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KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

SHINee’s Onew Assures SHAWOLs After Temporary Hiatus Announcement

Onew is making sure that his fans are not worried about his health. The SHINee member shared a message for SHAWOLs after his temporary hiatus was announced.

SM Entertainment Announces Onew’s Temporary Hiatus Due to Health Issues

On June 9, SM Entertainment released a statement regarding Onew’s temporary hiatus due to health issues. According to the agency, Lee Jinki visited the hospital for medical consultation and was advised to take a break.

“After careful and extensive discussion with Onew and the group, a decision was made to have Onew focus on recovering for the time being as he will be unable to participate in the upcoming concert and album activities,” the statement read.

SM confirmed that the upcoming SHINee concert and album activities will proceed with Key, Minho, and Taemin. However, Onew’s health is the agency’s top priority.

“We understand that SHINee’s promotional activities have been long-awaited by the members, fans, and our company. And we’d like to emphasize that this decision was made to ensure that SHINee may continue their activities in good health for a long time. We apologize for causing concern to the fans, and we ask for your generous understanding at this time,” the statement added.

Onew Shares Sweet Message For SHAWOLs Following Hiatus Announcement

Since then, SHAWOLs have been concerned about Onew’s health. However, Lee Jinki shared a message for his fans to let them know he will be alright.

“I will come back after recovering well!” he wrote. “I apologize for worrying many people and would be grateful if you thought of this as a time to momentarily take a breather for the sake of SHINee, who I will be with in the future!”

“Given the timing, I thought a lot but as I was not recovering, I believe there was a misunderstanding or error,” Onew continued. “But I’ve made this decision in order to properly protect what I want to protect, and because the future is more important.”

“Anyway, please be happy and healthy!” he continued. “In order for us to meaningfully spend happy days and bits and pieces of life together, I will think and return in good health. I’m sorry for worrying you!”

Earlier in June, SHINee announced their next comeback with their eighth full album ‘Hard’ which will be released on June 26, 2023. The group will also hold a three-night concert series ‘SHINee WORLD VI [PERFECT ILLUMINATION]’. The concerts will be held at Seoul’s KSPO Dome on June 23, 24, and 25, 2023.

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EXO Officially Announces July Comeback Date

EXO is getting ready for a new album. The remaining active members have announced their July comeback date. In addition to that, Kai could still be featured in the album despite his recent military enlistment.

EXO Announces July Comeback Date

SM Entertainment confirmed EXO’s July comeback date in a new statement.

“EXO’s seventh full-length album will be released on July 10,” the statement read. It also revealed that Kai had participated in the new LP.

“As it is an album everyone has put their all into, promotions related to the album will proceed as planned. We will release more details soon,” the statement continued.

This is great news for fans who were concerned about Kai after the “Rover” singer tearfully confirmed his military enlistment. Kim Jongin had stated that he was disappointed he couldn’t join the rest of EXO in their next comeback.

“There’s so much that I had prepared. What a pity. That’s what’s upsetting,” Kai said during a live broadcast.

“There’s nothing that I could do about this. I’m sad that I can’t show you what I prepared but I can just show it after I return,” he added.

Although Kai will not be able to join the promotions for the new album, his presence will still be felt in the July comeback.

The comeback also confirms that Xiumin, Baekhyun, and Chen will continue promoting with the rest of the group. The EXO-CBX members had previously notified SM Entertainment of the termination of their exclusive contracts. However, they also assured EXO-Ls that they will continue to be a part of their group despite their legal dispute with SM.

In related news, SM Entertainment announced that EXO is planning to film a group reality show in Korea. The details of the project have not been revealed. However, it was confirmed that the remaining active seven members will participate.

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BTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BTS Celebrates 10th Anniversary With New Single ‘Take Two’, FESTA 2023 Photos

BTS is officially 10 years old. The supergroup is celebrating their 10th anniversary since debut and they have awesome gifts for ARMYs. The fun photos for BTS FESTA 2023 have been unveiled. In addition to that, RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook released a new digital single “Take Two”.

BTS Drops Awesome FESTA 2023 Photos, New Digital Single ‘Take Two’

The official photos for BTS FESTA 2023 were shared on Weverse. As promised by BIGHIT MUSIC, the images feature all seven members. It confirms that BTS had all prepared for their 10th anniversary before Jin and J-Hope’s military enlistment.

Soon after the photos were released, BTS uploaded their new digital single “Take Two” on the BANGTANTV YouTube channel. It is produced by Suga and EL Capitan while RM and J-Hope also wrote the lyrics.

BIGHIT MUSIC had previously explained that BTS prepared the song as a special gift for ARMYs on their 10th anniversary.

