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K-POP ARTISTS LATEST STORIES

Look: Former Hybe Trainee Leo Drops Teaser for Solo Debut

Former HYBE trainee Leo is now under 131 Label. Credit: Twitter/131 Label

Almost a year after leaving HYBE Labels, Leo is gearing up for his debut as a solo artist. 

Leo previously trained under HYBE Labels, and he was one of the popular members of the debut team Trainee A.

 

Netizens also recognized him for appearing alongside two NewJeans members in the music video of BTS’ “Permission to Dance.” 

However, Leo was embroiled in controversy in December 2021 for his scandalous lyrics.

The aspiring idol was criticized for his rap, which he personally wrote, with netizens being dismayed for his supposed misogynistic view and insensitive takes against women. 

The production team in charge of Trainee A who uploaded Leo’s rap performance quickly took down the video and issued an apology. 

Leo also apologized, saying that he’s “extremely embarrassed and ashamed” of his performance. He added that he’s “reflecting on [his] mistakes” and he’ll “strive to do whatever it takes to reflect and learn” from it. 

Yet in August 2022, Leo announced that he’s leaving Trainee A. There, he revealed that his worries just kept getting bigger over the three and a half years that he spent training. 

“I tried to hide from others but the worries kept growing with time, until I couldn’t even control them,” he explained. 

Leo’s new start

Not much was heard from Leo after his departure from HYBE Labels until he surprised his fans with plans for a solo debut. 

131 Label, the independent agency established by Kim Hanbin or B.I, announced that Leo has signed an exclusive contract with them. 

 

Aside from making official social media accounts for their artist, 131 Label also unveiled the activities for Leo’s debut. 

Leo’s debut single will be released on August 17. Meanwhile, the music video will be out on August 29. 

Details about the song title and his debut stage have yet to be disclosed. 

Featured image: Former HYBE trainee Leo is now under 131 Label. Credit: Twitter/131 Label

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Exo’s D.O Reveals Details About His Second Solo Album

D.O. in the teaser for EXO's 'Cream Soda' music video. Credit: Facebook/EXO

Brace yourselves, EXO-Ls: D.O. of K-pop group EXO just confirmed that he’s about to release his second solo album! 

In an interview for the promotion of his movie The Moon, D.O, who goes by his real name Doh Kyungsoo in his acting ventures, opened up about being part of EXO, his acting career, and solo musical journey. 

On being a member of EXO and his solo music releases

The idol-actor looked back on EXO’s decade-old idol career, saying that it’s the “start of [his] life.” 

“I don’t really have friends of my age so I receive comfort and support from my members,” he explained. 

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. 

As for his solo music career, D.O. surprised fans by saying that he’s just waiting for his second solo album to be released.

Additionally, he revealed that he has completed the recording, filming for music videos, and jacket photos in May 2022. 

“I wanted to start preparing early so I have completed them before getting involved in other shoots,” he shared. “The album will consist of acoustic-like songs that I love so much.”

However, additional details such as album name, title track, and release date weren’t disclosed. 

But D.O. promised that once the album is released, he’ll conduct an event where he can meet his fans. 

D.O. released his first solo album titled Empathy in July 2021. There, the vocalist wrote two songs: the title track “Rose” and “I’m Fine.”

The eight-track album also included two bonus songs: the English version of “Rose,” and “Si Fueras Mia,” the Spanish version of another B-side track, “It’s Love.”

Prior to his solo album, D.O. also released solo songs “That’s Okay” and “Crying Out.”

 

Actor Kyungsoo

The EXO member’s first major acting role was in the 2014 drama It’s Okay, That’s Love where he played Han Gang Woo. 

Since then, his acting career has continued to flourish.

D.O. has appeared in Hello Monster, My Annoying Brother, Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds, Room No. 7, and Swing Kids. 

 

In 2018, he became the main lead for the Korean series 100 Days My Prince, alongside actress Nam Ji Hyun. 

His recent works include, Secret and The Moon. As for his next acting project, D.O. shared that he’s still thinking about it.

Featured image: D.O. in the teaser for EXO’s ‘Cream Soda’ music video. Credit: Facebook/EXO

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KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Watch: Le Sserafim Releases ‘Eve, Psyche & the Bluebeard’s Wife’ Feat. Demi Lovato

LE SSERAFIM performs at the 2023 TMEA Music Festival. Credit: Twitter/LE SSERAFIM

Here’s to a collaboration we didn’t see coming! 

