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DAY6’s Young K Unveils “Letters With Notes” Concept Photos

Young K of DAY6 is releasing his first solo full album Letters With Notes in September
Young K of DAY6 is releasing his first solo full album Letters With Notes in September

Young K is hyping up his upcoming solo release. The DAY6 bassist has dropped the concept photos for “Letters with notes”, his first solo full album. In addition to that, Kang Young-hyun continues to tease the LP’s title track.

DAY6’s YoungK Drops First ‘Letters With Notes’ Concept Photos

On August 26, Young K unveiled a heartwarming and soothing collection of concept photos, setting the stage for his very first full solo album, “Letters with notes”. These evocative images capture the essence of a nostalgic summer, portraying him alongside his trusty guitar.

“Letters with notes” boasts a remarkable compilation of 11 tracks, each imbued with Young K’s creative touch as a composer and lyricist. With a vibrant pop-rock sound, the album aspires to provide solace and consolation to its listeners. Its centerpiece is the title track, “Nothing But,” a testament to Young K’s musical prowess. Alongside this standout single, the album will feature songs including “Waited,” “Let It Be Summer,” “Dreamer,” “Bungee Jumping,” and more.

YoungK’s journey into solo artistry promises a fusion of talent and emotion, inviting fans and music enthusiasts to embark on a musical voyage filled with resonant melodies and heartfelt lyrics. ‘Letters with Notes’ will be a testament to his multifaceted abilities and a gift to those seeking solace through music.

DAY6 made their debut on September 7, 2015, with the EP titled “The Day.” The album took the No. 2 position on Billboard’s World Album Chart just a week after its release. The group is composed of four talented members namely Sungjin, Young K, Wonpil, and Dowoon. The members contribute significantly as songwriters, composers, and producers, collectively shaping the band’s unique musical identity.

Kang Young-hyun had previously released the music video for the pre-release track “Let It Be Summer”. Meanwhile, “Letters with notes” and its title track will be released on September 4, 2023.

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STRAY KIDS’ Han Confirmed as KOMCA Youngest Full Member

Han Ji-sung of STRAY KIDS has an impressive collection of 135 KOMCA registered songs

Han is already considered a “perfect all-rounder” but it looks like the STRAY KIDS rapper has added yet another feather to his cap. It has been confirmed that Han Jisung is officially a full member of the Korea Music Copyright Association (KOMCA). This makes him the youngest full member of the association at the age of 22!

HAN of STRAY KIDS Becomes Youngest KOMCA Full Member

KOMCA is a non-profit organization in South Korea dedicated to managing and safeguarding the copyright interests of musical works. This includes the administration of public performance and broadcasting rights, as well as mechanical recording and reproduction rights.

The organization extends an invitation to copyright owners including authors, composers, arrangers, and music publishers. Once an individual accepts, they become an associate member. Through this affiliation, music creators and rights holders can benefit from KOMCA’s services and expertise in ensuring their creative works are protected.

Attaining full membership status in this prestigious organization is contingent upon fulfilling specific prerequisites. Aspiring members must first sustain an associate membership for a minimum of three years, while concurrently amassing royalties exceeding 30 million won. This meticulous selection process permits the elevation of merely 25 members to full status each year, ensuring the highest standards are upheld. However, STRAY KIDS members Bang Chan, Changbin, and Han have all accomplished this. The formidable sub-unit 3RACHA achieved this coveted milestone in January 2023.

The milestone is also huge for Han who managed to become a full member of KOMCA at the age of 22. In addition to that, he has an impressive collection of 135 registered songs to his name. Han Jisung is also the third most credited idol from the 4th generation of K-pop artists.

Although he didn’t go on an official celebration for the milestone, Han clearly wanted to treat STAYS with a special gift. The rapper recently released a new self-composed song “Miserable (You & Me)”.

Han is currently set to join STRAY KIDS on their all-dome concert tour “5-Star Dome Tour” in South Korea and Japan from August to October 2023. The group was recently confirmed to perform at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards at Newark’s Prudential Center on September 12, 2023.

