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Tracking SM Entertainment’s First Gen Idols

It used to be that entertainment agencies have “slave contracts” with their talents, holding them under their care for as long as they want. With idols starting to realize how inhumane this treatment is and taking legal action like SHINHWA in 2003, Hangeng in 2009, and JYJ in 2010, entertainment agencies, particularly SM Entertainment, have taken action by making their contracts more friendly towards idols and shortening their contracts from the usually ambiguous effective dates to very precise terms, usually at seven years for the initial contract, after which both parties have an option to extend the contract every three years.

This prevailing arrangement has caused a lot of movement among idol groups and soloists in the company’s illustrious history. Here is a rundown of the status of the various idols who started their careers in what used to be the country’s largest entrainment agency, SM Entertainment.

H.O.T.
If you are a fan of TV’s Reply series, you would know how huge H.O.T. was. Unless you’re more of a Sechs Kies fan, it could be argued that the late 1990s was dominated by the group. That was, until 2001, when Tony, Woohyuk, and Jaewon were not able to come to an agreement with SM on the terms of their contract renewal. Thus, the group was officially disbanded in May 2001, causing a wave of protests in front of the SM HQ and the company’s behavior towards inactive groups – since then, SM Entertainment has never officially disbanded any groups on their stable.

H.O.T performs Candy for MBC TV in 1997

Kangta and the group’s leader Heejoon actually re-signed with SM after the March 2001 debacle, although the latter left the company after finishing his military enlistment. The three who left formed jtL which enjoyed success until 2003, in their new company, Yejeon Media the year they didn’t renew their contracts with SM/ Although all five members are still in the entertainment industry, only Kangta, who already happens to be a creative director with SM, is still active as a singer, having just released songs to commemorate his 25 years in the music biz. Woohyuk and Jaewon are more focused on running businesses while Tony and Heejoon have successfully shifted into careers as television personalities.

SHINHWA
As mentioned earlier, SHINHWA was among the first group to actually bring SM to court. This all started when after the release of their album Wedding, SM offered contract renewals to everyone, except Dongwan. All members then chose to re-sign with a different company, but this also started their long-standing legal battle with SM, as then SM head Lee Sooman prohibited them from using “SHINHWA” in their activities outside his company. It wasn’t until 2014 when the courts finally rule in their favor, allowing them to use Shinhwa for their company as long as they will continue as a group.

A few seconds into the song and one can recognize it’s SHINHWA’s T.O.P. (Twinkle Of Paradise)

The group has not disbanded and all members are still active in the entrainment industry. Their last music release was in 2018 to celebrate their 20th anniversary, and they also held a 21st-anniversary concert the following year. All members have released solo albums and all of them have also established a career on television as reality and variety show personalities, Dongwan and Eric have also acted in numerous TV dramas. The two were also embroiled in a social media exchange (yea, the two of them fought), which fortunately was resolved in March this year.

S.E.S.
SM also found massive success with their three-member girl group, S.E.S. From their debut in 1997 until their official disbandment in 2002, Shoo, Bada, and Eugene competed against DSP Media’s Fin.K.L for dominance in Korea’s girl group scene. Shoo continued with SM until 2006, while Bada and Eugene signed with other agencies. The three reunited in 2016 and released a 20th-anniversary album, complete with a reality show and a reunion concert. Bada has continued with a career in music and has also appeared in variety and talk shows, while Eugene has been killing it with her role as Yoonhee in the top-rating The Penhouse: War in Life.

Another 90s K-pop culture icon, S.E.S, performing the easily recognizable I’m Your Girl

BoA
Then, there’s BoA.

BoA is BoA. She’ll always be my (and everybody else’s) number 1. Still signed with SM (now on her 21st year), still releasing amazing tracks, still a top endorser being pursued by just about any brand of any product, and still appearing as mentor or judge in reality survival shows. She’s set to appear as a judge in the dancer reality contest Street Woman Fighter.

Just by looking at this list, one thing is for sure: SM Entertainment sure has an eye for finding great talent.