K-pop girl group LE SSERAFILM has released another remix of their hit song “Eve, Psyche & The Bluebeard’s Wife” on Friday, August 2 – and this time, it’s with American singer Demi Lovato. 

This remix features a new second verse from Demi. 

It starts with: “I see it written on your face, yeah / I know you want a little taste, yeah / You know I’ll put you in your place/You’re crawling on the floor, begging me for more.”

 

Demi’s verse continues with the lyrics: “A work of art / I’m coming to steal your heart / I’m taking charge / I told you from the start. You can’t believe / You’re falling in love with me / Don’t say I didn’t warn you, baby.”

The remix with Demi is LE SSERAFIM’s latest collaboration for their song “Eve, Psyche & The Bluebeard’s Wife.”

Other artists who teamed up with the K-pop act for a remix includes Rina Sawayama, Upsahi, BIBI, Mirani, and Camo. 

“Eve, Psyche & The Bluebeard’s Wife” initially appeared in LE SSERAFIM’s Unforgiven album that was released in May. 

Despite being a B-track, the track easily became a fan-favorite that LE SSERAFIM released a full English version in July. 

Composed of Chaewon, Sakura, Yunjin, Kazuha, and Eunchae, LE SSERAFIM made their debut in July 2022. 

Featured image: LE SSERAFIM performs at the 2023 TMEA Music Festival. Credit: Twitter/LE SSERAFIM

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Ex Loona Member Heejin to Make Solo Debut

Heejin poses for her agency photo under Modhaus. Credit/Twitter: ARTMS Project

The LOONA universe continues to expand as former member Heejin is confirmed to make her solo debut. 

Modhaus confirmed on Thursday, August 3 that Heejin is preparing a solo album.

However, the agency added they’ll have yet to determine the exact release date for Heejin’s album. Additional details such as number of tracks and album title weren’t also disclosed. 

 

Heejin made her debut in October 2016 with the release of her solo song “ViViD.” She was the first member that was introduced in the “Monthly Girls” project that marked the start of K-pop girl group LOONA. 

In 2017, Heejin became part of the ⅓ sub-unit, alongside HyunJin, Haseul, and Vivi. They were LOONA’s first sub-unit, before the group officially debuted as a 12-member act in August 2018. 

LOONA in the recent years

However, between 2021 and 2022, LOONA members, starting with Chuu, filed their injunctions against their agency BlockBerry Creative. 

In Heejin’s case, she filed her injunction in November 2022, citing breach of mutual trust. She filed it alongside members Haseul, Yeojin, Kim Lip, Jinsoul, Choerry, Yves, Go Won, and Olivia Hye. 

Heejin, together with Kim Lip, Jinsoul, and Choerry, won their injunctions in January 2023. The four of them signed exclusive contracts with Modhaus in March. 

Meanwhile, Modhaus has since launched the ARTMS project.

Said project will reportedly refer to the activities of the LOONA members under their agency. Haseul, who signed with Modhaus in June, has also been added to the ARTMS project. 

In July, Odd Eye Circle, the sub-unit composed of Choerry, Jinsoul, and Kim Lip, released their album Version Up.

Additionally, former LOONA members HyunJin, YeoJin, Vivi, Go Won, and HyeJu have formed the group LOOSSEMBLE (LOONA Assemble). They’re all under the agency CTDENM. 

Featured image: Heejin poses for her agency photo under Modhaus. Credit/Twitter: ARTMS Project

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K-DRAMA LATEST STORIES

‘The Glory’ Star Lee Do Hyun to Enlist in Military on August 14

Lee Do Hyun shares a behind-the-scenes from filming 'The Good Bad Mother.' Credit: Instagram/Lee Do Hyun

Sad news, K-drama fans! One of our favorite oppa is temporarily taking a break from acting to fulfill his mandatory military service duties. 

Yuehua Entertainment announced on Thursday, August 3 that actor Lee Do Hyun will be enlisting in the military on August 14. 

The agency emphasized that there’ll be “no separate official event.” Only the actor’s family members and military personnel will be present on the day of his enlistment. 

 

“We ask for fans to refrain from visiting as it is a private event,” Yuehua Entertainment requested. 

Additionally, the label said that Do Hyun will join the ROKAF (Republic of Korea Air Force)’s military band after finishing his basic military training, 

Moreover, they also asked fans to continue their support for the actor.

“Please send your warm support and encouragement to Lee Do Hyun who will return in good health after dutifully carrying out his military duties,” the agency said. 

Before his enlistment, Do Hyun is set to meet his supporters through a fan meeting on August 5. 

