada brand ambassadors, such as  Benedict Cumberbatch, Emma Watson, Hunter Schafer, and Scarlett Johansson. They also chatted with Miuccia Prada, the fashion house’s head designer and founder of its subsidiary, Miu Miu.

@arvmintch

The way Miuccia Prada looking at Ni-Ki… they’re smiling so precious #ni_ki #nishimurariki #enhypen #ni_kienhypen #enhypenxprada #miucciaprada #arvmintch #추천 #milanfashionweek #trending

♬ Everyday – Ariana Grande

There were many important people there, but ENHYPEN stole the show. That they did so isn’t very surprising. Earlier this year, during the Prada Fall/Winter 2023 Menswear show, they set a record in terms of MIV® (Media Impact Value). They generated an astounding 11.2 million USD, previously unheard of at Prada events.

Beyond Milan, ENHYPEN‘s influence in the fashion scene is growing. They were named ambassadors for Prada during the Spring/Summer 2024 edition of Seoul Fashion Week. In the worlds of K-pop and fashion, ENHYPEN‘s rise is meteoric, and their presence at these events is a testament to their global appeal and unmatched charisma. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The boys could easily be on the catwalk. Source: Twitter/@enhypenupdates.

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BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BTS’ SUGA Visited Weverse Before Joining the Military

BTS‘s SUGA took a moment to connect with his fans right before his enlistment. “Hi, it’s SUGA. I came by to say hi,” he shared in a Weverse post early Friday morning. Weverse, for the uninitiated, is HYBE’s fan community platform.

Twitter/@miiniyoongs

SUGA addressed ARMY

SUGA’s message was filled with gratitude and love for his fans, known as the ARMY. “I’m here safe and sound, thanks to ARMY,” he wrote. “And the time has come. I will return after diligently serving my mandatory service. Please be mindful of the change of seasons as we transition to a chilly season of fall. Stay healthy, and see you all in 2025. ARMY, I thank you so much, and I love you.”

Despite the significance of the day, no official events were scheduled for Friday, as confirmed by HYBE earlier in the week. SUGA will be serving as a social service agent due to a past shoulder injury. In Korea, all eligible men are mandated to serve approximately one and a half years in the military. Those who receive a lower grade on their physical evaluation have the option to serve as a social service agent at a public institution for 21 months. This role also requires a three-week basic training at a military boot camp.

The commitment of BTS members to their fans and their craft was further highlighted when it was announced on Wednesday that all seven members will renew their exclusive contracts with BigHit Music. This renewal ensures that BTS will stay together in 2025 and beyond, even as members fulfill their military obligations.

https://twitter.com/SugasWhisper1/status/1704879727939358726

BigHit Music speaks

SUGA is not the first from BTS to embark on this journey. He follows in the footsteps of Jin, who began his service in December, and j-hope, who started in April. BigHit Music had previously announced SUGA‘s enlistment, emphasizing that he would be working in an office and officially enlisting on September 22. The company also asked fans to respect SUGA‘s privacy as he serves and to avoid any unauthorized visits.

In a statement, BigHit Music said, “We ask for your continued love and support for SUGA until he completes his service and returns. Our company will also strive to provide all the support he needs during this time. Thank you.”

As SUGA prepares for this new chapter, fans worldwide send their best wishes and eagerly await the 2025 reunion. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: SUGA couldn’t join the military without saying goodbye to ARMY. Source: Twitter/@pm5_twt.

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BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

A Band Session, ‘DayDay,’ and More: BTS V’s Recent Activities

With the release of his six-track collection, Layover, BTS’ V is the talk of the town. He celebrated the occasion by performing for Tiny Desk Korea. An eight-member live band backed V for the performance video. It was filmed in Seoul and released on YouTube last September 15.

뷔 (V) : Tiny Desk Korea

A journey of self-discovery

He began with a heartfelt rendition of “Love Me Again,” supported by a full band and three talented backup singers. “I’m sure you guys have been waiting for so long. Thank you so much for waiting,” V said. After expressing his gratitude, he moved on to “Slow Dancing.” The set concluded with his first live performance of “For Us.”