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ZEROBASEONE Member Zhang Hao Diagnosed with COVID-19

Zhang Hao is taking some time off for his health. The ZEROBASEONE member has been diagnosed with COVID-19. Unfortunately, this means that the Chinese singer will be missing some of the group’s upcoming schedule.

WAKE ONE Entertainment Shares Update on ZEROBASEONE’s Zhang Hao’s Health

On August 25, WAKEONE Entertainment issued a statement regarding Zhang Hao’s health. According to the agency, they immediately noticed that the ZEROBASEONE member was unwell.

“Zhang Hao’s condition was abnormal, and he suffered from light body aches,” the statement read. “After preemptively taking a rapid antigen test, he was confirmed to have COVID-19.”

Zhang Hao has been reported to be experiencing only a minor symptom of a sore throat, and as a precautionary measure, he is undergoing a five-day isolation period to minimize the risk of infection transmission. In a positive development, all other members of ZEROBASEONE have undergone testing, and their results have come back negative, indicating they are currently free from infection.

Regrettably, due to Zhang Hao’s health condition, he will be unable to participate in the face-to-face signing event originally slated for August 25, 26, and 27. Additionally, the video call event initially planned for the 26th of August has been postponed to a later date. The group and organizers are also prioritizing the safety and well-being of all involved. In line with this, further updates will be provided as Zhang Hao’s condition evolves.

ZEROBASEONE or ZB1 emerged as a South Korean boy band created from Mnet’s competitive reality show “Boys Planet”. Under the management of WAKEONE Entertainment, this ensemble comprises nine talented members. Kim Ji-woong, Zhang Hao, Sung Han-bin, Seok Matthew, Kim Tae-rae, Ricky, Kim Gyu-vin, Park Gun-wook, and Han Yu-jin made their dazzling debut on July 10, 2023. They released the extended play titled “Youth in the Shade” on the same date. Moreover, the group is set to captivate audiences for a span of 2 years and 6 months.

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K-DRAMA LATEST STORIES

Eternals’ Star Ma Dong Seok In Talks For New Korean Superhero Drama

Ma Dong Seok is in negotiations to appear in a new superhero drama after playing the powerful Gilgamesh in Eternals

Ma Dong Seok is ready to play a new superhero. The Marvel Cinematic Universe actor, who debuted as Gilgamesh in “Eternals”, is currently in negotiations to work on a new drama. Interestingly, it’s another superhero project for the “Train to Busan” star.

Ma Dong Seok In Negotiations To Appear in New Superhero Drama

On August 25, OSEN reported that Ma Dong Seok is in consideration for a leading role in the upcoming Korean superhero series tentatively titled “Twelve.” The actor, well-known for his powerful performances, has been extended an offer to take on this exciting project.

If confirmed, his involvement would undoubtedly generate significant anticipation among fans, promising a captivating addition to the realm of Korean superhero dramas. This potential casting choice marks a thrilling development in the entertainment industry. Needless to say, it is heightening expectations for “Twelve” and the dynamic presence Ma Dong Seok could bring to the series.

Since then, Ma Dong Seok’s agency Big Punch Entertainment confirmed the negotiations.“‘Twelve’ is one of the projects for which [Ma Dong Seok] has received an offer. He is currently reviewing the offer positively,” they said.

“Twelve” narrates the tales of numerous valiant heroes engaged in an intense battle against malevolent spirits to safeguard the Korean Peninsula. This thrilling series is slated for release at the conclusion of the upcoming year, promising riveting adventures.

Ma Dong Seok gained recognition through his impactful supporting performances in movies like “The Neighbor,” “Nameless Gangster: Rules of the Time,” and “The Unjust.” He later moved to lead roles in films such as “Norigae,” “Murderer,” and “One on One.” Before landing the role of Gilgamesh in MCU‘s “Eternals”, Ma portrayed the strong husband Sang-hwa in “Train to Busan.”

