Category: KPOP NEWS

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Former FIFTY FIFTY Members Aran, Saena, and Sio Seek New Agency

FIFTY FIFTY

Former FIFTY FIFTY members Aran (Jeong Eunah), Saena (Jeong Sehyun), and Sio (Jeong Jiho) are actively seeking a new agency after their departure from the group. The fan club FIGHT FOR FIFI contacted the girls’ legal team to ask how fans can support them.

Said legal team relayed a message from the girls themselves. FIGHT FOR FIFI shared it on social media with their permission. In the message, Aran, Saena, and Sia expressed gratitude for the fans’ unwavering support. “Currently, we’ve achieved the dissolution of the exclusive contract through mutual notification, which was the ultimate goal of the lawsuit,” they wrote. “We’re no longer artists under the management of ATTRAKT. Thus, there is no special legal assistance that fans can give us in the current situation.”

They added, “However, the three members Jeong Eunah, Jeong Jiho, and Jeong Sehyun continue to practice and recover while actively seeking new management. We remain determined to make music and aspire to be artists who positively influence others. We’ll do our best to present ourselves before our fans soon, and hope that fans will trust and support us even if it feels a little slow-footed.”

X/@FightForFifi

The FIFTY FIFTY saga

Previously, FIFTY FIFTY took legal action against their management company, ATTRAKT, to end their contracts, citing unclear financial dealings and poor healthcare. However, in August 2022, their case was dismissed, leading the members to appeal the decision. One member, Keena (Song Jakyung), chose not to continue with the appeal. Keena returned to ATTRAKT and implied that Ahn Sung Il of The Givers gaslit the group. The others disagreed; they attributed the issues to ATTRAKT’s mishandling of money and contracts.

Meanwhile, ATTRAKT, led by CEO Jeon Hong-jun, filed civil suits against Ahn Sung Il, Baek Jin Sil (also of The Givers), and the three former FIFTY FIFTY members. The agency is seeking tens of billions of won (tens of millions of dollars) in compensation for damages.

As they navigate these challenges, Aran, Saena, and Sio are determined to continue their musical journey and find new opportunities in the industry. This demonstrates their resilience and hope for the future. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Aran, Saena, and Sio won’t leave the idol life despite their legal struggles. Source: X/@UpdateFifty.

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BTS’s j-hope Posts New Year’s Message on Weverse

As 2024 dawned in South Korea, BTS‘s j-hope surprised fans with not one, but two heartfelt New Year’s messages. Despite serving in the South Korean military as a special forces soldier, his love for the fans remains unwavering.

His first message was shared across BTS’s official social media channels. As translated by @uarmyvibe on X (formerly known as Twitter), the message read, “Happy New Year, ARMY! It is 2024, everyone. Happy New Year. I sincerely hope that the year 2024 will be filled with only happiness for our ARMY! Let me give you some good news for the new year. Hobi will be discharged within this year. Of course, it’s a bit close to the end. Haha! Around that time, I think gifts for you will be gradually revealed. Please look forward to them! Anyway, as you start 2024 with Hobi’s message, hope will be with you and it will be a good start. More than anything else, health comes first. Don’t be sick! Be happy! I love you!”

@myjellbayanincastro

Letter from Jhope with translations thankyou Uarmyvibe twitter account 🙂 Can’t wait to see you this year Hobi! #BTS #Army #Jhope #happynewyear #Weverse

♬ i need u sped up outsold – Rowan🌷

In a longer post on Weverse, j-hope reflected on his activities in 2023. He talked about going to award shows and Paris on his own, and hinted that he has more surprises in store for ARMY. He also admitted that he’s looking forward to being discharged.

“I enlisted after living busily and intensely. Like that, I’ve already spent nine months as a soldier and am already preparing to see the day of my discharge (of course, it ends in October). What I feel is that I can only think about how I want to show you all a cool side of myself again, even a day earlier, and I miss you all just as much!” he wrote.

j-hope was as optimistic as ever

Despite admitting that he misses and worries about the other BTS members, j-hope was as optimistic as ever in his post. He expressed his excitement for what the next year has in store for all of them.

