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Mystic Story Producer, IU’s ‘Boo’ Composer Address Plagiarism Claims

People are coming to IU’s defence amidst the recent plagiarism allegations. Mystic Story president Jo Young Chul, who produced IU’s albums, slammed the complaint against the soloist. In addition to that, the composer behind the solo artist’s hit “Boo” defended the song’s composition.

Mystic Story Boss Hits Back At IU Plagiarism Claims

Mystic Story president Jo Young Chul released a statement regarding IU’s recent plagiarism accusations. Jo, who is also a music producer, pointed out that the plagiarism claims have no clear basis.

“While I’ve monitored all the songs that continue to claim plagiarism on YouTube and were recently accused, I was unable to discover any suspicion of plagiarism,” Jo wrote.

“Just because you’ve taken one part of a song and think there’s a song that has a similar melody or chord progression to it does not make that plagiarism. This is not my personal opinion as this is the court precedent,” Jo added. “The parts of the songs being accused do not even have the same melody or chord progression.”

Jo Young Chul added that “the copyright dispute is basically an issue between copyright holders.”

“I question whether a third party has the right to make accusations, and they must be held legally responsible if this is [an attempt of] malicious defamation,” he stated.

‘Boo’ Composer Explains How IU Was The Only Inspiration For His Song

The Mystic Story president is not the only one defending IU. Han Sang Won is the composer behind the hit “Boo”. He explained in an Instagram post how IU herself inspired the song.

“After seeing IU, who was a young student at the time, I thought of ‘a dance track about a bright and cute love story.’ I first created the key lyric ‘You’re my boo,’ inspired by the word ‘boo,’ and the hook’s ‘image melody,’ and then made the song by implementing the arrangement method and common beat of “’80s female dance-pop,'” Han wrote.

Han further pointed out that the melody in “Boo” was “borrowed” from another IU track.

“The melody of the chorus lyric ‘You’re my boo’ is borrowed from IU’s other song ‘Merry Christmas Ahead,’” Han wrote.

“I believe this is the biggest reason why this song received so much love, to the point where this part was left and remade into a rap song by Geeks,” he added.

Han Song Won went on to explain the influences of the song and then challenged the complainant.

“What was the intention of the person who accused IU when I, the composer of ‘boo,’ am right here?” he wrote. “I am ready whenever to discuss with ‘the composer who wrote the song’ who claims plagiarism regarding my song, so if you are that song’s ‘composer,’ please contact me.”

Korean Citizen Files Plagiarism Complaint Against IU

On May 10, a Korean citizen filed a lawsuit alleging that IU plagiarized the works of other artists. The suit claimed that the “Blueming” singer had plagiarized a total of six songs. Since then, IU’s agency EDAM Entertainment has denied the allegations and the company is planning to pursue legal action.

Songwriter Lee Min Soo, who wrote “The Red Shoes” and “Good Day”, explained that he didn’t reference other songs. “BBIBBI” composer Lee Jong Hoon also pointed out that the artists of the plagiarized songs are the only ones who can make plagiarism allegations.

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LE SSERAFIM’s Yunjin Misses Group Fansign Due to Death in the Family

The reason behind Huh Yunjin’s sudden absence at a LE SSERAFIM fan signing has been revealed. It has been confirmed that Yunjin could not attend the event due to a personal tragedy.

LE SSERAFIM Agency Explains Huh Yunjin’s Absence At Recent Fan Signing Event

LE SSERAFIM held a fan signing event on May 12 but only four members were present. Fans were quick to note that Huh Yunjin was not in attendance. However, the reason for her absence was not immediately revealed.

SOURCE MUSIC finally shared an update on Weverse. A new update on LE SSERAFIM’s fan community extended condolences to Huh Yunjin’s family.

“We regret to inform you that LE SSERAFIM member Huh Yunjin will be unable to attend today’s scheduled fan signing event due to the recent passing of a family member,” it read.

“We ask for your kind understanding and support as Yunjin takes this time to grieve with her loved ones,” the statement continued. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to Yunjin and her family.”