V’s performance is part of the Korean version of Tiny Desk, a collaboration between NPR and LG U+. The first three episodes—featuring the Kim Chang Wan Band, Sunwoo Jung-a, and the Yun Seok Cheol trio—are available on the Tiny Desk Korea YouTube channel. It releases new content every Thursday. 

A few days after the Tiny Desk performance dropped, V appeared on the interview show DayDay. He talked about the meaning of Layover, saying it refers to pausing before embarking on a journey. “I made it with the intention of self-reflecting by taking a break, to find out what I want to do and what I’m good at,” V revealed, emphasizing the album’s significance in his life. “I’ve run through my life working non-stop. So, for once, I need to look back and think about the paths I’ve taken. This album isn’t just a collection of songs; it’s a journey of self-discovery. It resembles me a lot, so please show interest.”

V shared personal stories and more

Later in the DayDay interview, V shared some personal stories. He confessed his love for indoor activities like playing video games and watching movies. When asked about the difference between his songs and BTS’ tracks, he described them as “polar opposites.” He said, “Most of our group’s songs are strong, whereas songs from my first album are slow.” Throughout the interview, V’s charisma and genuine nature were on display, earning him praise from fans.

Finally, V surprised fans with two videos on the BANGTANTV YouTube channel on September 21. These videos featured performances of “Love Me Again” and “Slow Dancing” with the same band he performed with for Tiny Desk Korea. Notably, V showcased his saxophone skills during “Slow Dancing.” He took up the instrument in middle school, and fans were excited to see him play it for the first time in years.

뷔(V) ‘Love Me Again’ Band Session

뷔(V) ‘Slow Dancing’ Band Session

V’s recent activities, from his candid interviews to wonderful performances, left an indelible mark on the hearts of fans worldwide. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: BTS’ V impressed many with his honesty and performances. Source: YouTube/@BANGTANTV.

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K-DRAMA KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

EXO’s Suho in Negotiations For Historical Drama ‘The Crown Prince Has Disappeared’

EXO member Suho could be set for his first historical drama role

Suho could be gearing up for his next dramatic role. The EXO member is reportedly in negotiations to appear in a new historical drama. If Kim Jun-myeon accepts the role, he is set to play a missing Crown Prince from the Joseon era!

EXO Member Suho in Talks To Take on Lead Role in New Historical Drama

EXO’s Suho has reportedly received an enticing offer for a new role in a fictional historical romance drama. The show’s working title is “The Crown Prince Has Disappeared” and it is going to be set in the Joseon era.

The new series is penned by the acclaimed duo Kim Ji Soo and Park Chul who are known for their work on MBN’s “Bossam: Steal the Fate.” It will also explore the serendipitous encounter between a crown prince and a young woman who was originally intended to be his bride. “The Crown Prince Has Disappeared” is set against the backdrop of the traditional Joseon era marriage custom known as “bossam”.

This practice involves the clandestine abduction of brides or grooms by wrapping them in a blanket and spiriting them away in the dead of night. Considering that the title refers to the prince, there is a good chance that the future ruler will be the one who is kidnapped.

But will Suho work on the show? The EXO member is currently in the stage of “positive consideration” for the lead role of the story. Should he accept the role of the crown prince of Joseon, it will also mark Suho’s debut in a historical drama series.

In the meantime, Suho is actively engaged with viewers in his portrayal of Kim Seon Woo in the JTBC drama “Behind Your Touch”. He has also been confirmed to attend the Asia Artist Awards 2023, which will be held in the Philippines at the Philippine Arena on December 14, 2023.

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KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

GHOST9 Officially Confirms October Comeback

GHOST9 is finally set for a comeback in October after a lengthy hiatus

GHOST9 is finally ready for a comeback. The boy group have been confirmed to release new music in October. It’s a highly anticipated comeback following the idols’ hiatus that lasted over a year and a half!

