Category: LATEST STORIES

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

SM Entertainment Announces Upcoming Reality Show NCT Universe: LASTART

In an exciting announcement, SM Entertainment revealed its plans to launch a reality show titled NCT Universe: LASTART, through which they will handpick new members for their highly popular boy group, NCT.

The show, set to commence on July 27, aims to provide a transparent and captivating glimpse into the process of selecting members for the upcoming NCT NEW TEAM.

The name LASTART is a clever combination of “LAST” and “START.” It symbolizes the conclusion of NCT‘s infinite expansion concept while signifying the beginning of a fresh chapter with the new team. The press release from SM Entertainment to Herald Pop shed light on the show’s premise and objectives.

Viewers will have the chance to witness the intricate procedures involved in member composition, rigorous training, intensive practice sessions, and, ultimately, the formation of the final team. The show is set to captivate global audiences, as it will be broadcasted on multiple platforms, including ENA and TVING in Korea, Nippon TV in Japan, and KOCOWA+ in North, Central, and South America.

As anticipation builds for NCT Universe: LASTART, fans worldwide eagerly await the unveiling of talented new members who will contribute to the continued success and evolution of the esteemed NCT family.

Featured Photo Credit: NCT Official Twitter Account

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Stray Kids Hailed As New Brand Ambassadors for Brand SLBS

Mobile accessory brand SLBS has chosen Stray Kids as their new brand ambassadors, as Slash B Co., Ltd. announced on June 28. The popular boy group will collaborate with the Galaxy-exclusive accessory company for their upcoming campaign, “STAR to GALAXY.“

SLBS is an esteemed partner of Samsung Electronics’ mobile accessory partnership program, known for its eco-friendly accessory lineup called Eco Friends. Stray Kids will work closely with SLBS to create collaborative accessories that will be available for a range of Samsung devices, including the Galaxy Z-flip series, Z-fold series, S-series, Buzz, Watch, Tablet, and more.

In the News Nate report, Jeong Yong-chae, CEO of Slash B’Slash Co., Ltd. Kids Samsung Gangnam, shares: “We look forward to the synergy between Stray Kids, a global trend group that has taken over the Billboard with K-POP, and SLBS, an innovative and sensuous fashion tech brand.”

To celebrate this partnership, SLBS STUDIO will launch at the end of this month in Samsung Electronics’ flagship store in Gangnam. 

The studio will showcase Stray Kids’ adorable animal characters, known as SKZOO, along with eco-collaboration accessories and a captivating theme experience space—and fans can’t get enough, taking to Twitter to share snippets of the products.

Stray Kids fans can look forward to more updates and exciting developments as the collaboration with SLBS progresses. 

Congratulations, Stray Kids!

Featured Photo Credit: Stray Kids Official Twitter

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KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

JYP Entertainment and Republic Records to Launch Joint K-pop Girl Group Project “A2K”

JYP Entertainment and Republic Records, a renowned American music label, have announced their collaborative project “A2K,” set to debut on JYP’s official YouTube channel starting on July 13. This joint venture aims to create a K-pop girl group under the K-pop idol training system, marking the first collaboration between the two labels.

The project will document the selection process of candidates from various nationalities through auditions held in five major cities across the United States. JYP Entertainment will share clips on YouTube, offering viewers a glimpse into the diverse talents vying for a spot in the group.

After the initial selection, the candidates will undergo a rigorous boot camp in Los Angeles, where they will be evaluated based on four essential qualities of a K-pop star: singing, dancing, entertaining, and displaying an upright character. 

Only those who pass the Los Angeles boot camp evaluation will proceed to the JYP Entertainment headquarters in Seoul.

 

Once in Seoul, the candidates will undergo intensive K-pop idol training and face three different competition rounds. These rounds will determine the final members who will have the opportunity to debut as part of the girl group.

The selected finalists will have the unique opportunity to work in both Korea and the United States, benefiting from the combined expertise and support of JYP Entertainment and Republic Records.

Park Jinyoung, the producer of JYP, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “A2K is the biggest project for JYP and myself. We want to discover true artists and performers who will become leaders in the music industry. Our goal is to provide them with the necessary training and guidance.”

