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WOODZ Drops Dark ‘Amnesia’ MV Teaser

WOODZ is making sure his fans will be pleased before he enlists for mandatory military service. The former X1 member dropped the dark “Amnesia” MV teaser and people are excited about the upcoming release!

‘Amnesia’ MV Teaser Showcases WOODZ’s Dark Side

WOODZ has unveiled a music video teaser for his upcoming digital single “Amnesia.” The MV teaser offers a glimpse into the dark theme of the music video, featuring WOODZ performing with a band. “Amnesia” is scheduled for release on December 18, adding anticipation for what promises to be a captivating visual and musical experience.

Despite the exciting music release, there is a bittersweet undertone for WOODZ and his fans as he is set to begin his mandatory military service in January 2024. In a personal message to his dedicated fanbase, MOODZ, WOODZ expressed his sentiments about the upcoming enlistment. He acknowledged the inevitability of this new chapter in his life, emphasizing his commitment to fulfilling his duties as Cho Seung Youn, the person behind the WOODZ persona. The temporary departure from the entertainment scene reflects the dedication and responsibility that many South Korean idols undertake when serving in the military.

WOODZ’s journey in the entertainment industry has been marked by versatility and talent. Initially gaining recognition as a member of the South Korean-Chinese boy band UNIQ, he later ventured into the solo realm after the group’s hiatus in 2018. WOODZ’s participation in the survival show “Produce X 101” in 2019 further solidified his standing in the industry, leading to his role in the short-lived boy group X1.

As WOODZ prepares for his military service, fans are likely to rally behind him, expressing support and well wishes during this significant period in his life. The anticipation for “Amnesia” and the subsequent hiatus highlights the complex nature of an artist’s career, where creative pursuits intersect with personal milestones.

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fromis_9’s Lee Chaeyoung To Miss Music Bank Global Festival

fromis_9’s Lee Chaeyoung will be unable to participate in the KBS 2023 Music Bank Global Festival due to health concerns, as confirmed by a statement released by PLEDIS Entertainment on December 15. The agency shared details about Lee Chaeyoung’s current health status, leading to the decision for her non-participation in the event.

fromis_9 Member Lee Chaeyoung Unable to Attend 2023 Music Bank Global Festival

The statement from Lee Chaeyoung’s agency confirmed that the fromis_9 member will miss the event.

“Currently, Lee Chaeyoung is taking a rest following medical advice, and we plan to manage her upcoming activities flexibly to prioritize her health recovery,” it read. “We will do our best to support her health recovery to ensure Lee Chaeyoung can meet fans again in good health.”

Lee Chaeyoung is not the only idol to miss the Music Bank Global Festival. (G)I-DLE members Minnie and Shuhua were also unable to attend due to health issues.

The 2023 Music Bank Global Festival in Korea featured a lineup of popular K-pop groups and artists. The festival is divided into two parts, with Part 1 airing live from Korea. The lineup for Part 1 includes aespa, CRAVITY, DAY6’s Young K, FANTASY BOYS, fromis_9, (G)I-DLE, H1-KEY, IVE, MAMAMOO’s Hwasa, NCT 127, NCT DREAM, ONEUS, RIIZE, Sunmi, TXT, Xdinary Heroes, xikers, and ZEROBASEONE.

Part 2 of the festival consists of a pre-recorded Japanese show, with MCs Rowoon, Go Min Si, and Lee Young Ji hosting. The lineup for Part 2 includes ATEEZ, BOYNEXTDOOR, THE BOYZ, Golden Girls, ENHYPEN, ITZY, Kang Daniel, Kep1er, LE SSERAFIM, Lee Young Ji, MeloMance, NewJeans, NiziU, NMIXX, Park Jin Young, P1Harmony, SHINee, STAYC, Stray Kids, and &TEAM.

Fans expressed their best wishes for Lee Chaeyoung’s speedy recovery, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing health and encouraging other idols to take breaks when needed. The incident highlights the challenges faced by idols in maintaining their physical well-being amid demanding schedules.

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BTS’s Jungkook Shares His Routine and More With Vogue Japan

BTS‘s Jungkook recently sat down with Vogue Japan. Known for his dedication and talent, the golden maknae’s revelations about his routine, fashion, and music provide a closer look at the star’s life. He may be off in the South Korean military now, but he prepared content like this before enlisting so fans won’t miss him too much.

Jungkook‘s routine, especially when he’s overseas, has evolved recently. “Lately, I’ve cut down on my weight training and do about 30 minutes of cardio exercise. Thirty minutes of it will help me burn about 300 kilocalories. My habit in the morning and night is to look at my phone when I wake up and do the same at night before I sleep,” he shares.

Shifting from weight training to cardio exercises, while burning around 300 kilocalories per session, can lead to improved cardiovascular health. Cardio exercises like running or cycling are effective in strengthening the heart and lungs, enhancing endurance, and reducing the risk of heart diseases. This change might also aid in weight management due to the higher calorie burn, potentially leading to fat loss if combined with a balanced diet.

