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(G)I-DLE Shuhua Temporarily Halts Activities Due to Health Concerns

Shuhua will be unable to join (G)I-DLE’s upcoming activities. It was revealed that the (G)I-DLE member needs to take a break due to health concerns.

Health Concerns Force Shuhua to Cancel Activities with (G)I-DLE

CUBE Entertainment announced on February 8 that (G)I-DLE’s Shuhua will be taking a temporary break from all of her scheduled activities.

“Shuhua recently visited the hospital due to persistent dizziness stemming from a decline in her [physical] condition and received medical advice that she needs sufficient rest and stability.

“While Shuhua expressed a strong determination to continue with her activities, we have decided to temporarily suspend all her schedules to allow her to fully focus on rest and recovery.” – CUBE Entertainment

This decision comes after CUBE Entertainment previously revealed on February 3 that Shuhua was unable to participate in the live broadcast of MBC’s “Music Core” and a scheduled video call event due to a physical illness.

The news of Shuhua’s temporary hiatus has naturally raised concerns among fans, especially following (G)I-DLE’s recent comeback with their new album “2” on January 29. With the group actively promoting their latest release, Shuhua’s absence from scheduled activities undoubtedly comes as a disappointment to fans eagerly anticipating her participation.

However, CUBE Entertainment’s decision to prioritize Shuhua’s health and well-being is commendable, reflecting the agency’s commitment to the welfare of its artists. Given the demanding nature of the K-pop industry and the rigorous schedules that artists often face, it is also crucial for agencies to prioritize the health and recovery of their talents.

As fans express their support and understanding for Shuhua during this challenging time, they also send their well wishes for her speedy and full recovery. While Shuhua’s temporary hiatus may temporarily disrupt (G)I-DLE’s activities, fans remain hopeful that she will return to the group revitalized and ready to resume her activities with renewed energy and vigor.

In the meantime, (G)I-DLE members and fans alike continue to show their unwavering support for Shuhua, demonstrating the strong bond and camaraderie within the group. As Shuhua takes the necessary time to focus on her recovery, fans eagerly await her return, knowing that her health and happiness are the top priorities.

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ATTRAKT Announces FIFTY FIFTY Comeback With New Members

ATTRAKT releases concept photos of Keena. Credit: Twitter/FIFTY FIFTY

A FIFTY FIFTY comeback is happening this year! The group’s announcement of their upcoming comeback in June marks a significant moment for both the group and their fans.

ATTRAKT Announces FIFTY FIFTY Comeback

The news, shared by their agency ATTRAKT on February 8, came as a pleasant surprise to many, especially considering the tumultuous journey the group has faced in recent times.

Debuting in November 2022 with their catchy and infectious song “Cupid,” FIFTY FIFTY quickly garnered a dedicated fanbase and gained recognition on a global scale. However, their promising start was soon overshadowed by internal conflicts and legal disputes that threatened the group’s future.

In June 2023, FIFTY FIFTY faced a major setback when they filed an application for provisional disposition to suspend the validity of their exclusive contracts with ATTRAKT. The move sparked a series of legal battles and led to the departure of some members from the group. Amidst the turmoil, Keena, one of the original members, chose to return to ATTRAKT, signaling a potential turning point for the group’s fortunes.

FIFTY FIFTY Moving Forward

Now, with plans for a comeback underway, FIFTY FIFTY is poised to make a triumphant return to the music scene. The group’s agency, ATTRAKT, has initiated the reorganization of members, centering around Keena, in preparation for their upcoming release. Fans can expect a revamped lineup, with additional details set to be confirmed around April.

The announcement of FIFTY FIFTY’s comeback has generated excitement and anticipation among fans, who have also eagerly awaited news of the group’s return. Despite the challenges and obstacles they have faced, FIFTY FIFTY remains determined to overcome adversity and reclaim their rightful place in the spotlight.

As the group prepares to unleash new music in June, they are also poised to captivate audiences once again with their electrifying performances and infectious melodies. With the unwavering support of their fans and the determination of their members, FIFTY FIFTY is ready to write the next chapter in their musical journey and make their comeback a resounding success.

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aespa’s Ningning Chosen as New Versace Global Ambassador

Ningning just landed a major endorsement. The youngest aespa member has just been confirmed as the new Versace global ambassador!

Ningning is the Latest Versace Global Ambassador

On February 8, aespa’s Ningning achieved a significant milestone in her career by joining the esteemed ranks of global ambassadors for the iconic Italian luxury brand Versace. The announcement, made by none other than Donatella Versace herself, underscored Ningning’s remarkable talent, vision, and undeniable charm.

