Category: LATEST STORIES

In K-pop, the popularity of a group can often be gauged by the size of the crowd at their events. So, when a recent photo from a fan event of the second-generation K-pop group INFINITE showed a seemingly small audience, it sparked fan concerns about the group’s standing in the industry.

The photo, posted on INFINITE‘s official Twitter account last August 3, showed the group in a large auditorium with around twenty-five fans, while the rest of the seats were empty. This led to confusion and concern among fans, with many wondering if the group’s popularity was waning.

However, a closer look at the situation reveals a different story. The event was a fan sign, typically with few attendees. For this particular event, only 30 winners were selected to attend, explaining the small number of fans in the photo.

Despite the initial confusion, INFINITE‘s popularity remains strong. The group recently made a successful comeback with their song “New Emotion” after setting up their own company, INFINITE Company, in May 2023. They have been actively promoting their comeback song, including selling out multiple nights of concerts at the KSPO Dome and other locations.

INFINITE is still going strong

Adding to their active schedule, INFINITE will appear on the popular variety show Knowing Bros. A preview of the upcoming episode shows all INFINITE members dancing to their iconic 2011 hit “Be Mine” and teasing their leader, Kim Sungkyu. The episode, set to air on August 12, will bring more laughter and showcase the group’s strong bond and playful dynamics.

＂Knowing Bros＂. Episode 396 preview

The group’s successful comeback and upcoming variety show appearance, suggest that INFINITE is far from over. While initially concerning, the photo from that fan sign is a snapshot of a specific event. It’s not indicative of the group’s overall popularity. Fans can rest assured that INFINITE is still going strong and making waves in the K-pop industry. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The preview for INFINITE’s “Knowing Bros” guesting proves the group is far from over. Source: YouTube/@JTBCEntertainment.

In K-pop, social media interactions between idols often create buzz. A comment by NCT‘s Taeyong on fellow member Yuta‘s recent Instagram post did just that.

Known for being more active on SNS than most idols, Taeyong, leader of the SM Entertainment boy group NCT, frequently engages with fans. From liking posts on Instagram to spending hours playing Animal Crossing with them, Taeyong‘s online activities have endeared him to many.

However, his recent comment on Yuta‘s Instagram post has stirred up lively discussions among fans. Yuta had uploaded a cover of Bring Me The Horizon‘s “Happy Song” on his Instagram account and earned praise for his vocals. 

Taeyong, however, left a comment that read, “Let me go change my underwear and come back.” This unexpected comment had NCTzens scratching their heads in confusion. Some even wondered if they had misread or misunderstood what Taeyong wrote.

He used the Korean term “지린다,” which some use to express exhilaration. It can sometimes mean “to expel bodily fluids from oneself due to excitement.” (Get it?) In other words, Taeyong’s use of this term implied that he got so excited by Yuta’s vocal performance that he needed to change his underwear. 

Other stunts Taeyong pulled on SNS

Adding to the intrigue, Taeyong has inadvertently hinted at his presence on Twitter. As part of his promotions for his first solo album, “Shalala,” he shared a screenshot of a tweet from the official SBS Inkigayo Twitter account on Dear. U Bubble. The screenshot displayed a message that appears when someone uses a Twitter account. By sharing the screenshot, Taeyong suggested he might have a secret Twitter account from which he follows fans.

That added a layer of intrigue to Taeyong‘s online activities, fueling fans’ curiosity and excitement. It’s a testament to NCT‘s close-knit relationship and willingness to engage with fans in ways others might consider unconventional. (For idols, anyway.)

As NCT continues to make waves in the music industry, fans can look forward to more amusing and unexpected moments featuring Taeyong, Yuta, and the rest of the group. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Taeyong and Yuta have always had great chemistry, as proven by this photo from a magazine shoot they did before. Source: Twitter/@ellejapan.

In a delightful surprise for their Filipino fans, members of the K-pop boy band CRAVITY recently participated in a dance challenge set to the song “GENTO” by P-pop group SB19. This unexpected move came days before CRAVITY‘s first concert in the Philippines, adding to the anticipation and excitement surrounding the event.