Monte Lipman, CEO of Republic Records, praised Park Jinyoung’s contributions to the music industry and emphasized the potential for global success.

He stated, “Park Jinyoung, a K-pop icon, continues revolutionizing the music industry and popular culture. With JYP’s values and musical expertise, artists discovered through this collaboration can become global superstars in the international music market.”

Fans and music enthusiasts can anticipate an exciting journey as “A2K” unfolds, witnessing the creation of a new K-pop girl group with the combined efforts of JYP Entertainment and Republic Records.

Featured Photo Credit: Popbase Official Twitter

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BTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BTS’ Jungkook Announces Solo Digital Single “SEVEN” For July Release

It’s official: Jungkook is releasing new music next month! The BTS maknae has announced that his new solo digital single SEVEN is set for release in July.

Jungkook Confirms Solo Digital Single “SEVEN” For July Release

On June 30, the official BTS social media accounts shared the announcement teaser for Jungkook’s new track. BIGHIT Music also issued a statement confirming the song’s release date.

“We are pleased to inform you about the release of SEVEN the solo digital single by BTS member Jungkook,” the statement read.

“SEVEN is an invigorating ‘summer song’ that is sure to have you experience the full breadth of Jungkook’s charm,” it continued. “We hope that SEVEN will bring your summer fun to the next level.”

The statement further adds that Jungkook will be promoting his solo digital single.

“As Jungkook kicks off his official solo activities, we ask you to extend your utmost anticipation and support for his digital single and many other activities to come,” it concludes.

It was also revealed that SEVEN will be released on July 14, 2023, at 1 p.m. KST.

This is great news for fans who have been waiting for new music from Jungkook for a long time.

There were previous reports suggesting that the BTS member will release a new album in July. However, BIGHIT Music clarified that the release schedule had not yet been decided. Luckily, it looks like everything was finalized just in time.

The release of the solo digital single comes at an interesting time considering that Jungkook had previously addressed his impending military service enlistment. According to the Dreamers singer, he plans to gradually cut his hair shorter so fans will get used to seeing him with a short hairstyle before announcing his enlistment.

There are speculations that all the remaining BTS members, including Jungkook, will enlist by the end of the year so the group can resume group activities by 2025. However, this has not yet been confirmed by BIGHIT Music. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

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KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Busan to Establish Specialized K-pop High School for Aspiring Artists

To nurture and cultivate young talents in the K-pop industry, the southern port city of Busan has announced plans to open a specialized high school focused on incubating aspiring K-pop artists, including singers, performers, writers, and composers.

Set to launch in 2028, the high school aims to attract students from South Korea and abroad who aspire to follow in the footsteps of successful acts like BTS and BLACKPINK.

 

The Busan Metropolitan City Office of Education has revealed that the city’s education board will enlist specialists in the field of popular music to provide high-quality education tailored to the needs of aspiring K-pop artists at the dedicated high school. The school will be established within an existing educational facility that is underutilized due to low student enrollment.

According to officials from the Busan City government, graduates from middle schools in South Korea and foreign countries will be able to enter Busan’s K-pop high school and undergo training as future K-pop trainees. School construction is scheduled to commence in 2027, with the official opening slated for 2028.

“The K-pop high school will play a significant role in enhancing the professional skills and artistic potential of South Korean and international students who possess the necessary talent and passion for becoming key figures in the industry,” stated an official from the Busan Metropolitan City Office of Education on June 30.

As the K-pop phenomenon continues to captivate global audiences, Busan’s initiative to establish a dedicated K-pop high school reflects the city’s commitment to fostering the next generation of K-pop stars and solidifying its position as a thriving hub for the music industry.

Featured Photo Credit: Visit Busan

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Early Finale: Jennie’s Acting Debut in “The Idol” Cut Short

BLACKPINK’s Jennie’s acting debut in the HBO drama series “The Idol” is coming to an early end, surprising U.S. media outlets. Originally planned as a six-part series, it has been announced that the fifth episode will serve as the season finale, titled “Jocelyn Forever,” airing on July 2.

