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WAKE ONE Entertainment Wants To Extend Kep1er Group Contract

The agency is already working to ensure that Kep1er's group contract will be extended
The agency is already working to ensure that Kep1er's group contract will be extended

WAKE ONE Entertainment, the agency behind Kep1er is in the midst of negotiations with the member’s respective agencies. Interestingly, the company is pushing for the extension of each idol’s promotional contract. These discussions come as the project group contract term approaches its conclusion.

Kep1er’s Company Already Preparing for Group Contract Extension

Reports indicate that WAKE ONE Entertainment held meetings with representatives from the agencies of Kep1er’s members to explore the potential for extending the activities of the group. This offer was extended uniformly to all member agencies, although no formal agreement was reached during the initial discussions. Nonetheless, the agency has expressed its keen interest in continuing these conversations, indicating a willingness to collaborate further on the project.

“As Kep1er’s project group time has passed the midway point, it was time for us to have a meeting with the agencies to establish the roadmap for the future and the strategy for the long-term activities of the artist. We made the same proposal to all of the agencies,” the company said in a statement.

It was also confirmed that negotiations are still underway. However, WAKE ONE Entertainment is not giving up on the hope that the group contract will be extended.

“We did our best to reach an agreement with all of the agencies but no agreement was made yet. There is still time for their activities, so we will continue to hold these discussions,” the statement read.

Kep1er’s members include Kim Chae-hyun, Huening Bahiyyih, Choi Yu-jin, Kim Da-yeon, Seo Young-eun, Kang Ye-seo, Hikaru Ezaki, Mashiro Sakamoto, and Shen Xiaoting. The group was formed through “Girls Planet 999” in January 2022 and was initially planned activities for two and a half years. The contract involving all nine members will conclude in July 2024. Potential discussions about extending their activities suggest the possibility of becoming the first audition program group to successfully surpass their originally planned tenure.

In the meantime, Kep1er is preparing for their fifth EP ‘Magic Hour’ which will be released on September 25, 2023

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‘Single’s Inferno’ Star Kim Jin Young Finally Meets TWICE’s Sana

Kim Jin Young has openly admitted to being a fan of TWICE!

Kim Jin Young finally got the chance of a lifetime. The “Single’s Inferno” star, who repeatedly admitted to being a fan of TWICE, ultimately got to meet Sana. Not surprisingly, “Dex” was flustered during his conversation with the idol.

TWICE’s Sana Gets Kim Jin Young All Flustered In His Own Interview Program

In a recent appearance on Kim Jin Young’s YouTube program “Dex’s Fridge Interview”, TWICE’s Sana had a delightful and somewhat flustering impact on the host throughout the episode. Kim, who is a self-proclaimed TWICE fan who has often shared his admiration for Sana and his crush on her, couldn’t contain his excitement when she appeared on his show.

From the moment Sana joined the interview, it was evident that Kim was starstruck and overwhelmed by her presence. He even described it as the best moment of his life and marveled at her beauty, suggesting it transcended the capabilities of even the most advanced cameras to capture.

During their conversation, Kim mustered the courage to ask Sana about her ideal type. Sana playfully revealed that she is attracted to a manly person who may appear cold but has an endearing smile when he laughs. Kim couldn’t help but blush and smile, making the TWICE member notice his reaction and teasing him about it.

Sana went on to describe her preference for sharp features, whether it’s in the eyes, nose, or jawline. Kim took this as an opportunity to showcase his jawline, which elicited laughter from Sana.

Playfully, Kim Jin-young tried to win her over by highlighting his sense of humor and ability to joke with others. Sana, in good spirits, pointed out how he had previously flirted with Kwon Eun Bi and seemingly flirts with all the guests on his show. The lighthearted banter added charm to their interaction, leaving fans entertained by their chemistry.

It’s safe to say that Kim Jin Young managed to leave a lasting impression on Sana. With that in mind, he is truly living any ONCE’s dream life.

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aespa’s Karina Confirms Friendship With BLACKPINK’s Jisoo

It’s not unusual for idols to become friends with each other. After all, most of them start out as fans who want to become just like the person they look up to. However, Karina has achieved something that most BLINKs can only aspire to. The aespa member confirmed that BLACKPINK’s Jisoo initiated their friendship by contacting Karina first!

