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Jay Park Shares Initial Worries About GOT7’s Jay B and Yugyeom

GOT7 members Jay B and Yugyeom have found new companies after their departure from JYP Entertainment. However, Jay Park admits he was initially uncertain about accepting the two idols into H1GHR Music and AOMG, respectively.

Jay Park Reveals True Feelings About Working With GOT7’s Jay B and Yugyeom

Jay Park had previously spoken to Jay B in a special video shared on the H1GHR Music YouTube channel. During their conversation, the former 2PM rapper admitted to the GOT7 leader that he had some concerns about Jay B and Yugyeom joining Park’s labels.

“As well as Yugyeom and you, I was slightly worried,” Park said. “If we were to collaborate on music, would it synergize? And can we produce something great?”

He added, “So no matter how much you like this style of music and how long it’s been, your main job was being an idol for 7 years. So I thought would we be able to work together.”

Although he was initially unsure, Park claims that Jay B made those worries disappear when they began working together. The “Bestie” rapper explained that he realized things will work out when they worked on Jay B’s solo single “Switch It Up”.

“When you and Cha Cha Malone and I started our first studio session, it was more fun than expected and the songwriting went well. The product also came out great and the vocals were very solid,” Jay Park said.

“The moment I asked for any tweaks or changes, you did it right away,” he continued. “That made it very enjoyable. Your openness and ability to quickly adapt. That impressed me so much.”

Jay B and Yugyeom, as well as the rest of GOT7, left JYP Entertainment in 2021. Jay B signed on to H1GHR Music in May that year and moved to CDNZA Records when his contract expired in 2022.

Yugyeom signed with AOMG in February 2021. His latest single “Ponytail” was released in January 2023.

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Jeon Somi Confirms First Comeback in 2 Years

Jeon Somi is collaborating with Universal Music Japan for her first Japanese release

Jeon Somi is finally gearing up for her next comeback. The former I.O.I member has confirmed that she is currently preparing for her first album in almost two years.

Jeon Somi’s Agency THE BLACK LABEL Confirms Upcoming Comeback

THE BLACK LABEL confirmed the news in a brief statement.

“Jeon Somi is preparing to make a comeback,” the statement read.

The agency did not reveal more details about the comeback. For instance, the comeback date has not been shared. Likewise, it is still unclear whether Jeon Somi is releasing an EP or a full album. Nevertheless, Somi herself had already teased that she is working on new music.

Earlier in May, Somi expressed her excitement about her upcoming projects.

“I wish I could fast forward life or something and let you guys see and hear what I’ve been working on,” she wrote.

It’s an awesome tease for what would be Jeon Somi’s first comeback in almost two years. She had previously released her first full album ‘XOXO’ in October 2021. Needless to say, it’s a comeback that SOM-MUNGCHIs have been expecting since Somi got a surge in popularity last month.

‘XO, Kitty’ Features Three Jeon Somi Songs From ‘XOXO’

On May 18, the “All The Boys I Loved Before” spin-off series “XO, Kitty” premiered on Netflix. The show, which is set in Seoul, featured several K-pop songs including “BAAM” by MOMOLAND, “Icy” by ITZY, “Stay This Way” by fromis_9, and “MANIAC” by Stray Kids.

The creators of “XO, Kitty” also appeared to be huge fans of Jeon Somi. Three of her songs from the album ‘XOXO’ were featured in numerous episodes. The first episode included “What You Waiting For” while “XOXO” appeared in Episode 2. “Dumb Dumb” was featured in the third episode.

Jeon Somi’s comeback date has not yet been announced. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

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Former TAHITI Member Shin Jisoo Announces Pregnancy

Shin Jisoo is going to be a mom! The former TAHITI member announced her pregnancy on Instagram with a series of maternity items. In addition to that, Jisoo revealed her baby’s adorable nickname to her social media followers.

Ex-TAHITI Member Shin Jisoo Joyfully Confirms Pregnancy With First Child

Jisoo shared the news on her Instagram account. She posted a video that featured her positive pregnancy test, baby socks, and a keychain for pregnant women. The video also included ultrasound photos with Jisoo’s pets.

In the caption, Shin Jisoo confirmed her pregnancy as well as the baby’s nickname.

“As an Instagram addict, I’ve been negligent,” she wrote. “(I reflect..as I used to say I would upload this and that to Instagram once I got pregnant haha).”

“More than I thought…daily life of early pregnancy is hard because of morning sickness and energy loss. (I respect all the mothers of the world!!),” she added.

“The baby’s nickname is ‘Bbosoongie’~~~~ Their conception dream was a paaaale peach,” Jisoo revealed.

“While I’m still spending my days chaotically, I’m quietly uploading this as I want to brag about #Bbosoongie,” she continued. “Online aunts and uncles, please watch over Bbosoongie’s significant growth.”

