K-pop powerhouse BLACKPINK continues to dominate the global music scene as evident in the number of views in their music video releases.
YG Entertainment announced on Tuesday, July 2, that the music video for the group’s debut song “Boombayah” has now reached 1.6 billion views on YouTube.
#BLACKPINK '붐바야 (BOOMBAYAH)' M/V HITS 1.6 BILLION VIEWS @YouTube BLINKs worldwide, thank you so much!
According toThe Korea Times, the agency reported that the said milestone was achieved at around 6:50 am on July 2, which is about 6 years and 11 months after the original release of “Boombayah.”
Initially released in August 2016, “Boombayah” served as one of the two tracks from BLACKPINK’s debut EP SQUARE ONE, alongside the song “Whistle.”
“Boombayah” served as the third music video of BLACKPINK to surpass 1.6 billion views on YouTube, following “Ddu-du Ddu-du” and “Kill This Love.” As of writing, “Ddu-du Ddu-du” has 2 billion views while “Kill This Love” has 1.8 billion views.
This marks the latest achievement for the girl group in 2023 alone.
In April, they set the Guiness World Record (GWR) for the group with the most viewed music channel on YouTube. According to GWR, BLACKPINK has 30, 151,716,121 video views as of April 12, 2023. In March, they also set the record for the most streamed female group on Spotify.
BLACKPINK is currently embarking on their “BORN PINK” concert tour.
Aside from their group activities, all four members – Jisoo, Jennie, Rose, and Lisa – also have made their respective solo debuts. Jisoo and Jennie have also ventured into acting, with Jisoo working on Snowdrop and Jennie in the recently-concluded The Idol.
Jungkook of K-pop royalty BTS has yet to release his digital single “SEVEN,” but ARMYs are already in for a treat with his concept teaser photos alone!
In the photos released by BIGHIT MUSIC on Thursday, July 6, Jungkook — also affectionately called as the “golden maknae” by fans — flaunted not only his stunning visuals but his fit physique! A black-and-white snap captured him showing off his tattoos, while another photo of him with a blazer gives a peek at his bare abs.
HYBE LABELS also released on Friday, July 7, a behind-the-scenes short film from Jungkook’s photoshoot, giving fans a longer view of the idol.
The BTS maknae is set to release his solo digital single “SEVEN” on July 14.
BIGHIT MUSIC announced the news in late June, describing the track as an “invigorating summer song.” “We hope that SEVEN will bring your summer fun to the next level,” the agency added.
Although “SEVEN” marks Jungkook’s official solo debut, he already released solo songs and collaborated with other artists prior.
His solo songs “Still With You” and “My You,”which were recently released on streaming platforms during BTS’ annual FESTA — a special event in celebration of the group’s anniversary — topped the ITunes charts in several countries.
Jungkook has also collaborated with Qatari artist Fahad Al-Kubaisi for the song “DREAMERS” and with Charlie Puth on the hit “Left and Right.”
Following BTS’ announcement in June 2022 that they’ll be taking a break, the members have focused on solo activities, with other members enlisting in the military.
Jungkook is the latest BTS member to have a solo release in the past year, following j-hope’s JACK IN THE BOX, Jin’s The Astronaut, RM’s Indigo, and Jimin’s FACE.
After the release of “SEVEN,” Jungkook is also set to perform at the Good Morning America summer concert series. He’ll be kicking off the show on July 14 at Central Park.
According to Soompi, Jungkook will be the first K-pop solo artist to perform at the concert series. Two other K-pop groups BTS and aespa previously headlined the shows in 2019, 2021, and 2022.
Bunnies, rejoice! NewJeans are back with new bangers.
The rising K-pop girl group released on Friday, July 7, the music videos for tracks “Super Shy”and “New Jeans.”
Both songs serve as a pre-release for their upcoming sophomore EP GET UP, which will be released on July 21.
“Super Shy,” which has predominantly funk, jazz, and R&B sounds, is one of GET UP’s triple title songs, alongside yet-to-be-released tracks “ETA” and “Cool With You.”
Meanwhile, the music video for “New Jeans”was in collaboration with the 25th anniversary of the hit American cartoon series THE POWERPUFF GIRLS. The music video saw the group transform into superheroes with their respective powers and have their own adventures in this animated universe.