Featured image: BoA on SBS Nightline. Photo: boakwon/Instagram
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Watch, Like, and Subscribe: Super Junior’s Personal YouTube Channels

Super Junior Global. Photo: SUPER JUNIOR/YouTube

Name it, Super Junior has done it: they’re accomplished singers, amazing dancers, star movie and drama actors, and incredible musical actors. They are also excellent MCs and variety show aces. Now the men of Super Junior have added one more talent to the long list of things they do extremely well: content creators.

Nine out of 10 current SJ members now have their own YouTube channels, and their content range from song covers, life vlogs, gaming streams, live chat with fans, and more. E.L.Fs are definitely well-fed despite the lack of live concert opportunities due to the pandemic.

Make sure to hit the subscribe button on their individual channels so you never miss any SJ content!

Leeteuk 

Super Junior’s leader and oldest hyung Leeteuk is the undisputed king of talk among all the members. He relives his radio MC days (he was a former host of Super Junior’s Kiss the Radio, a.k.a. Sukira) on his regular live streams, which he named Kiss the YouTube. He also shows off his cooking chops—complete with easy-to-follow tips—on the channel!

Heechul

The “Universe Big Star” Kim Heechul’s colorful personality is at full blast in HEEtube. In his channel, fans can see gamer Heechul, adorable pet parent Heechul, celebrity friend Heechul, singer Heechul, and more!

https://youtu.be/m1Nmj7USRG8

Shindong

Super Junior’s resident techie, Shindong, gives fans in-depth reviews of games and gadgets in his Shindongdengdong channel. He also uploads clips of Super Junior’s concert rehearsals, as well as behind-the-scenes footage of his directing projects.

Sungmin

Sungmin might not be participating in Super Junior’s group activities for now, but he is still a member of SJ! His LIUstudio channel is like a diary, featuring videos of his daily life as a singer, musical actor, and husband. He also uploads mukbang vlogs and song covers.

Eunhyuk

The latest Super Junior member to join the YouTube bandwagon is main dancer and rapper Eunhyuk. His channel, 1LDAN EUNHYUKEE, contains vlogs of his life away from the spotlight—from driving around Seoul to hanging out alone at an Airbnb. His vlogs have a chill and relaxed vibe, a complete contrast to his bubbly character on variety shows. As a newbie YouTuber, Eunhyuk is still adorably awkward. But E.L.Fs everywhere can’t wait to see him show off his many charms!

Donghae 

Donghae’s YouTube channel name might be basic—Super Junior Donghae LEE—but his content perfectly shows off his quirky and lovable personality. He loves going live on the channel just to chat with fans—isn’t he the sweetest? More recently, Donghae has been uploading more videos containing behind-the-scenes clips from his solo activities, as well as from Super Junior’s concerts and shows. He also shows off his “SJ’s genius composer” side through his jamming sessions in the recording studio.

Siwon 

“No challenge, no change!” Siwon Choi definitely succeeded in taking on the YouTube challenge! In his channel, fans can watch videos of Super Junior’s visual and center hang out with his bandmates and other celebrity friends, and provide updates on his “No challenge, no change” project. Siwon is also known to be very religious, and he has recently taken to uploading Bible reading videos on his channel.

Ryeowook 

Super Junior’s eternal maknae Ryeowook is an adorable bean in his channel, Ryeowook’s Agit (Ryeowook’s Hangout). In his channel, the idol shares videos of him going about his daily life—recording sessions, music video shoots, online fan sign events, and more. He also uploads song covers, and like Donghae, Ryeowook also regularly goes live on the channel to chat with fans.

https://youtu.be/FpfYoDOIS5Y

Kyuhyun 

Kyuhyun’s KYU TV is like a bag of Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans—it has a little bit of everything! A well-known idol gamer, SJ’s maknae holds live streaming sessions of him playing his beloved Starcraft, as well as other games. He is also a budding cook, so his stream highlights often feature cooking segments as well. Of course, he’s not about to let E.L.Fs forget his amazing vocals, so Kyuhyun also uploads cover songs and holds live mini-concerts in his room at the Super Junior dorm!