It certainly sounds like Shin Jisoo is excited about becoming a mother. The news also confirms that the former idol is happy and healthy and thriving these days. Needless to say, fans are also loving how she shared the news with her supporters.

Jisoo debuted with TAHITI on July 2012 with the group’s debut single “Tonight”. She left the group in 2017 and quietly retired from the music industry. She has been working as a Pilates instructor since then.

In July 2021, Jisoo announced that she was getting married to a non-celebrity.

Shin Jisoo was the last member of TAHITI to leave the group before its disbandment in 2018.

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T-ARA’s Hyomin Signs With New Agency

Hyomin has finally found a new agency. The T-ARA member has signed a contract with ANDMARQ more than two years after leaving Sublime Artist Agency.

Hyomin Signs With New Agency 2 Years After Leaving Sublime Artist Agency

On June 2, ANDMARQ issued a statement confirming that Park Sunyoung has signed a contract with the agency.

“Hyomin, who has made her mark globally through activities in a wide array of fields such as music, acting, and variety shows, has signed an exclusive contract with us.”

The agency continued, “We will be unsparing in our active support of Hyomin, who is versatile and has many different sides so that her talents can fully blossom to her heart’s content.”

This is great news for fans who have been waiting for an update from Park Sunyoung. After all, it has been more than two years since her exclusive contract with Sublime Artist Agency expired. Now that she is with a new agency, there is a huge possibility that Hyomin will pursue her acting career.

Hyomin has been a celebrity long before she debuted with T-ARA. She started out as a model and was a known internet ulzzang before she became a JYP Entertainment trainee. She debuted with T-ARA in July 2009 with the single “Lie”.

In addition to being a popular idol, Park Sunyoung also made a mark as an actor. She played notable roles in shows like “My Girlfriend is a Nine-Tailed Fox”, “Gyebaek”, and “The Thousandth Man”. In 2013, Hyomin became the first South Korean idol to lead a Japanese film in “Jinx!!!” with Japanese actor Kento Yamazaki.

For now, ANDMARQ has not yet revealed Hyomin’s future plans for her career. However, fans are hoping she will release new music and reunite with T-ARA. In addition to that, people are looking forward to Hyomin’s next movie or TV series role.

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aespa’s Giselle Sits Out ‘Knowing Brothers’ Filming

Giselle will not join the rest of aespa in their latest schedule. The group’s main rapper was unable to join Karina, Winter, and Ningning to film for a new episode of “Knowing Brothers”.

Giselle Will Be Absent From aespa’s ‘Knowing Brothers’ Episode

SM Entertainment issued a statement regarding Giselle’s absence.

“For health reasons, aespa’s Giselle will be absent from the filming for ‘Knowing Brothers’ scheduled for today (June 1),” the statement read. The agency confirmed that the remaining three members will continue with the schedule.

“Only Karina, Winter, and Ningning will be present for the ‘Knowing Brothers’ filming, so we ask for your understanding,” the statement adds.

Giselle is not the only aespa member who missed some schedules due to health issues. In April, Winter was unable to participate in the group’s two-night concerts in Japan. SM Entertainment also addressed possible refunds for fans who were expecting to see Winter. The company assured that refunds will be offered due to last-minute change in the lineup.

aespa recently attended the 76th Cannes Film Festival as the global ambassadors for Chopard. They represented the luxury jewelry brand, which is an official sponsor of the film festival. Their appearance at the event made aespa the first K-pop group to attend the prestigious film festival.

aespa recently dropped their third EP ‘MY WORLD’ which earned 1.8 million pre-orders and sold 1,372,929 million copies in its first day. This would be the highest first-day sales by a K-pop girl group to date.

Karina, Giselle, Winter, and Ningning are currently promoting their new single “Spicy”. They recently announced the Europe, US and Latin America legs of their 2023 ‘SYNK: Hyper Line’ world tour.

The US leg of the tour will kick off in Los Angeles on August 13, 2023. The girl group will then perform in Dallas, Miami, and Chicago before wrapping up in New York City on September 5, 2023. aespa is also scheduled to play three shows in Latin America in Mexico City, Sao Paulo and Santiago.

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BTS’ RM Delivers Inspirational Speech as MAKRI Ambassador

RM is proving that the MDA (Ministry of National Defense) Agency for KIA (Killed in Action) Recovery & Identification chose right. The BTS leader delivered an inspiring speech at his appointment ceremony as the new public relations ambassador for MAKRI.

BTS Leader RM Chosen as New MAKRI PR Ambassador

On June 1, RM attended the MAKRI appointment ceremony as the organization’s new PR ambassador. During the ceremony, the BTS rapper accepted his new role with a gracious speech.

“First of all, it is a sincere honor to serve such great people as the public relations ambassador for the KIA Recovery and Identification Organization. This year marks the 10th anniversary of BTS’ debut,” Kim Namjoon said.

