Category: KPOP NEWS

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

The Wind’s Jang Hyoun Joon Graduates From Middle School

Jang Hyoun Joon, the youngest member of The Wind, recently celebrated his graduation from Hancheon Middle School, marking a significant milestone in his journey to adulthood. The graduation ceremony, attended by the group’s maknae and his fellow members, was a joyous occasion as they congratulated him with smiles and flowers. The event was a heartwarming moment for the young idol and his fans.

The Wind Maknae Jang Hyoun Joon Finally Graduates From Middle School

Born in 2008, Jang Hyoun Joon is among the youngest K-pop idols currently active in the music scene. Alongside fellow 2008-born member Ahn Chan Won, he will be enrolling in high school in the spring of 2024. The graduation serves as a symbolic transition for Jang Hyoun Joon as he takes the next steps in his educational journey.

The Wind, a rookie boy group, faced a challenge earlier with the departure of their leader Shin Jaewon, just seven months after their debut. With US Entertainment, the agency overseeing The Wind, announced on December 6 that Shin Jaewon would be leaving the group due to personal circumstances. Despite this change, the remaining six members of The Wind have continued their activities, showcasing resilience and dedication to their musical pursuits.

The departure of Shin Jaewon sheds light on the dynamic nature of K-pop groups, where unforeseen circumstances may lead to adjustments in lineups. The remaining members, including Jang Hyoun Joon, are expected to continue their journey as a cohesive unit, and fans will likely anticipate the group’s future developments.

The Wind, signed under With Us Entertainment (a subsidiary of Around Us Entertainment), made their official debut in May with the mini-album ‘Beginning: The Wind Page’ and the title track “ISLAND.” Prior to their debut, they released a pre-debut single titled ‘Sirius’ in April, building anticipation for their entrance into the K-pop scene. As Jang graduates from middle school, fans can look forward to witnessing his growth and contributions to The Wind’s ongoing musical endeavors.

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BTOB’s Yook Sungjae Launches Official X Account After Joining New Agency

BTOB’s Yook Sungjae has officially launched his official X  account managed by his new agency IWill Media. This development follows Yook Sungjae’s departure from his longtime agency CUBE Entertainment, last month and his subsequent signing with IWill Media.

Yook Sungjae Launches Official X Account After CUBE Entertainment Departure

While Yook Sungjae already had a personal X (formerly Twitter) account for his own use, the establishment of an official account under IWill Media indicates a strategic move to streamline his online presence and engage more effectively with fans. In addition to the official X account, Yook Sungjae has also opened an official solo fan cafe, providing fans with dedicated spaces to connect with him and stay updated on his activities.

The decision to join IWill Media aligns with Yook Sungjae’s desire for new opportunities and challenges in his career. His fellow BTOB members have also secured new agency affiliations, showcasing their coordinated efforts to navigate the entertainment industry as a group and as individual artists. Changsub signed an exclusive contract with Fantagio in November, and on December 18, Eunkwang, Minhyuk, Hyunsik, and Peniel signed exclusive contracts together with a newly established company.

Yook Sungjae’s transition to IWill Media is expected to bring fresh perspectives and opportunities for the versatile artist. Fans can anticipate continued growth in his career as he explores various facets of the entertainment industry, including music, acting, and variety shows. The move also positions IWill Media as a prominent player in talent management, with the inclusion of Yook Sungjae adding further momentum to the agency’s trajectory.

As Yook Sungjae embarks on this new chapter, his fans can look forward to witnessing his artistic evolution and contributions to the diverse landscape of Korean entertainment. The official X account and fan cafe serve as key platforms for fans to engage with Yook Sungjae’s journey and celebrate his achievements.

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

PSY’s “Gangnam Style” Becomes 1st Korean MV To Hit 5 Billion Views

PSY’s iconic music video for “Gangnam Style” has once again made YouTube history, surpassing 5 billion views on December 30 at approximately 5:47 a.m. KST. This achievement solidifies “Gangnam Style” as the first Korean music video to reach the 5 billion mark on YouTube. Notably, it took the song about 11 years, 5 months, and 15 days to achieve this remarkable milestone.

‘Gangnam Style’ MV Continues Global Domination With Viewership Milestone

Originally released on July 15, 2012, “Gangnam Style” became a global phenomenon, with its catchy tune and distinctive dance moves capturing the world’s attention. The song’s success contributed to PSY’s international recognition and earned him a spot in music history. The term “Gangnam Style” itself became synonymous with a trendy and lavish lifestyle associated with the Gangnam district of Seoul.

Interestingly, “Gangnam Style” has outpaced other Korean music videos, setting a new record for the highest number of views on YouTube. It is also important to note that Pinkfong’s children’s song “Baby Shark Dance” still holds the title of the most-watched YouTube video of all time, with over 13.8 billion views.