Lee Do Hyun, 28, made his acting debut in the 2017 black comedy series Prison Playbook. He also starred in projects Hotel Del Luna, 18 Again, Sweet Home, and The Good Bad Mother. 

Do Hyun is best known for his roles in The Glory and Youth of May.

In May, it was confirmed that he’s in a relationship with The Glory co-star Lim Ji Yeon.

Featured image: Lee Do Hyun shares a behind-the-scenes from filming ‘The Good Bad Mother.’ Credit: Instagram/Lee Do Hyun

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BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

TXT’s Taehyun Covers “SEVEN,” Jungkook Reacts

Kang Taehyun, a member of the popular K-pop group TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT), covered “SEVEN,” a hit single by BTS’s Jungkook.

The cover, which Taehyun uploaded to the fan community platform Weverse, has not only delighted fans but also received praise from Jungkook himself. 

Taehyun‘s admiration for Jungkook is well-known. As labelmates at BIGHIT MUSIC, the connection between the two artists dates back many years. Taehyun has been a fan of BTS for years, and his support for the group, especially Jungkook, has been evident in various interactions.

On July 31, Taehyun released his cover of “SEVEN,” singing along to an instrumental version of the original. He congratulated Jungkook on topping the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, calling the song “godly” and a “masterpiece.” 

How will Taehyun react?

Jungkook‘s reaction was swift and appreciative. He thanked both Taehyun and BOYNEXTDOOR‘s Jaehyun, who also covered the song. 

Taehyun‘s fanboy moments with Jungkook have been a source of joy for fans. When TXT debuted in 2019, they visited BTS in their dressing room at a music show. It was then that BTS’ leader RM revealed that Taehyun had over 10 photos of Jungkook in his KakaoTalk profile picture history. RM found that quite amusing. When he shared that story with BTS and TXT, he remarked, “He must be Jungkook’s fan.”

That interaction between Jungkook and one of his idol fanboys was both cute and funny. Now, with Jungkook‘s public acknowledgment of Taehyun‘s cover, BTS and TXT fans are imagining Taehyun‘s excitement. Social media is abuzz with humorous speculations about Taehyun‘s reaction.

“SEVEN” is Jungkook‘s official solo debut. It dropped on July 14, featuring American rapper Latto. The song is a taste of Jungkook‘s upcoming solo mini-album, expected to be released by November 2023. His success with “SEVEN” has been remarkable, winning first place on South Korean music show Inkigayo. The song’s popularity continues to grow, and covers by fellow idols like Taehyun add to its acclaim. 

https://twitter.com/mhereonlyforbts/followers_you_follow

Taehyun‘s cover of “SEVEN” and Jungkook‘s warm response highlight the camaraderie and mutual respect between these two talented artists. Fans are now eagerly awaiting more collaborations and interactions between BTS and TXT, two of the most prominent groups in the K-pop industry. In the world of K-pop, where fandoms and connections run deep, this interaction is a reminder of music’s power to bring people together. Or, in this case, make successful fanboys out of idols like Taehyun. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Taehyun truly did his sunbae’s song justice. Source: Twitter/@translatingTXT.

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BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

SUGA Sits Down with Samsung EVP, Calls Himself a “Superfan”

BTS’ SUGA isn’t just a music superstar. He’s also a self-proclaimed “superfan” of Samsung’s Galaxy products. Recently, he interviewed Cho Won-Jun, EVP and Head of Mobile R&D Office at Samsung. They discussed the latest foldable phones: the Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Galaxy Z Fold 5.

SUGA’s History with Samsung 

Galaxy x SUGA: Galaxy Z Flip5 | Fold5 | Samsung

SUGA shared his history with Samsung, which began with the Galaxy S7 in 2016. He also shared his childhood fascination with assembling computers. “When I was young, I played with computer parts. I loved building things by myself,” he reminisced. Furthermore, he expressed his excitement for the new Galaxy Z Fold 5, a device he now owns.

On July 26, Samsung invited him to an event called Samsung Galaxy Unpacked July 2023. It showed off the company’s innovations, especially new the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5. People asked SUGA for his thoughts on them. Moreover, his single “Daechwita” was played at the event.

SUGA was among the first to own the Galaxy Z Fold 5. His unit even has “D-DAY” engraved on the back, named after his chart-topping album. Pictures of SUGA holding the Galaxy Z Fold 5 with TM Roh appeared on Samsung’s social media accounts. (Roh is President and Head of Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics.)

