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ITZY Yeji Confirmed for Solo Debut

Guess who’s gearing up for a solo debut! JYP Entertainment has confirmed that ITZY leader Yeji will be dropping her first solo work later this year!

ITZY’s Yeji to Make Her Solo Debut—Here’s What We Know So Far

It’s official! Yeji, the leader of ITZY, is gearing up to embark on her solo career. On January 17, JYP Entertainment confirmed the exciting news, stating, “Yeji is preparing to become the first member of ITZY to make her solo debut.”

While fans are already brimming with excitement, JYP Entertainment clarified that the exact timing of her debut is still being finalized. “The concrete schedule has not yet been decided,” the agency added, promising to announce the official details in due course.

This marks a significant milestone for ITZY, as Yeji will be the first member to step into the spotlight as a soloist. Known for her fierce stage presence, impressive dance skills, and unique vocal tone, Yeji’s solo debut is highly anticipated by fans eager to see her showcase her individual artistry.

ITZY recently treated fans to a full-group comeback with their latest album, ‘GOLD,’ which was released on October 15, 2024, at 6 p.m. KST. This comeback marked the group’s return after nearly a year, following the release of their mini album ‘BORN TO BE’ in January 2024. With hits like “WANNABE” and “SNEAKERS,” ITZY has continued to dominate charts and captivate audiences worldwide.

Yeji’s solo debut promises to be another opportunity for her to shine, as she explores new musical styles and concepts that reflect her individuality. Fans are already speculating about the genre and style she might take on for her debut, adding to the buzz surrounding the announcement.

Stay tuned for updates on Yeji’s highly anticipated solo debut. Are you excited to see what ITZY’s charismatic leader has in store? MIDZYs, get ready to cheer her on!

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GFRIEND Yuju To Minimize Seoul Concert Participation Due To Health

Fans will need to manage their expectations at the upcoming GFRIEND concerts. It has just been confirmed that Yuju will minimize her participation due to health reasons.

GFRIEND’s Yuju to Limit Participation in 10th-Anniversary Concerts Due to Health Concerns

On January 16, SOURCE MUSIC issued an official announcement via Weverse, informing fans that Yuju will minimize her participation in GFRIEND’s upcoming 10th-anniversary concerts in Seoul due to health reasons.

“While recovering her condition after receiving treatment for the flu, Yuju experienced discomfort in her throat and visited the hospital for a check-up. She was diagnosed with vocal cord inflammation and was advised by medical professionals to refrain from using her voice, including singing, for the time being,” the statement read.

“Following the medical advice, we have decided to minimize Yuju’s singing and use of voice during GFRIEND’s scheduled performances this week,” it continued. “As a result, Yuju will only participate in minimal singing and speaking to the extent possible during the GFRIEND 10th Anniversary concerts scheduled from January 17 to 19.”

GFRIEND, which debuted in 2015, recently celebrated their milestone anniversary with the release of their special album, “Season of Memories,” on January 13. The album marks a significant moment in their career, commemorating a decade of heartfelt music and unwavering support from their fans, known as Buddies.

The group is scheduled to perform three nights of concerts in Seoul as the starting point of their anniversary tour, followed by stops in Osaka on March 9, Yokohama on March 11, Hong Kong on March 14, and Taipei on March 29. While Yuju’s health situation will limit her role in the Seoul concerts, she remains an integral part of the celebration, and fans are sending her heartfelt wishes for a swift recovery.

SOURCE MUSIC reassured fans that the decision was made in consultation with Yuju to prioritize her well-being. The remaining members will continue to deliver memorable performances while expressing their gratitude for Yuju’s contributions to the group’s legacy.

Wishing Yuju a speedy recovery and the group continued success as they celebrate this incredible milestone!

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Big Planet Made Addresses fromis_9 Signing Rumors

It looks like the fromis_9 members will have to continue their search for a new company. Big Planet Made has issued a statement regarding reports that the agency is signing five of the group’s eight members.

Big Planet Made Denies Reports of fromis_9 Members Joining the Agency

On January 17, Big Planet Made (BPM) Entertainment addressed rumors regarding fromis_9 members joining their agency. Earlier that day, it was reported that five of fromis_9’s eight members had decided to sign with BPM, while the remaining three were exploring contracts with other agencies.

However, BPM swiftly dismissed the claims, stating, “The article published today claiming that five fromis_9 members are moving to our agency is unfounded.” This clarification puts an end to the speculation surrounding the group’s next steps.

fromis_9 debuted in 2018 under the CJ ENM subsidiary Off The Record Entertainment after forming through the survival show “Idol School”. In 2021, they transitioned to PLEDIS Entertainment, a move intended to enhance their growth and provide comprehensive management support. The group enjoyed continued success under PLEDIS, releasing popular tracks such as “DM” and “Stay This Way.”