“While I miss our members too, I also worry, and on one hand, I feel a sense of relatability, which also gives me strength. I can say this because I’ve experienced it first! But I’m sure everybody feels the same,” he continued. “Before sleeping, I think about a lot of things and encounter a variety of dreams. Things that were a given and trivial have become ideal, and for a while, they relieve fatigue and let me release a stiff breath. My sleep tonight, as we transition to the new year, will be like that too, right? The day I faithfully finish my military duty makes me even more full of energy for the beginning of 2024.”

@ghabbie31

j-hope message in weverse💜💜 thanks hobiyahhh,we miss you always, happy new year hobiyahhh 💜💜army around the world were happy to read you’re message 💜💜our NEW YEAR is much happy💜💜we miss our 7 boys💜💜see u all in 2025💜I love you always 💜💜happy NEW YEAR hobiyahhh 💜 #jhope💜💜💜💜 💜#myhappypill💟 #foreverlove #foreverarmy💜💜💜 #foreverbts💜💜 #myot7king#APOBANGPO💜💜💜

♬ Jimin closer than this – nosyaa95

He sent birthday greetings to fellow member V, who enlisted last December. Finally, he left well-wishes for ARMY. “Anyway, I definitely moved and endured 2023 thanks to all of you. It’s sudden, but I still wanted to try and express it. Receive a lot of new year blessings for 2024! Our reality and ideals, our ARMY, our members, let’s not be sick and be happy! I love you!” 

Because of his messages, ARMYs worldwide are more excited than ever for j-hope’s return to the entertainment scene. As far as they’re concerned, October 2024 can’t come fast enough. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: With his New Year messages, j-hope proved the fans are always on his mind. Source: X/@bts_bighit, X/@InPandoraWorld.

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BLACKPINK’s Jisoo to Pursue Solo Activities Under Family Management System

BLACKPINK‘s Jisoo is set to pursue solo activities under a family management system run by her older brother. According to Exsports News, Jisoo will join Biomom, a company where her brother is the CEO. Best known for manufacturing children’s health supplements, Biomom is expanding into the entertainment industry under the name Blissoo. The company has posted job listings for various positions, indicating a comprehensive plan to manage Jisoo‘s activities.

Rumors have circulated in the industry about Jisoo potentially leaving YG Entertainment to continue her activities under a different agency. Given her close relationship with her brother, there are high expectations for her to do well under this new system after leaving YG Entertainment.

Meanwhile, BLACKPINK, of which Jisoo is a member, renewed their group contract with YG Entertainment after months of negotiations. This renewal followed intense speculation about the group’s potential split. The group debuted under YG Entertainment in August 2016, and their contract renewal has been a topic of discussion in the industry for several months.

@crimtheghoul

#greenscreen Breaking News!! Jisoo has signed for a new agency. #jisoo #jisooblackpink #blackpink #blacpinkofficial #blacpink붐바야 #blackpinkjisoo #fyp #crimtheghoul #kpop #kpopnews #breakingnews #kpopfyp #kpopers #kpoper #kpopfypシ #kpoptiktok #yg #ygentertainment

♬ original sound – ☢️Ghoul☢️

Jisoo will have more autonomy

As of 2024, the members of BLACKPINK are taking new directions with their solo careers, separate from their group activities under YG Entertainment. Jennie co-founded her own label, ODD ATELIER, with her mother. This label will be the base for her solo activities, separate from her work with BLACKPINK. ODD ATELIER’s official website features new photos of Jennie and provides an introduction to the label. 

Jennie’s decision to establish her own company marks a significant step in her career. Overall, both she and Jisoo are adopting a strategy to receive support from their families in smaller agencies rather than executives in large corporations. This approach allows them more autonomy and control over their solo careers while maintaining their roles within BLACKPINK.