GHOST9 Finally Confirms October Comeback

On September 22, MAROO Entertainment issued a statement confirming that the idol group will release new music very soon. “GHOST9 is preparing a new mini album with the goal of a comeback at the end of October,” the statement read.

It’s certainly a comeback that took a long time. After all, the group’s latest release was their sixth EP ‘Arcade: V’ which was released in April 2022. Nevertheless, MAROO Entertainment assures that their new music will be well worth the wait.

“This preparation period of a year and six months was a valuable time to create a more complete and high-quality album. Please show a lot of support and interest for GHOST9,” the company’s statement read.

Ghost9 was formed under MAROO Entertainment in 2020. They marked their debut on September 23, 2020, with their first EP titled ‘Pre Episode 1: Door.’ Presently, the group comprises seven members: Shin, Son Jung-hyun, Choi Jun-seong, Lee Kang-sung, Prince, Lee Woo-jin, and Lee Jin-woo. On September 5, 2021, Hwang Dong-jun and Lee Taeseung decided to depart from the group.

Recently, GHOST9 successfully wrapped up their first Japanese fan meeting ‘Beyond The Illusion’. The events were held in Tokyo and Osaka, showcasing their burgeoning global fanbase.

Expectations are high regarding GHOST9’s forthcoming album, and fans are eager to witness the group’s growth and development after actively engaging with domestic and international audiences during their hiatus. With that in mind, GHOSTIEs are eager to see the group in action all over again in late October.

For now, MAROO Entertainment has not yet announced GHOST9’s October comeback date. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

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K-DRAMA LATEST STORIES

Look: Go Yoon Jung, Shin Si Ah to Star in ‘Hospital Playlist’ Spin-off

Go Yoon Jung updates fans with new photos from recent shoot. Credit: Instagram/Go Yoon Jung

K-Drama lovers, you’re in for a treat! Hit drama Hospital Playlist is getting a spin-off series and actresses Go Yoon Jung and Shin Si Ah are the first actors confirmed to be part of it. 

On Thursday, September 21, TVN announced that both Go Yoon Jung and Shin Si Ah will play the role of a first-year Obstetrics and Gynecology resident in Yulje Medical Center. 

Titled A Life of a Resident That Will be Wise Someday, the spin-off will depict the relatable lives and exciting friendships of doctors and residents at a university hospital. 

For those unfamiliar, the Hospital Playlist series was well-loved by local and international fans that it spawned a second season. Starring Jo Jung Suk, Yoo Yeon Seok, Jung Kyung Ho, Kim Dae Myung and Jeon Mi Do, it followed the day-to-day lives of a group of doctors. 

Moreover, Hospital Playlist  won the Best Drama at the 2020 Brand of the Year Awards. Additionally, its second season also set the highest premiere ratings in TVN’s history with its pilot episode scoring a solid 10% viewership.

With the series’ success’, fans until now are still clamoring for a third season. But with the confirmation of a spin-off series, viewers are thrilled to see a set of new faces to play the story of the original five characters in the prequel.

Furthermore, director Shin Won Ho, the creator behind the Hospital Playlist and Reply series, will still be participating in the drama.

Meanwhile, A Life of a Resident That Will be Wise Someday is set to be released in the first half of 2024. As of writing, a final release date has yet to be announced. 

Go Yoon Jung and Shin Si Ah’s previous dramas

With the confirmation of Go Yoon Jung and Shin Si Ah’s appearance in the spin-off, fans are even more thrilled to watch the show.

Currently, breakthrough star Go Yoon Jung has gained worldwide recognition through her portrayal of Jang Hui Soo in the recently concluded hit drama Moving. Before that, the 27-year old actress also showed her versatility in the 2022 drama Alchemy of Souls and its second season Light and Shadow. Additionally, she also played notable roles in the dramas Law School, Sweet Home, and He Is Psychometric.