Meanwhile, Ma Dong Seok is committed to producing and starring in an English-language adaptation of Nicholas Sansbury Smith’s sci-fi book series, “Hell Divers.” In this project, he will portray the iconic character Xavier, alias “X.” The role amplifies excitement among fans of the books and cinephiles alike. People are clearly looking forward to seeing Ma’s versatile talents.

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

TIOT’s Kum Junhyeon Reveals How ZEROBASEONE Cheered Him On

The K-pop scene is buzzing with excitement as TIOT (Time Is Our Turn) preps for their official debut in 2024. But before that grand event, they already gave fans a taste of their musical prowess with a pre-debut EP titled Frame the Blueprint: Prelude to Possibilities. This release follows their time on the Mnet survival show Boys Planet, where each member showcased their personalities and talents.

Kum Junhyeon of TIOT shared stories about the support he’s received from his fellow Boys Planet alumni. Even before Redstart ENM finalized all its plans for Junhyeon and the other trainees, the ZEROBASEONE members were supportive of him. 

[DEBUT] TIOT(티아이오티) – 백전무패(undefeated) Title Track Stage | Pre-Debut Showcase

In a previous interview, he shared, “When I debut, I want to film Reels with everyone I was close with and bring back memories. I really want to film one with Gunwookie. There’s a ZEROBASEONE member I want to film a cover with. Every time I post a cover, Hanbinnie-hyung would say it’s good, ask me to upload more and cheer me on.” (“Gunwookie” is Boys Planet fifth-placer Park Gunwook. “Hanbinnie-hyung” is the show’s runner-up. Both are very good friends of Junhyeon’s.)

On the day of TIOT’s showcase, Junhyeon recalled teasing the ZEROBASEONE members about it. He joked about wanting to receive lengthy, supportive messages, and Gunwook did as he asked. The message he wrote for Junhyeon was so long that the TIOT member got amused and overwhelmed reading it.

Kum Junhyeon will make magic happen

When asked if the other ZEROBASEONE members had reached out to him too, Junhyeon decided to share a message from Kim Jiwoong: “Become a person of value rather than a successful person. While it’s great to have a successful stage, aim for a stage that brings you genuine happiness.” He also mentioned that Kim Taerae sent him a sweet message in which Taerae encouraged Junhyeon to forget past hardships and focus on the present.

With their pre-debut release and showcase marking the end of their trainee journey, many netizens are curious about TIOT‘s official debut plans. Junhyeon assured fans that they’re gearing up for a grand launch in the first half of 2024.

TIOT’s EP Frame the Blueprint: Prelude to Possibilities comprises five tracks, including the title track “Unbeatable.” Its title refers to the beginning of an amazing journey. It also hints at the boundless potential TIOT and its members bring to the table. Tracks like “This is our time” (which Sunwoo from THE BOYZ contributed to), “BUNGEE” (the first song TIOT members Hong Keonhee and Kim Minseoung ever co-wrote), “Surfing,” and “Starlight” also made the EP.

As TIOT prepares to take the K-pop industry by storm, the camaraderie between its members and their peers are evident. Buoyed by all the love and support they’re receiving, Junhyeon is poised to make magic happen as part of this group. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Junhyeon is lucky to have supportive friends. Source: Twitter/@TIOT_NOW.

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K-DRAMA K-POP ARTISTS LATEST STORIES

BL Drama Starring OnlyOneOf Drops Spicy Teaser

Korean BL (Boys’ Love) dramas have seen a surge in popularity, captivating fans across the globe. As the BL genre continues to flourish, it’s becoming increasingly common to spot K-pop idols taking on lead roles. Series like Kissable Lips and Semantic Error have already set the trend by incorporating idols into their casts.

After the resounding success of Semantic Error (which starred DKZ’s Park Jaechan and KNK alum Park Seoham), fans wondered which BL webtoon would end up on TV next. Their speculations ended in 2022 when RK Studios revealed plans to adapt Bump Up Business into a web drama. It’s set to air in October 2023. 