Meanwhile, the other two members of BLACKPINK, Lisa and Rosé, have yet to announce their plans for solo activities. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: All eyes are on Jisoo as she embarks on a new path with her brother by her side. Source: X/@PopBase.

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SISTAR19’s Hyolyn Bares Hardships of Establishing Own Label

Hyolyn poses for the concept photo of her digital single 'This Love.' Credit: Twitter/HYOLYN

On December 28, SISTAR19’s Hyolyn and Bora appeared as guests in Tak Jae Hoon’s Youtube series No Backwards Jaehoon. In this episode, Hyolyn opened up about the challenges of establishing her own label.

In November 2017, Hyolyn established her own one-man agency Bridge. To note, this came following SISTAR’s disbandment and departure from the group’s home agency, Starship Entertainment.

When asked by the host about its current state, the K-pop idol candidly admitted that the agency is not doing okay. With this, the artist revealed that Bridge is run by herself and her CEO as it is impossible to do everything by herself. Bursting into laughter, she then lightly shared about being the only artist under the label.

 “My agency doesn’t have any other artists. How could we take on another artist when we’re already struggling financially?” the singer said. “Yes, I get to keep everything I make. But running the agency hasn’t been very profitable,” she added.

Despite the difficulties, Hyolyn shared that she ensures paying her employees on time. “I’ll pay them no matter what. Even if it means I have to starve,” the singer declared.

Wrapping up the topic, Hyolyn then explained that she decided to set up her own agency because she wanted to explore things she wanted to do. “I don’t feel like I’ve wasted any of that, though,” she reflected. 

Hyolyn reunites with Bora for SISTAR19 

With Hyolyn and Bora’s appearance in the show, the two idols are in the midst of promoting their upcoming comeback in January. Interestingly, this will be the duo’s first release in 11 years. The sub-unit released their last mini EP Gone Not Around Any Longer in 2013.

For those who don’t know, SISTAR19, known as a sub-unit of the girl group SISTAR, debuted with the hit single “Ma Boy” in 2011. However, the duo became inactive for a long period as they had to focus on individual projects. 

Despite SISTAR disbanding in 2017, SISTAR19 surprised fans with the announcement of their reunion in late 2023.

Other details about the comeback such as its title track, release date, and music video are yet to be announced. 

Featured image: Hyolyn poses for the concept photo of her digital single ‘This Love.’ Credit: Twitter/HYOLYN

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MOMOLAND’s Nancy Tops ‘Most Beautiful Faces of 2023’ List

Nancy McDonie updates fans that she signed with new agency, ATOC. Credit: Instagram/Nancy

Proving her unrivaled visual, Nancy McDonie of K-pop group MOMOLAND has been named as the Most Beautiful Face in TC Candler’s 2023 List.

According to the American film review site, the South Korean-American idol ranked No. 1 in the Top 100 chart for the women’s category. 

TC Candler, who has been publishing the ranking for the most beautiful faces since 1990, said that the list was far from being a popularity contest. Moreover, the site mentioned that from approximately 300,000 celebrities in various fields such as entertainment, music, film and many more, only 100 women from more than 50 countries were selected to make it on the year-end reveal.

Notably, Nancy’s ranking comes to no surprise as this marks her sixth year being part of the list. But the singer drew attention as she rose from the No. 2 spot last 2022, to claiming the first rank in 2023.

In other news, Nancy is currently set for a solo career after signing an exclusive contract with ATOC in September 2023.  For those unaware, her group MOMOLAND officially disbanded in February 2023.

Aside from Nancy, here are the other K-op idols who made it to the list

While Nancy clinched the top spot, several K-Pop idols also made it to the list. Following the “Bboom Bboom” singer are members from girl groups TWICE and BLACKPINK. 

In particular, TWICE’s Sana ranked No. 3 while her fellow member Tzuyu placed No. 11. Meanwhile, all the BLACKPINK members also bagged places in the list. In particular, Jisoo, Rose and Lisa took home the No. 9, No. 12 and No. 14 spots, respectively. Only Jennie didn’t make it to the list’s Top 20, but still ranked as No. 23. 

