Category: LATEST STORIES

Categories
K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Seventeen’s Joshua, DK, and Dino Featured on New Kids on the Block’s ‘Dirty Dancing’ Remix

DK,Dino, and Joshua for SEVENTEEN's photobook 'The Name; 17.' Credit: Facebook/SEVENTEEN

Boy band fans unite!  K-pop boy group SEVENTEEN and American boy band New Kids on The Block (NKOTB) joined forces for a remix version of the track “Dirty Dancing.” 

Initially released in 2008, “Dirty Dancing” was part of NKOTB’s album The Block. To celebrate the 15th anniversary of the album, the band will be releasing a special edition album titled The Block Revisited. According to Billboard, the revisited LP will feature bonus materials from its initially star-studded tracklist. 

On Friday, September 1, NKOTB released a reimagining of the 2008 single, which featured a remix by Dem Jointz and SEVENTEEN members Joshua, DK, and Dino. 

 

All three of the SEVENTEEN members also had their lyrics in English, with member Dino even showcasing his rapping skills. 

The collaboration between SEVENTEEN and New Kids on the Block was first teased in late August. The American boy band shared a tweet saying “17,” to which the K-pop boy group replied with an emoji of raising their hands. 

SEVENTEEN members’ reaction on ‘Dirty Dancing’ remix 

Since the collaboration was confirmed, both fans of the group have expressed their excitement for the release. 

Aside from the fans, the SEVENTEEN members involved in the collaboration were also looking forward to working with NKOTB. 

In a video, Joshua, Dino, and DK opened up about how it’s like working with an American band. 

 

Joshua, who grew up in America, revealed that her mother used to love NKOTB and that “Dirty Dancing” was one of his favorite songs. 

“It’s fascinating to make music with them,” he said. “It’s amazing that we got to do a remix with them. I really love this song.” 

For his part, DK shared that it’s an “honor” for them to be featured in the remix. “I hope it turns out to be a great collaboration,” he said. 

Additionally, he also left a message to their fans: “I hope you love and enjoy ‘Dirty Dancing.’”

Meanwhile, Dino opened up about how he prepared for his part in the remix. “I think a lot about the vibe when recording. And if it’s in a different language, I’ll try to make sure I sound as natural as possible.”

Like DK, the youngest member also hoped that their fans would enjoy the remix. “All of us really worked hard on this track. And this was an honor for us as well.” 

SEVENTEEN’s upcoming activities 

The collaboration with NKOTB came after SEVENTEEN released their first compilation album Always Yours.

Currently, SEVENTEEN will have their Japan dome tour for their FOLLOW concert. 

Additionally, the group is set to return with their 11th mini-album in October. Final details about that specific comeback have yet to be announced as of writing. 

Moreover, the October comeback will see the return of Seungkwan, who’s been on hiatus since July. 

Featured image: DK, Dino, and Joshua for SEVENTEEN’s photobook ‘The Name; 17.’ Credit: Facebook/SEVENTEEN

Categories
K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

RIIZE Makes Highly-Anticipated Official Debut With ‘Get a Guitar’

Following the buzz from their pre-releases “Siren” and “Memories,” RIIZE, the new boy group from SM Entertainment, has officially stepped into the limelight with their debut title “Get a Guitar.” 

“Get a Guitar” is a vibrant blend of funky guitar rhythms and retro synthesizer sounds. The song’s lyrics are a poignant depiction of music as a universal language—how the sound of a guitar can bring people together. It’s actually more than a song; it’s a narrative of the group’s journey, emphasizing their shared aspirations and dreams.

RIIZE 라이즈 ‘Get A Guitar’ MV

The music video also showcases the group’s acting and dancing skills. Aside from scenes of the boys executing their choreography, viewers are treated to glimpses of them embarking on a quest to find the perfect guitar. Theirs was a highly-anticipated debut, with RIIZE recording 1,032,144 million stock pre-orders for their first album. Such numbers indicate the album stock produced before its release, reflecting the immense anticipation from fans.

Earlier in August, the group teased fans with live broadcasts, pre-release tracks, and other types of content. But their official introduction to the world was marked by a press conference in Seoul on September 4. Here, the seven members—Anton, Eunseok, Seunghan, Shotaro, Sohee, Sungchan, and Wonbin—not only interacted with fans and the press. They also announced their collaboration with RCA Records in the US.

