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Park Seo Joon Considering New Romance Drama by Lim Hyun Wook

Park Seo Joon may soon be making a return to the small screen with a new romance drama!

Park Seo Joon’s Next Project Might Be A New Romance Drama

On July 8, it was reported that Park Seo Joon is in talks to star in the upcoming drama “Waiting for Gyeongdo”, with an offer to play the titular male lead named Gyeongdo.

In response to the report, Park Seo Joon’s agency Awesome ENT commented, “It is true that he has received an offer for the new drama ‘Waiting for Gyeongdo.’ However, it is just one of the [many] dramas he has been offered, and nothing has been finalized yet.”

“Waiting for Gyeongdo” is a romance drama directed by Lim Hyun Wook, who is known for his work on popular series such as “King the Land,” “Flower Crew: Joseon Marriage Agency,” and “Life.” The script is penned by Yoo Young Ah, who has a solid track record with dramas like “Thirty-Nine” and “Divorce Attorney Shin.” The project is currently in discussions to air on JTBC.

Park Seon Joon’s Busy Career

Park Seo Joon has been a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, known for his versatility and charm in various roles. He is currently appearing on the tvN variety show “Jinny’s Kitchen 2,” where fans have warmly received his presence. Additionally, he is gearing up for the release of Netflix’s original series “Gyeongseong Creature 2” later this year, which is highly anticipated by his global fanbase.

His potential involvement in “Waiting for Gyeongdo” has already generated significant excitement among fans and industry watchers alike. Park Seo Joon’s previous works in romantic dramas, such as “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim” and “Fight for My Way,” have cemented his status as a leading actor in the genre, and a new romance drama would certainly be a welcome addition to his impressive portfolio.

As fans eagerly await confirmation of his participation in “Waiting for Gyeongdo,” there is much anticipation about how Park Seo Joon will bring the character of Gyeongdo to life and what new dimensions he will explore in this promising project.

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K-DRAMA LATEST STORIES

Ok Taecyeon Discusses His First BL Role in Netflix’s ‘Soul Mate’

Ok Taecyeon is set to star in a new Netflix production titled Soul Mate. On June 27, an industry insider revealed that Taecyeon is currently filming this series, which tells the story of a Japanese man, Narutaki Ryu, and a Korean boxer, Hwang Yo Han. Over the course of a decade, the two meet in Seoul, Berlin, and Tokyo, forming a close bond as they heal each other’s wounds.

Japanese actor Isomura Hayato will play Ryu to Taecyeon’s Yo Han. Hayato is known for starring in shows like Alice in Borderland, Kamen Rider Ghost, Kinou nani tabeta?, and many more. Meanwhile, Taecyeon, best known as a member of the K-pop boy group 2PM under JYP Entertainment, has also made a name for himself as an actor in various K-dramas, including Dream High and Vincenzo.

Soul Mate was initially described as a “bromance,” but recent updates confirm that the relationship between Ryu and Yo Han goes beyond mere friendship. Netflix’s official X account posted a photo of Taecyeon and Hayato sitting side-by-side. The photo’s caption referred to the series as “a 10-year-long love story between two young men.” As if that wasn’t confirmation enough, Netflix also uploaded the tags for Soul Mate, filing it under their “LGBTQ+ TV Shows” category. They also described the show as bittersweet, sentimental, and emotional.

The X post went viral, amassing 1.8 million views as of this writing. This is understandable, as Soul Mate will be Taecyeon’s first BL drama. While Taecyeon has taken on many mainstream roles over the years, this project represents a new and exciting challenge for him.

Taecyeon speaks

Taecyeon expressed his excitement about the role, saying, “I’m extremely delighted to be appearing in Soul Mate. Because there were so many types of characters and genres that I hadn’t tried yet, I’d been wanting to gradually broaden my spectrum [as an actor] and discover new sides of myself, and right at that time, I received the offer to star in Soul Mate.”

He added, “While reading the script, I was intrigued by the character of Hwang Yo Han, and even after I’d finished the script, Yo Han’s inner pain and struggles stayed with me for a long time, which is why I chose the project. Even during filming, I’m continuing the diet and boxing training that I started before filming; that’s how hard I’m working to portray the character of Yo Han with sincerity, so I hope viewers will also look forward to the drama.”

