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FEATURES KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Lalisa: BLACKPINK’s Lisa Reminds the World of Her Name in Record-Breaking Fashion

Blackpink's Lisa Manoban debuted her first solo album, LALISA, on September 10, 2021. Photo: BLACKPINK/YouTube

So, finally, Lisa of BLACKPINK drops her debut single, the third member of the group to do so. Only six months after main vocal Rosé released the all-English On the Ground, it’s the group’s Thai rapper-main dancer to go solo by introducing herself in her debut single, LALISA. Notice the power in that? She keeps on saying her name throughout the highly repetitive chorus while seemingly hypnotizing us listeners into saying “Lalisa love me Lalisa love me, Call me Lalisa love me Lalisa love me.” It’s definitely a trap, not that we mind at all.

And in now-typical YG fashion, the music video dropped at 1 in the afternoon, Korean time. This is not that usual considering most MVs and singles in Korea get released at 6 PM, so that they can compete with the other popular music that day in the charts, as 6 pm is a time when a lot of people are still awake, employees getting home from work or students waiting for their academy classes to start while listening to music.

Also read: All Rise for Lalisa’s First Solo Album

Up until around 2016, the most common practice was to release songs and music videos at midnight. However, many fans complained that some artists (obviously not them exactly, but their companies) are manipulating the chart systems, using bots to continue streaming music even during ungodly hours. With the rise of these accusations of forms of sajaegi (chart manipulation), most music charts implemented a chart freeze, particularly between 1 AM until 7 AM, so downloads and streams during that time will not be counted until when the charts reopen after 7.

Most companies, including YG have followed the practice for fear they might be accused of chart manipulation. Even Jennie’s Solo was released at 6 PM, but things started to change with Rosé, whose music video for On the Ground was released at 2 PM. The company took it a notch further (make that an hour earlier) now by releasing Lisa’s music video and single at 1 in the afternoon.

So far, the move has proven to be successful, as Lisa has immediately charted on Instiz, Korea’s music chart aggregator. As of 6:30 KST, Lalisa is already at #18 on Instiz, #41 in Melon, #27 in Genie, and #2 in Bugs (only topped by former YG artist Lee Hi and her Red Lipstick, which was only released September 10). Since Flo and Naver’s VIBE do not have real-time charts and only release daily charts, we can be sure that Lalisa shall chart higher in Instiz by tomorrow. An all-kill or even a PAK (perfect all-kill) shouldn’t be that impossible.

Another thing international fans obsess over is YouTube views of music videos. With BLACKPINK holding a number of YouTube view records, it is expected that Lisa will also break a number of records with this solo debut. After two hours, total views for the music video reached 25,228,666 views and as of 7 PM KST, the video has slid past the 30 million view mark.

After reaching 10 million YouTube views after only an hour and a half, the LALISA MV has already broken numerous records, although these are still unofficial.

LALISA is the fastest debut MV to hit 10 million views on YouTube in history, as well as the fastest music video by a K-pop solo artist to reach the 10 million mark and the fastest MV by a female soloist in the world to exceed 10 million YouTube views, breaking Taylor Swift’s record of two hours for her Me! music video. It is also the second-fastest MV by a female K-pop artist to accumulate 10 million views in history, only beaten by a video of her own group, Lovesick Girls, which achieved the figure in under 53 minutes.

It’s safe to say that Lisa’s record-breaking ways will continue in the coming days, and we’re here to witness it all.

Bonus: How well do you know your Blackpink?

Featured image: Blackpink’s Lisa Manoban debuted her first solo album, LALISA, on September 10, 2021. Photo: BLACKPINK/YouTube
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BTS FEATURES LATEST STORIES

Watch: BTS’s 3J Special Performance Video for “Butter feat. Megan Thee Stallion” Remix

BTS's dance line drops a special performance video for Megan Thee Stallion "Butter" remix. Photo: BANGTANTV/YouTube

3J—BTS’s dance line—is back with a performance nothing short of euphoria.

Watch J-Hope, Jimin, and Jungkook as they dance their way to our hearts (or, quoting Jin in Festa 2021 Chicken Noodle Soup performance, poppin poppin poppin poppin poppin poppin poppin) featuring the Megan Thee Stallion remix:

ARMYs were quick to appreciate the new video and could not stop gushing about Jung Hoseok, Park Jimin, and Jeon Jungkook’s cheeky performance of the Butter feat. Megan Thee Stallion remix (which also coincides with Butter climbing back to the top of Billboard’s Hot 100 chart).

