Category: LATEST STORIES

The popular South Korean boy group, The Boyz, managed by IST Entertainment, are ready to make a comeback to the K-pop scene with their second full-length album, Phantasy Pt. 1: Christmas in August. They’ve recently shared a “track clip” that provides a preview of all the songs on the album. This is a format other bands often refer to as a highlight medley. 

This clip showcases their readiness to embrace summer as the theme of their upcoming album, even if it’s a departure from their usual sound and style. The group’s members—Eric, Haknyeon, Hyunjae, Jacob, Juyeon, Kevin, New, Q, Sangyeon, Sunwoo, and Younghoon—can be seen enjoying the summer sun. All to the tune of their lively new material that perfectly captures the season’s spirit.

THE BOYZ(더보이즈) 2ND ALBUM [PHANTASY] Pt.1 Christmas In August Track Clip

The first part of their second full-length album, Phantasy Pt. 1: Christmas in August, includes six tracks: “Lip Gloss” (title), “Passion Fruit,” “Lighthouse,” “Fantasize,” “Fire Eyes,” and “Fairy Tale.” This clip offers brief snippets of each song, stirring up excitement among fans for the full versions. If you’re curious about the new songs on the album, the track clip will give you a taste of the music, evoking images of laughter, beach trips, and adventures under the open sky.

The Boyz added an exotic touch to their comeback by filming a music video for the title track, “Lip Gloss,” in Siargao, Philippines. The beautiful, scenic landscapes of the island will likely offer a unique visual element to the music video, enhancing the overall experience for fans.

THE BOYZ(더보이즈) ‘LIP GLOSS’ M/V Trailer

More on “Phantasy”

The Boyz have also released movie poster teasers for the album. Each poster features a different band member, adding a personal touch to the teasers. The posters not only highlight the individual styles of the members but also suggest the overall theme of the album.

The forthcoming album, Phantasy Pt. 1: Christmas in August, showcases their versatility through their willingness to experiment with a new sonic palette. As the release date nears, the excitement among Deobi (The Boyz‘s fanbase) continues to rise. 

The Boyz have consistently surprised Deobi (in a good way, mind you) with their albums and singles, and Phantasy Pt. 1: Christmas in August is set to do the same. The boy group’s second full-length effort, with its captivating teasers and unique concept, will definitely make a splash.

Phantasy Pt. 1: Christmas in August will drop on August 7 at 6:00 PM KST. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The group’s new stuff is perfect for the season! Source: Facebook/더보이즈(THE BOYZ).

In a delightful surprise for their fans, six members of the South Korean boy band Stray Kids made personal Instagram accounts. That created a significant buzz, with each member amassing followers like crazy. Bang Chan, Changbin, I.N., and Seungmin each surpassed the 3 million mark, while Felix and Hyunjin garnered over 4 million followers each.

Changbin and Felix amuse and impress netizens

Notably, Felix, whose username is @yong.lixx, set a record as the fastest fourth-generation idol to amass more than 1 million followers on Instagram, achieving this feat in one hour and 36 minutes. This milestone, however, had its share of controversy. Some netizens raised suspicions that Felix‘s fans artificially inflated his follower count. Despite these allegations, Felix remains popular on the platform. He currently has an impressive 3.5 million followers. His followers are not just fans but also include notable figures from the entertainment industry. 

His followers include Korean-Thai actor “Noeul” Nuttarat Tangwai, Thai actresses June Wanwimol and “Milk” Pansa Vosbein, Japanese performers Ryusei Kainuma and Taiki Sato, Chinese-American dancer Ellen Min of the dance duo Ellen & Brian, and American YouTuber Zach Hsieh. This diverse following demonstrates that his popularity extends beyond the realm of K-pop.

Changbin has been lauded for his unique Instagram handle, @jutdwae. It’s a creative blend of his nickname, “Man of Principles” or “Jutdae” (줏대) in Korean, and the name of his SKZOO character, “Dwaekki.” But it’s not just a simple fusion of the two words. 

The term “Jutdwae” (좆돼)  means “to be f****d” or “to end up in a bad situation.” This username choice even prompted fellow band member Hyunjin to comment on Changbin‘s first Instagram post, expressing his amusement. Changbin‘s response to Hyunjin‘s comment and subsequent post in their group chat asking Hyunjin what he was doing added humor to his Instagram debut.

The Stray Kids impact

While most Stray Kids members have embraced Instagram, Han and Lee Know chose to keep it at arm’s length for now. In a message shared via Bubble, Han expressed that he’s currently not ready to join the other six on the platform. But he did tell fans not to worry, because he’ll keep using the group’s official social media account. “I don’t know much about personal social media accounts, so I’ll make one when I can show you a lot of things!” 

Meanwhile, Lee Know said he prefers talking to fans on Bubble. “This is more comfortable for me, so I still don’t have thoughts about making an IG. Rather than talking about IG, please recommend me something for lunch,” he asked in a recent message. 

