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Rocky Gets Mysterious in ‘BLANK’ Concept Teasers

Former ASTRO member Rocky is hyping up his upcoming 2nd mini album with mysterious sets of the ‘BLANK’ concept teasers!

Rocky Drops ‘BLANK’ Concept Teasers

The teaser images have captivated fans with their dramatic and contrasting moods. Rocky exudes a serious vibe in one set of photos, with bright sunlight highlighting his features and casting deep shadows that add intensity to his expression. In another set, he portrays a quiet and solemn mood, with noticeable scars on his face and neck, suggesting a narrative of resilience and depth.

Rocky’s 2nd mini album ‘BLANK’ is also his second release from his own agency ONE FINE DAY Entertainment. This title song “Jealousy” is a synth-pop, post-disco piece that delves into the theme of self-destructive jealousy. The lyrics depict jealousy as something that initially blooms beautifully but soon spirals into uncontrollable desire. Fans are eager to see how Rocky will translate these intense emotions into his performance, anticipating a powerful and evocative portrayal of jealousy.

Rocky as a Songwriter

The album also showcases Rocky’s songwriting skills, promising a high level of artistic integrity and personal touch. The tracklist includes “We Still Love You”, a rock genre piece that is expected to highlight Rocky’s versatility. The dance track “Masterpiece” adds another dynamic layer to the album, while the pop ballad “Lead You” offers a softer, more emotional experience. “Lead You” was produced by renowned K-pop hit makers SQVARE and AVENUE 52, further raising expectations for the album’s quality.

Rocky’s unique vocal color is a prominent feature across all the tracks, ensuring that each song carries a distinct essence of his artistic identity. The diverse genres represented in the album—ranging from rock to dance to pop ballad—demonstrate Rocky’s versatility and ability to convey a wide range of emotions.

‘BLANK’ is set for release on June 27 at 6 PM KST, and fans are eagerly counting down the days to experience Rocky’s latest musical endeavor. This album not only marks a significant step in his solo career but also promises to deliver a deeply personal and artistically rich collection of songs.

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EXO Doh Kyung Soo Gets Sweet with Lee Young Ji in ‘Small Girl’ MV

Lee Young Ji has officially released the “Small Girl” MV, a heartfelt track that has already garnered significant attention. Not surprisingly, the music video is gaining popularity because of the involvement of EXO member Doh Kyung Soo!

Doh Kyung Soo is The Perfect Boyfriend in ‘Small Girl’ MV

On June 21 at 6 p.m. KST, the music video for “Small Girl,” featuring EXO’s Doh Kyung Soo (D.O.), was unveiled, marking the title track from her first EP, “16 FANTASY,” which was released simultaneously.

“Small Girl” has also captured fans’ hearts during Lee Young Ji’s Taipei concert as part of her Asian tour. The song’s relatable lyrics and catchy melody quickly made it a fan favorite.

Reflecting on the inspiration behind the song, Lee Young Ji shared, “While I’m super proud and happy to be tall, once in a while, I wonder what it would be like to be small, especially when I’m dating. This song started from that cute daydream.” This personal and whimsical daydream transformed into a track that resonates with many listeners.

Building anticipation for the release, Lee Young Ji revealed the featured artist in a playful video shared on her Twitter. In the behind-the-scenes clip, she teased fans by saying, “This is the person featuring on ‘Small Girl’,” before the camera panned to reveal EXO’s D.O. as her collaborator. This surprise collaboration added an extra layer of excitement for fans of both artists.

D.O’s Continued Success

D.O.’s involvement in “Small Girl” follows his own recent success as a solo artist. His latest EP, “Blossom,” released on May 7 at 6 p.m. KST, made a significant impact on the music scene. The EP quickly climbed to the top of iTunes charts worldwide, securing the No. 1 spot on iTunes Top Albums charts in 36 regions. This achievement underscores D.O.’s global appeal and the broad impact of his music.

The collaboration between Lee Young Ji and D.O. in “Small Girl” blends their unique styles and showcases their talents in a fresh and engaging way. Fans can look forward to more from Lee Young Ji as she continues to explore new creative avenues with her debut EP, “16 FANTASY.”

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KISS OF LIFE Drops Digital Single ‘Sticky’ Teaser

KISS OF LIFE is set to make an exciting return with a new digital single! The girl group has just dropped the first ‘Sticky’ teaser!

KISS OF LIFE Confirms July Comeback with ‘Sticky’ Teaser

On June 21 at midnight KST, the group delighted fans by releasing a teaser video that officially announced the upcoming release of their new album. The teaser video creatively features luggage boarding an airplane, and through a cleverly placed passport inside the luggage, fans got a sneak peek at the album’s title, “Sticky.”