GET UP will have a total of six songs, with each track having accompanying music videos. Aside from “ETA” and “Cool With You,” the other tracks remaining to be released are “Get Up” and “ASAP.”
GET UP will serve as the group’s second EP following their self-titled EP, which was released in July 2022. The five-member group under ADOR, the HYBE sub-label headed by Min Hee-jin, was known for their surprise debut — releasing a series of music videos starting with “Attention” and “Hype Boy” before the official release of their debut EP.
ADOR first confirmed in June that NewJeans is making a comeback. The group’s latest release is the January 2023 single “OMG.”
Composed of Minji, Hanni, Hyein, Haerin, and Danielle, NewJeans is posing to be one of the rookie powerhouse of the new generation of K-pop artists.
In May, the quintet became the fastest K-pop act to garner 1 billion streams on Spotify. And they’ve achieved the feat in 219 days with only six songs under their belt. Impressive, right?
Be still, our MOA hearts! K-pop boy group TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT) released on Thursday, July 6, the official trailer for their first documentary titled Our Lost Summer, which will premiere on Disney+ on July 28.
The one-and-a-half minute clip gives fans a sneak peek into the group’s unforgettable experiences at their ACT: LOVE SICK world tour and headlining the 2023 Lollapalooza music festival.
“Touring has always been our dream,” the group said in the video. “It feels like the beginning of our team. We’re currently evolving.”
The members – Yeonjun, Soobin, Beomgyu, Taehyun, and Huening Kai – were seen talking about their preparation for the activities, excitement for their performances, and their resolve to provide the best show for their fans – the MOAs.
“Despite the challenges, and even if we were to collapse on stage, we have the determination to perform until our last bit of energy,” they said in the video.
In the poster released by Disney+, the featured concert stops on the documentary include shows in Seoul, Chicago, New York, Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. ACT: LOVE SICK was TXT’s first international concert tour since their debut in 2019.
The five-piece act is currently embarking on their second world tour, ACT: SWEET MIRAGE, which will have stops in Asia in July to August. They also recently released their new digital single “DO IT LIKE THAT,” which is in collaboration with American band Jonas Brothers.
Aside from TOMORROW X TOGETHER: Our Lost Summer, Disney+ has also released other documentaries featuring K-pop stars, such as BTS members Suga and j-hope and group Super Junior.
TXT is known for songs “Good Boy Gone Bad,” “Crown,” “Blue Hour,”and“Anti-Romantic.”
Good news, NCTzens! K-pop boy group NCT 127 is set to star in their first documentary series on Disney+!
Titled NCT 127: The Lost Boys,the four-part documentary-series will delve into the pre-debut lives of the nine group members, their journey to stardom, and their thoughts on the group’s current success.
Through interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and heartwarming anecdotes, members Taeil, Johnny, Taeyeong, Yuta, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Jungwoo, Mark, and Haechan, will open up about their personal challenges, sacrifices, triumphs, and connection as a group.
Each episode will reportedly feature two to three different members of the group, with two episodes airing from August 30 to September 6.
NCT 127: The Lost Boys is directed by Jayil Park and created by Cho Youngchul and Yim Pilsung. It is the latest documentary offering of Disney+ that revolves around K-pop idols. Other acts who have documentary shows with Disney+ include BTS members Suga and j-hope, and groups Super Junior and Tomorrow X Together.
Launched in 2016, NCT 127 is one of the sub-units of the SM Entertainment act NCT. The group is best known for their songs “Cherry Bomb,” “Kick It,” “Sticker,” “2 Baddies.”
The sub-unit also recently celebrated their seventh anniversary since debut.
The world of K-pop has recently been rocked by a controversy surrounding the popular group FIFTY FIFTY and their agency, ATTRAKT. Known for the catchy song “Cupid,” FIFTY FIFTY is embroiled in a legal battle with their agency, leading to concern and speculation among fans and netizens alike.
So what happened to FIFTY FIFTY and ATTRAKT?