Other idols who made it to the top 50 of the list are soloist Jeon Somi (#17), IVE’s Wonyoung (#27), and Red Velvet’s Seulgi (#34). Also part of the list are NewJeans’ Danielle (#36) and (G)I-DLE’s Yuqi (#38).

Featured image: Nancy McDonie updates fans that she signed with new agency, ATOC. Credit: Instagram/Nancy

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TWS Introduces Members Through Pre-debut Single ‘Oh Mymy: 7s’

TWS releases their pre-debut single 'Oh Mymy: 7s.' Credit: Twitter/TWS

PLEDIS Entertainment has officially revealed its latest boy group, TWS!

Ahead of their official debut on January 22, TWS surprised fans with a pre-release single titled “Oh Mymy: 7s” on Tuesday, January 2. 

Through this video, the group also officially introduced its six members. Pronounced as “two-us,” TWS consists of Dohoon, Kyungmin, Youngjae, Shinyu, Hanjin, and Jihoon. Additional details about each member have yet to be provided. 

According to a press release, the song “Oh Mymy: 7s” aims to showcase the group’s confidence in their color. Accordingly, it’s meant to feature their essence in just seven seconds. 

“As it is a song that introduces TWS to the world, its splendid performance and fantastic melody shows why they are the ‘highest expectations of 2024,’” agency PLEDIS Entertainment said. 

In the six-minute video, the members were seen preparing for their debut and sharing their thoughts about their training experiences. “The process of practicing for the final evaluations was very difficult. But it’s thanks to the other five members cheering me on and encouraging me that I am able to be where I am now,” Dohoon said. 

After the footage, the group skillfully delivered a powerful, synchronized dance performance of their pre-debut track. Notably, TWS highlighted their talent and charisma in front of a panel composed by HYBE and PLEDIS Entertainment executives, as well as all SEVENTEEN members. 

What we know about TWS 

After their pre-release single, the group also plans to release various video content. Among these are behind-the-scenes stories and individual trailers for each member. Additionally, they’ll also be releasing official photos, track lists, teasers, and highlight medley for the group’s debut mini-album Spring Blue. 

Meanwhile, the official music video and album will be released on January 22. In relation to that, the group will also host a debut showcase on the same day. 

To build excitement for their debut, TWS will also open a pop-up store in Seoul from January 18 to 31, 2024. 

Short for “Twenty-Four Seven With Us,” TWS is meant to signify the group’s desire to be a constant companion to listeners.

Notably, the sextet will be PLEDIS Entertainment’s first boy group in more than eight years, following the debut of SEVENTEEN in 2015. Furthermore, they’re also the first act under HYBE Labels to make a debut in 2024. 

Featured image: TWS releases their pre-debut single ‘Oh Mymy: 7s.’ Credit: YouTube/PLEDIS Entertainment

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BLACKPINK Fans Celebrate Jennie’s Busy New Year Schedule

BLACKPINK’s Jennie has been dominating headlines with her busy New Year schedule. As the curtain fell on 2023, it was disclosed that while BLACKPINK collectively renewed their contracts with YG Entertainment, Jennie opted for a solo path under her newly founded agency ODDATELIER. Interestingly, the “You & Me” singer has been booked and busy right at the start of the year.

Jennie’s Busy New Year Schedule Has BLINKs Celebrating

Kicking off 2024 with a bang, Jennie’s schedule has been nothing short of hectic, drawing admiration from netizens. In the initial days of the year, stunning visuals of Jennie endorsing Hera and Coco Chanel surfaced, showcasing her versatility and style. The photos further fueled excitement among fans for what lay ahead in her solo career.

The buzz surrounding Jennie escalated with the release of the trailer for her upcoming show “Apartment 404” on January 2nd. Netizens eagerly anticipated witnessing Jennie in a variety show, a departure from her routine in recent times. The trailer hinted at her charismatic presence and ability to captivate audiences, leaving fans eager for the show’s premiere.