ARMYs have been looking forward to the return of 3J since BTS dropped the teaser on their official Twitter account:

 

Considering it’s been three years since BTS’s dance line owned the iconic Idol stage at the 2018 MMA, it’s almost a given that they have made us fall like that.

The BTS x Megan Thee Stallion Butter remix finally dropped on August 27, after the Houston-born rapper revealed her label was against the release. Thank the maker, a judge ruled in favor of Megan Thee Stallion and now here we are, enjoying this comforting treat from 3J.

Featured image: BTS’s dance line drops a special performance video for Megan Thee Stallion “Butter” remix. Photo: BANGTANTV/YouTube
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KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Lee Hi Thanks B.I. For “Savior” Collaboration

Lee Hi and B.I. collaborate for “Savior" track in Ha-yi’s fourth studio album, 4 Only. Photo: AOMGOFFICIAL/YouTube

“An extremely loyal friend.” That’s how Lee Hi calls former iKON member B.I.

The “No One” singer recently appeared as a guest on NAVER NOW, where she discussed her new album 4 Only. She also talked about her latest collaboration with former YG label-mate Kim Hanbin, expressing her gratitude for collaborating with her in the new song Savior.

“I want to relay my thanks toward B.I for featuring (in my album),” Lee Hi said. It’s a sweet shoutout considering that the two have collaborated numerous times in the past.

The former K-pop Star Season 1 contestant also spoke about her friendship with B.I., who had previously worked on her song “No One”.

“He called me a loyal friend in an interview that he did, but I think he is also an extremely loyal friend,” Lee Hi said. She then addressed a message to the former iKON rapper. “Hanbin, thanks to you I think a good music video was able to come out.”

It’s no secret that Lee Hi and B.I. make great music together. The two have worked together on several songs in the past. Their most recent collaboration before “Savior” was on the track “Daydream”, which was featured in Hanbin’s debut solo album Waterfall.

Their collab song “Savior” debuted days before the launch of Lee Hi’s latest album. In the music video, she and B.I. played childhood sweethearts who went through several hardships as her character was sick. The chemistry in the MV proves that Hayi and Kim Hanbin truly enjoy working together.

Lee Hi’s fourth studio album 4 Only was released on Thursday, September 9, 2021.

Featured image: Lee Hi and B.I. collaborate for “Savior” track in Ha-yi’s fourth studio album, 4 Only. Photo: AOMGOFFICIAL/YouTube
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VICTON’s Hanse Solo Debut Confirmed

VICTON Hanse ALICE Concept image. Photo: VICTON1109/Twitter

Just in time for his birthday, VICTON’s Hanse is finally dropping his first solo album this September.

VICTON’s label, Play M Entertainment, has announced that Do Hanse’s solo album will be released on September 25, 2021. Although details were not immediately available, ALICEs were immediately thrilled with the news. After all, the album is set to be released on Hanse’s birthday this year.

There is a good reason why ALICEs are hyped up over the news. In late 2020, Hanse confirmed that he is working on his first mixtape. The VICTON main rapper shared the news on his official Instagram account, adding that he doesn’t know when it will be released.

Hanse also admitted that he wanted to release the album before the end of 2020. However, the mixtape had to be put on hold in favor of VICTON’s comeback. (The comeback was also delayed to January 2021).

The delay of Hanse’s mixtape has been hard on the rapper, who was eager to share his music with his fans. There were hopes that it would be released earlier this year but Play M had been quiet with the updates. By then, ALICEs were concerned that the mixtape will never see the light of day. To be fair, fans also speculated that Hanse was still working on his music.


Luckily, ALICEs can finally get to hear Hanse’s new music. It’s been a long wait for the “HanSolo” and fans are already looking forward to its release. Everyone is eager to embrace the new music considering that it will be released on Hanse’s birthday.

Fans already know that Hanse’s self-produced songs vibe a distinct style. The VICTON main rapper is already known for writing his own songs and producing music. Back in 2019, Do Hanse dropped his self-produced track Hallelujah and it was well-received by ALICEs.

Hanse is the second VICTON member to release a solo album after Seungwoo, who has already released two solo efforts. This will be Do Hanse’s first solo endeavor since he debuted with the idol group in 2016.

Hanse’s still-untitled solo album will be released on Saturday, September 25, 2021.

Featured image: VICTON Hanse ALICE Concept image. Photo: VICTON1109/Twitter
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BTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BTS’s “Butter” Races Back To No. 1 On Billboard Hot 100

BTS Butter photo concept. Photo: BigHit_Music/Twitter

Butter, BTS’s digital single of summer 2021, has officially returned to the top spot on Billboard Hot 100. The song has now spent 10 weeks at the summit, giving RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook another major achievement.