ATTRAKT’s Response
In response to the cancellation of the girl group’s BarbieOST MV filming and their appearance at KCON LA, ATTRAKT released a statement about the issue. The agency confirmed the cancellation of these scheduled activities, citing internal problems and the ongoing legal dispute as the primary reasons. However, the agency has yet to provide specific details about the nature of these issues, leaving the public in the dark about the exact circumstances leading to these cancellations.
The controversy about what happened to FIFTY FITY has led to widespread speculation about the specific opportunities the K-pop group might have missed out on. Fans have expressed disappointment over the K-pop girl group’s canceled KCON LA appearance, a significant event in the K-pop calendar that would have allowed the group to reach a wider audience. The cancellation of the Barbie OST MV filming was also a major blow because it would’ve boosted the group’s international profile and potentially opened up new opportunities for collaborations and endorsements.
What’s happening to #FIFTYFIFTY first their appearance in KCON was cancelled and now Barbie soundtrack and event?!? Omg I hope they are okay
Legal Battle Between FIFTY FIFTY and ATTRAKT Begins
The legal battle between FIFTY FIFTY and ATTRAKT officially started on July 5, with the first hearing held at Central Seoul’s 50th District Court. The group has asked to terminate its exclusive contract with ATTRAKT on the grounds that the agency violated it. The members’ lawyer has cited many grievances, including cloudy accounting practices and disregard for the members’ health. Such allegations could have serious implications for ATTRAKT and potentially lead to significant changes in how K-pop agencies operate.
ATTRAKT CEO Jeong Hong Joon’s mismanagement of the K-Pop group HOTSHOT also resurfaced. He founded K.O Sound, the company under which that ill-fated group debuted. Fans of HOTSHOT expressed concern about Jeong’s style, citing a lack of promotion and poor communication. This led to increased scrutiny and skepticism regarding Jeong’s handling of FIFTY FIFTY‘s situation.
A report by Dispatch has brought several of the group’s claims into question. The report provided text messages showing the group’s producer, Ahn Sung Il, pressuring the CEO to tell them to work on a music video for the upcoming Barbie movie, despite health concerns. This added another layer of complexity to the controversy and raised questions about power dynamics in the K-pop industry and the pressures idols face.
In a new development, The Givers, the producers of FIFTY FIFTY‘s hit single “Cupid,” released a statement addressing allegations made by ATTRAKT. The Givers claimed that ATTRAKT had given them $9,000 to purchase neighboring rights to “Cupid,” not the song’s copyrights. They also stated that the copyrights to “Cupid” are rightfully owed to them and Ahn Sung Il, and that ATTRAKT is spreading misinformation and confusing the public. The Givers ended their statement with a “final warning” to ATTRAKT and reporters, stating they would reveal their innocence in court.
I feel so bad for fifty fifty their barbie song was cancelled due to the whole situation, along with a bunch of o… — RIGHT OMG and I can’t believe people are attcking the girls for it???? https://t.co/gNPJ1rfjlw
The controversy has undoubtedly had a significant impact on FIFTY FIFTY. The group’s image may have been tarnished, potentially affecting their future prospects. The cancellation of their KCON LA appearance and the “Barbie” OST MV filming are significant setbacks, and there is speculation that the group may have missed out on other opportunities as a result of the controversy.
Despite what happened to FIFTY FIFTY and the controversy, fans of FIFTY FIFTY remain hopeful. They believe the group’s talent and charisma will help them overcome these challenges. The agency’s assurance that they are working to resolve the issues has also provided relief to the fans. However, the situation remains uncertain, and it is unclear what the future holds for FIFTY FIFTY.
It’s still too soon to determine the controversy’s long-term impact. As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on what happened to FIFTYFIFTY and everyone else involved in it. People are waiting to see what their next steps will be. The controversy highlighted the need for greater transparency and fairness in K-pop, and it is hoped that this situation will lead to positive changes.
Featured Image: FIFTY FIFTY releases official photos for their first Single Album, “The Beginning: Cupid”. Source: Twitter/FiftyFifty Official Twitter account
Recently, PLEDIS Entertainment announced that SEVENTEEN member Seungkwan (real name Boo Seungkwan) would halt activities for the time being due to poor physical condition. This news comes after Seungkwan had previously taken a break in April following the passing of his best friend and fellow K-pop idol, ASTRO’s Moonbin.