The video has already generated a buzz among fans who are eagerly anticipating the album’s release, which is scheduled for July 1 at midnight KST. This announcement comes as a pleasant surprise, as it marks KISS OF LIFE’s return in less than three months since their last single, “Midas Touch,” which was released on April 3. The quick turnaround has left fans excited and curious about the new music and themes the group will explore in “Sticky.”

KISS OF LIFE has been gaining popularity for their unique sound and captivating performances. Their last single, “Midas Touch,” received positive reviews and showcased the group’s growth and versatility. With “Sticky,” fans are expecting another hit that will further solidify their place in the music industry.

A Truly Exciting Comeback

The anticipation surrounding the new single is palpable, with fans taking to social media to express their excitement and speculate about the themes and concepts of the upcoming release. The teaser video’s creative approach, featuring travel imagery, has led to various theories about the album’s narrative and the possible direction of the music and visuals.

In conclusion, KISS OF LIFE’s upcoming digital single “Sticky” is set to be released on July 1 at midnight KST, and the teaser video has already created significant excitement among fans. This quick follow-up to their previous single, “Midas Touch,” also highlights the group’s dynamic approach to music and their commitment to consistently engaging their audience with fresh and innovative content. Fans are also eagerly awaiting the full release and are excited to see what KISS OF LIFE has in store with their new album.

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Danny Ahn and Kim Tae Woo From g.o.d Join New Agency

Gemstone E&M made headlines on June 19 KST with the announcement of exclusive contracts signed with g.o.d members Danny Ahn and Kim Tae Woo. This strategic move by the entertainment company signals a commitment to support not only the individual careers of Danny Ahn and Kim Tae Woo but also to bolster the group activities of g.o.d as a whole.

The decision has sparked anticipation among fans, especially following g.o.d’s recent successes, including sold-out solo concerts last year, which reinforced their reputation as ‘national idols’. Gemstone E&M, equipped with a team of seasoned professionals from major domestic agencies, aims to leverage its extensive industry experience to provide tailored management and opportunities for Danny Ahn, Kim Tae Woo, and the group g.o.d..

In addition to individual pursuits, both Danny Ahn and Kim Tae Woo, alongside their fellow g.o.d members, are actively participating in various high-profile performances such as the Mega Field Music Festival, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to group activities amidst their individual endeavors.

The partnership between Gemstone E&M and these influential artists not only sets the stage for new opportunities in their respective careers but also underscores the continued relevance and enduring popularity of g.o.d in the K-pop landscape. As fans eagerly await future developments, the collaboration holds promise for exciting projects and continued growth for Danny Ahn, Kim Tae Woo, and the legendary group g.o.d under their new management.

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Pre-Debut Group HinLOVE Shocks Followers with Shirtless Social Media Banner

A new social media banner for a pre-debut group has sparked considerable concerns and discussions online. HinLOVE certainly raised eyebrows by dropping a shirtless picture of the seven members!

Pre-Debut Group Drops Unexpected Shirtless Photo

BEAT INTERACTIVE, known for managing the K-pop group A.C.E, has been teasing their new trainees under the name NEWBEAT for quite some time. These trainees have been actively promoting their presence, featuring in A.C.E’s music videos and participating in the group’s recent U.S. tour.

On June 20, BEAT INTERACTIVE dropped a significant hint that the group is nearing their official debut by teasing their name, “HinLOVE,” and unveiling a new Twitter account dedicated to the group. When netizens visited this new account, they were taken aback to see a social media banner featuring seven shirtless members.

The image quickly became a hot topic online. While some fans expressed curiosity and excitement about the new group, many voiced concerns about the image being projected by the upcoming idols. Critics argued that the decision to showcase the members shirtless could be seen as an attempt to attract attention through provocative means rather than focusing on their musical talents and potential. This sparked a broader conversation about the marketing strategies used for K-pop idols and the pressures young trainees face even before their official debut.

Amid the buzz, BEAT INTERACTIVE has not yet revealed the official debut date for HinLOVE. As the conversation continues, fans and netizens alike are eagerly awaiting more details about the group’s music and concept. The controversy surrounding the banner highlights the challenges and scrutiny new K-pop groups often face in a highly competitive industry where first impressions can significantly impact their initial reception.

In summary, while HinLOVE’s new social media banner has successfully grabbed attention, it has also raised important questions about the image and marketing strategies employed for pre-debut K-pop groups. Fans are hopeful that future promotions will better showcase the members’ talents and potential, setting the stage for a successful debut.