[K-Webtoon RK] 범프 업 비즈니스 (Bump Up Business) – RK Studio Trailer Video

This webtoon revolves around Eden, a trainee who’s given an opportunity to debut alongside Jihoon, a once-celebrated star whose career was ruined by scandals. For the sake of their popularity, their agency makes them engage in plenty of fanservice and skinship. Eventually, they develop feelings for each other, which complicates things.

저희 드라마를 한 단어로요? ‘청불’이죠 🔥 | ‘범프 업 비즈니스’ 제작발표회 비하인드

OnlyOneOf is perfect for ‘Bump Up Business’

Given the nature of the plot, it seemed almost inevitable for idols to be cast. So the announcement that the members of OnlyOneOf would star in the series didn’t come as a shock. Many believe that OnlyOneOf is perfect for this drama, especially considering their undergrOund idOl project, which earned praise for its LGBTQIA+ representation. 

The drama will see members Mill and Nine in the lead roles, while the rest of the group will take on various characters. To fuel the anticipation, teaser images have been unveiled. One depicts Mill and Nine in an intimate and suggestive pose, hinting at the drama’s spicy scenes.

Another shows them with their backs turned to each other, suggesting future conflict or distance. 

As the release date approaches, fans are on the edge of their seats, eager to see how OnlyOneOf will bring Bump Up Business to life. With its unique blend of BL drama and K-pop sensibilities, this series promises to be a treat for both music and drama enthusiasts. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The members attended the 27th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival to promote the show. Source: Twitter/@OnlyOneOf_twt.

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BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BTS’ Jimin and Jungkook Join the ‘Billionaires’ Club’ on Spotify

The international K-pop sensation BTS is known for breaking records. So it’s not surprising that two of its members, Jimin and Jungkook, have carved out their own unique places in the annals of music history. Their solo work not only resonated with fans, but has also set unprecedented milestones on Spotify, the world’s leading music streaming platform.

Jimin ‘FACE’ Playlist l 지민 ‘FACE’ 플레이리스트 – BTS (방탄소년단)

Jimin, despite having struck out on his own as a solo artist just five months ago, has had an enviable, undeniable impact. His solo debut set new milestones previously unseen in the history of Korean solo artists. For instance, he became the first Korean solo artist to debut at No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and achieved the highest debut for a B-side track by a Korean soloist on the same chart. Furthermore, Jimin became the first Korean soloist to reach No. 1 on the Japan and US Billboard Artist 100 charts, ranked as the top two biggest music markets worldwide. 

Most importantly, his album FACE has now exceeded 1 billion streams on Spotify as of August 24, making him the first and so far only Korean soloist to cross that mark with just one album. Notably, FACE achieved this record in just 153 days.

Jimin and Jungkook shine on their own

Meanwhile, Jungkook has written a new history on Spotify. If you add up the number of streams his solo songs have earned, they’ll amount to 2 billion streams. This includes the streams earned by hits like “Dreamers,” “Left and Right,” “SEVEN,” and “Still With You.” Jungkook joins the ranks of BTS member SUGA and female soloist IU in achieving this particular milestone.

정국 (Jung Kook) ‘Seven’ @ BBC The One Show

Jungkook‘s achievements don’t stop there. In July, he became the first Korean soloist to debut a song at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100, Global 200, and Global Excl. U.S. charts. His song “SEVEN” has maintained its hold on the No. 1 position on both the Global 200 and Global Excl. U.S. charts for an impressive fifth consecutive week. “SEVEN” has also achieved the distinction of becoming the very first Korean song to spend five weeks at No. 1 on the Global 200, surpassing the prior record set by BTS‘ 2020 hit “Dynamite.”

Even as BTS is taking a break from group activities, individual members like Jimin and Jungkook are proving that they too can shine brightly on their own. Their recent Spotify achievements are a clear indication that K-pop, as a genre, is not just a fleeting trend but a musical movement that’s here to stay.  Congratulations, Jimin and Jungkook! – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Not many can say they’ve hit this milestone. Source: Twitter/@BIGHIT_MUSIC.