Donatella Versace expressed her excitement about welcoming Ningning into the Versace family, highlighting not only her exceptional talent but also her innate sense of style and confidence. Ningning’s appointment as a Global Brand Ambassador marks a significant achievement for the aespa member, signaling her emergence as a fashion icon with global appeal.

For Ningning, this partnership with Versace represents her first solo collaboration with a luxury fashion brand, following aespa’s previous group ambassadorship with the renowned French fashion house, Givenchy. The distinction of being chosen as a global ambassador underscores Ningning’s growing influence and standing in the world of fashion and entertainment.

aespa’s Solo Endorsements

In addition to Ningning’s partnership with Versace, another member of aespa, Karina, has also made waves in the fashion industry. Karina was recently announced as the newest ambassador for Converse Korea, adding another prestigious brand to her portfolio. The announcement comes as Converse Korea unveiled Karina as the face of their spring campaign, aptly themed “Create Next, Nothing’s Wrong.”

The choice of Karina as the ambassador for Converse Korea’s spring campaign reflects the brand’s commitment to empowering the younger generation and fostering creativity and self-expression. Karina’s involvement in the campaign is expected to resonate strongly with Converse’s target audience, delivering a message of encouragement and support to inspire the next generation of innovators and trendsetters.

Overall, Ningning and Karina’s respective partnerships with Versace and Converse Korea underscore aespa’s growing influence and global appeal beyond the realm of music. As the group continues to captivate audiences worldwide with their talent and creativity, their individual achievements in the fashion industry also serve as a testament to their versatility and status as rising stars in the world of entertainment.

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BLACKPINK Lisa Launches Solo Artist Management Company

BLACKPINK’s Lisa has kept fans eagerly awaiting news of her next move since the BLACKPINK members announced that they will be handling their solo promotions. Despite the silence surrounding her plans, Lisa has remained busy with various projects, including television appearances, magazine covers, and collaborations with prominent brands. Now, Lalisa has officially launched her own artist management company!

Lisa of BLACKPINK Announces Solo Artist Management Company

On February 7, Lisa took to her social media platforms to tease a forthcoming announcement, sparking speculation among fans about what she had in store. With her signature style and enigmatic aura, fans speculated whether she would be dropping a new single, releasing an album, or even launching her own makeup line.

The following day, on February 8, Lisa finally unveiled her next venture. Sharing a captivating photo of herself on Instagram, Lisa announced the launch of her new company, LLOUD, with the cryptic caption “LLOUD” and links to the company’s social media accounts.

Through a detailed description on Instagram and a newly launched website, Lisa revealed that LLOUD was an artist management company aimed at showcasing her vision in music and entertainment. As the sole artist listed on the company’s roster at the moment, Lisa emphasized her commitment to starting anew and building a platform to support her artistic endeavors.

With the establishment of her own company, Lisa joins fellow BLACKPINK member Jennie in pursuing entrepreneurial ventures outside of the traditional entertainment industry. The move not only signifies a new chapter in Lisa’s career but also positions her as a trailblazer and “Girl Boss” in her own right.

As fans eagerly await further developments from LLOUD, there is palpable excitement surrounding the potential for Lisa to sign and nurture other artists under her wing. With her undeniable talent, charisma, and entrepreneurial spirit, Lisa’s journey as CEO of LLOUD promises to be one filled with creativity, innovation, and success.

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Universal Music Group Removes K-Pop Artists’ Music From TikTok

On January 31, 2024, Universal Music Group (UMG) removed the music of popular K-pop groups such as BLACKPINK, BTS, ENHYPEN, Stray Kids, and others from TikTok. This decision came after UMG and TikTok failed to reach a new licensing agreement. It affects not only K-pop artists but also Western pop stars like Drake, Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj, and Taylor Swift. 

The removal led to a wave of disappointment and concern among K-pop fans on social media, lamenting the loss of a substantial portion of TikTok’s music library.

UMG addressed TikTok and brought up their concerns over royalties in an open letter published a day before the removal. UMG accused TikTok of attempting to underpay artists and songwriters, offering a fraction of what UMG deems fair. The letter emphasized the need for fair compensation for artists and songwriters, protection against the harmful effects of AI on human artists, and ensuring online safety for TikTok users.

