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Wow! Blackpink Becomes 1st Artist to Reach 90 Million Subscribers on YouTube

Are we even surprised, BLINKs? K-pop girl group BLACKPINK continues to set new records! 

YG Entertainment announced on Monday, July 17, that BLACKPINK has surpassed 90 million subscribers on their official YouTube channel at 5:36 am KST. 

The group is the first artist to reach this milestone and they achieved the feat within seven years and one month since the YouTube channel was launched in June 2016. 

In July 2020, BLACKPINK became the first non-English language artist to be part of the top five YouTube channels with the most subscribers.  

 

In September 2021, BLACKPINK reached 65.5 million subscribers and became the most subscribed artist on YouTube, surpassing pop stars Justin Bieber, Eminem, Ariana Grande, and Ed Sheeran. “We would like to dedicate this honor to all of our fans around the world who have loved and supported us throughout,” the group said then about the milestone. 

The four-piece act held the record since then. They reached 80 million YouTube subscribers in September 2022 and added another 10 million in less than a year – proving BLACKPINK’s consistent growth in popularity. 

BLACKPINK sets more achievements

Reaching 90 million subscribers on YouTube is the latest addition to BLACKPINK’s growing accolades.

In April, BLACKPINK also set another Guinness World Record for being the most viewed channel on YouTube. As of writing, the group has now surpassed more than a total of 32 billion views of all its videos on their official channel. 

Music videos of “Boombayah,” “Ddu-du Ddu-du,” and “This Love” have more than 1.5 billion views each. But aside from group music videos, BLACKPINK’s official YouTube channel also holds behind-the-scenes videos of the girls’ activities, as well as the solo releases of each member.

Aside from their group and solo music activities, members Jisoo and Jennie have also ventured into acting, with Jisoo working on Snowdrop and Jennie in the recently-concluded The Idol.

BLACKPINK, who made their debut in August 2016, is known for songs “As If It’s Your Last,” “How You Like That,” and “Shut Down.” The group is currently embarking on their “BORN PINK” concert tour. 

The group’s seven-year contract with YG Entertainment is set to expire by August 2023, with member Lisa being rumored to no longer renew with the agency. Stay tuned about BLACKPINK’s contract renewal news here!

Featured image from BLACKPINK’s Twitter

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KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Kim Sejeong to Make September Comeback

Mark your calendars because idol-actress Kim Sejeong will be releasing new music. 

The K-pop star’s agency Jellyfish Entertainment confirmed the news on Thursday, July 27. “Kim Sejeong will release a new album in September,” they said. 

Additional details, such as album name, number of tracks, and final release date, have yet to be announced. 

The upcoming September comeback will serve as Sejeong’s first music release in two years following her second mini album I’m, which was released in March 2021. 

 

Since then, Sejeong has mainly focused on her acting career – starring in the hit Netflix romantic-comedy series Business Proposal with Ahn Hyo Seop, Today’s Webtoon, and The Uncanny Counter 2.

Sejeong gained popularity through the first season of Produce 101 in 2016, where she finished as runner-up and became a part of the project group I.O.I. The group made their debut in May 2016 and disbanded in January 2017. 

 

 

While still a member of I.O.I, Sejeong also made her debut as a member of Gugudan, a group under Jellyfish Entertainment. Gugudan, however, disbanded in December 2020. 

She made her acting debut in School 2017, where she won a Best New Actress award. She also hosted variety shows Busted, Get It Beauty, and Wanna Hear Your Song, and even made her musical debut. 

Sejeong also released OST soundtracks for dramas Crash Landing On You and The Legend of the Blue Sea, and released her own digital singles.

Featured image: Kim Sejeong’s Twitter

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Look: Mamamoo’s Hwasa Releases Profile Photos for P Nation

In celebration of Hwasa’s recent signing with their agency, P NATION has released new official profile photos of the MAMAMOO member. 

Even in the black-and-white photos, Hwasa is still oozing with sultriness.

Aside from the new stunning set of photos, P NATION also released a video of Hwasa covering “Walk On By” by Dionne Warwick. 

 

It was in June when Hwasa left RBW, the agency who formed K-pop girl group MAMAMOO. She’s the second member to leave the agency, following Wheein who left in 2021. Only Moonbyul and Solar remain with RBW, but the group assured fans that they’ll continue activities as MAMAMOO. 

After her departure from RBW, Hwasa signed with P NATION, the agency established by Psy, in early July. 