Despite Netflix’s post and Taecyeon’s words, fans are still worried that the show won’t live up to their expectations. They have reason to worry, as mainstream dramas usually have unhappy endings in store for queer love stories. But here’s hoping Soul Mate won’t disappoint! – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Who’s excited to see this fine specimen cozy up to another man? Source: Naver.

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Lenzo Yoon Expected to Leave HYBE After Non Compete Clause Expires

Yoon Seok-jun, aka Lenzo Yoon, recently stepped down as CEO of HYBE America. According to an exclusive report by Maeil Business Newspaper Star Today, Yoon has since returned to South Korea with his family in tow. Now, all eyes are on him, as many are eager to find out what his next move will be. Industry insiders suggest that he’s under a noncompete clause until the end of this year and is expected to leave HYBE completely when it expires.

A noncompete clause in an employment contract restricts a former employee from working in similar roles or industries for a certain period after leaving their job. This clause is designed to protect the company by preventing former employees from using insider knowledge to benefit competitors. In this context, competitors refer to other companies in the same industry as HYBE, which manages high-profile K-pop stars like BTS. Think JYP Entertainment, SM Entertainment, YG Entertainment, and the like.

In Yoon’s case, his noncompete clause prevents him from doing anything with those companies and others like them. This ensures that he won’t be able to use the experience and knowledge he gained at HYBE to benefit another company, potentially harming HYBE’s business interests. Once this clause expires, he’s free to do whatever he wants, whenever he wants, and wherever he wants.

Only time will tell what he’s planning to do.

Music’s Limitless Variations: Global CEO Lenzo Yoon, Big Hit Entertainment | SXSW 2021

All about Lenzo Yoon

Yoon joined HYBE in 2010, when it was still known as BigHit Entertainment. As the Director of Strategic Planning, he worked closely with Bang Si-hyuk, the company’s founder, focusing on content development and platform building. In 2015, Yoon was named Head of Business Planning. Starting in 2017, he strengthened the company’s global partnerships and expanded BTS’s IP business and world tours.

He was promoted three times within the next four years. Yoon rose to CEO of BigHit Entertainment in 2019, became Global CEO in 2020, and was appointed CEO of HYBE America and HYBE Universal in 2021. He made Billboard US’s 2022 Power List alongside Bang Si-hyuk, but stepped down from both positions soon after. He was replaced by Scooter Braun, who became HYBE America’s sole CEO in January 2023. Yoon hasn’t held an official position within HYBE since then, and maintained a relatively low profile until news of his return to South Korea broke.

Scooter Braun, known for discovering Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande, joined HYBE after his company Ithaca Holdings was acquired for about 1 billion USD in April 2021 as part of HYBE’s global expansion. After parting ways with Bieber and Grande last year, Braun retired from music management in June 2024 to focus on his HYBE work. Incidentally, HYBE America reported a net loss of approximately 11.7 million USD last year.

Maeil Business Newspaper Star Today asked HYBE to comment on their report, to no avail. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: What will Yoon do next? Source: Rolling Stone.

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP ALBUMS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

ENHYPEN Previews Tracks from Second Studio Album ‘ROMANCE: UNTOLD’

Earlier this month, ENHYPEN previewed their second full-length album, ROMANCE : UNTOLD, through a video uploaded to HYBE Labels’ YouTube channel. The video has a house party theme, and in it, the members display their charms to full effect as they dance, DJ, and sing along to each track in succession.

In ROMANCE : UNTOLD, ENHYPEN uses different genres of music to tell the story of a boy devoted to someone who makes him a better person. ENGENES’ excitement for this release is at an all-time high due to the members’ involvement in the creative process. According to the group’s agency, BELIFT LAB, every single member of ENHYPEN was credited as a composer, lyricist, or producer for ROMANCE : UNTOLD.

The first half of the album includes the mellow alternative R&B track “Moonstruck” and the soft synth-pop song “Your Eyes Only,” whose medium tempo and rhythmic melody make it a definite earworm. There’s also “Hundred Broken Hearts,” an old-school R&B track with youthful energy.