More on the RIIZE-RCA partnership

SM Entertainment’s collaboration with RCA Records for RIIZE‘s debut signifies a well-prepared launch. It also hints at the group’s chance at international success. Joseph Chang, CBO of SM and CEO of Kakao Entertainment America, expressed excitement for this partnership. envisioning a bold new chapter in K-pop. Echoing Chang’s sentiments, Peter Edge, Chairman and CEO of RCA Records, praised RIIZE for their versatility and talent.

John Fleckenstein, COO of RCA Records, sees RIIZE as a global pop act, highlighting their diverse cultural representation with members from Korea, Japan, and the US. Fleckenstein believes “Get a Guitar” leans more towards a western pop sound, setting them apart from their South Korean peers. Moreover, RIIZE‘s approach to connecting with fans through social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter is reminiscent of western artists, a departure from the traditional K-pop debut strategy. Their record-breaking achievement of amassing one million Instagram followers in merely four days underscores this unique approach.

RIIZE 라이즈 : Introduction Film

The name RIIZE, a fusion of “rise” and “realize,” encapsulates their ethos of continuous growth and recognizing achievements. Their association with RCA Records, home to global superstars, positions them for international acclaim. This collaboration also marks SM’s maiden venture with Sony in the US.

RIIZE‘s debut comes amidst significant changes within SM Entertainment, following a power tussle between its board and founder Lee Soo-man. With Kakao now holding a significant stake in SM, the future looks promising for the entertainment giant and its new sensation. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: RIIZE’s highly-anticipated debut marks SM’s first project without its founder Lee Soo-man. Source: Twitter/@RIIZE_official.

Categories
K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Look: IVE to Have 3 Title Tracks for Ep ‘I’ve Mine’

IVE shares behind-the-scenes photo from filming 'Kitsch.' Credit: Facebook/IVE

Mark your calendars, DIVEs! K-pop girl group IVE has confirmed that they’ll be returning with their first mini-album I’VE MINE’ in October.

On Monday, September 4, the group released “Coming Soon” posters for three different songs that featured different vibes. 

 

Starship Entertainment then confirmed that IVE will have three title tracks for this upcoming EP. Moreover, the group will release each title track on different dates. 

Based on the posters, the pre-release track “Either Way” will be out on September 25, followed by “Off the Record” on October 6 and “Baddie” on October 13. 

“Through this new album, which contains three title tracks, IVE will prove their musical growth and showcase their own infinite charm,” Starship Entertainment said in a press release. 

As of writing, other details about I’VE MINE have yet to be released. 

DIVEs’ excitement for I’VE MINE

Following the announcement, fans quickly took to social media to express their excitement for IVE’s new music. 

Some noticed about the word plays on the titles for the group’s album. Meanwhile, other fans are looking forward to the genre of the title tracks given their different poster themes. 

Interestingly, some fans have also started theorizing on the possible concept that IVE will have for the album. Most of the fans’ theories are that it’ll be about the story of mythological creatures Hades and Persephone. 

IVE in 2023

Additionally, I’VE MINE will come six months after the group released their first full album I’VE IVE. 

Released in April, I’VE IVE consists of 11 songs including the pre-release single “Kitsch” and the lead single “I Am.”

 

It was during I’VE IVE promotions that member Rei had to go on hiatus due to health hiatus. Thankfully, she was able to return to group activities by May. 

Moreover, IVE has also released their first EP Wave and embarked on their The Prom Queens fan concert tour. 

IVE will also kick off their first world tour SHOW WHAT I HAVE in October. 

Composed of Gaeul, Yujin, Rei, Wonyoung, Liz, and Leeseo, IVE made their debut in December 2021. They are known for songs “ELEVEN,” “LOVE DIVE,” “AFTER LIKE,” and “MINE.” 

Featured image: IVE shares behind-the-scenes photo from filming ‘Kitsch.’ Credit: Facebook/IVE

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

ATTRAKT Reportedly Launching New Girl Group After FIFTY FIFTY Legal Battle

ATTRAKT is clearly moving forward after their recent legal win against FIFTY FIFTY. The agency has just announced that they are launching a new girl group. The announcement comes just two weeks after the company won the first stage of their legal battle against their current girl group.

FIFTY FIFTY’s Agency Announced Search For New Girl Group Project

On September 3, ATTRAKT, the prominent management label, unveiled its exciting venture into a fresh girl group project through an official social media announcement. This revelation followed the noteworthy legal triumph of CEO Jeon Hong Joon in a case concerning the girl group FIFTY FIFTY.