Other artists under P NATION include Crush, Heize, Penomeco, Swings, and group The New Six (TNX). 

The release of Hwasa’s new profile photos also coincide while the singer is in the middle of controversy. A complaint was reportedly filed against the idol following her performance at Sungkyunkwan University. 

P NATION has briefly issued a statement to acknowledge that the police are reviewing the case, but other developments about the matter have yet to be disclosed. 

Outside of MAMAMOO, Hwasa made her debut as a solo artist in February 2019 with the song “Twit.” She released her solo debut EP Maria in June 20200 and single album Guilty Pleasure in November 2021. 

Featured image: P NATION’s Twitter

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KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Treasure’s Haruto to Take Hiatus Due to Grandfather’s Health

Haruto of K-pop boy group TREASURE will be taking a break from promotional activities as his grandfather has gotten ill, YG Entertainment announced on Thursday, July 27.

The agency didn’t go into detail about the health issues of Haruto’s grandfather, but cited this as the reason why the Japanese member won’t be able to participate in the group’s upcoming activities for their album REBOOT. 

 

“We apologize for causing concern with this sudden news. We ask for your understanding, and he plans to return as soon as possible to meet the fans,” the agency was quoted as saying. 

The announcement came a day before TREASURE released their second full-length album REBOOT on Friday, July 28. 

REBOOT has a total of 10 songs, with “Bona Bona” as its title track. Several songs in the album were also written by some of the TREASURE members including Asahi, Haruto, Choi Hyun Suk, Junkyu, and Yoshi. 

REBOOT also served as the group’s first comeback following their first extended play The Second Step: Chapter One, which was released in February 2022, as well as the group’s first release as an official 10-member group as members Yedam and Mashiho officially left TREASURE in November 2022. 

The “reboot project” also started with the debut of T5, TREASURE’s first official sub-unit, with “Move.” 

Initially a 12-member group, TREASURE made their debut in August 2020 under YG Entertainment. Currently, the group is composed of Choi Hyun Suk, Ji Hoon, Yoshi, Junkyu, Yoon Jae Hyuk, Asahi, Doyoung, Haruto, Park Jeong Woo, and So Jung Hwan. 

TREASURE is known for songs “Jikjin,” “Darari,” and “Hello.” 

Featured image: YG Entertainment’s Twitter

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KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Akmu Confirms First Comeback in 2 Years

Mark your calendars because Akdong Musician (AKMU) is gearing up for their first comeback in almost two years. 

YG Entertainment confirmed on Tuesday, July 25, that the duo of Lee siblings Suhyun and Chanyuk are releasing new music in August. 

“AKMU is currently working on post-production for the album with the goal of making a summer comeback. We will share more details when they are confirmed,” the agency said. 

 

Additional details, such as album name and final release date, have yet to be announced. 

Prior to the upcoming album, AKMU’s latest music was the collaboration album NEXT EPISODE, which was released in July 2021. NEXT EPISODE included seven collaborative tracks featuring IU, Crush, Zion. T, Lee Sun Hee, Beenzino, Choi Jung-hoon/Jannabi, and Sam Kim. 

During their two-year break, the Lee siblings focused on their individual activities. Chanhyuk made his solo debut through the album ERROR, which was released in October 2022. Meanwhile, Suhyun recorded OSTs for dramas My Liberation Notes and Curtain Call and hosted the Netflix variety show 19/20.

 

AKMU made their debut in 2014 after winning the reality competition show K-pop Star 2. They renewed their contract with YG Entertainment in January 2021. 

AKMU is known for their songs “200%,” “Last Goodbye,” “Give Love,” “Time and Fallen Loves,” and “How Can I Love the Heartbreak, You’re the One I Love.”

Featured image: AKMU’s Facebook

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K-POP ARTISTS LATEST STORIES

Look: Twice’s Dahyun Is Michael Kors New Global Ambassador

ONCEs are rejoicing as Dahyun of K-pop girl group TWICE has been announced the newest global ambassador of fashion luxury brand Michael Kors. 

On Wednesday, July 27, the brand shared a photo of Dahyun  holding the Signature Logo Heather Bag from their  “Urban Bohemia” Fall Collection.

“The South Korean-native and musical sensation stars in our latest campaign,” Michael Kors captioned the post. 

Dahyun attends Michael Kors events

 Fans quickly took to social media to celebrate Dahyun’s newest feat, pointing out that the idol is no stranger to the luxury brand. 