Why Universal Music Group is pulling songs from TikTok

TikTok responded to UMG

TikTok responded by criticizing UMG for prioritizing money over the welfare of its artists and songwriters. A ByteDance representative said UMG is spreading a “false narrative.” TikTok defended its platform as a free promotional and discovery vehicle for talent, highlighting its successful agreements with other labels and publishers that prioritize artists. Speaking of artists, this dispute has affected them by limiting their exposure and ability to engage with fans on a platform known for its viral potential.

For fans, this move has led to a diminished experience on TikTok, because they no longer have access to a wide range of music for content creation or enjoyment. Fans who use TikTok to discover new music and connect with artists might find the platform less appealing. This could lead to a shift in where and how they listen to music.

Will UMG and TikTok ever fix things? Your guess is as good as ours, but we hope they will. It’s a huge loss for artists under the label to be unable to promote their songs on TikTok. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The songs were removed because of payment issues. Sources: X/@tiktok_us, X/@UMG.

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

TWS Makes Impressive Leap on MelOn Charts, Secures New Endorsement

PLEDIS Entertainment’s new boy group, TWS, recently made an impressive debut with “plot twist.” The song, described as energetic and refreshing, earned a lot of praise from Korean netizens. As the first boy group to come from the agency since SEVENTEEN in 2015, TWS faced high expectations. In a time dominated by girl groups like NewJeans, IVE, and (G)I-DLE, TWS appears to have met these expectations. 

The group ranked first among fifth-generation boy groups in global Google Trends search volume. TWS also topped Naver’s trend search volume as of February 2. Their lively, refreshing choreography has become a hot topic among K-pop fans, coinciding with a significant upward trend in various metrics following the widespread exposure of their performance videos. 

TWS (투어스) ‘첫 만남은 계획대로 되지 않아’ Official MV

The content that increased TWS‘s YouTube channel subscription rate consists entirely of their performance videos. Furthermore, the cumulative views of content on TWS‘s TikTok account, mainly featuring short-form performance videos, surpassed 100 million views about a month after the account was opened, demonstrating TWS‘s popularity and relevance.

TWS’s debut title track has achieved remarkable success in South Korea and elsewhere. “plot twist” jumped 24 positions to rank at No. 64 on the MelOn Top 100 chart by January 31. It maintained the No. 6 position on Bugs, reached new peaks at No. 35 on Genie and No. 38 on FLO, and climbed to No. 40 on MelOn. Their debut album Sparkling Blue also made a significant impact, surpassing 267,000 sales on Hanteo.

@tws_pledis

#OhMymyChallenge 💙 with #SHINYU #신유 #DOHOON #도훈 #TWS #투어스 #OhMymy_7s #NewMusic

♬ Oh Mymy : 7s – TWS

TWS continues to grow in popularity

“plot twist” showcased a strong presence on digital platforms as well. It entered the MelOn Daily Chart at No. 268 on release day (January 22) and climbed to No. 16 by February 5. It also saw substantial rises on the Bugs and Genie daily charts, moving up to No. 2 and No. 47, respectively. On Spotify Korea, the song entered the daily chart at No. 170 and ascended to No. 18. On the “Top Songs” weekly chart, it leaped from No. 178 to No. 33. Meanwhile, Apple Music’s daily charts saw “plot twist” debut at No. 43, peaking at No. 4. This upward trajectory across various charts underscores TWS’s growing popularity.

Their popularity is soaring in Japan as well. Sparkling Blue entered the Oricon Daily Album Ranking at No. 3 on January 23. The album showed strong momentum by climbing to No. 1 on February 5, about two weeks later.

TWS 그리고 신세계면세점과 함께 Play with Us! [FULL ver.]

In other news, TWS bagged a new endorsement deal for Shinsegae Duty Free. The group released a new music video of “plot twist” as part of this deal. Together, they’re poised to redefine the travel retail experience by blending the worlds of music and duty-free shopping.

Congratulations to TWS on all their achievements! – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: TWS’s growing popularity can’t be denied. Source: Facebook/@shinsegaedutyfree.

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Stray Kids’ Leader Bang Chan to Grace Cover of NYLON Japan’s April Issue

Earlier this month, the news broke that Stray Kids’ leader, Bang Chan, will grace the cover of NYLON Japan. A special issue of the magazine will be released in April, and the idol did a new photoshoot for it. 

The interview is approximately 5,000 characters, the theme of the cover is “ONE LOVE, ONE LIFE,” and Bang Chan wore pieces from Swarovski for the photoshoot. The magazine’s editorial staff just dropped a preview of the photoshoot on TikTok, which you can check out below.