It’s unfortunate that Huh Yunjin’s family experienced a tragedy. FEARNOTs immediately extended their condolences to the LE SSERAFIM vocalist in the fan community.

LE SSERAFIM recently celebrated their first anniversary since debut and the members reflected on the year that has passed. In the special film “2023 We’re LE SSERAFIM”, the idols shared encouraging messages to their younger selves.

For her part, Yunjin chose to encourage her former self to never give up. “If you believe in yourself and put in all the effort, you’ll achieve your dream,” she said.

She then became emotional as she reflected on the love and support she had received since the group’s debut. “I’m receiving even more love and support than I had expected,” she admitted. “LE SERRAFIM and FEARNOTs are precious to me.”

LE SSERAFIM is currently promoting their first full album “UNFORGIVEN” which was released on May 1, 2022.

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BTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BTS’s Book—Which is Still on Pre-Order—Tops Best Seller Lists on Amazon and Barnes & Noble

BTS sends off JHope for enlistment in their latest photo on Twitter.

Even while on hiatus, global K-pop sensation BTS is raking in top spots and world records.

Even days before the announcement of BTS’s book, “Beyond The Story: 10-Year Record of BTS,” it has already claimed the top spot in Amazon and Barnes & Noble. The interesting part? It is yet to be released on July 9, 2023—just in time for the BTS ARMY’s 10th anniversary.

BTS’s book on this Amazon listing doesn’t have a cover image yet as of today, but it’s already a best seller—as expected from the beloved Bangtan Boys and the equally extraordinary BTS ARMY. As of posting, you can still buy BTS’s book on Amazon. Photo: Screengrab from Amazon.

Bangtan Boys RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook are set to unveil the highly anticipated BTS book a month after their own 10th debut anniversary. Published by Big Hit Music in South Korea and Flatiron Books in the United States, this compelling oral history offers fans an intimate glimpse into BTS’s remarkable trajectory.

The release of “Beyond The Story: 10-Year Record of BTS” has sparked immense excitement among BTS enthusiasts worldwide. This book provides an honest and introspective account of BTS’s transformative journey over the past decade, shedding light on their personal growth, artistic endeavors, and the profound impact they have made on the music industry.

What you’ll see when you book when you buy BTS’s book online at Barnes & Noble now. Like Amazon, it’s also still available for pre-order. Photo: Screengrab from Barnes & Noble.

Authored by renowned journalist Myeongseok Kang in collaboration with the BTS members themselves, “Beyond The Story: 10-Year Record of BTS” offers a poignant and intimate exploration and of their evolution as artists and individuals. Through candid narratives and vivid recollections, BTS opens up about their triumphs, challenges, and the inspiration behind their chart-topping hits.

Through vivid storytelling and candid revelations, BTS invites readers into their world, sharing the inspirations behind their chart-topping hits and offering glimpses of the personal journeys that have defined their unique bond with the BTS ARMY. With authenticity at its core, this book paints a rich and heartfelt portrait of their 10-year journey, celebrating their accomplishments and the indelible mark they have left not just in the music industry, but in the (purple) hearts of millions as well.

This is not the first time Myeongseok Kang has interviewed BTS. In 2021, WeVerse Magazine published individual articles for each member.

As of posting, you can still buy BTS’s book on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. These affiliate links help support our site, allowing us to continue providing content. The views and opinions expressed on our site remain our own. We only recommend products we genuinely believe will be beneficial to our readers.

Featured image: BTS sends off J-Hope for enlistment in their latest photo on Twitter. Photo: @BTS_twt/Twitter.
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ASTRO’s Sanha Has Sweet Message for AROHAs Visiting Moonbin’s Memorial Space

Sanha wants to comfort fans who are still mourning the late Moon Bin. The ASTRO maknae left a hopeful message for AROHAs who have been visiting Moonbin’s memorial space.

ASTRO’s Sanha Assures AROHAs With Hopeful Note At Moon Bin’s Memorial Space

Back in April, ASTRO’s agency FANTAGIO opened a memorial space for Moon Bin after the “Mermaid Prince” star’s passing. Since then, Moonbin’s family and friends, as well as AROHAs, have left letters for the late idol.