 

Dahyun has been previously invited by Michael Kors twice to come to New York for their prestigious events. In September 2022, she attended the brand’s Spring/Summer Fall Collection show. 

She again returned to the United States in February for the New York Fashion Week show — where her black cut-out gown and strappy black pumps ensemble quickly went viral on social media. 

In an interview with Elle, Dahyun shared how grateful she is to be invited by Michael Kors to these events. 

“I felt happy to be back in New York and to attend another Michael Kors show. Every look was so amazing,” she said. 

She also expressed the same sentiment in her vlog, saying that while it was a super hectic schedule, she still enjoyed it. “I really had so much fun. Thank you for inviting me to the fashion show again,” she said. 

 

Dahyun is the first member of TWICE to be invited to the New York Fashion Week. She is also the first member to land a solo ambassadorship with a luxury brand. 

Previous global brand ambassadors of Michael Kors include Yoona of K-pop girl group Girls Generation, Japanese actress-model Tsubasa Honda, and award-winning actress Shu Qi. 

Dahyun made her debut under JYP Entertainment in October 2015 as a member of the nine-piece act TWICE . The group is known for songs “The Feels,” “TT,” “I Can’t Stop Me,” and “Feel Special.”

Currently, TWICE is embarking on their READY TO BE concert tour, wherein they made history as the first K-pop girl group to sell out at a stadium in North America. 

Meanwhile, member Jihyo is also set to make her solo debut in August with “Killin’ Me Good” while its Japanese members Momo, Mina, and Sana made their sub-unit debut with the Japanese mini-album Masterpiece. 

Featured image: Michael Kors’ Twitter

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K-DRAMA LATEST STORIES

Watch: Netflix Releases Trailer for ‘The Uncanny Counter 2’

Netflix released on Wednesday, July 19, the official trailer for the second season of the fantasy-action series The Uncanny Counter. 

“Armed with new powers and fresh recruits, the Counters continue their battle against evil demons who feed on humans,” the trailer’s description read. 

 

The Uncanny Counter, which aired its first season in November 2020, follows the story of four people who run a noodle shop by day and hunt demons when they’re not working. It is based on the hit webtoon titled Amazing Rumor. 

Jo Byeong Gyu, Yoo Jun Sang, Kim Sejeong, and Yeom Hye Ran are set to reprise their roles as members of the Counters. Counters are a group of people with special abilities who perform various activities as paranormal hunters. They try to search for evil spirits who came back from the afterlife to prey on humans.

Meanwhile, Extraordinary Attorney Woo’s Kang Ki Young, The Glory’s Kim Hieora, and All of Us Are Dead’s Yoo In-soo are the new additional cast members for the second season. Yoo’s character will be the latest recruit to the Counters, while Kang and Kim will be playing demon characters. 

“In order to beat them, we’ll have to be much faster and stronger,” the Counters said in the trailer. “Let’s rid this world of evil spirits.” 

The Uncanny Counter season 2 will premiere on Netflix on July 29. 

Featured image: Screenshot from TVN Drama’s Instagram

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KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Jeon Somi Stuns in Teasers for ‘Game Plan’

SOM-MUNGCHIs, get ready for an exciting comeback as soloist Jeon Somi has released the teasers for her upcoming album GAME PLAN. 

In her new profile picture, Somi is staring intensely at the camera while donning an all-black outfit.

 

The teasers released on Monday, July 24, meanwhile, featured Somi in card-themed posters. One photo saw the singer looking fierce in a black-and-white, while she looks adorable in pink in another picture.

Somi on her new music

The caption revealed that Somi’s solo EP GAME PLAN will be released digitally on August 7, while the physical album will only be available starting August 4.  

In a press release, Somi’s agency THEBLACKLABEL teased fans on what they can expect on the soloist’s upcoming release. 

“Please anticipate what music and performance Jeon Somi, who proved herself to be a solo queen with irreplaceable skills and unique charms while receiving love from many fans, will showcase [following the release of] her new profile image,” they said.

GAME PLAN will serve as Somi’s first comeback in nearly two years, following the release of her studio album XOXO in October 2021. The record features viral hits such as “Dumb Dumb,” “What You Waiting For,” “Birthday,” and “XOXO.” 

Three of these songs – “Dumb Dumb,” “What You Waiting For,” “XOXO” – were featured in episodes of the hit Netflix series XO, KITTY. 

