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SM Entertainment Denies Knowing of Exo Baekhyun’s Plans for Own Agency

EXO's Baekhyun in the teaser images for 'Let Me In.' Credit: Facebook/EXO

Following EXO’s Baekhyun’s recent revelations, SM Entertainment released a statement of their own to address the idol’s claims. 

On Tuesday, August 8, Baekhyun responded to a series of rumors surrounding his career through a live broadcast on Instagram.

What Baekhyun said

In the livestream, the vocalist opened up about his recent legal dispute with SM Entertainment. He said that he’ve “always wanted to inquire about accounting.” And that there were incidents during Lee Soo Man’s absence that “piqued [his] curiosity.” 

Aside from Baekhyun, EXO members Chen and Xiumin moved to terminate their exclusive contracts with SM Entertainment in June. The EXO-CBX sub-unit cited unclear handling of earnings and slave contracts as their motivation. 

However, both parties have reached a settlement after an almost three-week legal battle. 

Additionally, Baekhyun pointed out that they reached an “amicable compromise.” He also emphasized that he now has a “good relationship” with SM Entertainment.  

 

Moreover, Baekhyun also revealed that he started the company One Signature with his friend Kasper. The idol explained that it aims to produce good choreographers and dancers. 

The singer also mentioned that SM Entertainment is aware of his plans and encouraging his new venture. 

SM Entertainment reacts

Yet, the agency claimed that they’ve never heard anything about Baekhyun’s plans. And that they only found out about it through the reports. 

“Although we are flustered by the [sudden news], we trust that [Baekhyun] will keep the promises he made during our mutual agreement,” the agency said in a press release. 

 

Furthermore, SM Entertainment also clarified that the existing contracts of Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin have not expired. In fact, the agency said that Baekhyun’s existing agency with them runs until January 2024. 

The label also asserted that EXO will continue their group activities and Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin can also pursue solo activities. 

 EXO released their seventh full-length album EXIST in July. It served as EXO’s first album as a full-group in two years. It has a total of nine songs, with “Cream Soda” as its title track. 

Currently, EXO is airing the fourth season of their hit variety show Travel the World on a Ladder.

Featured image: EXO’s Baekhyun in the teaser images for ‘Let Me In.’ Credit: Facebook/EXO

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Blackpink’s Lisa to Be Inducted Into Asian Hall of Fame

BLACKPINK shares a photo of Lisa for her birthday. Credit: Facebook/BLACKPINK

Lisa of K-pop girl group BLACKPINK continues to prove she’s a trailblazer in the entertainment industry! 

The 2023 Asian Hall of Fame has announced that Lisa, whose real name is Lalisa Manoban, is one of its inductees . 

Established in 2004, the Asian Hall of Fame aims to advance “Asian and Indigenous leadership, achievements, and service to the United States and around the world.” 

 

Aside from Lisa, 15 other people are also being inducted to the legacy platform. 

This year’s nominees also include Far*East Movement, Freddie Mercury, Johnny Cash, and Ryuichi Sakamoto, among others. 

 

According to its website, one of the criteria for an individual to be inducted is that they should have “transformed multicultural, multiracial, and multigenerational ambassadorship for generations to come.” 

Moreover, the Thai-born rapper-dancer is the first K-pop idol to be inducted into the Asian Hall of Fame. She is being honored as a “cultural icon.” 

The induction ceremony will be on October 21, 2023 in Los Angeles. 

Lisa’s iconic achievements

Indeed, Lisa’s induction comes as no surprise as the idol has been breaking records left and right. 

In May 2023, the BLACKPINK member became the K-pop soloist with the most Guinness World Records in history. 

Currently, Lisa has seven records. She was able to surpass PSY’s five records.  Some of Lisa’s records include: 

  • most followers on Instagram for a K-pop artist
  • fastest solo K-pop female artist to reach one billion streams on Spotify 
  • first solo K-pop winner at the MTV Video Music Awards 

Lisa made her debut as a member of BLACKPINK in August 2016. She made her solo debut in September 2021 with the release of her single album Lalisa. 

Additionally, BLACKPINK also holds several Guinness World Records, including being the most viewed channel on YouTube. 

Furthermore, the group’s seven-year contract with YG Entertainment is set to expire by August 2023. However, Lisa is rumored to no longer renew with the agency. 