Almost all of Super Junior are now on YouTube! Have you subscribed to all of them yet? Also, maybe E.L.Fs can convince main vocal and selfie king Yesung to start his own channel?

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You Quiz on the Block: 4 Most Memorable Guests

IU on Yoo Quiz on the Block. Photo: 유 퀴즈 온 더 튜브/YouTube

On the September 1 episode of You Quiz on the Block, the legendary girl group Girl’s Generation reunited—finally—after four years since their last activities as eight. Viewers were regaled with new stories as the girls reminisced of their 14 years as the nation’s leading girl group. Now, if you’re looking for other outstanding episodes of the show, here are other personalities that have made Yoo Jaesuk and Jo Seho’s program a must-watch:

1. IU

The Nation’s Sweetheart is definitely a fixture in Korean contemporary pop culture – she’s a singer, she composes some of the songs, has a constant presence in ads and product endorsements, not to mentioned she has also acted on both television and even on film. But one thing she hasn’t done much is giving interviews, so much so that even if she had been involved in a number of scandals and controversies especially in the earlier years of her career, the public is still left wanting more, hoping to know her better.

So, it came as no surprise that her You Quiz on the Block guesting just in April this year to promote her album Lilac eventually became one of the show’s highest-rating episodes. She did not disappoint at all as she revealed quite a lot during the interview, including her struggles with self-hatred that she reflected in the songs she composed. As for her acting career, she admitted feeling a lot of commonalities with her character in the drama My Mister, which a lot of people considered too dark, although many were impressed with her performance.

2. Gong Yoo

When Gong Yoo went to You Quiz on the Block to talk about his film Seobok late last year, people were reminded why he continues to be one of the most well-loved personalities in Korean showbiz. Actually, he started off by claiming that he, as Gong Jichul (his birth name), is just a normal person whose personality doesn’t stand out and whose life is not as extraordinary as Gong Yoo the actor. He adds that this may be the reason that he likes being an actor – because he gets to play more exciting characters who are braver and get to do things that he may not have the courage to act on in real life.

The actor also commented on his co-star Lee Dongwook, who sent a snack and coffee truck to the location where the interview was conducted. He claimed that the Grim Reaper to his Goblin is a smart one who wanted to hit three birds (i.e., endearing himself to Gong Yoo and the two hosts) with one stone by sending the coffee truck. He further commented that his friend is a real fox, referring to Lee Dongwook’s role as gumiho (a mythical nine-tailed fox) in Tale of the Nine-Tailed.

Finally, Jo Seho also played a recording of Gong Yoo reading a Korean translation of Australian poet Erin Hanson’s Not, in relation to the episode’s theme of “How to Live.” If you still weren’t swooning at the man, the poem reading was definitely the final guarantee you will.

3. Ju Jihoon

Kingdom lead actor Ju Jihoon made sure no stone was unturned to make his guest appearance in You Quiz on the Block as memorable as possible. The guest wore a leather jumpsuit to the interview, leaving the two hosts in awe of their guest’s fashion statement, with Jo Seho left commenting, “Just wow.” The Princess Hours star is still somehow getting used to his newfound fame as the face of Netflix’s hit show Kingdom that when he was asked how it feels to be an international star, he answered “I feel bitter.” After everyone in the audience laughed, he corrected himself by saying that he actually meant he feels dazed about the experience of international stardom.

Netflix’s Kingdom is what the actor considers his second wind in his acting career. After experiencing a phenomenal rise to his popularity with his debut performance in Princess Hours, his career immediately took a blow after he was found guilty of drug use in 2009. After enlisting in the military and making moderately successful comebacks, his career experienced a major resurgence with the two Along With the Gods movies, followed by his role in Kingdom.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAHQuZC2hu4&t=175s

4. BTS

Of course, this list will not be complete without acknowledging the March 24, 2021 appearance of the world’s biggest musical group, BTS. After all, the show dedicated a full episode to feature the fabulous seven only, not dividing the show with other personalities like it usually does. The group revealed several details of their struggles when they started in the music business as they faced several obstacles, from shoddy treatment when they guested in variety shows to sharing one bedroom and one bathroom for seven people. Jimin even had a long-standing (albeit one-sided) feud with V about who gets to sleep on the upper deck of the bunk bed they shared.