Sanha had also left a letter for Moonbin urging his hyung to allow him to grieve his loss. However, fans who recently visited the memorial space discovered a new letter from Yoon San-ha. This time, the handwritten note is a message for AROHAs mourning his fellow ASTRO member.

“Aroha, it’s me Sanha! You guys must be having it hard and are very sad, right? Be as sad as you need, and then pull yourselves together,” he wrote.

“Rohas need to show their smiling selves for hyung to be happy. I’m doing well so don’t worry. Our arohas, be happy and healthy,” Sanha added.

It’s a sweet message that assures fans that although they can grieve, it is important to take care of themselves as well. Needless to say, Sanha understands AROHAs so well and is also supporting them in his own way.

Sanha was the other half of the ASTRO subunit Moonbin & Sanha that had been promoting their comeback right before Moon Bin’s passing. The “Boys Over Flowers” star was found dead in his apartment in Gangnam on April 19, 2023.

Weverse recently announced that they are taking down the Moonbin & Sanha fan community following the idol’s passing. The Weverse fan community had been opened just days before Moon Bin’s death.

Moonbin is survived by his parents and sister Moon Sua, the main rapper for the girl group BILLLIE. Sua is currently taking a break from promotions and will not participate in her group’s upcoming activities.

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Moon Sua Will Not Participate In BILLLIE’s Japanese Promotions

Moon Sua continues to be on an indefinite hiatus. The BILLLIE rapper will not participate in the group’s Japanese promotions this month.

BILLLIE’s Agency Announces Moon Sua’s Absence in Upcoming Promotions

Mystic Story issued a statement confirming Moon Sua’s absence in BILLLIE’s upcoming promotions.

“We are announcing that Moon Sua will not participate in the scheduled Japanese album promotions with the May 17 release of the Japanese debut album as the starting point,” the statement read.

“The promotion schedules will run with six members Haram, Haruna, Sheon, Siyoon, Suhyeon, and Tsuki,” it continued.

The announcement comes only weeks after Mystic Story confirmed that Moon Sua is taking time off from BILLLIE following the death of her brother.

On April 19, Sua’s older brother Moon Bin was found dead in his apartment in Gangnam. The ASTRO singer’s passing shocked the world and proved to be difficult for his younger sister. Sua served as chief mourner at Moonbin’s funeral which was attended by his fellow ASTRO members and close friends.

Moon Sua also penned a heartfelt letter which she left at Moonbin’s memorial space.

“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.”

Sua continued, “I’ll live diligently for your sake too. Don’t stop me. Still, if things get hard, I’ll come to you to vent out so you have to comfort me. You’ve worked so hard until now. I love you so much and I’ll forever be your younger sister. Moon siblings forever.”

For now, it is unclear how long Moon Sua will be on hiatus. Nevertheless, fans understand that the BILLLIE rapper needs time to grieve for her brother. Sua will also require some time for reflection and will hopefully return in the future.

BILLLIE will release their first Japanese single “GingaMingaYo (the strange world) – Japanese ver.” on May 17, 2023.

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MONSTA X’s Minhyuk Updates MONBEBEs With New Military Photos

Lee Minhyuk is staying healthy and happy while serving in the military. The MONSTA X member shared new photos amidst military service and MONBEBEs are loving it.

MONSTA X’s Minhyuk Completes Basic Training For Military Service In New Photos

Minhyuk posted the new images on the official MONSTA X Twitter account. In the caption, he revealed that he attended the completion ceremony for basic training.

“5th Division Key Unit Recruit Training Battalion Trainee Completion Ceremony,” Minhyuk wrote. “Completed the graduation ceremony with a healthy appearance! Until the day we meet MONBEBEs again, I’ll stay healthy and be back.”

Minhyuk officially enlisted for mandatory military service on April 4, 2023. He was required to attend five weeks of basic training at the recruit training center of the 5th Infantry Division. Now that Lee Minhyuk has finished basic training, he will serve as an active-duty soldier.