Featured image: BLACKPINK shares a photo of Lisa for her birthday. Credit: Facebook/BLACKPINK

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Look: TXT Is Dior’s Newest Global Ambassadors

TXT poses with their customized Dior fits for Lollapalooza festival. Credit: Twitter/DIOR

Another good news for MOAs: fashion luxury brand Dior tapped K-pop boy group TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT)  to be their newest global ambassador! 

The brand announced the news on Thursday, August 10. It revealed that Dior’s artistic director Kim Jones designed the group’s customized outfits for the Lollapalooza music festival. 

 

Over the weekend of August 5, TXT history as the first K-pop group to headline the major US festival. Aside from their 20-song performance, MOAs were also in awe of the members’ styling for the show. 

In an exclusive by Women’s Wear Daily, Jones shared that TXT’s outfits drew inspiration from his utilitarian and sci-fi-inspired pre-fall 2023 collection. 

“Tomorrow X Together are the perfect ambassadors for Dior,” he was quoted as saying. “They have a great attitude and style and they look great in their custom stage outfits.” 

Meanwhile, Leader Soobin said that it’s an “honor” for the group to wear Dior in Lollapalooza, which he described as “one of the most significant performances of [their] career.” 

Additionally, all TXT members also expressed their own eagerness and excitement in more collaboration with the brand. 

“I’m thrilled to become an ambassador of Dior and represent a brand that I am personally fond of,” Yeonjun said. 

Taehyun added: “Collaborating with a major fashion house like Dior for a music festival as big as Lollapalooza was truly amazing.

K-pop stars making waves in fashion industry 

With this announcement, TXT has officially become the first K-pop group that Dior tapped to be their global ambassador. 

They joined a number of other K-pop stars signed to the fashion house. BTS’ Jimin, BLACKPINK’s Jisoo, EXO’s Sehun, ASTRO’s Cha Eun Woo, and NewJeans’ Haerin are also Dior ambassadors.

Aside from these K-pop acts, there’s also several international stars under Dior. Robert Pattinson, Anya Taylor-Joy, Caleb McLaughlin, and Elizabeth Debicki are among the faces of the brand. 

Recently, numerous K-pop idols have been tapped as global ambassadors for luxurious fashion brands. We have BTS’ V for Cartier, SEVENTEEN’s Vernon for Kenzo, and TWICE’s Dahyun for Michael Kors. Additionally, STRAY KIDS’ Hyunjin signed with Versace and (G)I-DLE’s Miyeon for Jimmy Choo. 

Meanwhile,  TXT is currently embarking on their ACT: SWEET MIRAGE world tour. They also recently collaborated with American band Jonas Brothers for the track “Do It Like That” and released their Disney+ documentary Our Lost Summer. 

Composed of Soobin, Yeonjun, Beomgyu, Taehyun, and Huening Kai, TXT is known for songs “Good Boy Gone Bad,” “Crown,” “Blue Hour,” and “Anti-Romantic.” 

Featured image: TXT poses with their customized Dior fits for Lollapalooza festival. Credit: Twitter/DIOR

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Ciipher: Four Members Officially Quit the Group as Netizens Blame Rain Company

In a recent and unexpected development, four members of the renowned K-pop group Ciipher have decided to leave the band. On August 9, Ciipher‘s label, Rain Company, announced that Dohwan, Tag, Tan, and Won ended their contracts. This decision, described as mutual, was reached after a series of discussions.

As for the remaining members, Hwi, Hyunbin, and Keita, they have chosen to stay with the company and continue their work in showbiz. They plan to regroup and continue promoting as a trio someday. They’re also set to meet fans through various activities. For instance, Keita is getting ready for his first solo fan meeting in Japan on August 19.

While the official statement from Rain Company underscored the mutual respect and understanding underpinning this decision, fans voiced their concerns and frustrations. Many are directing their ire at the company. Accusations of mismanagement and mistreatment are being leveled at its founder, the seasoned idol Rain.

One of the problems is the limited interaction between Ciipher and the public. There are noticeable gaps between posts on the group’s social media platforms, such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Ciipher also doesn’t have accounts on Dear U Bubble and Weverse, where they can engage with fans more intimately and regularly. 

Rain‘s track record with managing idol groups has also come under scrutiny. Netizens have accused him of neglecting groups like MADTOWN and MBLAQ. They’re concerned that Ciipher is receiving the same poor treatment they did.