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BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BTS’ Jungkook’s Accuser Is Facing Plagiarism Accusations Himself

The K-pop world is buzzing with a series of plagiarism allegations that are taking an ironic twist. Yang Joon Young, a first-generation K-pop producer, accused BTS‘s Jungkook of plagiarizing his song. Jungkook‘s accuser claimed that “SEVEN” copied the scale sequence of Fin.K.L‘s “Time of Mask,” a track he had produced. 

This bold claim was met with skepticism from many corners, especially since “SEVEN” was crafted by international producers. Moreover, a significant portion of listeners found it hard to pinpoint any notable similarities between the two tracks.

The plot thickened when Dispatch, a reputable news outlet, stepped into the fray. On August 24, they published an article that seemingly exonerated Jungkook from Joon Young’s plagiarism claims by providing compelling evidence. 

But as the controversy continued to simmer, many listeners, driven by curiosity, revisited Fin.K.L‘s “Time of Mask.” Their collective astonishment was palpable when they discovered the song bore a striking resemblance to the Spice Girls‘ 1996 classic, “Say You’ll Be There.” 

@jantristan3

Fin.K.L is accusing Hybe of Jungkook’s Seven plagiarising their song Time of Mask but it seems that it’s them who obviously plagiarized Spice Girls’ Say You’ll Be There 3 years after release #jungkook #jungkookseven #plagiarism #BTS #finkl

♬ original sound – Jan Tristan

It’s worth noting that the Spice Girls‘ track predates “Time of Mask” by three years, having been released in 1996.

Jungkook’s accuser exposed himself

Netizens worldwide recognized the irony of the situation. Many took to social media platforms to voice their disbelief and amusement. Comments ranged from observations about “Time of Mask” sounding more like the Spice Girls than Jungkook‘s “Seven,” to declarations that the Fin.K.L track was eerily similar to the British girl group’s classic.

The overwhelming sentiment was one of incredulity, with many finding it almost laughable that Yang Joon Young‘s attempt to call out Jungkook for plagiarism had inadvertently shone a spotlight on his own potential act of borrowing from a legendary pop group.

As the K-pop community and fans worldwide continue to grapple with this unexpected development, the question remains: What’s next in this unfolding drama? – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jungkook’s accuser shot himself in the foot when his attempt to shame the global star backfired. Source: Naver.

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BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Armys Enraged After a Fan Grabs BTS V in a Japan Event

BTS V on his way to the CELINE event in Japan. Credit: Twitter/ELLE Singapore

Kim Taehyung, also known as BTS V, has been the talk of the town for his highly-anticipated solo debut. However, his recent encounter with fans is making headlines for an alarming reason. 

On Wednesday, August 23, the idol was visiting the newly-renovated flagship store of CELINE in Tokyo, Japan. V is known to be one of the brand’s fashion ambassadors, alongside Park Bogum and BLACKPINK’s Lisa.

For the event, the idol was sporting a denim jacket and form-fitting leather pants. 

After his visit to the store, V was seen waving enthusiastically to the crowd that formed who went there just to catch a glimpse of him. Based on the videos by fans, the artist was smiling and waving to ARMYs around the area. 

 

Unfortunately, the crowd’s enthusiasm got a bit out of a control, with some even pushing each other. In the middle of the commotion, one unnamed fan grabbed V’s hair in excitement while he was trying to enter the vehicle. 

Luckily, the singer was able to escape the hold and was quickly escorted by the security to leave the area. 

ARMYs reminder to fans 

Videos of the incident circulated on social media, with several ARMYs reprimanding the fan’s behavior. 

“Please don’t do this ever again,” another fan wrote. “Trying to grab Taehyung’s hair is never okay. You can tell he is so happy seeing his fans but keep it respectful. 

Another wrote: “This is disgusting behavior. Idols also deserve personal space and respect. This is never okay.” 

“Not only are you losers mobbing him and creating an unsafe environment, but now you’re touching him without his consent,” a different user said. 

https://twitter.com/taeminjoestar/status/1694376082403897741

Aside from calling out the rude behavior, ARMYs also urged their fellow fans to be on their best behavior every time they meet BTS members in public. 