Fans of ENHYPEN’s leader Jungwon should pay close attention to “Hundred Broken Hearts,” as he composed the topline for it. Composing the topline for a song means creating the main vocal melody and, in some cases, also working on the lyrics for that melody. The topline is the part of a song typically sung by a group’s main vocalist. It’s often the most memorable and catchy part, making it crucial in defining the song’s appeal and identity.

ENHYPEN (엔하이픈) ROMANCE : UNTOLD Preview

ENHYPEN is more hands-on now

The back half of the album includes the dynamic funk/dance-pop track “Brought the Heat Back” and the sexy, sophisticated “Royalty.” There’s also “Paranormal,” a rock DnB song with a singalong melody. Rock DnB is a fusion genre that combines elements of rock music with the fast-paced, breakbeat-driven rhythms of drum and bass. While ENHYPEN has been known to experiment with different styles in their music, this marks the first time they’ll try rock DnB.

All seven members contributed to the lyrics of “Highway 1009,” which means lines like “Hold me tighter so I can stand again even on weary days” came right from the members’ hearts. Heeseung also helped compose and produce this one. Finally, the album’s title track, “XO (Only If You Say Yes)” is, of course, a standout. Unlike most of ENHYPEN’s previous title tracks, which are dark and energetic, this one features a sweet melody and impactful lyrics. It’s about a boy who would do absolutely anything for his special someone.

Jungwon, Heeseung, Jay, Jake, Sunghoon, Sunoo, and Ni-ki are becoming more and more hands-on with their music as time goes by, which is a sign of how far they’ve come since debuting four years ago via I-LAND. In a press release, BELIFT LAB stated, “As this is ENHYPEN’s first full-length album in about two years and nine months, the members and the production staff have put in great effort to achieve a high level of completion. Fans can look forward to ENHYPEN’s deeper musical color and authenticity as artists.”

ROMANCE : UNTOLD is set to drop on July 12. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: This photo is from the album’s third set of concept photos. Source: Weverse.

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BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BTS’s RM’s Sister Opens ‘Cafe Far Ben’ in Seoul’s Seongsu District

Kim Kyung Min, the younger sister of BTS’s RM, has opened a café in Seongsu-dong, Seoul. The new establishment, named Cafe Far Ben, opened its doors on July 1. It occupies a strategic location on the trendy district’s main street, near major office buildings and the well-known 1MILLION Dance Studio, making it well-positioned to attract plenty of visitors from foot traffic.

Spotted at the opening was Jung Ji Woo, the sister of BTS’s j-hope. Not only did she graciously interact with fans who asked her for photos, but she also brought RM’s sister a bouquet of flowers to congratulate her on the opening. Jimin’s father, who runs the wildly popular MAGNATE café in Busan, sent flowers to Cafe Far Ben as well.

Although RM is currently serving in the South Korean military, where he’s playing saxophone in the band, he took time out from his service to congratulate his sister. He sent her a wreath with a note that said, “Dongsaeng! Cheers to new beginnings!”

@angootv

RM’s younger sister has just opened a cafe in Seoul! 📍Cafe Far Ben 65 Seongsui-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul ⏰ 10:00 – 20:30 #bts #btsarmy #kimnamjoon #namjoon #rm #korea #seoul #cafehopping #seoulcafe

♬ 티라미수 케익 – 위아더나잇

What’s so good about Cafe Far Ben?

This marks the first time a BTS member’s relative has opened a café in Seoul. Jin’s older brother runs a business of his own in Yeouido-dong, Seoul, but it’s a Japanese restaurant named Ossu Seiromushi, not a café. (By the way, he also sent flowers to Kim Kyung Min when Cafe Far Ben opened.)

Since it opened, RM’s sister’s new café has been earning rave reviews from ARMYs and locals alike. Some say Cafe Far Ben’s strong points are its ambience, which is complemented by a great selection of music, and its high-quality coffee. Such feedback is likely to attract even more visitors in the future—visitors who will tuck into the café’s signature menu item called Far Ben Chio, a sweet coffee topped with savory peanuts. 

To visit Cafe Far Ben, head to Seongsu station on Seoul’s green line (Line 2), take exit 3, turn right, and follow the main street to the café. The address is 1st Floor, Hyupseong Building, 65 Seongsui-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: All the best to RM’s sister on her new venture! Source: Instagram/@cafe.farben.