“The song conveys their appreciation toward ARMY for all the love you shower them with and their desire to always be together with you,” the agency confirmed in a statement.

“We sincerely express our gratitude to ARMY for making the 10th anniversary possible with your endless love for BTS, and we hope that ‘Take Two’ will become a precious ‘Gift’ from BTS to you all,” it added.

The new photos and digital single are only the latest of the awesome treats for BTS’ 10th anniversary. The celebratory event will drop several surprises in the next few days. FESTA’s grand finale this year is the BTS 10th Anniversary FESTA @ Yeouido at Yeouido Hangang Park on June 17, 2023.

In related news, BTS will publish their own book in July. “Beyond the Story: 10-Year Record of BTS” will be written by journalist Kang Myeongseok and the seven members of the group. It is scheduled for release on July 9, 2023.

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KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

EXO Confirmed For New Reality Show Without Kai

EXO is ready for a new project. The remaining active members will begin filming for a new reality show. This will be their first group effort after Kai’s military enlistment and EXO-CBX’s ongoing dispute with SM Entertainment.

SM Entertainment Confirms EXO Will Begin Filming As A Group For New Reality Show

On June 8, SM Entertainment announced that EXO is planning to film a group reality show in Korea. The details of the project have not been revealed. However, it was confirmed that the remaining seven members will participate.

On the same day, Xiumin, Suho, Baekhyun, Chen, Chanyeol, D.O., and Sehun were spotted at the Gimpo Airport. It is believed that the EXO members will begin filming for the reality show soon.

The upcoming show will be EXO’s first group project after Kai enlisted for mandatory military service in May 2023. It might be one of the projects Kim Jongin was referring to when he tearfully announced his military enlistment.

Prior to his enlistment, Kai held a free fan meeting that was also broadcast on EXO’s YouTube channel. Kim Jong-in famously celebrated with EXO-Ls after successfully convincing SM Entertainment to organize the fan meet.

The announcement of the upcoming project also confirms that the EXO-CBX members will continue promoting with the rest of the group. Earlier this month, Xiumin, Baekhyun, and Chen notified SM Entertainment about the termination of their exclusive contracts. In response, the agency claimed that the idols were being influenced by a third party.

Since then, the EXO-CBX members and SM Entertainment have been going back and forth with statements regarding the matter. However, it is agreed that Xiumin, Baekhyun, and Chen will continue as members of EXO.

EXO is also set to a comeback later in the year. However, the comeback date and details have not yet been announced. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

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KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

TEEN TOP’s Changjo Signs With New Agency After TOP Media Exit

Changjo has finally signed up with a new company. The TEEN TOP main dancer just signed an exclusive contract with a new agency after leaving TOP Media in January.

TEEN TOP Maknae Choi Jong Hyun Signs With BEAT INTERACTIVE

BEAT INTERACTIVE issued a statement confirming that Choi Jong Hyun had signed with the agency.

“We signed an exclusive contract with actor Choi Jong Hyun (Teen Top’s Changjo) in June 2023,” the statement read. “Choi Jong Hyun holds a strong footing as a member of Teen Top and has a strong fanbase both domestically and internationally.”

“We will become Choi Jong Hyun’s reliable partner and support him so that he can infinitely unfold the potential he has as an actor,” it continued. “Also, we will provide wholehearted support so he can promote solo in a variety of ways, including album promotions and various content.”

The statement concludes with the company asking fans for “lots of support and interest in Choi Jong Hyun.” It is noted that Changjo “is taking a new leap as an actor and solo artist” with BEAT INTERACTIVE.

There is a good reason why Changjo has finally signed with a new agency. In April, it was confirmed that TEEN TOP is preparing for their first comeback in four years. Since Choi Jong Hyun did not renew his contract with TOP Media in January, he will need a new company to represent him.

Choi Jong Hyun is now just the main dancer for TEEN TOP, he is also an accomplished actor. He has appeared in TV shows like “Sweden Laundry” and “My Brother Disappeared”. In 2015, he took on a lead role in the movie “Mak Girls”.

TEEN TOP is currently preparing for their comeback which will be the first one since C.A.P’s departure. Bang Min-soo announced that he is leaving the group after his shocking outburst during a controversial live stream.

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BILLLIE’s Sua Breaks Silence on Late Brother Moonbin’s Passing

Moon Sua has finally broken her silence. The BILLLIE rapper has shared a new post on social media more than a month after her brother’s passing. Sua’s latest post pays tribute to the late ASTRO member Moonbin on his 49th day of passing.