However, in November 2024, PLEDIS Entertainment announced that all eight members of fromis_9 would be leaving the agency after their contracts concluded on December 31, 2024. The statement assured fans that the decision was reached after thorough discussions with each member regarding their future paths.

As of now, the members of fromis_9 have yet to reveal any confirmed plans for their next steps. Fans are eagerly waiting for updates regarding their individual or collective activities as the group embarks on a new chapter. While BPM Entertainment’s denial quashes rumors of a mass move, the future of fromis_9 remains a topic of high anticipation among their dedicated fanbase, Flover.

For now, the spotlight remains on the members’ potential endeavors and what lies ahead for the talented group in the K-pop industry.

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YG Entertainment to End Actor Management Operations

It’s the end of an era. YG Entertainment has announced that they will cease actor management operations.

YG Entertainment Ends Actor Management Operations to Refocus on Music Business

On January 17, YG Entertainment officially announced that they would be ending their actor management operations as part of a strategic business restructuring. This decision marks a shift for the agency as it refocuses its efforts on its core expertise: the music industry.

“We sincerely thank all the actors who have been with us and fans who have shown them so much love. We will spare no effort in providing the necessary support until the very end,” the statement read.

“We have consistently worked on restructuring our business to focus on our core operations. We are positioning 2025 as the inaugural year where these efforts will bear fruit,” it added. “While enhancing the sustainability of our existing IP (intellectual property), we will also accelerate the discovery and development of new IP. By continuously strengthening our core competencies and solidifying our leadership in the music industry, we aim to write a new chapter in YG’s growth story.”

Over the past few years, YG Entertainment has gradually streamlined its operations by phasing out less profitable business sectors. In 2023, YG absorbed YGX, its subsidiary, into its Global Training Center, consolidating its resources and expertise. Furthermore, YG significantly expanded its in-house producer team, growing from approximately 10 members to over 50, signaling its commitment to strengthening its music production capabilities.

YG Entertainment currently manages a talented roster of actors, including Cha Seung Won, Yoo In Na, Claudia Kim, Lee Sung Kyung, Jang Ki Yong, Lee Soo Hyuk, Han Seung Yeon, and Son Na Eun, among others. However, the company is now exploring partnerships with external agencies to ensure a smooth transition for its actors as it exits the field of actor management.

This restructuring reflects YG’s determination to lead the music industry by honing its resources and bolstering its artist development, production, and global outreach efforts. Fans eagerly await how this renewed focus will shape YG’s future projects and music innovations.

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T.O.P Confirms Surprising Injury While Filming ‘Squid Game 2’

He may be playing the fan-favorite character but T.O.P didn’t have it easy on the set of “Squid Game” Season 2. The former BIGBANG member revealed that he was injured while filming for the Netflix series.

T.O.P Reveals Unexpected Injury on ‘Squid Game 2’ Set

Choi Seung Hyun recently sat down for an interview to promote “Squid Game 2”. The idol, who played the rapper Thanos in the show, opened up about breaking his ribs while filming a fight scene with co-star Im Siwan.

“I received simple treatment, and since it was a scene with many actors, I felt a sense of responsibility and did it all the way through,” Choi said. He also praised the ZE:A member for handling the scene well.

“Im Si-wan also has a lot of experience in action scenes, so I felt good while relying on him while filming together,” he said.

In the second season of “Squid Game”, Thanos (Choi) is forced to join the game after losing millions for investing in a crypto scam that also involves Lee Myung Gi (Im). The rapper continuously harasses Lee during the game, culminating in a fight in the men’s bathroom.

Despite the character’s cocky ways, Thanos has become a fan favorite among viewers. Some believe that the character’s popularity was pushed by T.O.P’s performance, which he attributes to serious research.

“I learned that if you depend on that kind of drug, your teeth will be damaged, you will be anxious, you will feel extreme anxiety and lethargy, and you will also show ADHD symptoms, so I tried to act differently before and after taking the drug,” Choi shared. “I intentionally made my speech rhythm and pronunciation slurred like those of hip-hop rappers in the American South who use drugs.”

Needless to say, all the research paid off as Thanos became the most popular character this season.

“Squid Game” Season 2 is still streaming on Netflix.