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP ALBUMS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Stray Kids Unveils Initial Stops for “dominATE” World Tour

Stray Kids revealed plans for their latest global tour, “dominATE,” on July 8. The tour kicks off with a four-day stint in Seoul from August 24 to September 1. Following their performances in Seoul, Stray Kids will continue their tour across multiple cities in Asia and Australia. Additional tour dates in Latin America, North America, and Europe are expected to be announced in the near future, promising fans worldwide an opportunity to experience the group’s electrifying performances and music firsthand.

Stray Kids is an eight-member South Korean boy group formed by JYP Entertainment through a reality show of the same name in 2017. Comprising Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, and I.N, the group made their debut in 2018 with the song “District 9,” marking the beginning of their impactful journey in the K-pop industry.

Known for their dynamic performances, original songwriting, and meaningful lyrics, Stray Kids has carved a niche with their distinctive blend of hip-hop, electronica, and rock influences. Their music often delves into introspective themes such as self-discovery, resilience, and empowerment, resonating deeply with their global fanbase.

Each member of Stray Kids contributes uniquely to the group’s identity. Bang Chan, besides being the leader, serves as the main rapper and producer, while Lee Know showcases his talents as the main vocalist and rapper.

Changbin also takes on the role of main rapper and contributes to production, alongside Han who is noted for his vocal prowess and rap skills. Felix adds his charisma as a main rapper and dancer, complemented by Seungmin who shines as a main vocalist and visual presence. Hyunjin brings his skills as a main vocalist and visual artist, while I.N rounds out the group with his role as a main rapper and producer.

Stray Kids’ collaborative approach to music production sets them apart in the K-pop landscape, allowing them to create authentic and impactful songs that resonate with their listeners. Their continued evolution and dedication to their craft have solidified their position as one of the most promising and influential groups in the global music scene today.

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BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP ALBUMS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Jimin of BTS debuts on Billboard’s ‘Hot 100’ with pre-release track

On July 8, Billboard confirmed via their official social media channels that Jimin of BTS has debuted on the prestigious ‘Hot 100’ chart with his pre-release track “Smeraldo Garden Marching Band (feat. LOCO)” from his upcoming solo second album ‘MUSE’. The song entered the chart at number 88 for the week of July 13th, marking Jimin’s fifth solo appearance on the ‘Hot 100’.

Jimin’s previous solo achievements include chart success with Taeyang’s “VIBE (feat. Jimin of BTS)” which peaked at number 76 in 2023. His solo debut album ‘FACE’ featured two tracks on the ‘Hot 100’: “Set Me Free Pt.2” reached number 30, and the title track “Like Crazy” made history by topping the chart, making Jimin the first K-pop solo artist to achieve this milestone both as a soloist and as part of BTS.

Additionally, Jimin’s collaboration “Angel Pt. 1 (Feat. Jimin of BTS, JVKE & Muni Long)” from the movie ‘Fast & Furious: Ride or Die’ reached number 65 on the ‘Hot 100’.

Billboard also highlighted that “Smeraldo Garden Marching Band (feat. LOCO)” topped the ‘World Digital Song Sales’ chart and reached number 7 on the ‘Global (excluding U.S.)’ chart, underscoring Jimin’s global popularity and influence.

The track itself blends the sounds of a marching band with hip-hop elements, showcasing Jimin’s distinctive vocals and Loco’s rap prowess in a harmonious fusion.

Jimin’s solo second album ‘MUSE’, centered around the theme of ‘love’, is scheduled for global release on the 19th at 1 PM, featuring seven interconnected tracks that promise to take listeners on an inspirational journey.

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Lia of ITZY Returns to Activities After Health-Related Break

ITZY’s Lia is set to make her comeback after a hiatus of almost 10 months. Last September, JYP Entertainment initially disclosed that Lia would be taking a break from her activities citing health concerns, a period during which she has refrained from participating in group engagements.

The announcement of Lia’s return marks a significant moment for both the artist and her fans, who have eagerly awaited her comeback to the music scene. Throughout her time away, Lia has focused on recuperation and ensuring her health and well-being.