Moon Sua Breaks Silence on Moonbin’s 49th Day of Passing

Moon Sua has kept her silence since April 20, a day after her brother Moonbin passed away in his home in Gangnam. The BILLLIE member also went into hiatus, choosing not to promote with the rest of the group.

As of June 7, Moon Sua returned to her personal Instagram account. She posted a brief black-and-white video featuring herself and Moon Bin practicing together.

“As rumored, Mr. Door-Frame-Moon’s backside was as broad as a door frame and warm,” Sua wrote. “I should’ve climbed on it some more when I had the chance.”

“Next time I see you, give me more rides,” she continued. “My dearest, one and only brother. Still, always, and forever, I’ll love you on and on. Don’t be sick, be healthy, eat your meals, and be happy.”

Moon Sua’s post coincides with Moonbin’s 49th day of passing. On the same day, a new memorial space for the “Mermaid Prince” actor was opened at Gukcheongsa Buddhist Temple. Fellow ASTRO members Cha Eun Woo and Sanha were the first to visit the memorial site before it opened at Namhansangseong.

Moonbin’s younger sister had previously left a letter at his memorial space set up in front of the FANTAGIO building.

“Oppa, it’s me, your one and only precious sister Sua,” she wrote. “I came to visit (the memorial) too. I cried so much so I’m going to stop crying now. I’ll smile more now. I’m going to do what I want to and be happy. So, I hope you are going to be happy there. Please watch over your sister, if I’m doing well or now.”

Moon Sua served as chief mourner at her brother’s funeral. It has not yet been confirmed whether she will resume activities with BILLLIE.

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STRAY KIDS’ I.N Will Sit Out ‘M Countdown’ Filming Due to Health Issues

I.N will be sitting out some of his upcoming schedules. The STRAY KIDS maknae will not join the rest of the group for their “M Countdown” filming.

I.N Will Not Participate in STRAY KIDS’ Upcoming Performance On ‘M Countdown’

JYP Entertainment had previously confirmed that I.N will not attend a guest appearance on “Kim Shin Young’s Noon Song of Hope”. The agency cited mild symptoms of a cold as the reason for the STRAY KIDS member’s absence.

A new statement further adds that Yang Jeongin will not join the rest of the group for their pre-recording for “M Countdown”.

“As we announced earlier today, I.N has been showing mild symptoms of a cold,” the statement read. “Therefore, [he] will not be taking part in the pre-recording and live broadcast of Mnet’s ‘M COUNTDOWN’ on June 7 and 8.”

“I.N will be taking adequate rest to focus on his health and for a swift recovery,” it continued. “We will notify you in case of any additional schedule changes.”

The company also assured STAYs that they are looking out for I.N and that his health is their top priority.

“JYPE will provide everything we can to support the artist’s swift recovery,” the statement added. “We would like to ask for STAY’s kind understanding.”

Although I.N was unable to attend STRAY KIDS’ recent schedules, JYPE made sure his fans still got a lot of content from him. The group’s official Twitter account shared a new video featuring Yang Jeongin and fellow member Seungmin.

STRAY KIDS is currently promoting their third full album ‘5-Star’ and its lead single “S-Class”. The group has also been confirmed to headline Lollapalooza in Paris in July. They will be the first K-pop group to serve as a headliner in a French music festival.

STRAY KIDS will perform as one of the headliners at Lollapalooza in Paris on July 21, 2023.

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K-DRAMA KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

GIRLS GENERATION’s YoonA On What Drew Her To ‘King The Land’

YoonA is working on a new romantic comedy. The GIRLS GENERATION member discussed her decision to work on “King The Land”. She also shared what it was like playing the cheerful Cheon Sa-rang who is known as the “Queen of Smiles”.

GIRLS GENERATION’s YoonA Hypes Up New Rom-Com ‘King The Land’

Im Yoon-ah is currently promoting “King The Land”. In an interview with NAVER, she opened up about her decision to join the new romance series. For YoonA, it was about giving her fans something new and different to watch.

“I normally enjoy romantic comedies and since my last work was of the noir genre, I thought it’d be nice to greet viewers with a brighter and more cheerful project next,” she said.

“I also chose [this drama] as I was reminded of how many people liked when I portrayed proactive characters with bright personalities. The fact that it’s set with a hotel VVIP lounge as the background also had quite a unique charm,” she added.

“King the Land” follows an unlikely romance between Gu Won, a chaebol heir who can’t stand fake smiles, and the constantly smiling Cheon Sa Rang. In the series, Sa-rang became known as the “queen of smiles” while working her way up at the King Hotel.

How Did Cheon Sa Rang Become The ‘Queen of Smiles’?

For YoonA, playing Cheon Sa Rang meant understanding the story behind her smile.