A majority of ARMY may know BTS since DNA or Spring Day eras, but as far back as 2016, the group was still facing a number of challenges despite already slowly gaining an international following. Suga and Jungkook narrated that they were mistreated in variety shows, although they were not sure if those encounters were done in jest or if there was some sort of malice on them. In the 2016 Busan One Asia Festival, their live performance was eventually cut from the TV broadcast. Imagine if a TV station were to do this now? There would be protests in front of the TV station the same day for sure.

Who have been your favorite guests on You Quiz on the Block? We hope the show features more legendary interviews on future episodes.

Featured image: IU on Yoo Quiz on the Block. Photo: 유 퀴즈 온 더 튜브/YouTube
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Park Seo Joon Heads for LA to Film MCU’s “The Marvels”

Park Seo Joon's cameo in Parasite. Photo: Madman Films/YouTube

It’s official: Park Seo Joon is now part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

On September 3, PSJ made headlines after he was spotted at the Incheon International Airport, boarding a plane to LA. His agency Awesome Entertainment later released a statement, confirming not only his flight but also his new project which kept fans and the K-drama community speculating for a while now.

Fans can now rest knowing that PSJ’s casting in “Captain Marvel 2” is now official

“It’s true that Park Seo Joon departed for Los Angeles earlier this afternoon after confirming his casting in the new Marvel Studios film,” the statement read. It also addressed the possibility of dropping spoilers about PSJ’s role in “The Marvels,” the sequel of MCU’s “Captain Marvel” starring Brie Larson.

“We know very well that you are all very curious about what production he will star in, what his character will be, where he will film, for how long, and more. However, we will not publicize more specific details until a later time,” the statement continued. It concluded with a request for fans to “cheer on Park Seo Joon.” This way, the actor will be able to “wrap up his filming successfully and return safely.”

Park Seo Joon’s role in “The Marvels”

Will we see some Fight for My Way or Itaewon Class realness? Or Hwarang?

Along with the K-community, we are also waiting for confirmation on Park Seo Joon’s role in “The Marvels.” There are speculations though that he will most likely portray a version of the comic book character Amadeus Chau. In the comics, (!POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT!) Amadeus is a young genius who eventually becomes the new Hulk.

This isn’t the first time PSJ stars in an international film. In 2019, he made a cameo appearance in the Oscar-winning film “Parasite,” which starred his Wooga Squad friend Choi Woo Shik.

The Marvels stars Brie Larson as Carol Danvers, Teyonah Parris as Monica Rambeau, and Iman Vellani as Kamala Khan. The Nia DaCosta film is currently being filmed in Los Angeles and is scheduled for release on November 11, 2022.

More on Hollywood and MCU news: GOT7 Mark Confirmed for MCU’s “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” Soundtrack

Featured image: Park Seo Joon cameos in Parasite. Photo: Madman Films/YouTube
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GOT7 Mark Confirmed for MCU’s “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” Soundtrack

GOT7 Mark Breath of Love: Last Piece concept for Breath of Love Last Piece. Photo: @GOT7Official/Twitter

Following the release of GOT7 member Jay B’s first mini-album SOMO: FUME, this news surely comes as a new treat for AHGASEs: GOT7’s Mark Tuan has joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe!

The GOT7 rapper is confirmed to be one of the artists who contributed a song to the MCU movie “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings”. Marvel has shared the official tracklist for the “Shang-Chi” soundtrack, which includes Mark’s collaboration with Korean singer-songwriter BIBI. Their song “Never Gonna Come Down” is the ninth track on the album.

AHGASEs have suspected Mark is involved with the latest Marvel movie. It started when the GOT7 visual attended the “Shang-Chi” world premiere at the TCL Chinese Theater in Los Angeles on August 16. Mark later posted photos with the caption “NGCD” which mystified his fans.