JUNG KOOK Answers 5 Questions About His Routine | VOGUE JAPAN

Fashion faves

When traveling, Jungkook‘s must-have items are quite straightforward. His phone tops the list, followed by his passport. Interestingly, he also referred to Calvin Klein items as essentials, though he playfully withheld further details. 

Jungkook didn’t specify which Calvin Klein items are his favorites, but fans may remember the pieces he wore during his performance at the TSX stage last month. Those items—and others from the Fall 2023 collection, for which Jungkook did a photoshoot—are available on Calvin Klein’s website.

He did say that he enjoys matching Calvin Klein outfits and denim tops with bottoms. Comfort is key for him, as he prefers oversized shoes and clothes, with knitted hats being a particular favorite.

Jung Kook Live at TSX, Times Square

Jungkook is in his golden era

When asked about his current focus, Jungkook joked that he was concentrating on the interview. However, he also mentioned working hard on his new album, which was in preparation at the time of the interview. This album, titled GOLDEN, seems to be a significant milestone for him.

The concept of “gold” holds a special place in Jungkook‘s life. He shared a personal story about something that happened while his mother was pregnant with him. “She had a dream about gold. I feel that I’m shining the most now. ‘Golden’ has the word ‘gold’ in it too. So I think now’s my golden era.” Speaking of his parents, Jungkook attributes his talents and character to them, describing these traits as golden.

Jungkook‘s interview with Vogue Japan not only sheds light on his personal preferences and routines but also highlights his journey and growth as an artist. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Vogue Japan’s new video went a long way towards comforting ARMYs who were saddened when Jungkook left to serve in the military. Source: YouTube/@VogueJapan.

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(G)I-DLE’s Minnie and Shuhua Announce Temporary Break

CUBE Entertainment announced on December 15 that Minnie and Shuhua will be taking a temporary break. According to the label, the (G)I-DLE members are temporarily halting their promotional activities to focus on recovering from recent illnesses.

CUBE Entertainment Confirms Minnie and Shuhua’s Temporary Break

On December 15, CUBE Entertainment announced that the two (G)I-DLE members are taking a temporary break. The agency released a statement first addressing the health concerns of Minnie which was followed by an update on Shuhua. The label also expressed the need for the idols to prioritize their own well-being.

“Minnie recently visited the hospital after persistently experience poor health conditions, and has decided to halt all of her activities temporarily to rest, per the advice of medical experts,” the statement read.

“As a result, Minnie will not be participating in the group or unit stage of the KBS ‘2023 Music Bank Global Festival’, scheduled to take place on December 15. Only Miyeon and Yuqi will participate in the unit stage at the ‘2023 Music Bank Global Festival’.”

The follow-up read, “On the morning of December 15, Shuhua visited the emergency room due to symptoms of a fever and a cold, and was diagnosed with Influenza type A. Shuhua has thus halted all of her activities and is resting.”

“Because this illness is known to be contagious, it has been decided that the pre-recording for the group stage at the KBS ‘2023 Music Bank Global Festival’ will be cancelled for the safety of all artists and fans. We also apologize for the delay in assessing the situation and delivering this notice,” it concluded.

Illness in the K-Pop Community

Taking a break from promotions is a common practice in the K-Pop industry when artists face health issues, ensuring that they have sufficient time to rest and regain their strength. The decision also reflects the industry’s emphasis on the physical and mental health of idols, recognizing the demanding nature of their schedules and the importance of maintaining overall well-being.

Fans of (G)I-DLE have expressed their support for Minnie and Shuhua, emphasizing the importance of the members’ health over their active involvement in promotional activities. The temporary hiatus will also allow the two members to focus on their recovery, and fans are hopeful for their swift return to the group’s activities once they are in good health.

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ZEROBASEONE and NewJeans Break Tables at 2023 Asia Artist Awards

The 2023 Asia Artist Awards (AAAs) held in the Philippines on December 14 saw an exciting lineup of K-Pop idols, including ZEROBASEONE (ZB1) and NewJeans, who graced the event with their presence. However, it wasn’t just the performances and awards that caught attention; an unexpected moment involving ZEROBASEONE added a touch of humor and excitement to the ceremony.

Excited ZEROBASEONE Members Accidentally Break Table

During SEVENTEEN’s sub-unit BSS‘s performance, ZEROBASEONE, known as fanboys of their sunbaes (seniors), exhibited their enthusiasm to the extent that they accidentally broke their own table. The energetic response to SEVENTEEN’s stage led to the collapse of their table, creating a memorable and unexpected moment at the AAAs.

Interestingly, ZEROBASEONE wasn’t the only group dealing with a table mishap at the awards ceremony. NewJeans, who won multiple awards throughout the night, faced a similar situation. As they repeatedly left their table to receive awards, the constant movement seemed to make their table unstable.

Despite the members noticing the slight instability and attempting to fix it, the table eventually gave way, collapsing to the floor when they stood up to applaud.