The decision to wrap up the series ahead of schedule has raised questions, with sources suggesting that the storyline underwent significant changes after Sam Levinson’s involvement. Levinson, known for his work on the popular teen drama series “Euphoria,” took over the directorial role from Amy Seimetz and collaborated on the project with the Weeknd (Tesfaye) and Reza Fahim.

The future of “The Idol” beyond its first season remains uncertain. While initial reports claimed that the show had been canceled for a second season, HBO denied this speculation on Twitter, stating that no decision had been made yet and expressing excitement for the upcoming episode.

“The Idol,” which premiered in June, centers around Jocelyn (played by Lily-Rose Depp), a pop idol striving to revive her career after a breakdown. Her journey intertwines with Tedros (portrayed by the Weeknd or Tesfaye), a mysterious club owner in Los Angeles, resulting in a complex relationship.

In the series, Jennie portrays Dyanne, one of Jocelyn’s backup dancers. Her involvement in “The Idol” even allowed her to attend official screening schedules at the 76th Cannes Film Festival in May, generating heightened anticipation among fans. 

However, the show has faced criticism for explicit sex scenes and has received modest viewership ratings, with some viewers finding the storyline lacking depth. However, its soundtrack continues to trend, with “One of the Girls” debuting as no. 1 on the charts, according to chart data. 

Featured Image Credit: HBO “The Idol” 

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

PURPLE KISS’ Swan Announces Solo Debut with Single Album “Twenty”

Exciting news awaits fans as Swan, a talented K-pop girl group PURPLE KISS member, gears up for her highly-anticipated solo debut with the single album “Twenty.”

RBW Entertainment recently unveiled a captivating music video teaser for the title track “Twenty”, giving fans a glimpse of Swan’s mesmerizing vocals and captivating choreography. The single is set to be released on July 2 at 6 PM KST.

The album will feature four tracks, including Korean and English versions of the title track “Twenty” and the B-side “Be My Everything.” These songs were composed by renowned South Korean producer Jung Key, who collaborated with Swan to craft the tracks’ lyrics.

 

Swan’s solo debut marks an exciting milestone for PURPLE KISS as she becomes the first member of the group to venture into the world of solo music since their debut under RBW Entertainment in 2021. The group’s most recent release was their mini-album “Cabin Fever,” led by the energetic single “Sweet Juice.”

 

Meanwhile, another member of PURPLE KISS, Yuki, is currently showcasing her talent in Mnet’s reality competition series “Queendom Puzzle.” The show, hosted by Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon, features 26 established K-pop idols vying for a spot in an upcoming seven-member project girl group.

Featured Photo Credit: PURPLE KISS Official Twitter

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Fifty Fifty Members Take Legal Action Against Agency ATTRAKT, Seeking Contract Suspension

All four members of the emerging K-pop girl group Fifty Fifty have filed a lawsuit to halt their contracts with the agency ATTRAKT. 

The group’s legal representative, law firm BARUN, released an official statement confirming that they have submitted an application to the Seoul Central District Court on June 19, requesting provisional disposition to suspend the validity of their exclusive contracts.

According to the statement, the members cited contract breaches and a breakdown of trust for their legal action. They alleged that ATTRAKT violated the terms of the agreement and engaged in actions that damaged their relationship. The ongoing trial is currently addressing these claims.

The group’s legal representative further highlighted that they had raised concerns with ATTRAKT and requested corrective measures. 

However, instead of addressing the issues, the agency allegedly discredited the members through continuous media coverage and accused them of attempting extortion. Additionally, ATTRAKT reportedly disclosed personal medical information about one of the members without her consent.

 

The statement also outlined instances where the agency failed to fulfill its contractual obligations, including non-transparent settlements and unilateral attempts to enforce scheduled activities despite the members’ poor health conditions.

Emphasizing that their decision to take legal action was independent and without external influence, the four members expressed their desire for ATTRAKT to refrain from slandering them in the future. They expressed their eagerness to reconnect with their fans as soon as possible.

Earlier, ATTRAKT had announced on June 23 that they would be pursuing legal action against “external influences” that allegedly induced their artists to breach valid exclusive contracts. 