@nylonjapan

💗✨スペシャルページ公開中✨💗 2024年3月8日発売のNARSの新作コスメをまとって、Kep1erが史上最高にクール&メルティに大変身💖 透明感あふれるツヤ肌と高揚感のあるチーク、リップで、ハッピーな一年が幕をあける💫 あなたもビューティアップした新たな自分に出会ってみない？ 詳細はWEBでチェック❣️ www.nylon.jp/Kep1er_NARS @official_kep1er @narscosmetics

♬ オリジナル楽曲 – NYLON JAPAN – NYLON JAPAN

A wave of excitement

NYLON Japan is the Japan-specific edition of the New York-based fashion magazine NYLON. It has domestic local staff and runs original Japanese features. This announcement has sparked a wave of excitement among STAYs—Stray Kids fans. Many of them have taken to social media to express anticipation for Bang Chan’s feature.

Although the issue has yet to be released, it’s being touted as a special edition that will highlight Bang Chan’s influence and worldwide popularity. The issue will come with a handwritten message from the idol, as well as six limited-edition mini photocards. The issue itself can be purchased from various e-commerce sites like Aladdin, Kyobobook, Music Plaza, SevenNet, Tower Records, and Yes24.

Many have tweeted their eagerness to see the photoshoot, which they’re sure will be “stunning.” They’re very excited because it’s the first time Bang Chan will appear in the pages of a magazine after quite some time. 

https://www.tiktok.com/@sammythebaddieee/video/7333085461889420550?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=6908322787502065153

Bang Chan has a big year ahead of him

Meanwhile, Stray Kids are gearing up for a busy year ahead. They’ll headline the BST Hyde Park London show on July 14, 2024. They’ll also perform at I-Days 2024 from May 29 to July 9.

In addition to these performances, Bang Chan and his members will do other exciting things in 2024, as Stray Kids are planning their third world tour and fourth fan meeting. They’ll also release other content.

For more details, check out our previous report on their “Step Out” video, in which they laid out all their plans for the year ahead. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: STAYs worldwide can’t wait to see Bang Chan step into the spotlight in the pages of NYLON Japan. Source: X/@mydayskz.

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NCT’s Doyoung Donates to Charity on His Birthday

On February 1, NCT’s Doyoung marked his birthday in a profoundly impactful way by donating 30 million KRW to the Gongjang Donation platform. His generous contribution will help support low-income female teenagers by providing them with school supplies, feminine products, and other necessities. His donation reflects how grateful he is for the love and support he receives from NCTzens. He calls his contribution “modest,” but hopes it’ll make a difference nonetheless.

What Doyoung did isn’t just a mere donation. It’s a powerful statement on societal support and positive role modeling in K-pop. By focusing his contribution on low-income female teenagers, he addresses needs that are usually overlooked. The SM Entertainment artist’s act of kindness helped alleviate the financial problems the youth and their families face. It also raised awareness about the issues they’re facing regarding education and personal care among the public and his fans.

Moreover, Doyoung‘s choice to donate on his birthday is just one way a celebrity can use their platform for the greater good. It sets a powerful example for others in K-pop to follow, encouraging a culture of generosity and social responsibility. This isn’t the first time the NCT member has done something like this. In fact, he has a long history of donating to charity, and his fans have followed in his footsteps.

@rizestarz

sending a lot of love to my precious dozennies 💗💗 #doyoung #nct #nctzen #dozennie #kpopfyp #fypシ

♬ Photograph sadvibes version – Sadvibes🥀

Doyoung is a cheerful giver

In December 2023, he contributed to children’s support with a donation of 50 million KRW during Christmas. Earlier that year, he did his part to help recovery efforts after the Turkey-Syria earthquake with a donation of 100 million KRW. In March 2022, he donated 30 million KRW for wildfire recovery and support for victims in North Gyeongsang’s Uljin and Gangwon’s Samcheok. 

He also joined the Honor Society, a philanthropic membership system managed by the Community Chest of Korea, known as “사랑의열매” (Sarangui Yeolmae) or literally “Fruit of Love” in English. The Honor Society is a program designed to encourage high net-worth individuals and leaders in various fields to contribute to society by making significant financial donations to support various social causes and welfare programs.

Members pledge to donate at least 100 million KRW (approximately 85,000 USD) either in a lump sum or over a period of up to five years. Donations collected through this program support services and initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for the underprivileged. With over 210 million KRW in known donations over the last two years, Doyoung has cemented his reputation as a cheerful giver in times of trouble. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Doyoung doesn’t just look good, he’s a good person through and through. Source: X/@kpopachillean.