ATTRAKT’s announcement generated considerable anticipation in the entertainment industry and among fans alike. The label, known for its commitment to nurturing talent and producing successful acts, hinted at an exciting journey ahead with this new girl group endeavor. The precise details of the project, such as the group’s name, members, and music concept, remain shrouded in mystery, adding an air of intrigue to the revelation.

https://twitter.com/attraktaudition/status/1698350179269980309

Jeon Hong Joon’s legal victory against FIFTY FIFTY undoubtedly bolstered ATTRAKT’s reputation and reaffirmed its dedication to safeguarding its artists’ interests. As fans eagerly await new developments, the future holds the promise of an exhilarating chapter in the world of K-pop.

On August 28, a significant legal development emerged as a judge decided to reject an injunction aimed at suspending FIFTY FIFTY’s contract with ATTRAKT. This decision dealt a substantial setback to FIFTY FIFTY’s claims of mistreatment, effectively indicating that the court found insufficient evidence to substantiate their allegations. Since then, the members of group have expressed their decision to pursue their dispute with ATTRAKT. Their decision comes after losing the legal battle to break out of their exclusive contracts with the label.

FIFTY FIFTY gained popularity after releasing the worldwide hit “Cupid”. Since then, the girl group has been at odds with their own agency. As of writing, the members are planning to appeal the judge’s decision. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

Categories
BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BTS’ Jin’s Significant Impact on the Ramen Industry

On September 1, a South Korean National Assembly discussion highlighted the impressive growth of Korean ramen exports. The key figure behind this surge? None other than BTS‘ Jin. His association with the brand Ottogi and its popular product Jin Ramen made headlines in South Korea’s economic media and gave the company’s revenue a boost.

“Starting from the 2020 award-winning movie Parasite (Jjapaguri) & the advertising model effect of Jin (Ottogi Jin Ramen), a member of BTS, we are showing a significant growth trend,” an official said. These words underscore the power of celebrity endorsements, especially when the celebrity in question is a global sensation like Jin.

The Korea Customs Service reported that ramen exports from the beginning of this year until July reached approximately 522 million KRW. This figure marked a 17.7% increase compared to the same timeframe last year. Despite industry challenges, Ottogi’s revenue surged by at least 15%. Much of this success stems from Jin‘s endorsement. Consequently, in early 2023, Ottogi finally made it into the “trillion won club” (2.43 billion USD). It was established in 1959, but the company only achieved this record-breaking sales figure shortly after partnering with Jin.

Jin, the ‘Next Generation CF King’

Jin Ramen’s export sales hit 326.4 billion won last year, a 19.2% rise from the previous year. This accounts for 10.3% of the total sales of 3.1833 trillion KRW, both domestically and internationally. Notably, the sales of Ottogi’s U.S. subsidiaries also saw a significant boost. For U.S. corporations, there was a 39% year-on-year growth, totaling 92.2 billion KRW. Jin‘s influence played a significant part in Ottogi being recognized as a Korean Representative Brand. On March 29, the BRANDSTARS Selection Committee honored Ottogi with this title.

Just last week, news broke that Ottogi’s overseas sales share surpassed 10% of its total sales for the first time ever. Jin‘s association elevated Ottogi’s status, with his celebrity influence boosting sales and enhancing brand value. In summer 2022, his partnership with video game developer Nexon proved fruitful. MapleStory witnessed a 47% sales surge in the year’s third quarter. Beyond that, Jin participated in events for the game, enhancing fan engagement and interest. This reinforced his appeal as a brand ambassador and influencer. As a testament to his impact, the South Korean media dubbed Jin the “Next Generation CF King.”

Ottogi’s marketing strategy, centered around Jin‘s sophisticated image and warm personality, was a resounding success. Jin Ramen has become a hot favorite, selling out across markets. Today, it’s hard to walk around Korea without seeing Jin‘s face promoting the product.

Beyond the ramen industry

Jin‘s influence isn’t limited to the ramen industry. His solo single “The Astronaut” has been making waves too. Recently, it was featured on the official playlist of Amazon Web Services (AWS)’s 2023 Sales Kick-Off, alongside Western legends like the Beatles, Bruce Springsteen, and Coldplay, who did that song with him. On September 2, “The Astronaut” ranked No. 1 on the Amazon Music Digital Song Bestseller list. It also charted at No. 10 in the Movers & Shakers category, which shows the highest sales in the past 24 hours. This recognition is even more impressive when you consider that the song dropped even before Jin’s enlistment in the military last December.