PSY’s departure from YG Entertainment in 2018 marked a new chapter in his career. He went on to establish his own agency P Nation, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to furthering his artistic endeavors.

For now, PSY has yet to match the success of his first major hit. On the other hand, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the soloist stages a comeback that will set the global stage alight. With that in mind, fans are looking forward to his next release.

The longevity and continued popularity of “Gangnam Style” highlight its enduring impact on global pop culture. PSY’s innovative and entertaining music video has not only stood the test of time but also cemented its place as a historic and influential contribution to the world of K-pop. Congratulations to PSY on this remarkable achievement!

Categories
BTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

UMI Releases BTS V Collaboration Single “wherever u r” On His Birthday

BTS’s V marked his birthday with a special release, delighting fans worldwide. American singer-songwriter UMI collaborated with V on the new song titled “wherever u r,” which was released on December 30 at 2 p.m. KST. The timing of the release added to the excitement, aligning with V’s birthday celebration.

BTS V Surprises Fans With Collab Single ‘wherever u r’ with UMI

The collaboration between V and UMI was met with enthusiasm from ARMYs, who expressed their joy over the special music video dropping on V’s birthday. In addition to the official lyric video for “wherever u r,” UMI shared a delightful video featuring herself and V singing along to the new single, offering fans an intimate glimpse into the collaboration process.

BIGHIT MUSIC, BTS’s management company, commented on the collaboration, stating, “V and UMI enjoyed listening to one another’s music [before working together on this song]. Through this collaboration, the two of them conveyed the messages they wanted to tell their fans through music.”

How BTS V Prepared Fans For His Military Enlistment

V, who released his debut solo album “Layover” on September 8, 2023, has continued to make waves in the music industry. “Layover” also recorded the highest first-week sales by a K-pop solo artist in history, with 2.1 million copies sold, and debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 in the US. This accomplishment also solidified V’s status as one of the highest-charting Korean solo artists in Billboard chart history, alongside his BTS bandmates Jimin and Suga.

In recent news, V addressed speculations about his military service, particularly regarding joining the “Special Duty Team.” He acknowledged it as a personal challenge and also reassured fans that he would take care of himself during the enlistment period. Alongside BTS leader RM, V officially began his mandatory military service on December 11, 2023, marking a significant chapter in his journey.

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

TEEN TOP Niel Preparing for Solo Comeback In January 2024

TEEN TOP Niel is set to kick off the new year with a comeback, exciting fans with the announcement of his upcoming solo activities. Niel’s agency, NEW ENTRY, officially revealed that the singer would be releasing his third solo single album, titled “PARTING EMOTION,” on January 11. This marks Niel’s first solo comeback in over a year, also creating anticipation among fans eager to hear new music from the talented artist.

TEEN TOP Niel Confirms Solo Comeback in January 2024

According to NEW ENTRY, “PARTING EMOTION” will delve into the raw and honest emotions experienced by a man after going through a breakup. With Niel’s expressive vocals and emotional delivery, the single is also expected to resonate with listeners and showcase his artistic growth.

In related news, the recent departure of Chunji and Ricky from TOP Media has marked the exit of all four members of TEEN TOP from the agency. Despite these changes, TOP Media also emphasized that TEEN TOP will continue their activities as a four-member group. This move follows the earlier departure of Niel and Changjo, who left TOP Media two years ago when their exclusive contracts expired.

What Will Happen To TEEN TOP’s Future?

The departure of TEEN TOP members from TOP Media highlights the evolving landscape of the K-pop industry, where artists may also explore new opportunities or pursue different paths after the conclusion of their contracts.

For TEEN TOP fans, the news raises questions about the group’s future direction and how the four remaining members—Chunji, Ricky, Niel, and Changjo—will navigate their careers going forward. Fans are also likely eager to learn about TEEN TOP’s plans for new music, performances, and potential collaborations in the coming months, anticipating exciting developments in the group’s journey.

Niel’s third solo single album “PARTING EMOTION” will be released on January 11, 2023. TEEN TOP’s next group comeback has not yet been announced.

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Stray Kids’ Hyunjin Makes Surprise Appearance in aespa’s Dance Challenge Video

STRAY KIDS’ Hyunjin has made a surprise appearance in Giselle and Ningning’s “Drama” dance challenge. The unexpected interaction with the aespa members certainly created a delightful and amusing moment for fans.

Hyunjin’s Surprise Appearance in aespa’s TikTok Video Has Fans Laughing

Dance challenges have become a popular way for K-pop idols to engage with their fans and promote their releases. These challenges often lead to unexpected interactions between idols, adding an element of surprise and joy for fans.