Despite not having a personal Instagram account, Lee Know has found ways to connect with fans on the platform. He recently updated Stray Kids’ official Instagram account with a doodle and selfies, claiming the account as his own in the caption. This playful interaction showcases Lee Know‘s unique approach to engaging with fans, even without a personal Instagram account.

Despite the varying paths chosen by the members, Stray Kids‘ presence on Instagram has made a significant impact. As they continue to connect with fans and express their individuality using this platform, the world is waiting with bated breath for what they’ll share next. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Stray Kids dropped a performance video for “PARTY’S NOT OVER” the same week the members made personal Instagram accounts. Source: Twitter/@Stray_Kids.

Seven contestants from the Mnet audition show Boys Planet will form a new boy band, BLIT, under Jellyfish Entertainment, the agency announced. The contestants in question didn’t make the debut team but gained global popularity through the show. 

Recognizing their potential, Jellyfish Entertainment got their agencies—Rain Company, WAKEONE, and Yuehua Entertainment—to let all seven debut in a new project group. According to reports, the members moved in together last month and are preparing to debut later this year.

Meet the BLIT members from WAKEONE

Lee Jeonghyeon, a Korean trainee who represented WAKEONE on Boys Planet, has been honing his skills as a performer for more than three years. Known for being a quick problem solver, especially when it comes to Rubix cubes, Jeonghyeon often frowns when he concentrates. Luckily, that doesn’t ruin his visuals. Rather, it highlights his confident jawline.

이정현 LEE JEONG HYEON I K그룹 @타임어택 1분 자기소개 

Next is Park Hanbin, who competed on LOUD before trying his luck on Boys Planet. With a training period of over two years, Hanbin is a multilingual trainee who’s fluent in Korean and knows a little English. He’s known for his ever-present smile and enjoys reading essay books, walking along the Han River, and watching movies in his free time.

박한빈 PARK HAN BIN I K그룹 @타임어택 1분 자기소개

Park Jihoo, was a H1GHR Music trainee when he went on Boys Planet. He signed with WAKEONE soon after the show ended. All in all, he has been training for over two years. He enjoys exercising, gaming, playing basketball and soccer, and songwriting. Jihoo’s favorite song is “Drops” by FKG feat. Tom Bailey and Zico from Block B is his role model.

박지후 PARK JI HOO I K그룹 @타임어택 1분 자기소개

Mun Junghyun has been training for over two years as well. He loves eating delicious food, listening to music, reading novels, and singing. Junghyun likes the way his ears look, and his favorite song of all time is “Burn it Up” by Wanna One. He looks up to Kang Daniel as his role model.

문정현 MUN JUNG HYUN I K그룹 @타임어택 1분 자기소개

Next, those from other agencies

Yoo Seungeon represented Yuehua Entertainment on Boys Planet. He charmed fans with his ability to mimic Doraemon. His hobbies include composition, gaming, listening to music, and playing sports. He’s quite confident about his eyes and nose, and his role models are BTOB’s Yook Sungjae, EXO’s Baekhyun and D.O., and HIGHLIGHT’s Yang Yoseob.

유승언 YOO SEUNG EON I K그룹 @시그널송 ‘난 빛나 (Here I Am)’ 개인 직캠 평가

Ji Yunseo, a Korean trainee who represented Yuehua Entertainment on Boys Planet, is known for his unique ability to do two-fingered push-ups. He loves exercising, playing soccer, watching movies, and writing songs. His confident body parts are his shoulders, long arms, and legs, and his favorite song is “Dragon” by TEMPEST.

지윤서 JI YUN SEO I K그룹 @시그널송 ‘난 빛나 (Here I Am)’ 개인 직캠 평가

Lastly, Terazono Keita, one of the Japanese trainees on Boys Planet, has been training for almost nine years. He spent most of that time at YG Entertainment and even competed in the survival show YG Treasure Box. Keita went on to debut in Ciipher under Rain Company. His specialty is his ability to sleep for three days in a row, and he enjoys writing songs. He has “Rhythm Ta” by iKON on heavy rotation, and he looks up to BIGBANG as his role model.

G Group | #케이타 #KEITA ♬Kill This Love – BLACKPINK(블랙핑크) @K vs G 그룹 배틀

How fans feel about BLIT

Many fans couldn’t hide their excitement about the news, but not everyone is happy. Many were also angry that Rain Company didn’t say anything about Keita’s participation in this project group. Korean netizens wondered what this would mean for Ciipher. Furthermore, when word broke out that BLIT would debut with Jellyfish Entertainment, many shared their worry about the company’s reputation. In particular, they compared it to ZEROBASEONE being signed under WAKEONE, another company with a less-than-stellar track record.

Others called the group’s name “interesting,” because one typo is all it needs to become an NSFW word. While it’s exciting that these seven trainees will finally get their moment in the sun, it’s not surprising that netizens are wary about some of the details. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Meet the members of BLIT! Source: Twitter/@keitaindonesia.

The South Korean girl group BLACKPINK is currently in the spotlight. Not just for their excellent performances during their ongoing world tour but also for their much-anticipated contract renewal with their agency, YG Entertainment. BLACKPINK consists of Jennie, Jisoo, Lisa, and Rose and has significantly contributed to YG’s operating profit, accounting for more than 80%. This makes their contract renewal a topic of interest for fans and industry insiders.