In a TikTok video, Hyeongjun and Taeyoung, two members of CRAVITY, showed off their dancing. The video, posted from their label Starship Entertainment‘s practice room, saw them energetically dancing to “GENTO.” The performance was a testament to their talent and a nod to P-pop’s growing global influence.

CRAVITY’s engagement with the “GENTO” dance challenge is part of a larger trend. Other Korean stars, including Minzy from the second-generation girl group 2NE1 (of which the Philippines’ own Sandara Park is a member) and Jacob from The Boyz, took on the “GENTO” challenge too. These interactions highlight the increasing cross-cultural exchanges in the world of pop music.

More “GENTO” from CRAVITY

The band comprises nine members: Allen, Hyeonjun, Jungmo, Minhee, Serim, Seongmin, Taeyoung, Wonjin, and Woobin. They debuted on April 14, 2020, with the title track “Break all the Rules.” At the time their “GENTO” video went viral on TikTok, CRAVITY was preparing a Manila performance as the last stop on their Masterpiece World Tour. 

When they turned up at the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City on August 5, they continued to impress their Filipino fans with their charms, talents, and visuals. They kicked off the concert with a rousing rendition of “Get Lifted” and ended with “Colorful.” Member Serim cut a sizzling figure as he danced and sang to their 2022 single “Vivid.”

One of the show’s highlights was when Hyeongjun and Taeyoung led the rest of the group in a quick performance of “GENTO.”

“GENTO” is a single from SB19‘s latest EP, which dropped last June. The song has gained immense popularity on social media, sparking the dance challenge that Hyeongjun and Taeyoung participated in. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: During the show, one member said they’re grateful Manila is the last puzzle piece that completed their Masterpiece Tour. Source: Twitter/@CRAVITYstarship.

VANNER, the winners of the hit reality competition show Peak Time, are back in the spotlight with their forthcoming album VENI, VIDI, VICI. The album’s title is a famous Latin phrase that means, “I came, I saw, I conquered.”  It’s commonly attributed to Julius Caesar in 47 B.C. as a comment on his short war with Pharnaces II of Pontus in Zela. The phrase refers to a swift, conclusive victory.

In the context of VANNER‘s new album, the phrase “veni, vidi, vici” symbolizes their journey in the K-pop scene. The band came into the industry (veni), saw the challenges and the competition (vidi), and with their win on Peak Time, they conquered (vici) the big time. It perfectly encapsulates their struggle, journey, and ultimate victory, making it a fitting title for their album.

The band’s recent teasers have sparked anticipation among their fanbase, who have been awaiting new music since their big win. They debuted in 2019 and faced an uphill battle to get recognition. On Peak Time, the members—Ahxian, Gon, Hyesung, Taehwan, and Yeonggwang—competed as Team 11:00. They all held part-time jobs but still gave the show their all.

VANNER goes global

Since then, VANNER has performed in front of thousands at the Jamsil Arena and signed with CEO Eshy Gazit for their promotions in the United States. Gazit is a partner of Maverick Management under Live Nation and the CEO of Intertwine Music. He played an essential role in promoting K-pop in the United States. He has worked with BTS, MONSTA X, and Tiffany Young.

VANNER has also unveiled the track list for VENI VIDI VICI, giving fans an idea of what they can expect from it. The mini album features a diverse range of songs, each one highlighting the band’s unique musical flair and versatility. According to the teaser image, the album’s title track is “Performer.” The B-sides include “Diamonds,” “Form,” “Savior,” “TBH,” and “Want U Back.”

VENI VIDI VICI marks the group’s first comeback since they took the Peak Time crown, and it’s set to drop on August 21. This step is significant to the band. It reflects their journey and drive to leave a lasting impression on K-pop fans worldwide. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: They’re talented and have a lot of aegyo. Source: Twitter/@VANNERofficial.