Jin‘s impact on the ramen industry and beyond is undeniable. His star power, combined with brand collaborations, has set new benchmarks in the world of endorsements. As industries continue to feel the “Jin effect,” fans and experts alike eagerly anticipate his next venture. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The face that launched a thousand ramen sales. Source: Twitter/@theJINPRINT.

Categories
K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

EL7Z UP From ‘Queendom Puzzle’ to Debut With ‘7+UP’

EL7Z UP updates fans with preparation for their debut album. Credit: Twitter/EL7Z UP

Save the date! EL7Z UP, the girl group formed from Mnet’s survival series Queendom Puzzle, has finally unveiled the schedule for their highly-anticipated debut. 

In a teaser posted Monday, September 7, EL7Z UP announced that they’ll be debuting with the album 7+UP.

According to the poster, the group will release its concept photos and videos in the first week of September. It will then be followed by the album tracklist, lyric poster, and highlight medley. 

Then, EL7Z UP will premiere their first music video on the 14th, alongside the digital album. The physical album of 7+UP, meanwhile, will be available on the 21st. 

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.

As of writing, additional details about 7+UP such as its title track and number of songs have yet to be announced. 

On August 15, Queendom Puzzle aired its last episode and revealed the group’s final lineup. 

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. 

Who is 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.

Interestingly, MNet 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. It is also pronounced as else-up. 

“We are the ones who survived the fierce competition and we have nothing to fear”, CLC’s Yeeun said in an interview. She added: “I think our members are ‘all-rounders.” And while we are a project girl group, I think we are capable of releasing a proper, high-quality album and performance, instead of treating it as a one-off event.”

According to the report, EL7Z UP will not have a set amount of contract year, but plans to release a total of three albums instead. This will be unlike other project girl groups formed from other audition programs who only promote within a two-year period. 

 

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

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 updates fans with preparation for their debut album. Credit: Twitter/EL7Z UP

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Former YG Artist CL Reunites With G-Dragon, PSY, and Lee Soo Hyuk

2NE1 member CL shared a powerful new selfie with former YG labelmates

CL has reunited with her former YG Entertainment labelmates. The 2NE1 member recently shared a powerful selfie featuring some of the biggest names in K-Pop. In the image, Lee Chaerin shared a meal with BIGBANG leader G-Dragon, “Gangnam Style” rapper PSY, and actor Lee Soo Hyuk.

CL Posts Powerful Selfie With Former YG Labelmates

The photo was shared on CL’s Instagram Story and it confirms there was a mini reunion among present and former YG talents. It features G-Dragon of BIGBANG and Lee Soo Hyuk, who are both still represented by YG Entertainment. In addition to that, PSY, who left the agency in 2018, poses with his former labelmates.

CL herself had left YG Entertainment in 2019 after the disbandment of 2NE1. She then established her own record label Very Cherry and signed a domestic management contract with KONNECT Entertainment in 2021. This way, the company could manage the artist’s activities in South Korea. However, it was recently announced that CL decided not to renew with contract with KONNECT.

Interestingly, this isn’t the first glimpse we’ve had at this awesome reunion. G-Dragon had previously shared an awesome selfie with PSY with the caption “Oppa Hannam-Style”. It is a reference to both artists living in Hannam.

G-Dragon is the only BIGBANG member who remained with YG Entertainment. Taeyang had made the move to the agency’s subsidiary label The Black Label while both T.O.P. and Daesung have terminated their contract with the company. 

G-Dragon and PSY

PSY left YG Entertainment in 2018 and has since started his own agency P Nation. The latest addition to the company is MAMAMOO member Hwasa, who will be releasing her first solo effort since leaving RBW Entertainment.

Lee Soo Hyuk signed with YG Entertainment in 2017. The actor had previously worked with 2NE1, appearing in the music videos for “It Hurts” and “Falling in Love”. He is known for his work on TV shows including “White Christmas”, “What’s Up”, “Vampire Idol”, and “Shark”.

Categories
BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BTS’ Jimin Steps Out for Dior, Updates Fans via Weverse Live

Jimin of BTS made a striking appearance at the Lady Dior Celebration’ exhibit photocall held at the fashion house’s concept store in Seongsu-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul. Radiating elegance, he sported gray trousers and a white shirt. A silver necklace draped over the shirt’s collar added an exquisite touch, making fans’ hearts flutter. He further accentuated his fit with a beige, knee-length trench coat, which appeared to be made from faux leather. Combined with black boots and a center-parted hairstyle, his look had photographers’ flash bulbs popping left and right.