What’s next for the Ciipher members

After dropping a mini-album called The Code in 2022, Hyunbin and Keita went on the survival show circuit. Hyunbin competed on MBC’s Fantasy Boys, while Keita joined Mnet’s Boys Planet. He was all set to do it with Tag, but the latter dropped out of the show before filming began. 

Soon after word of their departure broke out, Dohwan, Tag, and Won reached out to fans on social media.

Tan went live on Instagram to air his sentiments.

 

Last week, Jellyfish Entertainment confirmed that Keita will debut in EVNNE, a seven-member boy group with six other Boys Planet alums. As of this writing, it’s unknown what Dohwan, Tag, Tan, and Won plan to do next.

This exodus of Ciipher members from Rain Company is a pivotal moment in the K-pop scene. As their fans await more news, there remains a collective hope that things will turn out well for the boys. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Here are the boys in happier times. May they all find success post-Ciipher. Source: Twitter/@RAIN_Ciipher.

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Meet the Fourth-Generation Idol Competing for the Miss Universe Korea Crown

In a pleasantly surprising twist, the K-pop scene and the pageant world have come together. It’s all because of one Park Seyeon—better known by her stage name, Seyeon. Not only is she a fourth-gen idol, but she’s also a contender for the Miss Universe Korea 2023 title.

Seyeon‘s rise to fame began as the youngest member, or maknae, of the K-pop group PURPLEBECK. Signed to Majesty Entertainment, this group burst onto the scene in 2019 with their single album Crystal Ball. Later that year, they made a comeback with “Dream Line.”

PURPLEBECK, Crystal Ball, SeYeon Focus [THE SHOW 190709]

PurpleBeck, Dream Line [THE SHOW 191022]

Transitioning from her school days at Hanlim Multi Arts School to the dynamic stages of K-pop was no small feat. After finishing high school in February 2020, Seyeon participated in her group’s first mini-album. It was titled Starry Night and was bannered by the title track “VALENTi.” 

MVㅣPurpleBeck (퍼플백) – VALENTiㅣStarry Night

With every new release from PURPLEBECK, Seyeon consistently showcased her prowess as a singer and rapper.

However, the surprises didn’t stop there. Seyeon‘s venture into pageantry piqued the interest and excitement of many. She’s not content with simply being an idol; she’s on a mission to display the many facets of her personality and talent.

Seyeon hopes to make an impact

Known for her endearing qualities, such as her passion for cooking and her fondness for the colors black, purple, and white, Seyeon embodies beauty with depth. Her love for summer, arguably the most lively season, mirrors her vibrant and bubbly nature, making her a fitting representative for the Miss Universe Korea title.

The pageant she’s competing in is called Miss Queen Korea, and it’s responsible for selecting South Korea’s representatives for the Miss Universe and Miss World pageants. Should Seyeon win it all this year, she’ll head to San Salvador, El Salvador in November for the chance to succeed R’Bonney Gabriel of the U.S. as the new Miss Universe. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnmOEY_uqls

과거는 아이돌, 현재는 미스 유니버스 코리아를 꿈꾸는 저의 행보를 기대해 주세요🙏

As of August 6, 39 contestants have been confirmed, including the Netherlands’ Rikkie Kollé. Kollé is the second transwoman to compete for the Miss Universe crown, following Spain’s Angela Ponce in 2018. Like South Korea, the other participating countries are still selecting their representatives. Seyeon is currently in seventh place. But her journey in the competition is far from over. She’s set her sights on the finals and she’s doing her best to make a significant impact. 

Fans and pageant enthusiasts alike can show their support by voting for Seyeon on the OHMYSTAR app. As she continues to break barriers, Seyeon exemplifies the evolving landscape of K-pop, where idols aren’t just limited to making music. Some are branching out, challenging norms, and setting new benchmarks. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Seyeon’s profile is filled with striking photos like this one. Source: OHMYSTAR.

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Kwon Eunbi Finally Earns a Solo Music Show Win, Thanks to “The Flash”

In a triumphant moment for Kwon Eunbi, her new single “The Flash” clinched the top spot on SBS M’s The Show on August 8. Competing against top tracks from various artists, including xikers‘ “DO or DIE” and BBGIRLS‘ “ONE MORE TIME,” Eunbi‘s “The Flash” emerged victorious, marking her first-ever solo music show win. With 9,260 points, the victory wasn’t just a testament to the song’s popularity. It also reflected Eunbi‘s unwavering dedication and connection with her fans.