SUGA‘s relationship with Samsung goes beyond mere ownership. He has shown a special affection for Galaxy products among BTS members. At a concert in Newark, New Jersey, he only took selfies with fans who owned Galaxy smartphones. He declared, “No iPhone, only Galaxy.”

Exploring the Galaxy Z Fold 5

In the interview with Choi Won-Joon, SUGA‘s questions revolved around design and engineering. He asked about the foldable hinge and the foldable display itself. SUGA‘s enthusiasm for the topic was evident throughout the conversation.

Both he and Choi believe in enhancing user experience through improved design and larger screens. Choi elaborates, “Samsung has had a vision for a long time that phones should be smaller while the display size is bigger. With advancements in foldable display technology, we knew we could do that.”

Choi pointed out specific improvements in the Fold 5. These newer foldable devices are thinner and more compact, providing a better grip. They also have a space in the hinge part. Choi says, “It folds with almost no gaps, but we created a display structure that allows it to be folded in a round shape from the inside.”

SUGA enjoyed their conversation immensely. He said, “I feel like I’m listening to a lecture, but it’s so much fun. I mean it. It’s really fun to talk with these developers.”

On BTS’ SUGA and the Galaxy Z Fold 5

Choi concluded with a reflection on the hard work behind the products. He said, “There are so many worries and so much blood, sweat, and tears involved in making something until it’s released.” Their conversation provided a behind-the-scenes look at the development of Samsung’s latest foldable devices. It serves as a testament to the creativity and dedication involved in creating cutting-edge technology,  

Fans of SUGA, collectively called ARMY, can now pre-order Samsung’s latest products, including the foldable smartphone, through its official website. They’re set for an official release on August 11. Early adopters can benefit from free memory upgrades and other bonuses.

With the Galaxy Z Fold 5, SUGA‘s relationship with Samsung continues to unfold (pun intended), symbolizing a partnership that goes beyond a mere endorsement. 

His role as an honorary Samsung employee and his active participation in the Galaxy Unpacked event highlights a connection that resonates with fans and tech enthusiasts alike. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: SUGA and Choi Won-Joon were honored to be in each other’s presence. Source: YouTube/@Samsung.

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Look: Loossemble Unveils New Photos, Announces Us Tour

LOOSSEMBLE unveils first group photos. Credit: Twitter/LOOSSEMBLE

It’s really the start of a new era for former LOONA members HyunJin, YeoJin, ViVi, Go Won, and HyeJu as they’ve officially announced their upcoming activities as LOOSSEMBLE. 

Under their new agency CTDENM, the five idols are set to re-debut as LOOSSEMBLE (or Loona Assemble).

After launching its official social media accounts, LOOSSEMBLE also unveiled new set of photos for each members. 

The two sets of individual photos saw the members donning white and black ensembles. Aside from the individual shots, HyunJin, YeoJin, ViVi, Go Won, and HyeJu also posed in group photos. 

What’s in store for LOOSSEMBLE? 

The developments didn’t stop there as LOOSSEMBLE announced on Wednesday, August 2, that they’re embarking on a concert tour at the United States. 

Titled Loona Assemble: The US Debut Ceremony, the group will hold shows in 10 cities across the US. The stops include New York, Washington, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Oakland, among others. 

The general sales for the ticket will start on August 5, at midnight KST. Meanwhile, the VIP package sales can be availed by the public between August 7, at 11 a.m. KST, to September 7, at 11:49 KST.

LOOSSEMBLE also shared their excitement for the upcoming shows.

“We are preparing a lot of great performances for the dearest fans. We are also preparing to spend meaningful time talking deeply with fans. So please look forward to it,” they said. 

 

Aside from the upcoming showcase tour, CTDENM has also teased that LOOSSEMBLE is planning to release a new album. Additional details about the upcoming album have yet to be disclosed. 

All 12 members of LOONA left their original agency BlockBerry Creative after a legal battle. 

Hyunjin and Vivi signed with CTDENM in June, with Yeojin, Go Won, and HyeJu following in July. 

The news of LOOSSEMBLE’s formation came shortly after Odd Eye Circle made their comeback with Version Up in July. The unit is composed of former LOONA members, JinSoul, Choerry, and Kim Lip, who are now all under Modhaus. 

Featured image: LOOSSEMBLE unveils first group photos. Credit: Twitter/LOOSSEMBLE

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Wow! Newjeans Debuts at Billboard 200 With ‘Get Up’ Ep

NewJeans poses for a behind cut of their Jeans Zine. Credit: Facebook/NewJeans

There’s really no way but up for rising K-pop girl group NewJeans!