His personal space

Later, Jimin took to Weverse for a live broadcast, marking his presence with the words, “Hello, I’m here! Let me just get my air conditioner remote and I’ll be back. I’ve come a bit late, right? Sorry. My hand? Oh, I didn’t hurt it; it got scratched a bit from exercising.” He expressed how much he missed doing live broadcasts, saying, “It’s been a while since I’ve been live! I tried to make time to talk with you, and I was talking to the company regarding that. During that entire month, I’ve done a lot. I’ve worked a lot.”

In a heartwarming gesture, Jimin shared a glimpse of his personal space. He introduced fans to his mood light. “Here, I have something I want to show you. I have a mood light. I’m a bit embarrassed to have a mood light when I’m almost thirty,” he chuckled. “But it’s very pretty. Let me show you. I look at this and fall asleep. It feels very real. It has a timer too.”

Jimin‘s candidness continued as he gave fans a brief tour of the rest of his home. He showed off a concert banner, framed photo, and his secret stash of cup ramen. Jimin also touched on his English lessons (“Unless you make yourself take them, you tend to end up not taking them because they’re hard”) and K-drama preferences. “I don’t usually watch dramas or movies. But I watched ‘Moving.’ It was fun. Now I want to fly too. I also watched ‘Shadow Detective.’”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YUIQYPf76A

Jimin on Weverse Live today right after Dior event 230901

Jimin wants ‘a happy thirties’

Reflecting on his appearance at the Dior event, he said, “I went out to work for the first time in a while. I was able to see you guys, and that was nice.” 

He also shared an anecdote about a previous event where he couldn’t greet fans, “Many waited, but I wasn’t able to greet you. I just remembered a story behind that, so I’ll share it. There were a lot of people, so my manager hyung and I planned to greet you and have fun. We thought of opening the door like ‘jjan!’ then greet you and leave. We were so excited, saying, ‘Let’s greet them,’ and I fixed my outfit. But when the doors opened, there was no one there. We used the wrong door,” he laughed sheepishly.

Jimin‘s deep bond with his fans was evident as he emphasized, “If there’s nobody to cheer you on, you won’t be able to go far. This job is hard. You need people to cheer you on and support you. We’re able to work like this because of all of you guys supporting beyond the means.” As the third decade of his life is approaching, he shared his thoughts on that too. “I want to make a happy thirties with all of you. I’ve been thinking of stuff like that lately because this is chapter two, as Namjoon-hyung mentioned.”

Jimin expressed love and gratitude

Concluding the session, Jimin expressed his love and gratitude, “I came to see all of you because I wanted to show you the mood light, talk about the Dior event, and what I’ve been doing. Please wish Jungkook a happy birthday, and let’s see each other soon! I’m going to wash up and rest. Everyone, be well. Drink lots of water. It seems like it’s raining a lot, so be careful too. ‘Bye! I love you today and tomorrow.” – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jimin is a real vision, whether he’s dressed up or dressed down with no makeup at all. Sources: Twitter/@btspicstwt_ and @boraboravie.

Categories
K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Blackpink Now With 6 Nominations in MTV VMAs 2023

BLACKPINK in a photo from their "Shut Down" release. Credit: Facebook/BLACKPINK

The MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) has revealed more K-pop nominees for this year’s award show and the competition just got fiercer! 

On Friday, September 1, MTV announced the nominees for four VMA categories. They are Group of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Summer, and Show of the Summer, in which numerous K-Pop groups have earned nominations for.

With this, BLACKPINK now tops the K-pop acts with the most nominations with their six nods. The four-member girl group under YG Entertainment scored additional nods for: Show of the Summer and Group of the Year categories. 

Previously, the 2023 MTV VMAs announced that the group was nominated for Best K-Pop, Best Choreography, Best Art Direction, and Best Editing. And all nominations are for their hit track “Pink Venom.” Remarkably, BLACKPINK also became the first K-pop girl group to perform at the VMAs with “Pink Venom” last year.

Meanwhile,TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT) scored a total of four nominations- the most of any male K-Pop group this year. Apart from the previously announced nominations for Push Performance and Best K-Pop, TXT are now competing for the Group of the Year and Song of the Summer categories, too.