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NCT 127 and ZEROBASEONE Confirmed for ‘Inkigayo Live In Tokyo’

SBS has revealed its first lineup of performing artists for this year’s highly anticipated “Inkigayo Live in Tokyo”! NCT 127 and ZEROBASEONE are set to headline the exciting event.

NCT 127 and ZEROBASEONE to Headline ‘Inkigayo Live in Tokyo’

On June 17, SBS announced that both NCT 127 and ZEROBASEONE would be performing at the upcoming event, generating excitement among K-pop fans worldwide. This announcement marks the first major update about the event in several months.

In late 2023, it was revealed that ATEEZ member Yunho had received a prestigious invitation to serve as a special MC for the eagerly awaited “Inkigayo Live in Tokyo” hosted by SBS. This added another layer of anticipation for the event, as fans eagerly look forward to seeing their favorite artists perform and interact.

The Headliners

NCT 127 is a prominent sub-unit of the South Korean boy band NCT, managed by SM Entertainment. They debuted on July 7, 2016, with the extended play NCT #127. The original lineup consisted of seven members: Taeil, Taeyong, Yuta, Jaehyun, Winwin, Mark, and Haechan. NCT 127 is known for their experimental hip hop-based music, referred to as “neo music,” as well as their impressive vocal and rap abilities, choreographies, and performances.

ZEROBASEONE, a relatively new group, debuted on July 10, 2023, with their extended play ‘Youth in the Shade’. Their lead single, “In Bloom,” also made an impact by charting on the Billboard Global 200. ZEROBASEONE also earned a “Rookie Grand Slam” by sweeping 10 Rookie of the Year awards from various domestic award ceremonies, including the Golden Disc Awards, MAMA Awards, Melon Music Awards, and Seoul Music Awards.

The 2024 “Inkigayo Live in Tokyo” is set to be held over two days, on October 12 and 13, at the Saitama Super Arena in Japan. This event also promises to be a spectacular showcase of K-pop talent, featuring electrifying performances from some of the industry’s top artists. Fans are also eagerly anticipating what NCT 127 and ZEROBASEONE will bring to the stage, as well as the special hosting skills of ATEEZ’s Yunho. With such a stellar lineup, the event is poised to be one of the highlights of the K-pop calendar this year.

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aespa Drops Magical ‘Live My Life’ MV

aespa is back with an uplifting new music video that has fans buzzing with excitement! The girl group has released the truly magical “Live My Life” MV.

aespa Releases ‘Live My Life’ MV

On June 20 at midnight KST, aespa delighted fans by releasing the music video for “Live My Life,” a vibrant B-side from their first full-length album ‘Armageddon’. This surprise release showcases a different, more playful side of the group compared to their fierce music videos for the pre-release single “Supernova” and the title track “Armageddon.” The fun and energetic visuals of “Live My Life” highlight aespa’s versatility and ability to captivate audiences with various musical styles.

aespa’s latest comeback with “Armageddon” has been a significant global success. The girl group achieved a major milestone by reaching the Number 1 spot on the U.S. iTunes Top Albums Chart with their first full-length album. This accomplishment marks a significant moment in aespa’s career, reflecting their growing popularity and influence in the international music scene.

Dominating with ‘Armageddon’

“Armageddon” didn’t just top charts in the United States; it also conquered the iTunes Top Albums chart in numerous countries around the world. The album reached No. 1 in Australia, Canada, Mexico, Norway, New Zealand, Brazil, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Laos, Malaysia, Poland, Romania, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, Uzbekistan, and Chile. This widespread success underscores the global appeal of aespa and their music.

In addition to their success on iTunes, “Armageddon” has made a significant impact in China, topping QQ Music’s and KuGou Music’s digital album sales charts. This achievement highlights the group’s strong presence in the Chinese market. Furthermore, the album secured the top spot on AWA’s real-time rising chart in Japan, showcasing its popularity among Japanese fans.

The success of “Armageddon” and the release of the “Live My Life” music video demonstrate aespa’s continued rise in the global music industry. Fans eagerly anticipate what the group will bring next as they continue to break records and captivate audiences worldwide.

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SM Entertainment Issues Apology After NCT Renjun Exposes Alleged Sasaeng’s Personal Information

NCT member Renjun recently attempted to get back at someone who has been bothering him by exposing an alleged sasaeng‘s phone number on Bubble. Since then, SM Entertainment has issued an official statement of apology for the mistake.

Renjun’s Alleged Sasaeng‘s Phone Number Turns Out To Be a Wrong Number

On June 20, Renjun inadvertently caused a significant issue when he publicly exposed the phone number of someone he believed to be a sasaeng. In his message on Bubble, Renjun expressed his frustration by writing, “Stop calling me. I’m revealing this person’s phone number.”