Following that first hiatus, Seungkwan returned with a cheerful demeanor and participated in group activities. Unfortunately, he now needs another break due to his ongoing health issues. He visited a doctor, who recommended he take some time off to rest and recuperate.
As a result, Seungkwan won’t hit the Gocheok Sky Dome stage with the rest of SEVENTEEN on July 21 and 22 for their SEVENTEEN TOUR ‘FOLLOW’ TO SEOUL concert. He won’t participate in a fan signing event in China or walk the red carpet at the upcoming Tencent Music Entertainment Awards, either.
Fans flooded social media platforms with an outpouring of support for SEVENTEEN’s main vocalist. Meanwhile, his agency promised to support him as he recuperates.
Yo, Seungkwan went on leave. I am worried sick of my baby cause he tends to bottle up his worries. Take all the time you need, love. https://t.co/fGMNHaiTGb
SEVENTEEN has been making waves in the K-pop scene since its debut in 2015. With their immense popularity and loyal fans, they have achieved worldwide success. But an idol’s life isn’t all about glitz and glamour. Idols are human beings who face emotional and physical challenges like everyone else.
BTS member V, aka Kim Taehyung, traveled from Seoul to Paris last month to participate in CELINE’s spring 2024 menswear show. As the newest brand ambassador for the renowned designer brand, the 95-liner earned praise when he arrived at Incheon Airport sporting a head-to-toe CELINE outfit.
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V departure at ICN going to paris for celine homme summer 24 show
However, amidst growing protests in various cities across France, CELINE’s creative director, Hedi Slimane, officially announced the show’s cancellation. (It was initially set for July 2.) The protests erupted following the tragic shooting of Nahel, a 17-year-old of Algerian-Moroccan heritage, during a police stop in the Paris suburb of Nanterre.
V‘s presence in Paris amid the protests made French ARMYs anxious. However, he reassured fans by sharing his experiences on his Instagram Stories. Despite the cancellation, V was able to spend some time with his fellow CELINE global ambassador, actor Park Bo Gum. The two appeared together in a video greeting for VMAN, an offshoot of V Magazine, delighting fans with their camaraderie.
Other photos and videos of V from his time in Paris soon surfaced online, giving fans a glimpse into his trip. Fans showered love and support for V on social media, expressing their admiration for his journey to Paris and his interactions with Park Bo Gum.
V is so freaking hot 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
So is Bogum in fairness
Omg
I hope they are all safe with that riot in Paris
Take care Taetae and friends and
Tae Crew https://t.co/2QAaWAiozh
📑| Kim Taehyung with Park Bogum via @vmagazine Instagram Reel!
“SEOUL-MATES! Acting powerhouse @/bogummy and musical wonder #V of @BTS_twt say hello to V Magazine + VMAN on a sunny summer afternoon in Paris—wearing their Sunday best: @celineofficial Homme by @/hedislimane!” pic.twitter.com/mVLORfrXIa
BTS’s V may not have been able to showcase his presence at the CELINE fashion show. Still, his trip to Paris provided memorable moments and glimpses into his stylish adventures, solidifying his status as a global fashion influencer.
The dating rumors surrounding YoonA and Junho from the drama King the Land have caused quite a stir. However, there might be a reason behind the sudden emergence of these rumors.
On July 3, fans and the media were taken aback by rumors that the two stars had been dating since before they started filming the drama. A media outlet claimed they only agreed to star in the show because of their alleged relationship.
This news raised suspicions among netizens who believed the dating rumor was a calculated move to generate attention and buzz. Some pointed out that more established outlets, such as Dispatch and Sport Seoul didn’t cover the news. Instead, a relatively new outlet called The Proof reported on it. Interestingly, this outlet was established in March 2023, and its biggest investor is a competitor to JTBC, the network that airs King the Land.
Moreover, the timing of the dating rumors also raised eyebrows. They surfaced after an episode of the drama aired, leading some to speculate that Proof News reported on the dating rumors in a bid to affect its ratings. This theory gained traction because the drama is steadily gaining attention. In fact, after the sixth episode, King the Land achieved its first double-digit rating. Furthermore, the main leads topped the Good Data Corporation‘s Most Buzzworthy Drama and Actor List.