The band’s contract with YG Entertainment, which began on August 8, 2016, is due for renewal this month. However, due to the band’s packed world tour schedule, the announcement might be delayed until September. This has led to speculation and anticipation among fans and investors.

According to Cha You-Mi, a security researcher at Mirae Asset, each member of BLACKPINK could receive a down payment between 1 billion and 1.5 billion KRW (approximately 769,036 to 1.15 million USD). This estimate is based on previous deals with bands like BIGBANG and TWICE.

The renewal agreement is expected to maintain the current profit distribution, where BLACKPINK receives 80% of the operating profit while YG gets 20%. This shift in favor of the artist is common after contract renewals. Despite the decreased company share, the overall benefits outweigh this concern. A contract renewal could positively affect YG’s stock price, given BLACKPINK’s significant contribution to the company’s revenue.

The impact of BLACKPINK’s contract renewal

The renewal process isn’t just about numbers. It also reflects the evolving relationship between the artist and the agency. In the case of BLACKPINK, the renewal is seen as a positive signal, especially considering the girl group’s strong ticket-selling power and worldwide popularity. However, rumors have surfaced about individual members potentially exploring opportunities with overseas agencies or setting up their own. The members have not provided official confirmation, adding to the intrigue surrounding the renewal.

The impact of BLACKPINK‘s contract renewal extends beyond the entertainment industry. Analysts and ordinary netizens are monitoring the situation, with some expressing concerns about the amount and others emphasizing the importance of the ratio for future settlements.

As the world awaits YG’s official announcement, the anticipation and speculation build, adding to the mystique of one of South Korea’s most beloved K-pop acts. Whether the renewal will lead to a new chapter in BLACKPINK‘s success story or mark a turning point in their relationship with YG remains to be seen. Either way, the outcome will resonate throughout the scene and beyond. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: BLACKPINK made history when they performed for Vietnamese BLINKs over two days. Source: Twitter/@BLACKPINK.

BLACKPINK‘s Lisa, one of the most well-known faces in K-pop, recently sat down with W Korea for a candid interview. The conversation touched on Lisa’s experience at Coachella, her love for fashion, her passion for photography, and her personal growth as she navigates her “quarter-life crisis.”

Lisa’s relationship with fashion, particularly the brand CELINE, was a major theme in the interview. She spoke about her affinity for rock music during photoshoots and how CELINE’s clothing makes her feel like a “cool kid.” Lisa’s first designer bag, a black CELINE belt bag, symbolized her love for fashion even before she debuted. Lisa’s good relationship with CELINE’s Heidi Slimane goes beyond fashion; they share a love for photography and dogs, often exchanging stories about their pets.

Photography is another passion that Lisa has nurtured over the years. She owns more cameras than bags and prefers using high-quality cameras instead of her phone. Lisa’s love for photography aligns with her desire to preserve important moments, such as her unforgettable experience at Coachella. She says her journey at Coachella, from her group’s career-defining first appearance at the festival in 2019 to their stint as headliners in 2023, changed her life. Lisa says Coachella is much more than another event to her. It was a turning point in her life that broadened her horizons.

No to negativity

Lisa‘s growth as an artist and an individual was also something they touched on in the interview. She spoke about how her attitude towards the stage has evolved. She also said she feels more confident these days. She has a new motto that reflects her positive approach to life.

Lisa’s bag of wonders👜W revealed all her items in it😎 by W Korea

“I try not to feel trapped by negative thoughts or emotions. I also try to break negative thoughts, like ‘Why do I feel so bad today?’ or ‘Things would’ve worked out better if I was in a better mood.” Even when things don’t go well, I just tell myself, ‘Well, bad things can happen’ or ‘I’ll do better next time.’ So, my life motto is ‘let it be,’ and I feel more comfortable thinking this way,” she said. “Even when I feel bad, I consciously make myself feel better. I don’t want others to feel uncomfortable because of my bad mood. If it happens, I’d feel so bad for them.”

Lisa on this new season of her life

The interview also delved into Lisa‘s reflections as a 26-year-old navigating this new season of her life. She expressed a desire to live for herself and prioritize her happiness. Her newfound boldness to try new things and be honest with herself marks a significant change in her life. Her biggest ambition, she revealed, is to be happy, staying true to her happiness without harming others.

“Whenever I have something that I want to try, I always do it. I’ve finally become more honest with myself. These days, I think about my happiness more than anyone else’s. I stay true to my happiness as long as it doesn’t harm others. I want to live for myself. I don’t know why. Maybe it’s a puberty thing. I guess I am in my quarter-life crisis,” she laughs.

Lisa‘s candid conversation with W Korea offers a glimpse into the mind of a young artist grappling with creativity, fame, and personal growth. Her quarter-life reflections resonate with many, making this interview a compelling read for fans and admirers alike. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Lisa became a glam rock girl for her latest magazine shoot. Source: W Korea.