“Over the past 10 years, we have conveyed numerous messages through diverse songs and campaigns,” he added. “However, I have often reflected on how to reciprocate the love that we’ve received from our Korean fans and fellow citizens.”

“It started with an interest in what I can do to express and represent my love for Korea and its culture,” RM continued. “Visiting museums showcasing Korea’s traditional ancient art and modern, contemporary Korean art was integral to this personal exploration.”

“I sincerely believe that BTS and I can dare to be here in 2023 because there are many people who have worked hard in their respective positions until the country, which was devastated by the Korean War and more, prospered beautifully like this. We give you our infinite gratitude and respect.”

RM Explains How MAKRI Helps South Korean Citizens

RM then shared how being the new ambassador for MAKRI is in line with BTS’ goals. He also explained how the organization helps the citizens of South Korea reunite with lost relatives.

“Lastly, I am honored and proud of myself because I was able to participate in meaningful work with the many people who participated in this event today. I will also work hard to become helpful to the KIA Recovery and Identification Organization even a little. Thank you,” the rapper concluded.

RM and the rest of BTS are currently preparing for their 10th-anniversary celebration BTS Festa 2023 which kicked off on June 1, 2023.

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Jisoo To Sit Out BLACKPINK’s Osaka Concerts Due To COVID-19

Jisoo will not be joining the rest of BLACKPINK in their upcoming schedules. The “Flower” singer has tested positive for COVID-19 and will miss out on the BORN PINK Osaka dates this weekend.

YG Entertainment Announces Jisoo’s Absence From BLACKPINK’s Osaka Dates

YG Entertainment issued a statement regarding Jisoo’s current condition on Weverse. The agency confirmed that although Kim Jisoo wants to perform in Osaka, she will need to rest.

“Jisoo had mild cold symptoms on May 30,” the statement read. “She initially tested negative in a self-diagnosis kit but tested positive today.”

“Jisoo showed a strong will to perform for the tour to keep her promise to fans who have been waiting for a long time. But inevitably, we have decided it would be best for her not to participate in the performance for the safety of everyone as well as the artist’s health.”

The statement then announced that BLACKPINK will perform with three members this weekend.

“Accordingly, only three members – Jennie, Lisa, and Rosé – will participate in the [BORN PINK] world tour concert held in Osaka, Japan on June 3 and 4,” YG confirmed.

“Knowing the expectations and anticipation of the fans who have been waiting for the performance, we will do our best to present the performance as scheduled. We will do our best not only for Jisoo’s quick recovery but also for the health and safety of our artists,” the statement concluded.

Jisoo had previously performed with the rest of BLACKPINK at the BORN PINK Bangkok date. Hopefully, Kim Ji-soo will be able to join Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa in the next scheduled concerts.

In related news, Jisoo was recently given the Hanteo Chart Initial Chodong Certification Award for becoming the first female soloist to be a million seller. She was given the award for the success of her debut solo single “Flower” from the single album ‘ME’.

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B.I. Finally Addresses Past Controversy, Apologizes For ‘Wrong Choices’

B.I. is already preparing for the second part of his solo EP 'Love or Loved' and has finally revealed his comeback date

It has been several years but B.I. is still affected by the past. The former iKON member has finally addressed his 2019 drug controversy that led to his expulsion from the group. Kim Hanbin also apologized to his supporters for his “wrong judgements and choices.”

B.I. Finally Opens Up About Drug Controversy, Issues Apology For ‘Wrong Judgements and Choices’

On June 1, B.I. attended a media showcase for his second studio album ‘TO DIE FOR’ at Shinhan Play Square Live Hall in Mapo-gu, Seoul. Kim Hanbin was notably nervous during a Q&A session with the press. This would be the first time he would face reporters since his 2019 drug controversy.

Before the session started, B.I. decided to issue a statement.

“There is something I would like to address first,” he said in a trembling voice.

“I would like to apologize for disappointing many people and causing social controversy due to my past wrong judgments and choices.”

B.I. continued by acknowledging the concerns surrounding his actions.

“I have nothing to say except that I am sorry,” he said. “Not a single day has gone by where I have felt at ease. I am always self-reflecting and am repenting.”

Kim Han-bin then admitted that he decided to promote as a solo artist to give back to his supporters.

“I began promoting again with the heart to repay the debt,” he said. “I don’t think that self-reflecting and repenting ends after a certain period. it’s different depending on each person but I will live self-reflecting with a heavy heart for the rest of my life.”

On June 2019, it was revealed that B.I. had tried to purchase marijuana and LSD back in 2016. The drugs were purchased from a female drug dealer and the rapper had reportedly used the marijuana he purchased. Moreover, Kim Hanbin allegedly evaded police charges.