Adding to the anticipation, it was also revealed on the same day that Jennie would be the first guest on Lee Hyori’s new show “Red Carpet”. The news triggered a flurry of excitement online, especially as it marked Jennie’s maiden appearance on a KBS show, excluding music-related programs. Fans and netizens alike couldn’t contain their enthusiasm to see the idol shine in a new environment.

The announcement of Jennie’s involvement in Lee Hyori’s “Red Carpet” triggered a wave of discussions online, with some suggesting that YG Entertainment may have been hindering her potential. Amidst her various engagements, the internet was also flooded with comments lauding Jennie’s newfound freedom and the dynamic approach she has taken with her solo career.

Despite the recent unveiling of ODDATELIER, speculation arose that Jennie might have been involved in solo activities under her agency for an extended period. Fans commended her for the proactive approach to promotions, praising her for breaking free from the perceived constraints of her previous management. As the year unfolds, all eyes also remain on Jennie, eager to witness the next chapter in her flourishing solo career.

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BABYMONSTER to Release New Single in February

BABYMONSTER makes their debut with 'Batter Up.' Credit: Twitter/BABYMONSTER

K-pop rookie group BABYMONSTER is gearing up to drop new music! On Monday, January 1, YG Entertainment’s founder and former CEO Yang Hyun Suk announced the upcoming plans for their latest act. 

Through a Youtube video, he announced that the girl group is set to release a new song titled “Stuck In The Middle” on February 1.

In the three-minute clip,Yang gave a brief description of the upcoming track. “This song is not a hip-hop track. It’s so fresh to me that I wonder if YG Entertainment has ever released a song like this,” he said. According to the music executive, the song “feels like being in a state of zero gravity in outer space”.

Moreover, the former CEO also emphasized that the skills and unique colors of the members’ vocals will encourage listeners to focus intensely on the song.

In the same video announcement, Yang shared an update about member Ahyeon, who was supposed to debut with BABYMONSTER. Initially, YG Entertainment announced that Ahyeon will no longer be part of the group. However, they clarified days later that she will only be missing the group’s debut. 

In this latest update, Yang revealed that Ahyeon had to stop training due to health reasons. With this, he mentioned that Ahyeon is still with YG Entertainment although it’s still uncertain when she could debut.

The next phase for BABYMONSTER

Notably, this will be the K-pop rookies’ first comeback after making their debut on November 27 with the single “Batter Up.” Composed of members Ruka, Haram, Rora, Asa, Pharita, and Chiquita, BabyMonster became YG Entertainment’s first girl group since BLACKPINK in 2016.

Notably, the “Batter Up” official music video has now garnered over 150 Million views in just over a month since its release. Additionally, the track immediately entered Billboard’s World Digital Song Sales chart, where it took the No. 5 spot. Moreover, “Batter Up” also became the fastest song by a K-Pop group in history to reach 10 Million streams on the music platform Spotify.

Hoping to carry on with the good start, Yang shared the agency’s future plans for the girl group. Aside from the single scheduled to drop in February, BABYMONSTER is also set to release their first mini album around April.

“2024 will be a year to unleash BABYMONSTER potential,” YG Entertainment said. “We will reach out to our fans in various forms, so please pay a lot of attention,” the agency added.

Featured image: BABYMONSTER makes their debut with ‘Batter Up.’ Credit: Twitter/BABYMONSTER

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EXO’s ‘First Snow’ Tops Music Charts 10 Years Since Its Release

EXO poses for their album 'EXIST.' Credit: Facebook/EXO

EXO-Ls, your favorite holiday track is back on the charts! 10 years since its release, EXO’s song “First Snow” has made an appearance in multiple music charts in South Korea as the winter season came.

To recall, the said song is part of the boy group’s 2013 album Miracle in December.

Remarkably, “First Snow” clinched the top spots in numerous charts beating more recent tracks. The list includes bagging the song’s first win in the music show Music Bank, achieving a double crown in Circle Charts, and hitting the No.1 spot in streaming platforms like Bug and Flo.