Billboard announced on Wednesday, August 2, that NewJeans’ second EP Get Up topped the Billboard 200 chart, dated August 5.

 

This marks the first time for NewJeans to enter the Billboard 200 chart. Said chart is known to rank the most popular albums and EPs in the United States per week. 

And the quintet reached the feat in just a year since their July 2022 debut. Impressive, right? 

Additionally, NewJeans is only the second female K-pop act to land on the top spot of the Billboard 200, following BLACKPINK.

Including the male artists, NewJeans is the sixth K-pop act to achieve the milestone. Only K-pop acts BTS, SuperM, Stray Kids, BLACKPINK, and TXT have earlier placed first with their releases.

Moreover, NewJeans’ Get Up and BLACKPINK’s Born Pink album are the only two albums by an all-female act to hit the No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart in the past 15 years. 

NewJeans’ record

The Billboard 200 ranking is based on “multi-metric consumption” as measured in album sales, track equivalent albums, and streaming equivalent albums. 

According to the US-based songs chart, Get Up garnered 126,500 equivalent album units. Majority of the sales during its first tracking week were driven by album sales. 

 

Get Up is now placed as the second album by a K-pop girl group that had the biggest album debut in Billboard 200 history. 

 

Meanwhile, the Barbie film soundtrack and Morgan Wallen’s One Thing At A Time are in second and third place, respectively.

Get Up, which has six songs, was released on July 21. “ETA,” “Super Shy,” and “Cool With You” are the album’s triple title tracks. 

NewJeans is composed of Minji, Hanni, Hyein, Haerin, and Danielle. It is a group under ADOR, the HYBE sub-label headed by Min Hee-jin. 

Featured image: NewJeans poses for a behind cut of their Jeans Zine. Credit: Facebook/NewJeans

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BTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BTS’ Jimin, Jungkook Set Guinness World Records With Solo Releases

BTS members Jimin and Jungkook in the preview of their 'LOVE YOURSELF: SPEAK YOURSELF' DVD. Credit: Facebook/BTS

BTS continues to make history in the global music scene even with their individual releases as members Jimin and Jungkook just set more Guinness World Records! 

Guinness World Records (GWR) announced on Tuesday, August 2, that both Jimin and Jungkook achieved two new titles each through their solo releases. 

Jungkook’s records

According to GWR, the explicit version of Jungkook’s digital single “Seven” has now recorded a total of 89,748, 171 streams – making it the most streamed track on Spotify in one  week by a male artist. 

The award-giving platform shared that “Seven (Explicit Ver.)” has recorded 15,995,378 plays on its first day of release. It trails behind Harry Styles’ “As It Was,” which held the record for most streamed track on Spotify in 24 hours by a male vocalist. “As It Was” recorded 16,103,849 streams on April 1, 2022. 

 

However, GWR continued that “Seven (Explicit Ver.)”  logged at least 11.6 million streams each day for its first tracking week. 

With this, it now holds the record for the fastest time for a music track by a male artist to reach 100 million streams on Spotify. GWR said that Jungkook’s “Seven (Explicit Ver.)” reached  100 million filtered streams on Spotify on July 21 or within eight days after it was released on July 14. 

Meanwhile, t can also be recalled that Jungkook’s other solo track, “Dreamers,” also surpassed 300 million Spotify streams in June. It’s also the record holder for the fastest K-pop soloist to do so. 

Jimin’s achievements

Additionally, Jimin also set two new records with his 2018 single “Promise” through the streaming service Soundcloud. 

GWR noted that “Promise,” which Jimin released in December 2018, is the titleholder for the most streamed track on Soundcloud within 24 hours of its release. 

The single also reached 330 million plays on June 17 and has now become the most streamed track on Soundcloud. 

 

Furthermore, Jimin also dominated the brand reputation rankings for individual K-pop idols in the month of June. 

Moreover, BTS made their debut in June 2013 with the single “2 COOL 4 SKOOL.” Known for being one of the trailblazers of the K-pop genre, the septet has since entered the Guinness World Records 2022 Hall of Fame.

As a group, the records they currently hold include being the most streamed male group on Spotify, and most followed music group on Twitter, Instagram, Tiktok. 

In June 2023, celebrated their 10th debut anniversary with the release of the memoir “Beyond the Story: 10-Year Record of BTS” and digital single “Take Two.”

Featured image: BTS members Jimin and Jungkook in the preview of their ‘LOVE YOURSELF: SPEAK YOURSELF’ DVD. Credit: Facebook/BTS

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