While initially did not disclose the agency involved, they later named Warner Music Korea the “external force” approaching the Fifty Fifty members. Warner Music Korea denied the allegations, dismissing ATTRAKT’s claims as baseless.

On June 27, ATTRAKT announced that they had filed criminal charges against their former co-CEO Ahn Sung II and three others, accusing them of fraud, breach of duty, and obstruction of business.

Meanwhile, fans continue to express their support for the girl band, calling out those who continue to support mistreatment in the industry.

Fifty Fifty, consisting of Saena, Keena, Aran, and Sio, debuted in November 2022 and gained recognition for their song “Cupid.” Prior to the issues, they have also been named as one of the leading music contributors for the highly-anticipated Hollywood movie, “Barbie.”

Featured Photo Credit: FIFTY FIFTY Official Twitter

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K-DRAMA KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Tiffany of Girls’ Generation Joins Cast of Highly-Anticipated Drama “Uncle Sam Sik”

Exciting news for fans of Girls’ Generation: Tiffany officially joins the cast of the upcoming drama “Uncle Sam Sik” (literal translation)!

Sublime Artist Agency, Tiffany’s agency, announced on June 28th that she had been confirmed for a role in the Korean drama and is thrilled to greet viewers once again as an actress. Tiffany expressed her excitement for this next K-drama project and is determined to deliver a memorable performance that viewers can look forward to.

“Uncle Sam Sik” takes place during the dynamic early 1960s in Korea and revolves around the ambitions and bromance between two men, Uncle Sam Sik and Kim San. The drama features an impressive lineup of actors, with Song Kang Ho portraying Uncle Sam Sik and Byun Yo Han taking on the role of Kim San. The star-studded cast includes Lee Kyu Hyung, Jin Ki Joo, Seo Hyun Woo, and many others.

According to Tiffany’s agency, she has already begun filming for “Uncle Sam Sik,” indicating her dedication and commitment to the project. Fans can anticipate seeing Tiffany showcase her acting skills in this highly-anticipated drama.

While waiting for “Uncle Sam Sik” to premiere, fans can enjoy watching Tiffany in her previous drama “Reborn Rich” with subtitles, immersing themselves in her talent and on-screen presence.

Stay tuned for more updates on “Uncle Sam Sik” and Tiffany’s captivating performance in the Korean drama.

Featured Photo Credit: Tiffany Official Instagram

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

TXT and Jonas Brothers Tease Fans With New Photos For “Do It Like That”

Excitement fills the air as K-pop group Tomorrow X Together (TXT) prepares for an incredible collaboration with the renowned Jonas Brothers on their upcoming digital single, ‘Do It Like That.’ Fans eagerly awaited this collaboration, especially the devoted MOAs (TXT fandom).

Unveiling the concept pictures for “Do It Like That” has brought a refreshing twist, as the Jonas Brothers embrace a pure K-pop-inspired concept ahead of the release. The concept pictures beautifully showcase the youthful charm of the TXT members and the charismatic personalities of the Jonas Brothers, making this collaboration truly one of a kind.

 

In preparation for the song, TXT members Soobin, Yeonjun, Beomgyu, Hueningkai, and Taehyun traveled to the USA for the shoot, creating a buzz with their hints on social media before confirming the exciting collaboration. The Jonas Brothers, including Nick, Joe, and Kevin, are enthusiastic about this joint project.

Joe expressed his excitement, stating, “So pumped to be working with @txt_bighit!! When @ryantedder brought us TOGETHER for #DoItLikeThat we immediately said yes! Can’t wait for you to hear this song on July 7th #TOMORROW_X_TOGETHER.”

 

TXT and the Jonas Brothers fans can anticipate a remarkable fusion of talent and musical styles in “Do It Like That.” The wait is almost over, and soon everyone will have the chance to experience this dynamic collaboration firsthand. 

 

Mark your calendars for July 7th and get ready to enjoy the incredible synergy of an innovative collab!

Featured Photo Credit: BIGHIT MUSIC Official and the Jonas Brothers

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