Butter has always been a mainstay on the Billboard Hot 100, comfortable in the Top 10 since its release. The single would then rise back up to Number 1 whenever BTS drops a new remix, such as the recent release of the BTS x Megan Thee Stallion Butter remix. The first time it left the top spot was when the Bangtan Boys’ own song, Permission to Dance, took over.

Also read: Conversations with BTS and Coldplay’s Chris Martin on YouTube’s Released

The BTS x Megan Thee Stallion “Butter” remix was released on August 27 after the American rapper appealed for its release. Megan had previously revealed that her label was against the version’s release, so she filed a petition asking for emergency relief. A judge ruled in favor of the Houston-born musician, allowing the song’s release.

The release of the Butter Megan Thee Stallion remix had encouraged ARMYs and Hotties to continue supporting the single. The effort ensured the song’s return to the top spot on Billboard Hot 100, and BTS was eager to reward their fans.

Behold, the amazing return of 3J.

On Wednesday, the BTS dance line dropped the “Butter” Megan Thee Stallion remix Special Performance Video. The sweet treat featured J-Hope, Jimin, and Jungkook showing off their swoon-worthy moves, to the tune of everyone hopint that 3J is here to stay.

Butter also drew 12.2 million radio airplay audience impressions this week, in addition to the 10.7 million U.S. streams and 143,000 downloads sold last week. The song is now expected to continue dominating the charts and sales, thanks to the relentless support of ARMYs and Hotties.

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The Curious Case of the Constantly Forgotten f(x)

f(x) 4 walls. Photo: SMTOWN/YouTube

The most underrated, poorly treated, and seemingly hapless SM Entertainment group of all time—these are the words used to describe the group f(x). It seemed that once Sulli quit the group to focus on an acting career in 2015, the company sort of lost the appetite to promote the group, only giving them one official comeback (the flawless 4 Walls) in 2016. SM practically abandoned them to “focus on solo activities”. 

Things started getting weird for the group because after 4 Walls in 2015, as they were not given any proper comeback, except for a digital single All Mine, which was released on the SM Station singles platform. Coincidentally, 2016 also saw the notable rise of SM’s other girl group Red Velvet, as 2016 was the year when they completely shrugged off their image as SM’s black hole group and cemented their commercial success with Russian Roulette in September that year.

f(x) performs 4 Walls for KBS’s Music Bank K-Chart

Was f(x) forever playing second (or third) fiddle?
Sounds familiar, right? Yes, what happened to SHINee and EXO have eery similarities to f(x) and RV. So, would it be safe to say that the long Red Velvet hiatus of 2020 to August 2021 can also be linked to the aespa’s next-level success, pun intended? But we digress; that’s for another day. 

But when you really think about it, it may seem that f(x) was, to put it bluntly, more or less an afterthought for most of the group’s existence. For a very successful group with title tracks that consecutively chart either on top 1 (Nu ABO, Pinocchio (Danger), Pinocchio, Electric Shock, Rum Pum Pum Pum) or 2 (Hot Summer, Red Light, 4 Walls)  positions, it was baffling to everyone why it took seven years for the group to have their fandom (MeU) named and their lightstick released. We can only imagine that coming behind the Nation’s Girl Group Girl’s Generation automatically hands them a whole level of pressure, but it is just unfortunate that f(x) had to be always treated by the company as a great backup. They were great, but still, it felt like they were a backup.

Nu Abo official MV

And if that’s not enough, Sulli passed on in 2019. 

f(x) Now

So, what has happened to the girls since their wishy-washy departures from SM Entertainment?

It was somehow confusing when Victoria declared in September 2019 that her contract with SM has expired and the company said on the exact same day that they were still under negotiations. Nevertheless, as with other Chinese SM idols (e.g., Super Junior-M’s Zhuomi, EXO’s Lay), Victoria has been promoting mostly in China since 2016 (which is weird because SEVENTEEN Chinese members Jun and The8 have been promoting in Korea nonstop since their debut in 2015 until last August). This April, SM and f(x)’s leader finally officially ended their relationship.

Meanwhile, Amber announced on September 1, 2019 that she was leaving SM and re-sign her contract with Steel Wool Entertainment, the American company that SM has agreed to partner with when it came to her solo activities as early as 2018. Since her departure from SM, she has released two albums,X and y?, as well as Mandarin versions of her singles for the past two years. She was also a mentor on the fourth season of the Chinese version of Produce 101, titled Chuang 2021. Victoria was also a mentor in the 2020 edition of the program.