KWON EUN BI, The Flash (권은비, The Flash) [THE SHOW 230808]

Eunbi has been in the K-pop scene for a while. She started her journey with the group Ye-A in 2014 and later made waves with IZ*ONE in 2018. Her solo endeavors have spotlighted her determination and talent. After IZ*ONE‘s disbandment, she went solo and released three mini-albums. Her most recent one, Lethality, garnered significant attention. But “The Flash” set the charts alight, gaining traction among fans and critics alike.

KWON EUN BI (권은비), THE SHOW CHOICE! [THE SHOW 230808]

The episode of The Show was a celebration of K-pop, with many other performers taking the stage. Also on the bill that day were 8TURN, BXB, HORI7ON, ILY:1, LIMELIGHT, NINE.i, SATURDAY, SEVENUS (formerly known as MASC), TAN, The Wind, and YOUNITE. Each performance added to the electric atmosphere of the show. Yet, the highlight remained Eunbi’s win, a moment filled with emotion, pride, and joy.

KWON EUN BI (권은비), THE SHOW CHOICE! (Non-edited ver.) [THE SHOW 230808]

Eunbi continues to shine

A day before her big win, Eunbi collaborated with Mnet’s digital studio M2. Together, they treated her fans to a cool relay dance video for “The Flash.” This special treat showcased her impeccable dancing and vocal prowess., further solidifying her position as a versatile artist.

[릴레이댄스] 권은비(KWON EUNBI) – The Flash (4K)

Eunbi‘s first win with “The Flash” is a significant milestone, reflecting her hard work, talent, and the support of her fans. As Eunbi continues to shine in the music scene, her fans eagerly await her next steps. Congratulations, Kwon Eunbi! – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Eunbi’s “The Flash” earned over 9,000 points to beat new material from BB GIRLS and xikers. Source: YouTube/@thekpop.

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Jellyfish Entertainment Changes New Boy Group’s Name to EVNNE

On August 9, Jellyfish Entertainment made headlines by unveiling a significant change to their new boy group. Initially, the septet, consisting of Ji Yoon Seo, Keita, Lee Jung Hyun, Moon Jung Hyun, Park Han Bin, Park Ji Hoo, and Yoo Seung Eon, was set to debut under the name BLIT. However, after careful consideration and receiving feedback, the company decided on a name change to avoid any potential negative misunderstandings.

The decision came after the realization that the name BLIT might carry negative connotations in some languages. Furthermore, the name was met with jokes and mixed reactions online, prompting the agency to take swift action. Moving forward, the seven-member boy group will now be known as EVNNE, pronounced ‘even’. This new name stands for “Evening’s Newest Etoiles,” symbolizing a new rising star in the night sky. It’s a testament to the group’s ambition to shine brightly and capture the attention of fans worldwide.

Interestingly, EVNNE was not a name pulled out of thin air. It was a nickname that Jellyfish and the members had been using internally since the group’s inception. After the potential issues with the initial name surfaced, the agency collaborated with the members, and together they settled on EVNNE.

EVNNE is gearing up to debut

In line with the name change, EVNNE also unveiled their official social media accounts, giving fans a glimpse of their first group photo and individual selfies. This move showcases the group’s readiness to engage with their audience. Their goal is to build a strong online presence ahead of their debut.

The group, formed by contestants from the hit Mnet survival show Boys Planet, showcases talents who garnered significant attention and popularity. They may not have debuted, but they captured the public’s hearts nonetheless. Now, under the guidance of Jellyfish Entertainment, these seven boys are gearing up for their official debut, scheduled for the latter half of this year.

It’s commendable that Jellyfish Entertainment acted promptly to ensure their new group starts on the right foot. Fans are eagerly awaiting EVNNE‘s debut, and with the positive steps taken by the agency, the future looks promising for these rising stars. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: EVNNE’s first group photo shows them covered in shadows because they have yet to debut. Source: Twitter/@EVNNE_official.

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Boynextdoor Set for September Comeback With ‘Why’

BOYNEXTDOOR in a concept photo for their single debut album 'Who.' Credit: Facebook/BOYNEXTDOOR

Just four months since their May debut, rookie K-pop boy group BOYNEXTDOOR is already set to make their first comeback! 