Moreover, some fans are also calling for a tighter security for BTS especially when they’re in public. 

 

Layover of BTS V

Currently, V is in the middle of promotions for his upcoming solo debut album Layover. The six-track EP will be released on September 8.  

Even before the official release of Layover though, V has already treated fans to two tracks from the album: “Love Me Again” and “Rainy Days.”

Interestingly, Layover will be in collaboration with Min Hee Jin, the creative director of NewJeans and CEO of ADOR. 

Moreover, V is the last member of BTS to officially make a solo debut. Since the group took a break in June 2022, the members have been busy working on solo endeavors. 

Featured image: BTS V on his way to the CELINE event in Japan. Credit: Twitter/ELLE Singapore

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

NCT’s Taeyong Worries Fans With Recent Health Updates

Taeyong in the teasers for NCT's 'Golden Age' album. Credit: Facebook/NCT

Taeyong of K-pop group NCT sparked concern among his fans as his health condition seems to worsen in the days leading to the act’s upcoming NCT NATION: To the World tour. 

After performing at the KCON LA 2023, Taeyong held a live broadcast wherein he updated fans with what he’s been up to lately. At one point of the livestream, he was seen trying to get up while appearing to look like he’s experiencing a lot of pain. 

The idol then confessed that he’d been feeling weak and experiencing chest discomfort recently. Because of this, Taeyong shared that he’s apprehensive as to how he’ll perform at the group’s August 26 concert. 

“I don’t know if I can perform well next week. I’m worried. I hope I get better by then,” he said. 

 

But what caused more worries among fans was that Taeyong had to fly out of the United States a day after his KCON LA 2023 stage to return to South Korea to resume his preparations for the group’s upcoming concert.

What frustrates fans even more was that the artist even arrived in the US on the day of his performance, proving that he’s following a very tight schedule. This incident then prompted discussions about NCT‘s hectic activities and well-being. 

Taeyong and his grueling schedule 

2023 saw Taeyong bloom as a solo artist while still doing promotions with NCT. 

In June, he made his highly-anticipated solo debut with the EP Shalala. Additionally, he also had solo schedules such as attending Paris Fashion Week and performing at the KCON LA 2023. 

 

On top of his solo ventures, he’s also actively participating with NCT’s group activities. In fact, he tried juggling his solo work and preparation for the group’s upcoming concert. 

However, eagle-eyed fans noticed that Taeyong was notably absent from a group photo taken during rehearsals. Since fans were getting perplexed about his whereabouts, the idol explained that he had to visit the hospital. 

Additionally, the artist disclosed through the online cafe that he had to receive treatment because of cold and high fever. Instead of focusing on his health, though, he was more fretful about missing the rehearsals. 

“There was no time to feel sick,” he wrote. 

Fans irked by SM Entertainment’s treatment of artists

Following Taeyong’s situation, fans took to social media to send their well wishes and prayers for the idol’s recovery. 

Moreover, many of them called out SM Entertainment for not putting their artist’s health and safety their priority. Several pointed out that the agency didn’t even updated fans about the idol’s health status.  

 

Several were also scrutinizing at how the label just let their artists continue to do a series of rigorous activities despite not being in their best health conditions. 

However, what angered fans the most is that Taeyong isn’t the only NCT member who’s not feeling well. Taeil will be taking hiatus from group activities after he sustained a fracture in his thigh because of a motorcycle . 

Aside from Taeyeong and Taeil, other members such as Winwin, Renjun, Haechan, Johnny, and Chenle were also experiencing health problems in the previous months. 

https://twitter.com/staytinyallie/status/1694745128399728669

 

Despite this, fans pointed out that SM Entertainment isn’t doing enough to make sure that their artists aren’t overworked.

Given that NCT has more scheduled activities set for the coming weeks, fans are asking for the agency to at least give the group a proper resting period. 

Featured image: Taeyong in the teasers for NCT’s ‘Golden Age’ album. Credit: Facebook/NCT

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