Luna signed with Humap Contents for her solo activities after her SM contract expired in 2019. In February 2021, Luna established her own entertainment agency, Grida Entertainment. She has been busy with stage musicals.

Finally, Krystal stayed with SM until August 2020, with her departure from the company made official, as well as her signing with her new agency, H& Entertainment announced in October. Since leaving SM, she has starred in the Korean drama Police University with former B1A4 member Jinyoung and Cha Taehyun (who happened to have worked with Victoria in My New Sassy Girl; It’s the 2016 sequel to the 2001 monster hit My Sassy Girl, which also starred Cha Taehyun). She is also set to lead the Chinese film Unexpected Love. 

Is f(x) Still a Thing? 

All four members may have moved on from SM Entertainment well, but one thing these members are still not clear about is their group’s disbandment. True, SM has never announced the group’s disbandment, but then the company has been very dicey when it comes to updating everyone about the status of their idol groups. As late as April this year, Luna appeared confused in an interview when people referred to f(x) in the past tense when she herself said that the group has not been officially disbanded.

But the thing is, when SM practically ignores your group for years (since after 4 Walls’ release, to be exact) when all of you were still signed with them, how can you expect the same company to give you the time of day when all of you are not in their stable of talents anymore? 

It would be great to see the four reunite for an album or even just a single perhaps, but then, considering SM’s indifference to the group and the Korean public’s uncomfortable regard of Victoria’s patriotic views (Victoria stopped her H&M endorsement after the brand raised objections of the Chinese government’s use of forced labor involving the Uygur minority in the country’s cotton plantations in Western China), counting on that reunion might turn out to be Waiting for Godot. 

Featured image: f(x) 4 Walls official MV. SMTOWN/YouTube
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FEATURES LATEST STORIES

MONSTA X Kihyun’s Cover of “Little Bit of Love” Gets Awesome Reaction From Tom Grennan

MONSTA X Kihyun - Little Bit of Love. Photo: OfficialMonstaX/Twitter

MONSTA X’s Kihyun has just performed an amazing cover of Tom Grennan’s “Little Bit of Love”. The gorgeous rendition has captured the attention of the original artist who is totally loving it!

Kihyun’s latest cover is once again a song that shows off his unique and versatile voice. The video for his “Little Bit of Love” cover features the MONSTA X main vocalist at the beach. However, it isn’t a sunny day and the winds appear to be moved by Yoo Kihyun’s emotional singing.

MONBEBEs were also moved by the “Little Bit of Love” cover and wanted to make sure Tom Grennan heard it. One MONBEBE tagged the English singer-songwriter in their comments and amazingly, Grennan retweeted it with his reaction to the rendition.


Tom Grennan was clearly impressed with Kihyun’s performance. The “Let’s Go Home Together” singer liked it so much that he shared it in his Instagram stories. This allowed his own fans to hear the MONSTA X vocalist’s emotional rendition.

But could this mean a possible collaboration? MONBEBEs and Tom Grennan fans would truly appreciate it. Hopefully, the two powerhouse artists will work together on a project soon.

https://twitter.com/starshipkr/status/1435612525450592263

This isn’t the first time that an international artist was pleased with Kihyun’s cover of their song. In April 2020, the MONSTA X vocalist sang his own version of Imagine Dragons’ “Natural”. The band loved the cover and drummer Daniel Plazman even left a comment on the tweet.

It’s great to know that Kihyun still has time to work on a cover despite being very busy. MONSTA X are currently preparing for the next comeback with the single “One Day”. The upcoming comeback will be the first for the group after leader Shownu’s military enlistment.

MONSTA X’s new single “One Day” will be released on Friday, September 10, 2021.

Featured image: MONSTA X Kihyun – Little Bit of Love. Photo: OfficialMonstaX/Twitter
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KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

All Rise for Lalisa’s First Solo Album

Blackpink Lisa's first solo album, Lalisa, drops on September 10, 2021 midnight EST. Photo: BLACKPINK/Facebook.

Anticipation is high for Blackpink’s main dancer, lead rapper and vocalist, and maknae Lalisa Manoban’s solo turn on the world stage. Her debut album will drop on September 10, 2021 at midnight EST  (1:00 P.M. KST) and will likely mark the beginning of her global dance and pop music domination.

Simply titled Lalisa, the single album features the A-side track Lalisa and the B-side Money—written and composed by a few of the most talented songwriters and music producers in the K-pop business: Teddy Park, 24, Bekuh Boom, Vince, and R.Tee.