However, the situation took a turn when it was later revealed that the phone number Renjun exposed belonged to an ordinary civilian and not a sasaeng fan. The civilian, who began receiving floods of hateful messages and calls after Renjun publicized their phone number, took to social media to explain their side of the story. They clarified that they had called Renjun’s number by mistake, thinking it was the number of one of their friends.

As the civilian continued to receive harassment, they eventually decided to involve the police to investigate the matter. The situation garnered significant attention and concern from fans and the general public, prompting a response from SM Entertainment.

SM Issues Apology on Renjun’s Behalf

SM Entertainment issued an apology on behalf of Renjun, acknowledging the mistake and expressing regret for the distress caused to the civilian. The agency emphasized their commitment to handling the situation responsibly and ensuring that such incidents do not occur in the future.

“Renjun is currently deeply reflecting on his mistake and the consequences that followed. SM Entertainment also apologizes for failing to take care of our artist’s actions.”

Renjun, who has been on a hiatus from his activities since April due to symptoms of anxiety, has not yet made a personal statement regarding the incident. Fans have been sending messages of support to Renjun, hoping for his recovery and understanding the stress and pressure idols often face.

The incident highlights the importance of careful communication on public platforms, especially for public figures. It also underscores the potential consequences of online actions and the need for mindfulness in handling sensitive situations. SM Entertainment’s swift apology and acknowledgment of the error were necessary steps in addressing the issue and mitigating further harm to the involved civilian.

As Renjun continues his hiatus, fans and the public alike hope for a resolution that brings peace to all parties involved and a swift recovery for the idol.

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Dajeong Announces Departure From Pixy

Dajeong shared a heartfelt letter with fans on June 20, revealing her decision to part ways with PIXY after joining the group in 2021.

“To all the Winxy out there who have supported us and given us your love, who have wondered about and kept us in your thoughts, I would like to start off this letter by expressing my deepest gratitude.Thank you all so very much from the bottom of my heart.”

She wrote with a heavy heart: “I have finished my activities as PIXY’s Dajeong. This may be news that many of you already suspected, and delivering it to you this way is heartbreaking and heavy, and I am so sorry I was unable to say anything sooner.”

She adds: “All the precious moments I spent with you, Winxy, during my time as PIXY’s Dajeong are unforgettable and irreplaceable. Because I was able to meet and spend time with you, give and receive your love, I can look back on our time together and say I was truly happy. I learned and grew up so much with you all, and I thank you again.”

“As my time as PIXY’s Dajeong comes to a close, remembering all of you who have waited so patiently and so lovingly, I will do my best to deliver good news going forward as quickly as possible. I love you Winxy very much, now and forever, and thank you.”

 

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Kim Ho Joong’s Agency, Think Entertainment, Rebrands Itself

Kim Ho Joong’s agency, Think Entertainment, which was anticipated to undergo closure, has opted for a different course by rebranding itself.

According to a report from Munhwa Ilbo on June 20, Think Entertainment, known for managing Kim Ho Joong, is set to continue operations under a new name, ‘Art M&C’. The rebranding process was finalized through registration documents on June 11.

Contrary to expectations of shutting down, the company has not initiated dissolution procedures, which typically involve appointing a liquidator and formally dissolving the company. Instead, Think Entertainment has made organizational changes, including appointing Mr. Lee as the new CEO in place of the previously held CEO Lee Kwang Deuk. Additionally, Mr. Yeon was appointed as the new internal director on the same day as the name change.

Think Entertainment, the company managing Kim Ho Joong, remains in a state of flux with significant developments surrounding its future.

Despite ongoing speculation about its closure, Think Entertainment has chosen to restructure instead of pursuing dissolution. According to a recent report from the Financial Supervisory Service’s electronic disclosure system, the company reported sales of approximately 18.7 billion KRW (13.45 million USD) and a profit of 3.4 billion KRW (2.45 million USD) in 2023. However, it faces a substantial liability of over 12.5 billion KRW (9 million USD) in advance payments, largely tied to pre-received performance revenue from Kim Ho Joong.

The company’s recent actions include the resignation of all executives and employees, as well as a change in CEO, reflecting their intent to reconsider their business operations. They have also expressed plans to terminate exclusive contracts with affiliated artists, prioritizing their opinions in the decision-making process.

Despite these changes, Jung Chan Woo, a major shareholder and broadcaster, continues to serve as the auditor. His term, initially appointed in March 2020 and renewed in March 2023, underscores ongoing oversight amid these corporate adjustments.

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