Netizens couldn’t help but express their disappointment in certain media outlets for writing about the rumors without solid proof. They believed the Korean media should’ve been more responsible, as King the Land is currently airing.
YoonA and Junho, idols from two prominent second-generation K-pop groups, Girls’ Generation and 2PM, respectively, gradually transitioned from acquaintances to friends after collaborating on some things. They hosted award shows and performed the Camila Cabello–Shawn Mendes duet “Señorita” at the 2021 MBC Music Festival, solidifying their bond.
While the dating rumors initially stunned the public, the circumstances surrounding their emergence hint at a possible motive behind the news. Whether it was an attempt to affect the show’s ratings or gain attention, the dating rumors created a buzz around YoonA and Junho, even if their agencies firmly denied the romantic relationship.
BTS’Jungkook and Jimin are making significant strides with their solo work.
Jungkook recently made ARMY’s dreams come true by uploading two fan-favorite songs, “Still With You” and “My You,” to major streaming platforms. Both tracks were released as part of BTS‘ annual FESTA, a special event commemorating the group’s anniversary and connecting with their devoted fanbase. Initially available exclusively on SoundCloud and YouTube, international fans can now listen to them on Apple Music, Spotify, and other top streamers.
The impact of Jungkook‘s music has been extraordinary, as evidenced by the success of “Still With You,” which he composed himself. It topped the iTunes charts in an impressive 83 territories across the globe. Another one of Jungkook’s compositions, “My You,” went to No. 1 in 15 countries, including Finland, Japan, Paraguay, and Qatar. These achievements stand as a testament to Jungkook‘s talent and the unwavering support of ARMY.
Jungkook is preparing for the release of his highly anticipated debut solo single, “Seven,” scheduled to drop on July 14. Although “Seven” marks Jungkook‘s official solo debut, he previously ventured outside the BTS and K-pop spheres. Notable collaborations include “Dreamers,” with Qatari artist Fahad Al-Kubaisi (this song made the 2022 FIFA World Cup soundtrack), and “Stay Alive” from the 7Fates: CHAKHO soundtrack. Moreover, Jungkook’s collaboration with Charlie Puth on the hit “Left and Right” in the summer of 2022 demonstrated his ability to sing well in English.
Meanwhile, Jimin has also achieved remarkable success in his solo endeavors. “Angel Pt.1,” which he did with rappers Kodak Black and NLE Choppa, and singers JVKE and Muni Long, recently secured a place on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart at No. 96. This collaboration, featured on the original soundtrack for the action film Fast X, marks another milestone for Jimin.
Jimin‘s solo achievements have been nothing short of exceptional. In January, his collaboration with Taeyang, “Vibe,” debuted at No. 76 on the Billboard Hot 100. In March, he soared to No. 30 on the same chart with “Set Me Free Pt. 2.” Furthermore, his solo debut album FACE, released on March 24, made history as Jimin became the first Korean soloist to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart with its title track “Like Crazy.” This track remained on the Hot 100 for five weeks, showcasing Jimin‘s undeniable impact. Jimin has spent nine weeks on the Hot 100 chart so far, solidifying his presence as a global artist.
The recognition and praise for Jimin‘s solo album FACE extend beyond chart success. Esteemed US media outlet Rolling Stone dubbed it one of the best albums of 2023 so far. The outlet also praised Jimin’s willingness to experiment with his image and described FACE as a compelling showcase of his strengths. “Like Crazy” also secured a spot on Rolling Stone’s “Best Songs of 2023 So Far” list. The magazine described the track as dreamlike, slick, and soulful.
Although some BTS members currently serve in the military, the group maintains a presence on the charts and elsewhere through the others’ solo work. As a group, the septet recently marked their monumental 10th anniversary by releasing the single “Take Two” on June 9.
![[2021 MBC 가요대제전] 임윤아 X 이준호 - Señorita (YOONA X JUNHO - Señorita), MBC 211231 방송](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/3wdKVGglp8c/hqdefault.jpg)