With the exception of Bekuh Boom, who is signed with American music publishing company Warner Chappell Music, Inc., Lalisa’s record team hails from YG Entertainment’s subsidiary record company The Black Label. Most of them have also worked on previous Blackpink songs, such as Boombayah and Ddu-Du Ddu-Du, so expect the trademark Blackpink flavor with more than a little twist of Lalisa thrown in.

That happens to be the current recipe for K-pop music success.

Tracklist poster for Lisa Maboban’s first solo album, Lalisa. Photo: BLACKPINK/Facebook

Get ready, world. Lalisa’s coming to your area—pretty soon!

Featured image: Blackpink Lisa’s first solo album, Lalisa, drops on September 10, 2021 midnight EST. Photo: BLACKPINK/Facebook
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KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

TXT Drops Teaser For “0X1=LOVESONG (I Know I Love You)” MOD SUN Remix

TOMORROW X TOGETHER Preview Cuts. Photo: TXT_bighit/Twitter

After several tweets teasing a possible collaboration, TOMORROW X TOGETHER has dropped the first teaser for 0X1=LOVESONG (I Know I Love You) feat. MOD SUN!

TXT has been teasing the collaboration with American singer/rapper MOD SUN for almost a week. The two artists have been interacting on Twitter, prompting MOAs and MOD SUN fans to wonder about an upcoming project. Luckily, it has been confirmed that the alt-rapper will be featured in a new version of TXT’s hit single.

The official BIGHIT MUSIC Twitter account has shared the official teaser for 0X1=LOVESONG (I Know I Love You) feat. MOD SUN. It teaser features Soobin, Yeonjun, Beomgyu, Taehyun and Huening Kai playing around and dancing in a pool.

Interestingly, there was no audio in the video. This led to speculations that the new version of 0X1=LOVESONG (I Know I Love You) would be very different. Will it maintain the original song’s energy or will it feature more of MOD SUN’s style? MOAs can’t wait for Friday to find out!

https://twitter.com/forestyunn/status/1435816485155328003

TXT first teased on the collaboration by sharing the video for MOD SUN’s Down which featured drummer Travis Barker. The rapper then retweeted the post along with a cryptic caption.

TOMORROW X TOGETHER had previously released a version of 0X1=LOVESONG (I Know I Love You) feat Seori that was remixed by pH-1 and Woodie Gochild. It would be interesting to see how the second remix will compare to the first one.

0X1=LOVESONG (I Know I Love You) feat. MOD SUN drops on Friday, September 10, 2021.

Featured image: TOMORROW X TOGETHER Preview Cuts. Photo: TXT_bighit/Twitter
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BTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Conversations With BTS and Coldplay’s Chris Martin on YouTube’s “Released”

Special BTS interview with Coldplay's Chris Martin on YouTube's Released. Photo: BANGTANTV/YouTube

This week, ARMYs and Coldplay fans can look forward to a special episode of YouTube’s “Released.”

BTS confirmed that they will appear in a special episode of “Released,” YouTube’s weekly music series, right before the premiere of  their “Permission to Dance (Shorts Challenge Ver.)” Coldplay frontman Chris Martin will interview the septet, with the video airing on September 9, 11:45 p.m. ET (September 10, 12:45 p.m. KST).

The trailer for BTS “Released” starts with RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook greeting their fans. BTS leader Kim Namjoon then confirms that they will chat with Chris Martin. ARMYs can look forward to hearing straight from the boys about the “Permission to Dance” challenge, featuring people worldwide dancing to the group’s second English-language song. The original song debuted in July, replacing their own song “Butter” as the No.1 song on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Watch the “Released featuring BTS with Chris Martin” teaser here:

https://youtu.be/xTgI9-cjunE

It’s an interaction that ARMYs and Coldplay fans have been waiting for since early 2021. In February, BTS covered Coldplay’s “Fix You” on MTV Unplugged. Chris Martin, Jonny Buckland, Guy Berryman, and Will Champion were impressed with the rendition, calling BTS’s performance “beautiful.”

Bookmark the official “Permission to Dance” (Shorts Challenge Ver.) premiere party and video drop here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hgWG5gtZJg

Will your “Permission to Dance” short submission make it to the official video? Catch YouTube’s Released featuring BTS with Chris Martin on September 9, 11:45 p.m. ET (September 10, 12:45 p.m. KST), followed by the “Permission to Dance” (Shorts Challenge Ver.) worldwide premiere.

In the meantime, rewatch BTS’s “Permission to Dance” music video while waiting for the challenge premiere here:

Bonus: Here’s BTS’s chilling performance of Coldplay’s Fix You at MTV Unplugged.

Featured image: Special BTS interview with Coldplay’s Chris Martin on YouTube’s Released. Photo: BANGTANTV/YouTube
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