BOYNEXTDOOR announced on Tuesday, August 8, that their releasing their first mini-album WHY on September 4.  

 

The six-piece act also released the promotion scheduler, which showed that a trailer film will be out on August 13. 

Meanwhile, the track list will be available on August 17. The scheduler also showed that the group will have two concept photos with the themes “Moody” and “Dazed.”

Additionally, the track spoiler and music video teaser will be unveiled on August 27 and 31, respectively. 

BOYNEXTDOOR made their debut under KOZ Entertainment on May 30 with the single album WHO! Aside from the title track “Serenade,” said album also carries the songs “But I Like You” and “One and Only.”

Moreover, KOZ Entertainment is a subsidiary label under HYBE Labels founded by rapper Zico. 

BOYNEXTDOOR is composed of members Sungho, Riwoo, Jaehyun, Taesan, Leehan, and Woonhak. 

Additionally, the youngest member, Woonhak, has been tapped to host Inkigayo. He’s hosting the music show alongside TOMORROW X TOGETHER’s Yeonjun and actress Park Ji Hu. 

Featured image: BOYNEXTDOOR in a concept photo for their single debut album ‘Who.’ Credit: Facebook/BOYNEXTDOOR

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SM Entertainment Addresses Threats Against Safety of Aespa’s Winter

aespa's Winter in a the jacket behind cut of 'MY WORLD.' Credit: Facebook/aespa

SM Entertainment has filed a complaint against an unidentified online user who threatened to harm Winter of K-pop girl group aespa. 

The agency issued a statement on Tuesday, August 8, revealing that they filed a report to the police as soon as they came across the harmful post. 

Additionally, SM Entertainment also pushed for a fast investigation and additional security for aespa. 

 

SM Entertainment’s statement was prompted by an anonymous post in an online community who claimed that they will threaten to kill Winter. 

Furthermore, the said death threat says they will use a weapon to harm Winter when aespa is at the Incheon International Airport. 

Consequently, aespa was flying out to the United States to attend the Outside Lnads Music & Arts Festival in San Francisco. 

In response, SM Entertainment updated fans that aespa was able to depart South Korea safely. The agency said that they cooperated with bodyguards and airport police to ensure the members’ safety. 

Moreover, the label added that the police also received multiple records about the incident. And in turn, the police went to SM Entertainment’s company building for two days to check on the security situation and Winter’s welfare. 

“We will always give our best to ensure the safety of our artists,” they assured fans. 

After the festival in San Francisco, aespa will start their Synk: Hyper Line concert in the United States. Its stops will include Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, and Boston, among others. 

aespa will also release their new English single “Better Things” on August 18. 

Featured image: aespa’s Winter in a the jacket behind cut of ‘MY WORLD.’ Credit: Facebook/aespa

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Here Are the K-Pop Acts Nominated for the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards

BLACKPINK in a behind-the-scenes photo from their Coachella 2023 set. Credit: Facebook/BLACKPINK

There’s no denying how huge K-pop has become in the international music scene. And the growing amount of K-pop act nominees in 2023 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) is proof of that. 

MTV unveiled on Wednesday, August 8, the nominees for this year’s awarding, and six K-pop acts made it to the list. 

BLACKPINK is the most nominated K-pop act this year, garnering a total of four nods. 

The girl group’s hit single “Pink Venom” is nominated for Best Choreography, Best Art Direction, Best Editing, and Best K-pop. 

 

Meanwhile, TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT) scored a total of two nominations with their recent title track “Sugar Rush Side.”

It is nominated in the Push Performance of the Year and Best K-pop categories. 

 

In addition to BLACKPINK and TXT, four other acts are also nominated in the K-pop category.

The nominees includes aespa’s “Girls,” FIFTY FIFTY’s “Cupid,” SEVENTEEN’s “Super,”  and Stray Kids’ “S-Class.” 

MTV only added the Best K-pop category in 2019. 

 

Overall, pop star Taylor Swift and singer SZA lead the 2023 MTV VMAs nominees with eight and six nods, respectively. 

Moreover, fans can vote for their favorite acts through the MTV website. 

Additionally, the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards ceremony will take place on September 12 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. 

Featured image: BLACKPINK in a behind-the-scenes photo from their Coachella 2023 set. Credit: Facebook/BLACKPINK

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