Mark Tuan and BIBI perform alongside fellow South Korean artists in the soundtrack “Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings: The Album“. We see familiar faces in the OST, such as hip-hop artist  Zion.T. and Anderson .Paak, who has Korean heritage. Check out the full tracklist and the artists below:

1. “Always Rising” – NIKI, Rich Brian, Warren Hue
2. “Diamond + and Pearls” – DPR LIVE, DPR IAN, peace.
3. “In The Dark” – Swae Lee, Jhené Aiko
4. “Lazy Susan” – 21 Savage, Rich Brian, Masiwei, Warren Hue
5. “Nomad” – Zion.T, Gen Hoshino
6. “Fire in the Sky” – Anderson .Paak
7. “Lose Control” – JJ Lin
8. “Every Summertime” – NIKI
9. “Never Gonna Come Down” – Mark Tuan, BIBI
10. “Foolish” – Rich Brian, Warren Hue, Guapdad 4000
11. “Clocked Out!” – Audrey Nuna, NIKI
12. “Act Up” – Rich Brian, Earthgang
13. “Baba Says” – Various Artists
14. “Run It” – DJ Snake, Rick Ross, Rich Brian
15. “Swan Song” – Saweetie, NIKI
16. “War With Heaven” – keshi
17. “Hot Soup” – 88rising, Simu Liu
18. “Warriors” – Warren Hue, Seori

The official motion picture soundtrack is exclusively produced by 88rising, the pioneering music platform for Asian artists around the world. It is released under Marvel Music / Hollywood Records and Interscope Records.

 

“Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings” stars “Kim’s Convenience” actor Simu Liu as the titular comic book hero. In the film, Shang-Chi’s seemingly normal life is upended when his past comes back to haunt him.

“Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings” premiered in theaters on September 3. The soundtrack was released on the same day.

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Is BTS’s Butter the Undisputed Song of the Summer?

BTS's Butter Special Performance music video. Photo: BANGTANTV/YouTube

It looks like ARMYs and our Bangtan Boys are getting more reasons to celebrate this September, in addition to Jungkook’s birthday, RM’s birthday, and the confirmation of BTS In the Soop 2.

BTS’s chart-topping 2021 single, “Butter,” has been unwavering on the Billboard charts since its release in May 2021. It debuted at number 1 on the Hot 100 and has now melted its way to Billboard’s Songs of the Summer 2021 chart (11 consecutive weeks as of chart dated September 4, 2021). If the BTS hit is still on the summit when the running tally ends next week, it will be declared Billboard’s undisputed Song of the Summer 2021.

“Butter” is the group’s second English-language song, following Dynamite. It consistently held on to the top spot of Billboard Hot 100 for seven weeks since release, before their own song “Permission to Dance” took over. “Butter” is now on its 14th week on the same chart, currently placing seventh.

The global K-pop icon released multiple versions of the song, such as a Butter Hotter remix..

a Butter Cooler one..

And a Butter noraebang (karaoke) version.

Recently, the BTS x Megan Thee Stallion “Butter” remix also dropped.

Following its debut, various shows have invited the Bangtan Boys to perform Butter live. Watch BTS on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon..

BTS on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert..

And BTS on SiriusXM.

BTS has also performed Butter live at the Billboard Music Awards 2021.

 

“Songs of the Summer” was an unofficial title, but both Billboard and MTV have added it to their institutions. In 2020, Blackpink’s “How You Like That” won MTV’s Songs of the Summer title, while “’Rain on Me” by Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande led Billboard’s Songs of the Summer that year.

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ARMYs and Hotties Rejoice for BTS x Megan Thee Stallion Butter Remix

BTS shows how important ARMY is for them in Butter MV. Photo: HYBE LABELS/YouTube

BTS x Megan Thee Stallion “Butter” remix is finally out!

The latest “Butter” remix was dropped on Friday, August 27, but not without controversy. Right before its release, Megan Thee Stallion reportedly needed to file a petition in a Texas court asking for emergency relief so she can release the track. According to the multi-grammy awarded rapper, her record label 1501 Certified Entertainment didn’t approve the remix’s release.

The good news is that a judge ruled in favor of Megan Thee Stallion, to the delight of ARMYs and Hotties worldwide. Both fandoms immediately ensured that the remix receives all the attention it deserves.

https://twitter.com/btschartdata/status/1433104659531669508

Megan Thee Stallion also posted her own “tiktok like the boys,” to everyone’s joy.