“To Cheon Sa Rang, the King Hotel is a place full of childhood memories,” she said. “When having to smile or work as a hotelier, I acted while constantly thinking about Cheon Sa Rang’s sincere heart and meaning for the King Hotel.”

“Although she has many other sides, Cheon Sa Rang is someone who does her job incredibly well and has both responsibility and a sense of duty, so I worked hard to make sure those aspects were shown well,” she continued.

It’s already an exciting show to look forward to. Im Yoo-nah promised viewers that they will thoroughly enjoy watching “King The Land”.

“There’s all kinds of fun in ‘King the Land,’ from comedic elements to a sweet romance,” she said. “In particular, seeing Cheon Sa Rang discover her real smile and the cute side of the cold Gu Won who transforms after meeting Cheon Sa Rang will leave lasting impressions.

“Additionally, as we had many location shoots, you should look forward to the visual aesthetics,” Yoona continued.

2PM member Lee Junho will play Gu Won in the upcoming show. “King The Land” will premiere on JTBC on June 17, 2023, at 10:30 p.m. KST.

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Young K Will Return As DJ For ‘DAY6’s Kiss the Radio’

Young K is resuming his favorite day job. The DAY6 singer has been confirmed to return as the DJ of KBS Cool FM’s “Kiss the Radio” program.

Young K Confirmed To Return as DJ For KBS Cool FM’s ‘DAY6’s Kiss The Radio’

KBS made an official announcement about Young K’s return to the popular radio program. “DAY6’s Young K will be the DJ of ‘Kiss the Radio’ starting from Monday, June 19,” the broadcaster announced.

A representative from KBS further added that the broadcaster is eager to bring Young K back as soon as possible.

“As a legendary DJ of ‘Kiss the Radio,’ Young K has shown stable hosting skills,” they said. “He is also a musician that is well recognized through his diverse works in music.”

“Likewise, with his solid hosting skills and wittiness, we’re confident that Young K will be able to show his unique charm by comfortably communicating with not only senior and junior musicians but also all the listeners.”

It’s clear that KBS Cool FM is eager to bring back Young K for “Kiss the Radio”. Although the DAY6 bassist is only one of several past DJs on the program, he proved to be the most popular. However, Young K had to leave the radio show when he enlisted for military service in 2021.

Kang Young Hyun’s first run as the “Kiss the Radio” DJ was from November 2020 to October 2021. He enlisted for mandatory military service by serving in the Korean Augmentation To the United States Army (KATUSA).

During his enlistment, BTOB’s Minhyuk and “Dream High 2” actor Jeong Jinwoon took over as the radio program’s DJ. Jinwoon will serve as the special DJ for the first week of June.

For now, DAY6 has not yet shared any plans for a comeback. Keyboardist Wonpil is still serving in the military and will not be discharged until November 27, 2023.

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YG Entertainment Addresses BIGBANG’s G-Dragon Contract Renewal Negotiations

YG Entertainment is finally addressing the recent reports about G-Dragon’s contract expiration. The agency issued a statement regarding the issue and confirmed that they are negotiating with the BIGBANG leader.

YG Entertainment Confirms G-Dragon’s Contract Expiration, Renewal Negotiations In Progress

On June 5, several reports reveal that G-Dragon was omitted from YG Entertainment’s Quarterly Report. The table lists all of the agency’s talents in the “Major Contracts and R&D Activities” column. Kwon Jiyong’s omission from the list seemingly confirmed that the BIGBANG member’s contract had expired.

YG Entertainment immediately addressed the reports, claiming that the omission was due to a “system error.” Additionally, the company issued a new statement confirming that G-Dragon’s contract has expired.

“It’s true that G-Dragon’s exclusive contract has expired,” a spokesperson for YG Entertainment said. They then added that Kwon Jiyong is in negotiations with the agency for a possible renewal.

“We are currently discussing various options including partial contracts for his activities in areas such as advertisements,” they said. “Should the artist wish to resume his promotions as a musician in the near future, we plan to negotiate a new contract with him and offer him the agency’s full support.”

If the renewal negotiations are successful, G-Dragon will be the last BIGBANG member to stay with YG Entertainment. Taeyang is currently signed with YG affiliate THE BLACK LABEL while Daesung signed a contract with R&D Company in April 2023.

Although they will no longer work under the same label, G-Dragon, Taeyang, and Daesung are all expected to continue group activities as BIGBANG.

In related news, T.O.P recently confirmed his departure from the group. The BIGBANG rapper recently responded to a fan comment on his own Instagram post. Choi Seunghyun claimed that he left the group when his contract with YG Entertainment expired and he is currently working on a solo project.

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