Lee Minhyuk is the second member of MONSTA X to enlist for mandatory military service. Shownu enlisted in July 2021, serving as a public service worker due to a previous surgery on his left eye. He was officially discharged from the military on April 21, 2023. Meanwhile, Minhyuk is scheduled to be discharged on September 30, 2024.

In related news, MONSTA X rapper Joohoney is actively promoting his first solo album ‘LIGHTS’. He recently dropped the tracklist which includes six new songs. The EP will feature the tracks “HYPE ENERGY,” “Voice,” “FREEDOM,” “Evolution,” “Monologue (ft. G-Soul),” and “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.”

MONBEBEs initially believed that ‘LIGHTS’ will be a full album. Nevertheless, an EP is a welcome content from Joohoney. After all, the album is getting a physical release, unlike the MONSTA X rapper’s previous mixtapes. Additionally, Lee Joheon is releasing an accompanying documentary “Turn On The ‘LIGHTS'” that follows the production of the mini album.

‘LIGHTS’ is Joohoney’s first solo album. The EP will be released on May 22, 2023.

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VICTON’s Han Seung Woo Launches Solo Social Media Accounts

Han Seung Woo is preparing to pursue a solo career. The VICTON member has launched new social media accounts following the departure of Hanse, Byungchan, and Subin from IST Entertainment.

VICTON Member Han Seung Woo Debuts New Solo Social Media Accounts

On May 9, Han Seung Woo opened a new Twitter account where he announced his other social media accounts. The former X1 member shared his new Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter Staff accounts. In addition to that, Seungwoo posted an adorable selfie.

The new social media accounts suggest that Han Seung Woo will be promoting as a solo artist. This isn’t unusual considering that Seungwoo already has several solo releases. However, the launch of solo social media accounts confirms that he will not be promoting with VICTON for some time.

In April, IST Entertainment announced that VICTON members Do Hanse, Choi Byungchan, and Jung Subin did not renew their contracts with the company. The agency also confirmed that Seungwoo, Seungsik, and Sejun will stay until their contracts expire. The contracts of the hyung line had previously been altered due to their military enlistment.

Seungwoo debuted with VICTON in November 2016 with the EP ‘Voice To The World’. In 2019, he competed in the Mnet survival reality show “Produce X 101” where he placed third in the final voting.

Han Seung Woo debuted as a member of X1 but later returned to VICTON after the reality show group was disbanded. Although he was originally the leader of VICTON, Seungwoo chose to let fellow member Seungsik continue to be the group leader.

In 2020, Seungwoo released his first solo EP ‘Fame’ and dropped a second EP ‘Fade’ before enlisting for military service. He was discharged from the military on January 27, 2023.

VICTON’s future has not yet been addressed by IST Entertainment. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

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NCT’s Doyoung Revealed as Dolce & Gabbana Brand Ambassador

Dolce & Gabbana has officially announced their new brand ambassador. The Italian luxury fashion house revealed that NCT member Doyoung is their new ambassador within South Korea and Japan.

Doyoung Debuts as Dolce & Gabbana’s New Brand Ambassador

Dolce & Gabbana shared the first images of Doyoung as the brand’s new ambassador across their social media accounts. Kim Dong-young will serve as the very first brand ambassador within Korea and Japan.

Not surprisingly, Doyoung is thrilled to represent the luxury brand.

“I’m truly excited to become part of the great Dolce & Gabbana family. I feel a strong connection that I think can give rise to a powerful synergy between me and the brand. I’m really looking forward to seeing what Dolce & Gabbana and I will create together,” he said.

The brand also expressed their pride for the new ambassador.

“Dolce & Gabbana has always seen music as a source of inspiration, making this Ambassadorship the beginning of a new creative journey together,” they said in a statement. “As a global K-pop icon, Doyoung showcases his charisma and talent through his own unique music and style.”

The new role is a great opportunity for Doyoung. In addition to being an idol, Kim Dongyoung is also an actor appearing in “Lipstick Prince” and “Midnight Cafe – The Curious Stalker”. He has also served as an MC on “Show Champion” and “Inkigayo”.