The original version of the digital single debuted at the number one spot in Billboard’s Hot 100. It is also now enjoying its 11th consecutive week on the Songs of the Summer 2021 chart (dated September 4, 2021), with one more week left before it can be declared as the undisputed Song of the Summer 2021.

Watch BTS’s Butter here:

Featured image: BTS shows how important ARMY is for them in Butter MV. Photo: HYBE LABELS/YouTube
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MAMAMOO Reveals the Perfect Title for Their Upcoming “Best Of” Album

MAMAMOO concept photo for their online concert, WAW. Photo: RBW_MAMAMOO/Twitter

Solar, Moonbyul, Wheein, and Hwasa have just unveiled the first teaser for their upcoming compilation album. Not surprisingly, the new LP has the perfect title.

The official MAMAMOO Twitter account shared a teaser, revealing the title of the girl group’s new album. The image confirms that the LP will be titled I SAY MAMAMOO: THE BEST. In the same tweet, we can see the group’s new logo.

“I say MAMAMOO” is a reference to the group’s official greeting and it’s the best way to introduce their music. It’s a great title for an album that compiles the best of MAMAMOO’s discography.

In addition to beloved tracks, the upcoming album is expected to feature two new songs from Solar, Moonbyul, Wheein, and Hwasa. We’ll find out the official tracklist in the coming weeks.

MOOMOOs are clearly loving the news and are already getting ready for MAMAMOO’s next comeback.

The September comeback will be the first since Solar, Moonbyul, and Hwasa renewed their contracts with RBW Entertainment. Wheein did not renew her contract though, and instead, signed with new label THE L1VE, founded by VIXX’s Ravi. Although she is no longer with RBW, the vocalist will continue to promote with MAMAMOO.

MAMAMOO recently thrilled fans with their online concert WAW on August 28, and now they are getting ready for a comeback. Being a MOOMOO surely means always being spoiled with new content!

MAMAMOO’s new album I SAY MAMAMOO: THE BEST will be released on September 15, 2021, at 6 pm KST.

Featured photo: MAMAMOO concept photo for their online concert, WAW. Photo: RBW_MAMAMOO/Twitter

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Girls’ Generation Reunion on Yoo Quiz on The Block: 5 Things Revealed

Teaser for Girls' Generation's reunion on Yoo Quiz on the Block. Photo: youquizontheblock/Instagram

So, the day SONEs all around the world waited for crazy anticipation finally happened. Taeyeon, Yuri, Hyoyeon, Sunny, Yoona, Tiffany, Sooyoung, and Seohyun blessed us on September 1 had tVN’s You Quiz on the Block premiering their episode featuring a reunion of all eight Girl’s Generation members in one interview. But not only were we blessed with the reunion; the interview also blessed us with some new information never heard before in interviews the girls gave for the past 14 years. Here are some things that happened and were revealed to us in the 121st episode of You Quiz on the Block, featuring Sonyeo Shide.

1. The Schedules Were Crazy 

When the girls reminisced about their legendary 14-year career, most of them can still clearly remember the crazy schedules they had, considering they were the Nation’s Girl Group. Sunny recounted how they took a 12-hour flight to Australia and perform there before taking a midnight flight back to Seoul and go directly to a music show  Yuri for her part narrated their trip across three continents, from Korea to Paris to the US, while Hyoyeon talked about performing for a year-end music program in Tokyo then taking a jet back to Seoul to perform on a year-end music show as well, so they did not have any time for even outfit changes.  

2. Taeyeon the Diet Rebel

With stunningly consistent and stable vocal abilities even during her days an SM Entertainment trainee, there was little doubt Taeyeon would debut in Girl’s Generation, or in any girl group. But then, that still didn’t stop SM and its managers from subjecting the Kid Leader to strict and rigid rules applied to all trainees, including strict diets to achieve an idol-level body image. Taeyeon herself admitted that she was considered chubbier than the other trainees (is that even possible?), and so everything she had to eat was monitored. She got so frustrated that she snuck out of their trainee quarters and went hope to be away from her strict managers and obviously, to enjoy some good ‘ole home cooking. Seohyun seconded this, claiming that all of them were guilty of hiding chocolates and eating them when the managers were not watching them.