As Lia prepares to resume her activities, expectations are high for what she will bring to the table, with fans expressing excitement and support across social media platforms. Her return not only signals a new chapter for Lia but also underscores the importance of prioritizing health in the demanding world of K-pop.

Details regarding Lia’s upcoming activities and projects following her hiatus are eagerly anticipated by fans, who continue to show unwavering support for the talented ITZY member.

JYP issued the following statement: “Hello. This is JYP Entertainment.

This is an announcement regarding ITZY member Lia’s health status and her return to activities. Following treatment and rest, her tension and symptoms of anxiety have significantly improved.

Therefore, after careful discussion with Lia, it has been decided that she will resume her activities starting with ITZY’s new album, set to be released in the second half of the year. However, for previously arranged schedules and shoots before the new album release, only four members (Yeji, Ryujin, Chaeryeong, Yuna) will be participating. We kindly ask for your understanding.

We sincerely thank the fans who have shown warm encouragement and support for Lia’s recovery. We remain committed to supporting our artists so that they can meet fans in healthy conditions.”

Thank you.

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BLACKPINK’s ‘BORN PINK’ Concert Movie Release Date & Trailer Unveiled

The concert film ‘BLACKPINK WORLD TOUR IN CINEMAS,’ capturing the essence of BLACKPINK’s ‘BORN PINK’ world tour, has unveiled its main trailer and announced the start of ticket sales for domestic screenings.

Celebrating their 8th anniversary, BLACKPINK concluded their world tour at Seoul’s Gocheok Sky Dome, with the concert film promising to showcase the electrifying performances and atmosphere of the event. The newly released main trailer vividly captures the energy and excitement of the tour, immersing viewers in its visually stunning presentation.

The trailer highlights memorable moments from the acclaimed world tour, which drew an audience of 1.8 million fans worldwide. The powerful introduction, accompanied by the question “Are you ready?”, instantly evokes the thrilling experience of the live performances. The stage design, featuring traditional Korean hanok tiles, adds a distinctive charm, emphasizing BLACKPINK’s unique artistic style.

In a heartfelt message to their fans, BLACKPINK expresses gratitude, stating, “We couldn’t have done it without BLINK,” underscoring their deep appreciation for the fan support that contributed to their success. The trailer also showcases enthusiastic fans waving lightsticks and enjoying the concert, illustrating the strong connection between the artists and their audience, a hallmark of BLACKPINK’s world tour experience.

This event invites fans to bring their lightsticks and relive the excitement of the concert in a more interactive and immersive cinematic format. Detailed information regarding ticket sales and related events is available on the CGV website and social media platforms.

The concert film will debut on July 31 in ScreenX, 4DX, and ULTRA 4DX formats at CGV theaters, with screenings scheduled in over 110 countries worldwide.

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“Road to Kingdom” Announces Final Lineup for Upcoming Season

Mnet’s “Road to Kingdom” has revealed the highly anticipated lineup for its upcoming season. On July 10, Mnet officially announced that THE NEW SIX, The CrewOne (ATBO and JUST B), 8TURN, ONEUS, YOUNITE, CRAVITY, and TEMPEST will be participating in the new season of the competitive reality show.

ONEUS, known for their previous appearance in the 2020 season of “Road to Kingdom,” impressed audiences with their talent and potential for growth. The CrewOne, a newly formed project group comprising ATBO and JUST B, brings a fresh dynamic to the competition.

Earlier in June, “Road to Kingdom” announced significant changes for the upcoming season, including a rebranding that positions the show independently from its predecessor, “Kingdom.” While the original format awarded the winning team a spot in “Kingdom,” the new season of “Road to Kingdom” will stand on its own, focusing on showcasing emerging talent among K-pop boy groups. The revamped season introduces new incentives and opportunities for the winning group.

Set to premiere in September, “Road to Kingdom” promises to captivate viewers with its intense competition and performances. The participating groups are gearing up to demonstrate their skills and creativity on stage, aiming to leave a lasting impression and secure their place in the competitive K-pop landscape.

Fans and enthusiasts can anticipate a thrilling season as “Road to Kingdom” continues to elevate the profiles of rising boy groups and set new standards in the realm of K-pop entertainment.

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