Karina Reveals Jisoo Contacted Her First

aespa might be an established idol group but the members still look up to successful artists. For instance, Karina, Giselle, Winter, and Ningning were recently spotted attending BLACKPINK’s finale concert for the BORN PINK World Tour in Seoul. As it turns out, the younger idols were invited by Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa to the concert. This led to some awesome interactions with aespa.

However, it looks like there was a good reason why aespa was invited in the first place. Karina has confirmed her close friendship with one of the BLACKPINK members.

“I got close to Jisoo unnie,” Karina recently revealed. “Unnie told me that she liked me and contacted me first.”

This is an awesome revelation confirming that Karina is one of the most successful fans of all time. With that in mind, BLINKs are loving how the members of aespa truly look up to and respect BLACKPINK.

The BORN PINK World Tour kicked off on October 15, 2022, in Seoul, South Korea, and concluded on September 17, 2023, also in Seoul. This extensive tour included 66 concerts held in 34 different cities across 22 countries worldwide. It proved to be a massive success, drawing a total attendance of 1.8 million fans, setting a remarkable record as the most-attended concert tour by a K-pop girl group. The tour not only showcased BLACKPINK’s immense popularity and global reach but also provided unforgettable experiences for fans from all corners of the globe.

In the meantime, aespa released “Better Things” on August 18. It is the group’s first original English single and their second release of 2023. To promote the song, aespa aired a web series of the same title.

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YG Entertainment: Blackpink Contract Renewal Still Ongoing

BLACKPINK posing for a photo from their 'Shut Down' promotions. Credit: Facebook/BLACKPINK

BLINKs, it seems like there’s a few more days of uncertainties as YG Entertainment revealed that the discussion on the BLACKPINK members’ contract renewal is still underway. 

On Thursday, September 21, the agency responded to reports and rumors surrounding the possible departure of several BLACKPINK members from YG Entertainment. 

“Currently, BLACKPINK’s contract renewal has not been confirmed and is being discussed,” the label told Korean media. 

Rumors surrounding BLACKPINK’s move 

At first, it was only member Lisa who was initially rumored to be not renewing her contract. 

Several reports and “industry insiders” have claimed that the Thai rapper has rejected two offers from YG. One of the alleged contracts is reportedly worth 50 billion South Korean won. 

Furthermore, other reports are claiming that Lisa might sign with an American agency instead. Aside from the worth of the contract, the deal also promises business and promotional opportunities for the artist. 

However, recent circulating reports are claiming that only member Rosé will be re-signing with YG Entertainment. Which means that Jennie and Jisoo will also leave the agency, aside from Lisa. 

According to the Daily Sports Seoul, the three members are in the final negotiations with other agencies. In the report, it also claimed that Jisoo is planning to expand her acting career. 

In response to these rumors, YG Entertainment reiterated that nothing has been finalized yet regarding the members’ contract. 

What future awaits BLACKPINK? 

For months, the ongoing saga about BLACKPINK’s contract renewal has caught the attention of the media. Given that the group marked their seventh debut anniversary on August 8, those familiar with the industry know that BLACKPINK’s renewal news is just around the corner. 

With the group primarily focusing on wrapping up their BORN PINK world tour, industry insiders are expecting that the announcement might be delayed until September or October. 

While many are already keen that most of the members will leave YG Entertainment, several reports have also raised discussions about the chances of the group renewing with the agency. Some reports have even projected possible payouts that the BLACKPINK members will receive should they stay with the label. 

However, given the uncertainties, it’s undeniable that it will shake YG Entertainment, with some reports showing that the agency’s stocks have plummeted. 

Even fans are concerned as there’s still no assurance whether BLACKPINK will stay together,  disband, focus on solo projects, or continue with group activities despite being in different agencies. 

Featured image: BLACKPINK posing for a photo from their ‘Shut Down’ promotions. Credit: Facebook/BLACKPINK

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aespa’s Giselle Shows Off Impressive Multilingual Skills in New Video

The aespa member impressed fans with her multilingual skills as she spoke five different languages in one video!

Giselle is proving that she is a truly amazing individual. The aespa member recently showed off her impressive multilingual skills in a new video. In just one conversation, Aeri Uchinaga easily spoke five different languages!

Giselle Speaks Five Different Languages in New ‘Aeconic’ Video

aespa recently released their latest “æconic” vlog, featuring members Giselle and Karina as they took on dance challenges with fellow idols. During the vlog, Karina shared a fascinating encounter with XG that occurred while she was at Disneyland. Both parties recognized each other, and they decided to collaborate on a TikTok video the following day.