3. The Impromptu Performances!

Obviously, since there was no time to do a review of SNSD’s discography like we SONEs demand, there were some segments in the show that allowed the members to reminisce some of their songs and their equally legendary dances. While talking about that iconic Music Core performance of Genie in a helipad, Yuri got up on her feet and danced the iconic leg beauty dance (that move where the girls kick imaginary dirt while stretching their legs in the process) and the iconic Kissing You live stages that Yoona performed complete with lollipop waving, where Hyoyeon, Yuri, and Sunny, could not resist but join her before the chorus ended. The National MC, who has a distinct preference for songs released in the previous decade, couldn’t help but sing along with the teenybopper song, repeatedly saying he “likes the song so much” 

4. A Hard Knock Life as Year-End Rookies

As the most in-demand female group in the early 2010s, SNSD needed to be present in each and every special year-end program presented by the various TV stations. As they were still relative rookies after only being in the business for 3 to 4 years, they had to satisfy SONEs with their regular appearances while performing hits of their sunbaenims like Fin.K.L, S.E.S., and of course, BoA. Maknae Seohyun recalled that in a lot of year-end performances, it is assumed that they have stocked knowledge of 1st gen k-pop choreography from their trainee years, so they are usually taught their special stage choreos hours before the performance. Tiffany testifies to this when they had only two hours to nail the moves to Lee Hyori’s U-Go-Girl. This reminds me how impressed Tiffany’s unnies in Sister Slam Dunk were when she memorized the dance to their song Shut Up after only a couple of repetitions.

5. A Possible Girls’ Generation Reunion Song?

Of course, the show couldn’t end without Yoo Jaesuk and Jo Seho asking the girls if there are plans for an OT8 comeback. As with their previous reactions when they have been asked this question in other interviews, the girls were coy and played it safe by saying they are always open to the possibility. But then, Sunny just had to give us that glimmer of hope by saying, “I guess we’ll have to do it now since Yoo Jae Suk said so.”    

And a million SONE hearts fluttered. 

Featured image: Girls’ Generation’s reunion on Yoo Quiz on the Block. Photo: youquizontheblock/Instagram

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MONSTA X Confirms New Single “Only One” For September

MONSTA X Kiss or Death Teaser. Photo: MonstaX/Twitter

MONSTA X is ready for another comeback this year! Minhyuk, Kihyun, Hyungwon, Joohoney, and I.M. have announced the new single “Only One” set for release in September. This is the group’s first official comeback after Shownu’s enlistment in July.

The official MONSTA X Twitter account confirmed the news by sharing the “Only One” teaser poster. The poster simply features the group’s logo and the song’s title. However, it also has a line, “Wish you the best with somebody new, but they’ll never love ya like I do.” MONBEBEs believe this is a lyric in the song.

Fans were quick to point out that the line could be from Joohoney’s verse in “Only One”. The MONSTA X main rapper had previously posted a photo on his official Instagram account with the caption, “Love ya.” With that in mind, it’s possible that the upcoming single was produced by Lee Jooheon just like the group’s previous title track “Gambler”.

Recently, MONSTA X dropped hints at a comeback. On August 27, the group dropped a cryptic tweet that said, “They say hindsight’s 2020.” MONBEBEs immediately believed that this was a tease at new music coming soon. In hindsight, there’s a possibility that the line is also a lyric in “Only One”.

The upcoming comeback will be the first for MONSTA X since Shownu’s enlistment. Son Hyunwoo began his military service on July 22. However, fans believe he had recorded enough content so MONBEBEs will not miss him. This could mean that the MONSTA X leader’s vocals will still be featured in “Only One” and he could appear in the music video.

MONSTA X returns with the new single “Only One” on September 10, 2021.

Featured image: MONSTA X Kiss or Death Teaser. Photo: MonstaX/Twitter
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