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EXO Doh Kyung Soo Drops Winter Single ‘Snowfall at Night’ MV

EXO’s D.O. has a special winter treat for fans. The “Untold: Secret Melody” star has just dropped the “Snowfall at Night” MV for his new digital single.

Doh Kyung Soo Brings Winter Comfort With “Snowfall at Night” and Excites Fans With Upcoming Film

EXO member Doh Kyung Soo (D.O.) has warmed the hearts of fans this winter with the release of his latest digital single, “Snowfall at Night,” accompanied by a beautifully serene music video.

Released on January 17 at 6 p.m. KST, the single perfectly captures the tranquility and nostalgia of snowy winter nights, highlighting D.O.’s rich, emotional vocals. The soft melodies and heartfelt lyrics make it a perfect addition to the season.

Meanwhile, Doh Kyung Soo is also making waves in the film industry with his upcoming project, “Secret: Untold Melody.” A remake of the 2007 Taiwanese classic “Secret,” the film is a fantasy romance centered on Yoo Joon (D.O.), a gifted but creatively blocked piano prodigy, and Jung Ah (Won Jin Ah), a mysterious music student. Their connection begins in an old campus practice room where Jung Ah plays an enchanting melody that changes Yoo Joon’s life.

Adding to the film’s layered narrative is Shin Ye Eun, portraying In Hee, a confident violinist and class representative. Her character introduces a nuanced dynamic to the trio, creating tension, depth, and intrigue. With its emotionally resonant themes of love, ambition, and the power of music, the film promises to be a visually stunning and soul-stirring experience.

“Secret: Untold Melody” will bring to life the profound connection between music and human emotions, transporting viewers to a world where melodies tell untold stories. Fans are already eagerly counting down to its January 2025 premiere, with many anticipating D.O.’s transformative performance as Yoo Joon.

With a new song warming the winter and an exciting film on the horizon, 2025 is shaping up to be an unforgettable year for D.O. fans.

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xikers Cancels Asia Leg of ‘WORLD TOUR TRICKY HOUSE : FIRST ENCOUNTER’

It looks like xikers will no longer perform in Asian countries this month. The group announced that they are cancelling the Asian leg of their world tour.

xikers Cancels Asia Leg of ‘WORLD TOUR TRICKY HOUSE : FIRST ENCOUNTER’

On January 16, xikers officially announced the cancellation of their Asia tour. The tour, titled “WORLD TOUR TRICKY HOUSE : FIRST ENCOUNTER,” was initially scheduled to take place in Thailand, Malaysia, Macau, and Indonesia between January 17 and February 1.

The group’s agency explained that the cancellation was due to visa issues and local conditions, making it impossible to proceed as planned. This unexpected announcement has disappointed fans who were eagerly anticipating xikers’ performances in these countries.

“We regret to inform you that <2025 xikers WORLD TOUR TRICKY HOUSE : FIRST ENCOUNTER IN ASIA>, originally scheduled to take place from January 17 to February 1, has been canceled due to unavoidable circumstances, including visa-related issues and local conditions,” KQ Entertainment said in a statement.

“Details regarding ticket refunds will be provided by BoxLive Asia, the event organizer,” they continued. “We sincerely apologize to all the fans who were looking forward to the performance. We deeply appreciate your understanding and promise to return with an outstanding performance in the future.”

xikers also expressed their regret and gratitude to fans for their unwavering support, promising to resolve these challenges and meet their fans in the future. The group also asked for understanding, assuring fans that they are working to ensure a better experience for their next events. Needless to say, both the members and their fans are disappointed about the situation.

Further updates regarding the group’s activities are expected to be shared in the coming weeks. In the meantime, xikers is still preparing for the other legs of their world tour which will be happening later this year. Stay tuned for more updates and news that are connected to this story.

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T.O.P Opens Up About BIGBANG Departure

T.O.P has broken his silence about his departure from BIGBANG. The “Squid Game” Season 2 star also revealed the reason why he chooses not to reach out to the other members.

T.O.P Speaks Up About Leaving BIGBANG

On January 15, T.O.P finally granted an interview while promoting the second season of “Squid Game”. The former BIGBANG member discussed his departure from the group. He confirmed that his decision was an effort to protect the other members from backlash over his controversy.

“To be honest, I caused so much damage to the team called Big Bang and my former company because of my mistakes,” T.O.P said. “That’s why I decided to leave the team several years ago because I couldn’t cause any more damage to the agency and the members.”

“Now, I have to do something on my own, and I have to endure the criticism that comes afterward,” he continued. Choi Seung Hyun also spoke about possibly returning to BIGBANG but chooses not to do so to protect the other members.