Among the recently announced nominees are BTS’ Jungkook and FIFTY FIFTY. They both have secured Song of the Summer nominations for their viral hits “Seven” (feat. Latto) and “Cupid,” respectively.

Additionally, BLACKPINK and TXT are joined by SEVENTEEN, NewJeans, and FIFTY FIFTY for the Group of the Year category.

Note that MTV also has a Best K-pop category, which they only added in 2019. For this year, the acts competing are BLACKPINK, TXT, aespa, FIFTY FIFTY, SEVENTEEN, Stray Kids.

What To Expect in 2023 MTV VMAs

With the 2023 MTV VMAs just around the corner, here’s a brief list of what we know so far:

It will be aired live on September 12, although the emcees and the recipient of the Global Icon Award are yet to be announced.

Interestingly, this year’s edition will mark the first time for two K-pop acts to perform for the awards show. TXT and Stray Kids will take the stage and it will be both group’s first time to perform at VMAs. They will now be joining BTS and BLACKPINK as the only K-Pop groups to achieve this feat.

 

Aside from K-Pop boy groups TXT and Stray Kids, international artists will be bringing their music to the show as well. The roster includes Demi Lovato, Karol G, Maneskin, Doja Cat, Lil Wayne, Anitta, and Kelsea Ballerini.

Meanwhile, fans can now vote for their favorite group via MTV’s official website. 

Featured image: BLACKPINK in a photo from their “Shut Down” release. Credit: Facebook/BLACKPINK

Categories
K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Meet I’ll-It: Hybe’s Girl Group From ‘R U Next?’

The I'LL-IT members pose together after the finale of 'R U NEXT?' Credit: Twitter/I'LL-IT

Watch out for I’LL-IT! JBTC’s reality survival show R U Next? aired its final episode on Friday, September 1, and viewers are introduced to the members of HYBE’s upcoming girl group. 

For those unfamiliar, R U Next? began with 22 female trainees who were assessed through seven rounds. The mentors and judges evaluated the participants as they go through different vocal and dancing missions.

The top six contestants who have earned their spot for the official debut lineup were announced during the final episode.

 

SNSD’s Sooyoung, the show’s MC, revealed Wonhee and Youngseo as the first two members of the group. The two placed first and second in the global vote rankings, respectively. 

Meanwhile, the four other members who were chosen by the agency and judges were Minju, Iroha, Moka, and Yunah.

 

In the finale episode, it was revealed that the six will then debut under the group I’LL-IT, which is a combination of the English words “I will” and “it.”

Netizens’ react on the final lineup 

While the debuting members received congratulatory messages from their fans, a lot of Korean netizens and international viewers have expressed their frustration regarding the show.

https://twitter.com/ilitgirls/status/1697610316287287673

 

Viewers heavily criticized the sudden changes in R U Next?’s voting process as the final episode generally disregarded international votes and relied more on label picks. 

 

Many were also disappointed that the ace-considered participants did not make it to the cut.

https://twitter.com/runextlovre/status/1697603923933274542

 

Next, netizens also raised their suspicions as to the group’s promotional activities. Just a day after the final lineup was announced, Vogue Korea already featured the debuting members, making viewers think the group was pre-selected.

https://twitter.com/rinswurld/status/1697995130668466546

 

What’s next for I’LL-IT

BE:LIFT LAB, a former joint venture between CJ ENM and HYBE Corporation, will manage I’LL IT. The agency is also home to the multinational boy group ENHYPEN, who were formed through the 2020 survival show I-Land

In early August, it was revealed that HYBE has gained full ownership of BE:LIFT LAB.

After the show’s finale, I’LL-IT immediately launched their official social media accounts. 

 

Fans can now catch the group’s latest announcements through Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Tiktok, and Weverse channels. Additionally, the group will have two X (former Twitter) accounts – one for group activities and another for members’ updates. 

 

I’LL-IT members have also penned messages for their fans. Most of them also recall their journey in R U NEXT? and how they feel to be part of the final lineup. 

 

BE:LIFT LAB has yet to announce details about I’LL-IT’s debut as of writing. 

Meanwhile, in other news, HYBE has also launched another survival reality show The Debut: Dream Academy. This time, in partnership with Geffen Records, they’re aiming for a global girl group.

Featured image: The I’LL-IT members pose together after the finale of ‘R U NEXT?’ Credit: Twitter/I’LL-IT

Exit mobile version