As Karina recounted this experience to Giselle, the latter expressed her desire for a Japanese friend so she could actually speak Japanese. She humorously pointed out that despite being Japanese, the XG members’ proficiency in Korean was so good that they naturally communicated in Korean when together.

Karina playfully suggested that Giselle should converse with the XG members in Korean during their filming session later that day, but she soon realized she might understand some of their Japanese conversations. Encouraged by Giselle, Karina expressed her desire to live abroad briefly to immerse herself in another language, with Spain being her preferred destination.

When Karina admitted she didn’t speak Spanish, Giselle kindly provided a brief introduction to some basic phrases. Giselle taught her how to say “Hello,” “How are you?” and “Good, and you?” in Spanish. In an impressive display of her linguistic abilities, Giselle explained the meaning of “Como estas” using “Ni hao ma” in Mandarin Chinese.

Throughout the vlog, Giselle used English while conversing with Jeon Somi, Japanese while speaking with XG’s Juria and Chisa, and sprinkled in bits of Spanish and Mandarin Chinese while chatting with Karina, all while maintaining fluent Korean throughout the video.

It’s truly awesome to hear Giselle’s amazing multilingual skills and fans are hoping she will show it off again in the future. In the meantime, the latest episode of “aeconic” is now streaming on aespa’s YouTube channel.

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BLACKPINK’s Jisoo Explores New York City in New Vlog

The BLACKPINK member shared a surprisingly laidback exploration of New York City

Jisoo recently treated her fans to a captivating virtual tour of New York City by sharing a vlog on her YouTube channel. The BLACKPINK member decided to go on a fun exploration of the city. Not surprisingly, BLINKs are loving her laidback approach to her trip.

Jisoo Sees a Different Side of New York City In New Video

In response to observations made by viewers in her European vlog, where some noted similarities between New York and Korea, Jisoo embarked on a mission to highlight the unique aspects of this iconic city in her latest adventure. Accompanied by her passionate fanbase, the BLACKPINK member took BLINKs along for an immersive journey through the bustling streets of the city that never sleeps.

Jisoo’s vlog captured the grandeur of the Statue of Liberty, offered glimpses of the city’s dynamic atmosphere, and showcased the architectural marvels of its towering skyscrapers. She also ventured deep into the heart of the city, providing viewers with a diverse array of experiences, from picturesque landscapes to the vibrant ambiance of New York’s renowned restaurants and popular tourist destinations.

Known for her engaging personality and quick wit, Jisoo’s virtual tour didn’t just provide fans with a visual treat but also uplifted their spirits, delivering enjoyable moments to the BLINKs who joined her on this exciting journey through the streets of New York City.

Seeing Jisoo being herself in a new city was truly a treat for fans and it’s clear that the BLACKPINK member enjoyed her journey. However, BLINKs will also be seeing a completely different side of the idol in a new film. It was recently confirmed that Jisoo will make a special appearance as a fairy in “Dr. Cheon and Lost Talisman”. The unexpected cameo is also sure to generate buzz and excitement among fans of both Jisoo and the movie.

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Weki Meki’s Choi Yoojung and ZB1’s Sung Hanbin Join Panel for New Dating Show

TVING has recently unveiled the panelists for its upcoming dating show, Blossom with Love. On September 21, the announcement confirmed that JaeJae, Moon Sanghoon, 10cm’s Kwon Jungyeol, Weki Meki’s Choi Yoojung, and ZEROBASEONE’s Sung Hanbin would join as panelists.

연프 맛집의 신규 연애 리얼리티💙 서툴고도 설렜던 그들의 첫사랑 | 1차 티저 | TVING

The show revolves around the captivating theme of first love as it relates to eight high school students. It aims to capture their emotional journeys as they navigate their feelings. The creative minds behind this program include producing director Lee Heesun of Transit Love (EXchange), PD Park Heeyeon of Street Food Fighter, and writer Lee Eunjoo of You Quiz On The Block.

JaeJae, known for her sharp perspective, will delve deep into the contestants’ emotions, providing a keen analysis. On the other hand, Moon Sanghoon will be a “counseling teacher” at the Blossom with Love base camp, guiding the participants through their emotional journeys. Adding a touch of humor to the show, 10cm’s Kwon Jungyeol will immerse himself in the contestants’ stories, ensuring there’s never a dull moment.