“If I go back to the team that I caused damage to, I would feel ashamed that my mistakes would be applied to the members, and it would be very painful for me,” he said.

“When I saw fans who wanted a reunion or posts like this, my heart ached. Because I wanted to make it clear, but I had no outlet to talk about it,” Choi continued. “When I saw posts from fans who wanted a reunion and photos of the members, I felt guilty, and it felt like I was looking at photos of a family that had broken up. It was reckless to choose that method, but that’s how it is now. I don’t even contact the members. I feel so sorry, so I can’t contact them easily.”

Although T.O.P is no longer a member of BIGBANG, it is clear he still cares about the other members and continues to support them.

“Squid Game” Season 2 is currently streaming on Netflix.

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EXO ‘Lotto’ MV Reaches 200M Views on YouTube

It may have been controversial, but people continue to love it. EXO’s “Lotto” MV has just achieved a major feat for the group, hitting 200 million views!

EXO’s ‘Lotto’ MV Hits 200 Million Views on YouTube, Marking a New Milestone

On January 16, at approximately 4:35 p.m. KST, EXO reached an impressive milestone as their music video for “Lotto” surpassed 200 million views on YouTube. This achievement makes it the group’s eighth music video to reach this mark, joining the ranks of “Monster,” “Call Me Baby,” “Ko Ko Bop,” “Growl,” “Overdose,” “Love Shot,” and “Tempo.”

Originally released on August 18, 2016, at 10 a.m. KST, the music video took around eight years, four months, and 29 days to achieve this remarkable feat. “Lotto” was the title track of EXO’s repackage album ‘LOTTO,’ which added four new songs to their third official album ‘EX’ACT.’

Upon its release, “Lotto” faced challenges due to its lyrics referencing a sportswear brand, resulting in a ban on major networks. To ensure the song could be performed on platforms like KBS and MBC, EXO substituted the word “lotto” with “louder” during live performances. Despite the controversy, “Lotto” became one of EXO’s signature hits, loved for its unique sound and bold concept.

The ‘LOTTO’ album itself was a commercial success, further cementing EXO’s status as K-pop powerhouses. Its dynamic blend of tracks captivated fans worldwide, solidifying their global influence.

In other exciting news, Baekhyun, a standout member of EXO, will appear in the upcoming reboot of the beloved variety show “The Great Escape: The Story” (literal title). Set to air in the first half of 2025, the series will reunite original cast members Kang Ho Dong, Kim Dong Hyun, and Yoo Byung Jae, while introducing fresh faces, including Baekhyun, Go Kyung Pyo, and Yeo Jin Goo. Fans are thrilled to see Baekhyun showcase his charm and wit, bringing a refreshing dynamic to the much-loved show.

Congratulations to EXO and their devoted fans on this outstanding achievement!

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Squid Game’ Star T.O.P Discusses Netflix Show Casting

Former BIGBANG member T.O.P has broken his long silence and finally participated in an interview to talk about his role in the hit series “Squid Game” Season 2. Interestingly, Choi Seung Hyun revealed how he dealt with the controversies associated with his casting in the Netflix series.

T.O.P Addresses ‘Squid Game’ Season 2 Casting

After 11 years of silence, Choi Seung Hyun has granted interviews to promote his latest project. T.O.P opened up about being cast as Thanos, a down-on-his-luck rapper who lost millions and ended up participating in the dangerous Squid Game.

So how did Choi end up being offered the role in the Netflix show? “I first received an audition offer through the production company,” he revealed. “Frankly speaking, I had a lot of concerns when I saw the character of Thanos.”

T.O.P then shared, “It was because of my past mistakes and the parts where I had to confront my own shame. I worried a lot, thinking that my image might become permanently associated with this. But somehow, I felt that being given such a role, almost like it was fate, might have a deeper meaning. So, I filmed an audition video and sent it to the production company. The director liked it and arranged a meeting with me.”

Choi also pointed out that he became aware of the controversies surrounding his casting. “Rather than feeling wronged, I was more sad by the thought that I might be causing harm to such a big and remarkable project,” he said. “I also felt incredibly apologetic to the senior actors who were misunderstood because of me.”

Despite the controversies, Choi’s performance in “Squid Game” Season 2 proved to be a standout as viewers lauded the former idol for stealing the show. Unfortunately, the season concluded with Thanos being one of the casualties of the dangerous games. Nevertheless, we’re expecting to see more of T.O.P in other projects in the future.

“Squid Game” Season 2 is currently streaming on Netflix.

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