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BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Jungkook, Soyeon, and Vernon Become Full Members of KOMCA

BTS‘s Jungkook, SEVENTEEN‘s Vernon, and (G)I-DLE‘s Soyeon became full members of the Korea Music Copyright Association (KOMCA) on January 31. Jungkook is now credited as the songwriter of 22 songs and versions on KOMCA. “Dreamers” and “Dreamers (Live Version)” have been added to his portfolio. He has also had a hand in writing some of his group’s hits, including “Magic Shop” and “Run BTS.” Jungkook joins his fellow BTS members j-hope, RM, and SUGA as full members.

BTS Jung Kook becomes KOMCA regular member

Vernon is the second member of SEVENTEEN after Woozi to be promoted as a full member of KOMCA. With 88 songwriting credits to his name, he’s also the member with the second most contributions to the group’s discography, after Woozi. Vernon wrote lyrics for hits such as “Mansae,” “Left & Right,” and “_WORLD.” He also helped compose the music for “_WORLD.”

Meanwhile, (G)I-DLE’s Soyeon was acknowledged for her role in writing, composing, and producing her group’s hits. These include “Tomboy,” “Queencard,” and “Nxde.”

KOMCA plays a key role

KOMCA came on the scene in 1964. It plays a key role in administering public performance, broadcasting rights, and mechanical recording and reproduction rights of musical works within South Korea. It also compiles all credits of artists in musical works and announces its list of full and junior members annually. To become a full member, artists must meet several criteria. They must earn at least 30M KRW per year in royalties, receive approval from the board of directors, and be a junior member for a minimum of three years. 

(G)I-DLE – ‘Nxde’ Recording Behind

KOMCA is the second collective rights management organization for musical works in Asia. It joined the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in 1979. KOMCA became an associate member of the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC) in 1987. It became a full member in 1985. 

G-Dragon from BIGBANG was the first K-pop idol to become a full member of KOMCA, followed by BLACKPINK‘s Jennie and Jisoo. Other idols who made the cut include BTOB’s Hyunsik, IU, Stray Kids’ Bang Chan, Changbin, and Han (3RACHA), and WINNER’s Mino and Seungyoon. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Congratulations, Jungkook, Seoyeon, and Vernon! Sources: Facebook/@KOMCAGLobal, X/@_candyclover, X/@17thCent, and X/@VeraHsu1010.

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TREASURE Members Support Junghwan During SOPA Graduation

TREASURE is participating in Naver's donation campaign. Credit: Twitter/TREASURE

It’s official: Junghwan has graduated high school. Not surprisingly, his fellow TREASURE members made sure to support him during his SOPA graduation.

TREASURE Members Attend Junghwan’s SOPA Graduation

The bond between the members of TREASURE was once again on full display as they came together to support Junghwan at his high school graduation from the prestigious School of Performing Arts (SOPA). On February 7, Junghwan marked a significant milestone in his life as he completed his high school education, and his fellow TREASURE members were there every step of the way to celebrate his achievement.

As Junghwan’s name was called during the graduation ceremony, the members of TREASURE stood on the sidelines, proudly holding banners and cheering him on with unwavering enthusiasm. Their visible support and encouragement were a heartwarming testament to the strong bond and camaraderie shared among the group.

In a touching moment captured on camera, the members of TREASURE could be seen waving their banners and shouting words of encouragement as Junghwan stood on stage. Despite the blur of the camera, it was evident that Junghwan was trying to suppress a smile, clearly touched by the overwhelming support from his bandmates.

The Bond Between TREASURE Members

Even as Junghwan made his way off the stage, the expressions of pride and joy on the faces of his fellow TREASURE members continued to shine through. His “embarrassment” at their loud cheers only served to highlight the genuine and heartfelt nature of their support.

The heartwarming videos of TREASURE’s spirited display of support quickly spread across social media, capturing the hearts of fans and netizens alike. Many were touched by the genuine bond shared among the members and praised TREASURE for their unwavering support for one another.

Once again, TREASURE has proven that they are more than just a group of talented individuals—they are a true family. Their willingness to go above and beyond to celebrate each other’s milestones, no matter how big or small, serves as a shining example of the deep bond and mutual respect that exists within the group. As they continue on their journey together, fans can undoubtedly look forward to many more heartwarming moments that showcase the enduring friendship and camaraderie of TREASURE.

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