Blossom with Love has a great panel

Weki Meki’s Choi Yoojung stands out as the only panelist with an arts high school background. She will share her unique insights into life there, shedding light on the nuances of such an environment. Additionally, ZEROBASEONE’s Sung Hanbin joins the show as a special panelist. Being the youngest panelists, both Yoojung and Hanbin can relate to the contestants due to their similar ages. Their presence ensures that the contestants receive genuine support and understanding from individuals who have recently walked in their shoes.

With such a diverse and talented panel, Blossom with Love offers viewers a fresh perspective on dating and first love. The show is set to premiere on October 5, a date all hopeless romantics, K-pop fans, and reality show enthusiasts should look forward to.

Stay tuned for more updates on Blossom with Love and its star-studded panel. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: There’ll be no shortage of laughter and wisdom with this panel around. Source: Twitter/@bin_shining.

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Veteran Actor Kim Nam-gil Talks About Being BTS’ Jin’s Role Model

In a recent episode of tvN’s Yoo Quiz on the Block, aired on September 20, the spotlight was on Kim Nam-gil. The actor delved into his close bond with BTS‘ Jin and expressed his feelings on being considered a role model by the global superstar. The episode was not just about this revelation; it also highlighted Kim Nam-gil‘s latest drama, Song of the Bandits.

@hour.jinnie

Actor Kim Nam Gil mentione Seokjin in You Quiz on the Block #update #seokjin #jin #kimseokjin #bts #bangtan #bighit_official_bts

♬ original sound – Jin Hourly

The show, hosted by Yoo Jae-suk, took a moment to commend Kim Nam-gil‘s iconic action scenes from his previous works. His portrayal of Bidam in Queen Seondeok stood out, leaving quite the impression on many, including BTS‘s Jin. Yoo Jae-suk reminisced about the actor’s journey, from passing an audition in 2003 to becoming a top-ranked talent and eventually landing the role of Bidam.

When asked about his reaction to Jin looking up to him after watching Queen Seondeok, Kim Nam-gil responded, “It’s touching to hear that I became a role model for someone.” He described Jin as talkative yet pure-hearted, emphasizing their shared personality traits. The two have met in person and spent quality time together, further strengthening their bond. Kim Nam-gil has since been vocal about supporting Jin’s potential acting career.

Kim Nam-gil has a soft spot for Jin

It’s widely known that Kim Nam-gil has a soft spot for Jin. In a previous interview, he mentioned being aware of Jin‘s admiration for him. Their first in-person meeting marked the beginning of a close-knit relationship. The veteran actor has since been vocal about supporting the BTS member should he go into acting.

Their camaraderie was evident during the VIP premiere of the film Emergency Declaration, in which Kim Nam-gil played a pivotal role. A behind-the-scenes video from the premiere showed how much he cared for his dongsaeng. His affectionate attitude towards Jin, introducing him to other veteran actors, including Parasite star Song Kang-ho, was a sight to behold.

In addition to discussing his bond with Jin, Kim Nam-gil also promoted his upcoming drama. Set to premiere on Netflix on September 22, Song of the Bandits will feature him in a leading role. The series boasts a stellar cast, including Yoo Jae Myung, SNSD‘s Seohyun, and many more. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jin has admired Nam-gil for years. They finally met for the first time in 2021., at a movie premiere. Source: Twitter/@charts_k.

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BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Ex-BigHit Music Trainees Reveal How BTS Reacted When They Left

BTS has a history that those new to the fandom might find hard to believe. They began their journey with a then-bankrupt agency, BigHit Music. Their dedication and talent played a pivotal role in building the legacy of BigHit Music, which later evolved into the empire known as HYBE Corp.

BigHit decided to focus solely on BTS

However, the BTS we know today, consisting of seven members, wasn’t the initial lineup. BigHit Music was grooming several young talents to find the perfect combination for the group. As revealed in BTS‘ official biography, Beyond The Story, BigHit decided to focus solely on BTS’ debut due to limited resources. This decision meant letting go of their other trainees, including Hwan Jihwan and Kim Jihoon, who had to abandon their dreams of becoming idols.