On the other hand, rookie actress Shin Si Ah wrote her name in the film industry with her role in the 2022 movie The Witch: Part 2. The Other One.  A Life of a Resident That Will be Wise Someday will be her first lead role in a drama project.

Featured imag: Go Yoon Jung updates fans with new photos from recent shoot. Credit: Instagram/Go Yoon Jung

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K-POP ARTISTS LATEST STORIES VARIETY

Holland Calls Out Mnet for the 18+ Rating of Its Gay Dating Program

Holland attends a fashion event of Louis Vuitton in Seoul. Credit: Instagram/Holland

K-pop idol Holland, who’s a known member of the LGBTQ+ community, expressed his disappointment about MNet’s 18+ rating for its first gay dating program Provocative Dating Z.

On Wednesday, September 2, Holland, who also stars in the show, criticized the television network. In his series of social media posts, the openly gay singer deemed the age restriction was unnecessary. Since there was no provocative or explicit content, the idol shared that the rating shows Mnet’s unwillingness to allow more access to the program.

“The Mnet dating program ‘Provocative Dating Z’ in which I appeared, has been changed to an age restriction of 18+. I have doubts about it being classified as age-restricted content when it’s a pure same-sex dating program without any provocative scenes,” he said. 

 

Additionally, he wrote: “It deeply saddens me that in Korea, the love of gay individuals is considered unfit for minors to watch.”

Hosted by comedian Lee Eun Ji, the dating program released its first episode on September 6. Said show featured six queer contestants, including Holland, and their journey in the game of romance.

Netizens react, lobby for Holland and LGBTQ+ representation

Upon Holland’s statement, netizens shared their opinions and thanked the idol for speaking up on the matter.

“Thank you for always speaking up about this. Visibility matters and I’m glad you’re in this space to remind others we are enough as we are. Sending love and strength your way,” one wrote.

Known as the first openly gay idol in K-pop, Holland has long been advocating for LGBTQ+ representation and equality. In one of his previous tweets, the idol even mentioned his desire to give dreams and hope to young LGBTQ+ kids. 

For his part, Holland has exhibited pride in promoting queerness as a celebrity. Using his platform, he has presented ideas such as genderless dressing in his artistic endeavors, fulfilling his dreams for the LGBTQ+ community little by little.

Unfortunately, his journey hasn’t been easy. Since coming out, Holland has shared several accounts where he was met with backlash and discrimination.

Featured image: Holland attends a fashion event of Louis Vuitton in Seoul. Credit: Instagram/Holland

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K-DRAMA KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

First Look: Blackpink’s Jisoo in the Film ‘Dr. Cheon and Lost Talisman’

BLACKPINK's Jisoo will portray a fairy in 'Dr. Cheon and Lost Talisman' movie. Credit: Article/Naver

Watch out, BLINKs! Jisoo of the global girl group BLACKPINK attracts attention once again but this time, for her special appearance in the film Dr. Cheon and Lost Talisman. 

Directed by Kim Sung Sik, the film will tell the story of Dr. Cheon, played by actor Kang Dong Won, and his fake exorcism rituals. Here, Jisoo appears as a traditional fairy, captivating the viewers with her exceptional beauty.

During the film’s press conference, the director shared that while looking for an actress who would fit the image of a fairy, he thought of Jisoo after watching her in Snowdrop. Notably, the action-romance series marked Jisoo’s acting debut. There, she gained recognition for her performance in her first ever main role.

Meanwhile, her cameo appearance in Dr. Cheon and Lost Talisman would serve as her first participating in a movie. Despite it only being a brief stint, fans are eager to see Jisoo  for her acting comeback. 

The Dr. Cheon and Lost Talisman  is set to hit theaters on September 27.

All praises for actress Jisoo in Dr. Cheon and Lost Talisman

Since the news of Jisoo’s cameo was revealed, she has since earned praises from numerous big names in the industry.