In the case of STRAY KIDS, their dance challenges prior to the release of “S-CLASS” were primarily filmed with other JYP Entertainment artists. However, the landscape changed when NCT’s Taeyong joined the scene, contributing to a broader range of interactions between groups. Amazingly, it would lead to another awesome interaction, albeit an accidental one.

@aespa_official

#ImtheDrama with #TAEYONG 🤘💫 #NCT #NCT127 #태용 #aespa #에스파 #GISELLE #지젤 #NINGNING #닝닝 #Drama #aespaDrama #shorts

♬ Drama – aespa

Following the release of “Drama,” aespa engaged in numerous dance challenges with various artists. On December 28, aespa fulfilled another fan request by sharing a challenge video featuring NCT leader Taeyong during the 2023 SBS Gayo Daejeon. While the idols showcased their dance skills, fans couldn’t help but notice an unexpected guest in the background.

As Giselle, Ningning, and Taeyong passionately danced, Hyunjin made a surprise appearance around the corner, quickly retracting upon realizing that a video was being filmed. Fans were quick to spot Hyunjin’s impromptu cameo, finding his reaction amusing and endearing.

K-Pop Fans React to Hyunjin’s Surprise Appearance

Some fans playfully expressed their joy at witnessing Hyunjin’s unexpected participation in the dance challenge, even if it was from a distance.

The unplanned interaction between Hyunjin and aespa added a lighthearted and entertaining moment to the ongoing trend of dance challenges in the K-pop industry. Fans appreciated the humor and camaraderie between idols, showcasing the fun and friendly atmosphere within the K-pop community.

In related news, STRAY KIDS has been named one of the eight recipients of the prestigious Prime Minister’s Commendation for the 2023 Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards. This distinction is a significant recognition bestowed upon individuals and groups who have made substantial contributions to the promotion and dissemination of Korean culture.

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

EXO’s ‘The First Snow’ Wins #1 on ‘Music Bank’

EXO achieved an impressive victory on this week’s episode of ‘Music Bank,’ securing the top spot with their song “The First Snow,” a track originally released a decade ago in 2013.

EXO’s ‘The First Snow’ Wins on ‘Music Bank’

Despite the absence of a regular episode on December 29, KBS revealed the week’s winners, with EXO emerging triumphant against nominee RED VELVET and their song “Chill Kill.”

“The First Snow” was initially part of EXO’s 2013 album ‘Miracles in December.’ Its recent resurgence in popularity can be attributed to the TikTok challenge associated with the song. The challenge gained considerable traction, leading to increased streaming numbers and a resurgence in chart performance.

EXO’s Lay, a prominent member of the group, played a pivotal role in promoting the TikTok challenge. He not only showcased the dance moves associated with the challenge but also added a personal touch by forming the signature E-X-O with his hands. Lay’s enthusiastic participation in the challenge significantly contributed to its popularity and engagement among fans. The related hashtags, including “E-X-O,” “EXO Lay,” and “First Snow,” trended on various social media platforms, reinforcing Lay’s continued involvement with and support for EXO.

‘The First Snow’ Sudden Surge in Popularity

“The First Snow” holds historical significance as it was originally released when EXO still had its original 12 members before the departures of Luhan, Kris, and Tao in the following year. The song’s enduring appeal and the success of the recent TikTok challenge demonstrate the lasting impact and popularity of EXO’s music, even years after its initial release.

EXO’s ability to secure a win with a song released a decade ago showcases the enduring love and support from their dedicated fanbase, known as EXO-Ls. The victory on ‘Music Bank’ adds another remarkable chapter to EXO’s illustrious career and underlines their continued relevance in the K-pop landscape.

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

G-DRAGON’s New Agency Addresses BLACKPINK’s Jisoo Possibly Joining The Company

Recent rumors circulating about BLACKPINK’s Jisoo signing an exclusive contract with content creation company Galaxy Corporation have been firmly denied by the company. While there were speculations regarding Jisoo’s potential move to a new agency following reports that YG Entertainment failed to secure solo contracts with BLACKPINK members, Galaxy Corporation has refuted all such claims.

Galaxy Corporation Breaks Silence on Reports of Signing BLACKPINK’s Jisoo for Individual Activities

Responding to media inquiries, Galaxy Corporation explicitly denied any exclusive contract with Jisoo and clarified that there were no developments in the process of obtaining a contract with the BLACKPINK member. The company also emphasized the need for accuracy in reporting and addressed the inquiries from various sources attempting to verify the alleged signing.

“We’ve been receiving many calls about that. But that’s not true. If anything like that happens, we’ll let you know,” the agency stated.