[INT] What does it take to become BTS according to former trainees [Part 1]

In a recent interview with Korea Now, Jihoon and Jihwan shared their experiences. Kim Jihoon recalled the period when trainees were leaving BigHit almost weekly. When he was informed of his release, he wasn’t taken aback. Jihoon also spoke about Jungkook, stating, “After witnessing his genius, I realized I wouldn’t be able to achieve that skill level.” This realization made his departure from BigHit somewhat easier to digest.

[INT] What does it take to become BTS according to former trainees [Part 2]

Hwan Jihwan shared a similar sentiment. He believed that since BigHit primarily focused on his vocal training, he might not have been considered for BTS. Instead, he might have been slotted for another group the agency had in mind. When BTS finally debuted, Jihwan left, presuming BigHit was channeling all its resources towards BTS.

BTS’ reactions to their departure

One of the most touching moments from the interview was when Jihoon recounted the members’ reactions to their departure. He shared a poignant memory of RM. Despite Jihoon keeping his departure under wraps, RM somehow found out. During a dance practice, RM approached Jihoon, asking if he was leaving. The two had shared a close bond during Jihoon‘s one-year stint at BigHit. RM was visibly upset upon hearing the news, as he had already bid farewell to many trainee friends. Given their close friendship, Jihoon‘s departure was particularly heart-wrenching for RM.

Similarly, Jihwan mentioned that upon hearing his departure news, many of his trainee friends, including some original BTS members, comforted him. While the idol life might not have been in the cards for Jihoon and Jihwan, they have since carved out successful careers. Jihwan is now a vocal trainer at renowned institutions, and Jihoon has made a name for himself as a fitness trainer. 

Their stories serve as a testament to the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry, where dreams might diverge, but new paths can always be forged. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: These two missed out on the opportunity of a lifetime, but they’re not salty about it. They have only nice things to say about BTS. Source: YouTube/@KOREANOWyna.

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EVNNE Showed Off Their Smooth Moves on ‘Weekly Idol’

The K-pop world was set ablaze when EVNNE, a new boy group comprising seven former Boys Planet contestants, graced the Weekly Idol set on September 20. During the “Weekly Playlist” segment, a highlight of the show, EVNNE surprised fans with a dance cover of ENHYPEN‘s hit “BITE ME.” 

보여줄게, 이븐의 매력! ENHYPEN ＜Bite Me＞ l EP.631

But they didn’t stop there. The group continued to showcase their deep knowledge of K-pop choreography in a random play dance game. Here, Ji Yunseo, Keita, Lee Jeonghyeon, Mun Junghyun, Park Hanbin, Park Jihoo, and Yoo Seungeon danced to recent hits by other idols, including Jeon Somi‘s “Fast Forward,” NCT U‘s “Baggy Jeans,” and New Jeans‘ “ETA.”

빛날 준비 완료된 이브니들의 찬란한 K-POP 랜덤 플레이 댄스! l 방송선공개 l EP.631

Moving on, Hanbin displayed his musical prowess by playing “Merry-Go-Round of Life” from Howl’s Moving Castle on the flute. He also treated fans to a flute rendition of IVE‘s hit song “I AM.”

연주 폼 美쳤다~! 한콩이 플루트 연주로 들려주는 IVE의 ＜I AM＞ l EP.631

EVNNE still has a lot to show

In addition to their captivating performances, EVNNE dropped their first mini-album, Target: ME, on September 19. On Boys Planet, they honed their skills to the point where they could sing, rap, and dance live. This was evident in their energetic performance of “TROUBLE,” their first single. “We tried to portray attractive, mischievous, and wild boys that change the world in this song,” Seungeon remarked during their Seoul showcase.

[LIVE] EVNNE (이븐) “TROUBLE” Showcase| 4K

Keita, the group’s leader, previously debuted in 2021 with the K-pop boy group Ciipher. Embracing this new chapter with EVNNE, he expressed, “This is a re-debut, so there’s a lot of pressure on me. But I’m happy to have this new opportunity. I look forward to what’s to come and hope to show the best of me. All of our members are really passionate about music and love to give ideas. I think we will be able to introduce our own music in the future.”

Closing on a grateful note, Seungeon expressed, “We’re grateful for all the love and support of our fans who have given us a second chance to pursue our dreams. We still have a lot to show, so please look forward to our growth.” – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: EVNNE’s appearance was marked by friendly banter and lots of laughs. Source: Twitter/@EVNNE_official.

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