Upon watching the special premiere, award-winning director Park Chan Wook gained attention for his remarks on Jisoo. The director was quite impressed with the singer. He is known to have created the masterpieces Oldboy, The Handmaiden, and Decision to Leave,

According to Park Chan Wook, he was shocked by the singer’s appearance. “Since it’s a small role, I thought a minor actor would take on the role. But while watching, I thought, “Was there such a beautiful minor actor?” and was shocked for a second, he said.

Meanwhile, Esom, Jisoo’s fellow co-star in the Snowdrop drama,  also expressed approval of the idol. “I wondered who could portray the fairy character if it were not Jisoo. That’s how beautiful she was,” the actress said in an interview. 

Other reviews from several Korean media outlets also showered Jisoo with positive comments.

“Jisoo is a character that cannot help but catch your attention, and the moment you meet her, the atmosphere in the theater is buzzing, raising expectations”, television network JTBC mentioned.

 

To no surprise, BLINKs, BLACKPINK’s fandom, also complimented Jisoo for her work as well. 

While the group is in the midst of their contract renewal process, fans are speculating that Jisoo will sign with an acting agency. As of writing,YG Entertainment reiterates that there’s still no final details about the group’s contract renewal.

Featured image: BLACKPINK’s Jisoo will portray a fairy in ‘Dr. Cheon and Lost Talisman’ movie. Credit: Article/Naver

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K-DRAMA LATEST STORIES

Watch: Netflix Releases Trailer For ‘Doona’ Starring Bae Suzy

Bae Suzy in the teaser of romance drama series 'Doona.' Credit: Twitter/Netflix

The long wait is over, K-Drama fans! Actress Bae Suzy is making her acting comeback with the Netflix series Doona. 

On Thursday, September 21, Netflix released the official trailer for its upcoming romance drama, which stars Bae Suzy and Yang Se Jong. 

In the one-minute trailer, Suzy captivated the viewers’ attention with her jaw-dropping visuals. For this drama, Suzy will be playing the role of Doona, a former K-pop idol who left her glamorous celebrity life. 

Meanwhile, Yang Se Jong will play the role of an ordinary college student named Won Jun. His simple life will then change as he ends up sharing a house and falling in love with the mysterious Doona.

As seen in the preview teaser, Won Jun immediately gets starstruck upon seeing Doona as she enjoys the morning sun. Falling head over heels for her, Won Jun exclaims: “It’s my fault. Overstepping the mark without the conviction to do so”.

Then, things begin to escalate as the characters spend time together and the tension between them gets higher. The teaser ends with the two closing in for a kiss and Doona saying: “I’m telling you this just in case, but don’t fall for me either”.

Moreover, Netflix also released the drama’s posters with the characters’ intriguing lines. In the couple’s poster, it read:  “What will you do if I actually end up falling for you?”

Doona is set to be released on October 20.

Doona: Suzy and Se Jong’s comeback drama

Interestingly, the upcoming series directed by Crash Landing On You creator Lee Jeong-Hyo, will be Suzy’s first TV appearance in over a year. Her last project was the 2022 psychological thriller Anna. For that drama, Suzy gained recognition as she proved her versatility with the distinct role.

Suzy, who was given the title “Nation’s First Love”, has also etched her name as one of the most promising leading actresses in South Korea. Among her highly-acclaimed dramas include Start-Up, While You Were Sleeping, and Uncontrollably Fond. 

Notably, the former Miss A member made her acting debut in the high school drama Dream High. In the 2012 drama, she starred alongside singer-actors IU, Kim Soo Hyun, 2PM’s Taecyeon and Wooyoung, and Hahm Eun Jung.

On the other hand, Doona will also be the comeback drama for actor Yang Se Jong. His last TV appearance was when he made a cameo in the popular medical series Dr. Romantic in 2020.

Prior to that, Se Jong has starred as the main lead in the dramas Temperature of Love, Thirty But Seventeen, and My Country: The New Age.

Featured image: Bae Suzy in the teaser of romance drama series ‘Doona.’ Credit: Twitter/Netflix

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