Doyoung has been part of NCT since 2016. He joined the subunit NCT U in April of the same year before being added to NCT 127 in December. Doyoung recently joined Jaehyun and Jungwoo in his third subunit NCT DoJaeJung. They released their debut EP ‘Perfume’ on April 17.

In related news, Lucas recently left NCT and WayV to pursue a career as a solo artist. Lucas Wong shared a heartfelt letter explaining his difficult decision to fans and supporters.

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BTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BTS Will Publish Their Own Book This Summer

BTS is getting ready to tell their story. The South Korean supergroup will publish a new book chronicling their decade-long journey to superstardom. The highly anticipated tome will also be released on a special day for ARMYs.

BTS Announces Their Own Tell-All Book Dropping This Summer

Publishing house Flatiron Books has finally revealed the mystery book simply known as “4C Untitled Flatiron Nonfiction Summer 2023”. The publisher officially announced “Beyond the Story: 10-Year Record of BTS” written by journalist Kang Myeongseok and the seven members of the group.

“Beyond the Story: 10-Year Record of BTS” will be structured as “an oral history of” the group’s story. Anton Hur is responsible for the English translation, in collaboration with Clare Richards and Slin Jung.

The book is going to be a special gift for fans this year. It was originally expected to be announced on June 13 (BTS’ debut date). It has also been confirmed that “Beyond the Story: 10-Year Record of BTS” will be released on July 9, which is the day the group officially announced their fandom.

Basically, BTS will publish the memoir on ARMY’s birthday. It’s a fitting present for all fans, whether they have been with the group since their debut or have recently joined the fandom.

People initially believed that the mystery book is about Taylor Swift. The “I Knew You Were Trouble” singer’s fans pre-ordered the title in droves, causing it to become a bestseller on the Amazon and Barnes & Noble websites earlier this week.

“Beyond the Story: 10-Year Record of BTS” will be 544 pages and include exclusive photographs. The book will feature never-before-seen images of RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook. According to Flatiron Books, the highly-anticipated memoir will have “global appeal” and “massive publicity.”

BTS will publish “Beyond the Story: 10-Year Record of BTS” on July 9, 2023.

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YG Confirms BLACKPINK Jennie Attending Cannes Film Festival 2023

Jennie Kim is officially attending the 76th Cannes Film Festival. YG Entertainment finally confirmed that the BLACKPINK member will be in attendance at the prestigious event. The “Solo” singer will be present for the premiere of her upcoming HBO series “The Idol”.

YG Entertainment Officially Confirms Jennie’s Attendance at Cannes Film Festival

YG Entertainment confirmed the news regarding Jennie’s attendance at the film festival. “Jennie will attend the Cannes Film Festival on May 22,” the agency announced.

Jennie will attend the 76th Cannes Film Festival in support of her upcoming series. It was confirmed in April that HBO’s new show “The Idol” will get an Out of Competition premiere at the event. Although there were speculations that Jennie will be in attendance, YG Entertainment confirmed it today.

Jennie’s role in “The Idol” remains undisclosed. However, the BLACKPINK member had previously confirmed her new stage name will be Jennie Ruby Jane as she makes her acting debut.

“The Idol” follows an aspiring pop star named Jocelyn (Lily-Rose Depp) as she aims to become “the sexiest pop star in America.” Her journey becomes complicated as she explores a new relationship with a self-help guru (Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye).

Jennie is not the only South Korean idol who will attend the 76th Cannes Film Festival. It was previously confirmed that aespa will also be in attendance at the film event.

Karina, Giselle, Winter, and Ningning will attend the event as the global ambassador of Chopard. The luxury Swiss jewelry brand has officially sponsored the Cannes Film Festival since 1997. This makes aespa the first K-pop group to officially attend the prestigious film festival.

f(x)’s Krystal will also attend the event in support of her film “Cobweb” which will screen Out of Competition. Rapper BIBI is also set to attend to support “Hopeless”, Kim Chang Hoon’s feature film debut which will be screening in the Un Certain Regard section.

The 76th Cannes Film Festival takes place in Cannes on May 16 to 27, 2023.

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