Considering it has been a decade since the song’s release, the EXO members have expressed their gratitude to the love “First Snow” has been receiving lately.

On the group’s official social media account, EXO made sure to thank their loyal fanbase, EXO-Ls. “It’s all thanks to EXO-L that we’re ending 2023 with first place,” they wrote.

“We celebrated our chart success together”, the group’s leader Suho said as he shared his appreciation through their agency SM Entertainment.

“At first, we were surprised to see our song’s performance on the charts but we are all enjoying it. We want to thank our fans and hope they can have a warm year-end season with our track,” he added.

EXO and the entire K-pop industry joins the ‘First Snow’ challenge

To celebrate the wins, the EXO members gifted the fans clips of them joining the famous “First Snow” dance challenge.

The group’s sub-unit CBX composed of members Chen, Baekhyun and Xiumin participated in the trend together. On social media, fans shared their excitement upon seeing the trio back again.

On their personal Instagram accounts, Suho, Chanyeol, and Sehun also posted separate videos of them dancing to the challenge in the snow. Moreover, the members also sent their holiday greetings for the fans on their captions.

 

Aside from the EXO members themselves, numerous K-Pop idols from different groups also joined the challenge. Among those who participated are EXO’s fellow labelmates Karina and Giselle of aespa, Irene and Yeri of Red Velvet, and the entire NCT Dream. 

Moreover, groups from other agencies including TWICE, SEVENTEEN, Treasure, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, Ateez, The Boyz, among many others joined as well.

Because of the widespread engagement of the track on the platform Tiktok, “First Snow” has reentered the music charts. Such achievement proves that the timeless B-Side track is indeed everyone’s seasonal favorite. 

Featured image: EXO poses for their album ‘EXIST.’ Credit: Facebook/EXO

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BLACKPINK’s Lisa Rumored to Make Acting Debut in ‘The Walking Dead’

Lisa updates fans with new photos from holiday trip. Credit: Instagram/BLACKPINK's Lisa

BLINKs, are you ready for actress Lisa? On December 26, Vogue Thailand released an article claiming that the K-Pop singer Lisa of girl group BLACKPINK is reportedly making her acting debut in the Hollywood series The Walking Dead.

According to several media outlets, the singer has been flying back and forth to Paris, France for the past few months. Notably, her travels coincided with the filming location and schedule of the popular zombie apocalypse series. 

Fans’ speculations were even intensified as the show’s official Instagram page followed Lisa’s personal account. Some fans took this as a possible hint of the idol’s involvement in the series. 

To add, the lead actor of The Walking Dead’s spin-off, Norman Reedus who plays the role of Daryl Dixon, has also followed the singer. Other fans were also quick to spot the two famed celebrities hanging out a few times.

Fans can’t wait to witness the acting debut of Lisa

Although there are no official confirmations yet, the singer’s fans, especially BLINKs, have already expressed their excitement to see Lisa’s acting debut. 

Once confirmed, Lisa will now be the third BLACKPINK member to enter the world of acting. Previously, Jisoo made her TV debut in the melodrama Snowdrop. Meanwhile, Jennie launched her acting career in the HBO Original Series The Idol.

On social media, fans shared that they would love to see the multi-talented idol conquer another field in the big screens. “Please let it be real,” one fan wished. Another said: “Lisa in the Walking Dead? Will definitely be tuning in if it’s true.”

Others even stated that they will binge-watch the entire series once the idol is confirmed to make an appearance on the show.

In other news, YG Entertainment just revealed that none of the BLACKPINK members renewed their contracts for individual activities. Which means that Lisa, Jennie, Rose and Jisoo will now have the capability to explore solo endeavors, while also keeping BLACKPINK active and intact.

With this, Lisa is now a free agent who has the autonomy to pursue her desired projects outside of BLACKPINK’s group activities. Upon hearing this announcement, fans have become more hopeful for the singer’s possible acting debut in the series.

Featured image: Lisa updates fans with new photos from holiday trip. Credit: Instagram/BLACKPINK’s Lisa

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