The clarification comes amidst a dynamic landscape in the K-pop industry where artists, particularly those from successful groups, explore opportunities with new agencies or establish personal labels for individual activities. However, in Jisoo’s case, the denied rumors also signal that no official contract has been signed with Galaxy Corporation at the current moment.

YG Entertainment, BLACKPINK’s management agency, has officially confirmed that the members will sign exclusively for group activities and promotions with the company, maintaining a collective framework for BLACKPINK. While the group remains under YG Entertainment for collaborative efforts, the members, including Jisoo, also have the potential to pursue individual projects within that framework.

As the industry continues to witness shifts in contractual structures, agency affiliations, and solo pursuits, fans will await further updates on Jisoo’s individual endeavors and the collective journey of BLACKPINK. The dynamic nature of K-pop also allows artists to navigate diverse opportunities while contributing to both group and personal successes.

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

YG Entertainment Addresses BLACKPINK Members’ Individual Activities

YG Entertainment has officially confirmed that the BLACKPINK members will exclusively sign with the company for group activities and promotions, not individual endeavors.

YGE Finally Addresses BLACKPINK Members’ Individual Activities Status

The announcement clarifies the contractual arrangements for BLACKPINK members under YG Entertainment. While all four members renewed their contracts for group activities earlier in the year, the recent statement emphasizes that their affiliation with the company is specifically for collective promotions.

“We have recently signed a contract extension for BLACKPINK’s group activities,” the company’s statement read. “We have also come to the agreement that we will not proceed with a separate contract for their individual activities.”

The decision to sign only for group promotions reflects a strategic move by YG Entertainment to maintain a collaborative framework for BLACKPINK while accommodating individual aspirations within the group. This approach allows the members to pursue diverse projects while continuing to contribute to BLACKPINK’s collective success.

Jennie, a member of BLACKPINK, has already taken a significant step towards individual pursuits by establishing her personal label ODDATELIER. This move suggests a desire for greater creative control and autonomy in her artistic journey. The confirmation of BLACKPINK members signing exclusively for group activities aligns with industry trends where artists, particularly those from successful groups, seek to explore personal ventures and creative projects beyond the confines of group commitments.

The confirmation comes at a time when several K-pop artists are exploring individual ventures, establishing personal labels, and engaging in diverse creative pursuits beyond group activities. As artists seek greater agency and creative freedom, management companies adapt their contractual structures to align with evolving industry dynamics.

For BLACKPINK, this development suggests a balance between group unity and individual artistic expression, offering fans the prospect of diverse and engaging content both collectively and individually. As the members navigate their careers, the industry will keenly observe how this dynamic approach contributes to the continued success and evolution of BLACKPINK as a group and as individual artists.

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Here’s Why G-Dragon Left YG Entertainment Instead of Renewing His Contract

On December 21, G-Dragon of BIGBANG decided against renewing his contract with YG Entertainment, surprising fans and the industry alike. Reports from Sports Seoul shed light on the events leading up to this decision, revealing a crucial mistake on YG Entertainment’s part.

Why Did G-Dragon Decide Against Renewing His Contract with YG Entertainment?

As YG Entertainment engaged in contract renewal negotiations with BLACKPINK members, they were also in talks with G-Dragon regarding his future with the company. Negotiations were reportedly progressing, and there were indications of the BIGBANG leader renewing his contract. However, the situation took an unexpected turn.

Amid the negotiations, G-Dragon became the subject of drug abuse allegations, leading to an investigation. YG Entertainment responded by stating they couldn’t publicly comment on the matter as the artist was not currently signed with the label. This approach, characterized by YG’s tendency to provide limited statements, proved to be a misstep.

Facing the allegations, G-Dragon found support from Choi Yong Ki, CEO of Galaxy Corporation and a close friend. Choi offered legal advice, becoming a crucial ally during a challenging time. While reports suggested that G-Dragon might sign with Galaxy Corporation instead, YG Entertainment’s founder, Yang Hyun Suk, reportedly tried to dissuade him. However, the attempt failed, and G-Dragon ultimately decided to move forward with Galaxy Corporation.

Clearing all charges without support from YG Entertainment, G-Dragon, reportedly influenced by Sports Seoul’s article, chose to embark on a new chapter with Galaxy Corporation. The incident highlights the complex dynamics between artists and entertainment companies, emphasizing the significance of support and strategic communication during challenging moments. G-Dragon’s decision to align with Galaxy Corporation showcases the role of personal connections and supportive environments in an artist’s career trajectory.

G-Dragon’s first move after signing with Galaxy Corporation is launching a foundation that will fight against drug abuse. He is also set for a comeback in 2024.

Exit mobile version