Additional details about GAME PLAN, such as its number of songs and name of title track, have yet to be announced, but Somi had earlier expressed her excitement about her new music.

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

 

Somi entered the K-pop industry through the 2015 survival program Sixteen. She also participated in the first season of Produce 101 in 2016, wherein she became a member of the project girl group IOI. 

After IOI disbanded, Jeon Somi chose to venture in her solo career. 

Featured image: Jeon Somi’s Twitter

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K-POP ARTISTS LATEST STORIES

Watch: SM Entertainment Releases Trailer for ‘Nct Universe: Lastart’

NCTzens, are you ready to meet the members of a brand-new NCT Unit? 

SM Entertainment released on Wednesday, July 19, the first trailer for its upcoming pre-debut reality show NCT Universe: LASTART. 

The two-and-a-half minute video gives fans a closer look at the 10 participating aspiring idols, the training and challenges that they had to go through, and the evaluators who will assess the performance of the candidates. 

SM Entertainment artists such as TVXQ’s Changmin, Super Junior’s Donghae, SHINee’s Taemin, EXO’s Xiumin, and NCT’s Ten and Taeyeong were shown to have visited the trainees in the practice room to give mentorship. 

Meanwhile, H.O.T’s Kangta, Super Junior’s Leeteuk and Ryeowook, Girls’ Generation’s Hyoyeon, and NCT’s Johnny and Haechan also had brief appearances in the trailer — but they all appeared to be giving feedback while sitting in a studio. 

BoA, Super Junior’s Eunhyuk, and SHINee’s Key were also introduced as “artist directors” for the show. 

Meet the 10 participants

Prior to the release of the trailer, SM Entertainment has also unveiled all 10 candidates through individual videos. Thep participating trainees go by the names: Riku, Ryo, Haruta, Kassho, Anderson, Jungmin, Ryu, Minjae,  Heitetsu, and Sakuya.

 

The trailer revealed that the 10 trainees were chosen from all over the world. 

Only six members will be part of NCT Tokyo. Four members are going to be chosen from the reality show NCT Universe: LASTART, while the other two members are SM Rookies Yushi and Sion. 

SM Entertainment CEO Jang Cheo-hyuk announced in May that their plans of debuting several groups. 

NCT Tokyo will be the final sub-unit of NCT. Currently, NCT has 20 members that are scattered along several sub-units: NCT 127, NCT DREAM, WayV, and NCT U. NCT127 also has its own sub-unit, which is DoJaeJung. 

The agency also plans to debut a new girl group and a new boy group, which will include former NCT members Shotaro and Sungchan and  SM Rookies Eunseok and Seunghan. 

SM Entertainment has yet to announce final debut dates for these said groups. Stay tuned here for more updates!

Featured image: Screenshot from SM’s YouTube

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Exo’s ‘Travel the World on a Ladder 4’ to Premiere in August 11

Mark your calendars, EXO-Ls because K-pop boy group EXO is returning with a new season of their hit variety show Travel the World on a Ladder! 

Travel the World on a Ladder is a reality-variety series wherein EXO members make their travel decisions based on the results of a ladder game. 

 

Its first season, which aired in 2018, starred EXO-CBX members Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin. The second and third season featured the whole group. 

This upcoming fourth installment will see members Suho, Xiumin, D.O., Baekhyun, Chanyeol, Chen, and Sehun. Kai won’t be part of it since he enlisted in the military in May. 

SM C&C Studio also released individual photos of the members posing with an airsoft gun in a field. Although details about the show have yet to be released, fans are already anticipating the adorable ruckus the EXO members will create while playing this outdoor game. 

The first two episodes will premiere on August 11 on Wave. There will be a total of twelve episodes, with two episodes airing every Friday until September 15. 

The ‘Travel the World on a Ladder 4’ release comes after EXO wrapped up the promotional activities for their seventh full-length album EXIST. 

EXIST, which served as EXO’s first album as a full-group in two years, has a total of nine songs, with “Cream Soda” as its title track. 

Originally a 12-piece act, EXO debuted under SM Entertainment in April 2012. Chinese members Kris, Tao, and Luhan have left the group, while Lay left SM Entertainment in April 2022. 

EXO is known for songs “Growl,” “Monster,” “Love Shot,” “Overdose,” and “Tempo.” 

Featured image from EXO’s Twitter

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