B.I. later took to social media to apologize for the controversy and announced his departure from iKON and YG Entertainment. In September 2021, he was sentenced to a probationary period of 4 years. If the rapper commits more drug-related crimes during the probationary period, he will be sentenced to at least 3 years in prison.

Although he still feels guilt for the controversy, B.I. continues to make music. He recently released his second full album ‘To Die For’ on June 1, 2023.

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EXO’s Xiumin, Baekhyun and Chen Respond to SM’s Statement

Xiumin, Baekhyun, and Chen continue to fight back against SM Entertainment. The EXO members issued a new statement regarding the decision to terminate their exclusive contracts. Their legal representative responded to SM’s claims that a third party influenced the termination.

Xiumin, Baekyun, and Chen Issue New Statement In Response to SM Entertainment

Lee Jae Hak of the law firm LIN is the lawyer representing Baekhyun, Xiumin, and Chen. They issued a statement on behalf of Byun Baek Hyun, Kim Min Seok, and Kim Jong Dae in response to SM Entertainment’s recent claims.

The statement addresses five points starting with SM Entertainment’s “claim of an external influence’s intervention.”

“Our artists are definitely adults who can think for themselves and take responsibility for their own decisions, and they are individuals with independent thoughts and judgments,” it read.

“They have felt some doubts for a decade, and they mustered up fearful and difficult courage with the thought that the questions they couldn’t dare bring up as rookies should at least be brought up now.”

“Our artists asked and listened to many people around them about what is right and what they need to do to find wise solutions. Of those people around them, there are family and acquaintances, seniors and juniors of the music industry, colleagues, and even staff who have worked together with the artists.”

The statement also addresses SM Entertainment’s claims that Xiumin, Baekhyun, and Chen tried to sign contracts with other companies.

“SM is claiming that our artists have signed or attempted to sign dual contracts, but the three individuals Baekhyun, Chen, and Xiumin have not signed or attempted to sign other exclusive contracts besides their current exclusive contracts signed with SM. SM must refrain from making false claims,” it read.

Xiumin, Baekhyun, and Chen Criticize SM For Mishandling Contract Termination

The statement continued by criticizing the way SM Entertainment had handled the situation.

“SM not even providing settlement data, and their legal representative and other celebrities advising them about the injustice of this situation. This inevitably raises the question of who should be criticizing the wrongdoing of who in this situation.”

“We would like to state again that the essence and truth of this case is that the artists and their legal representative have consistently requested the provision of settlement data, but SM eventually refused, which has led to contract termination.”

In the end, the statement confirms that Byun Baek Hyun, Kim Min Seok, and Kim Jong Dae plan to continue EXO group activities. The singers have proposed ideas on how they can keep promoting with EXO after leaving SM Entertainment.

On June 1, Xiumin, Baekhyun, and Chen notified SM Entertainment regarding the termination of their exclusive contracts. The statement was delivered by their legal representative. SM has since refuted the EXO members’ basis for contract termination.

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MONSTA X I.M. On Writing Love Songs For Solo Album ‘OVERDRIVE’

I.M. is ready to talk about love. The MONSTA X maknae is opening up about the love songs in his upcoming EP ‘OVERDRIVE’. In addition to that, the “God Damn” rapper revealed what he looks for in a person.

I.M. Explains Why ‘OVERDRIVE’ Features So Many Love Songs

Im Changkyun recently collaborated with Cosmopolitan Korea for the magazine’s June issue. In addition to the photo shoot, I.M. sat down for an interview and discussed the songs in his new EP. When it was brought up that ‘OVERDRIVE’ is mostly love songs, I.M. pointed out that it is unavoidable.

“I think love is just something you can’t help, that passes by, that floats by, that you send off. That’s also similar to my personality,” he said.

During the interview, it was mentioned that love is “a greater force that drives artists to create and sing.” I.M. quickly agreed saying, “To add to that, I think of love as uniqueness. Uniqueness that does not change even as time goes by and locations change.”

So what is it that Im Changkyun loves about people? The “Happy To Die” rapper says that his likes are complicated.

“I don’t hold on to people who leave, but I also kind of block people who come,” he said.

I.M. explained, “I don’t like shallow people. As you talk to someone, can’t you feel their depth? I like people with depth. Even if they’re swayed momentarily on the surface, I believe that depth doesn’t change.”

He then confirmed with a laugh that he has a lot of deep thoughts. “Me? I’m not a shallow person,” I.M. said.

As for fans who are struggling to find love, Im Changkyun had some interesting advice.

“Real love does not isolate. It connects us. So even if it’s hard, please love,” he said. “Even if the target is not necessarily a lover, it’s good even if it’s ‘stanning.’ Love connects you with the world.”

I.M. is currently preparing for his first solo album ‘OVERDRIVE’ which will be released on June 23, 2023.

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