ZEROBASEONE and NewJeans Win Big at Asia Artist Awards 2023

Despite the unexpected mishap with the tables, both ZEROBASEONE and NewJeans had reasons to celebrate. ZEROBASEONE received the Rookie of the Year and Best Musician Award, showcasing their early success and recognition in the industry. On the other hand, NewJeans swept multiple awards at the ceremony, including the Hot Trend Award, the Fabulous Award, the Song Of The Year Daesang, Singer of The Year, and the Best Choice Award, highlighting their exceptional achievements.

The 2023 Asia Artist Awards, hosted by Star News and co-hosted by the AAA Organizing Committee, TONZ Entertainment, and PULP Live World, provided a platform to honor and celebrate the accomplishments of K-Pop artists, while unexpected moments like the table mishaps added an extra layer of entertainment to the event.

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Billboard Names BLACKPINK as the Highest-Grossing K-Pop Tour in 2023

The quartet poses during their 'Born Pink' encore concert in Seoul. Credit: Facebook/BLACKPINK

On Monday, December 11, Billboard published the top 10 highest-grossing K-Pop tours of 2023, and the phenomenal quartet BLACKPINK has just proved they’re still in the area!

According to Billboard, the official figures were recorded data between November 1, 2022 to September 30, 2023.

With a whopping $148.3 Million gross for 29 shows, the quartet topped the charts with their BORN PINK World Tour. According to the reports, the group composed of Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa have sold over 703,000 worldwide. With this, the “Shut Down” singers easily clinched the first spot in the list for the K-pop category. 

Moreover, BLACKPINK is also the only Asian act in the Top 10 of the All-Genre Top 100 Billboard List. In the global list, the group from YG Entertainment ranked 10th. 

Notably, this data only covers their arena and stadium performances across America, Europe, Mexico, and Australia. Since the group’s Asian stops were not reported, fans are claiming that the numbers should be higher for the group. 

Aside from BLACKPINK, here are the other acts who made it to the list: 

Meanwhile, Suga of BTS placed second with his SUGA Agust D world tour. Based on the reports, it earned $57.1 Million gross in 26 shows. Interestingly, Suga sold over 318,000 tickets for his first tour as a solo artist. What makes this achievement even more impressive is Suga is the only solo act to be part of the list. 

Following the two acts, K-pop groups TWICE, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, and SEVENTEEN took home the third, fourth, and fifth spots respectively. As for TWICE, the nine-piece act garnered a total of $54 Million in gross for 18 shows of their Born To Be World Tour. TXT and SEVENTEEN, both under HYBE LABELS, also earned around $46.8 Million and $43.3 Million in gross each.

Furthermore, groups from the 4th generation also took over for the rest of the list. Also under HYBE LABELS, ENHYPEN placed 6th with a $33 Million gross for 19 shows. Next are boy groups Stray Kids and ATEEZ with $16.1 Million gross and $13.9 Million gross, respectively.

Only three girl groups made it to the list. In the ninth place are “Unforgiven” singers LE SERRAFIM who secured the spot with their first world tour “FLAME RISES” having garnered $8 Million gross.

Closing off the top 10 list is SM Entertainment’s NCT DREAM earning $7 Million gross and selling over 36,900 tickets for only four shows.

Congratulations to all groups included in the list!

Featured image: The quartet poses during their ‘Born Pink’ encore concert in Seoul. Credit: Facebook/BLACKPINK

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BIGBANG’s Daesung Makes Solo Comeback With ‘Flow’

D-LABLE releases photo of Daesung from 'King of Active Singer.' Credit: Twitter/D-LABLE

The long wait is almost over, VIPs! Daesung of K-pop boy group BIGBANG will finally make his highly-anticipated comeback after a long hiatus with the special single “Flow.” 

Notably, the upcoming single will be a remake of the 2012 track by singer Lee Han-Chul.

As per the announcement of Daesung’s new agency R&D Company, the said single will be officially released on December 18.

With the aim to provide comfort to the listeners throughout the holiday vibes, the song’s healing lyrics and Daesung’s warm vocals are expected to create a perfect match for the season.

BIGBANG and VIP’s support for Daesung’s fresh start

Furthermore, this will be Daesung’s first solo output in over six years. As he had his last solo release in 2017 with the Japanese EP Delight 2. Throughout this period, he also served in the military between March 2018 and November 2019.

Moreover, the upcoming single will also be the singer’s first release under his new label. In December 2022, Daesung parted ways with YG Entertainment after 16 years following the expiration of his contract. 

After the idol’s signing in April 2023, R&D Company warmly welcomed Daesung by forming the subdivision D-LABLE. According to the agency, the specific subdivision will be dedicated to handle the idol’s individual activities. 

As this marks a new beginning for the idol, VIPs, BIGBANG’s fanbase, were thrilled to see members Taeyang and G-Dragon showing their support to their fellow member.

On their personal Instagram accounts, both Taeyang and G-Dragon shared stories of Daesung’s comeback teaser. 

On social media, the news were also received well by fans. Many of his supporters expressed their excitement and gratitude for the singer’s Christmas present. 

Aside from the special single, fans can also look forward to his return in variety shows. In October, it was confirmed that Daesung will be judging the new trot competition show titled Living King. 

As for his activities with BIGBANG, the quartet released “Still Life” in April 2022. It served as the group’s first release in nearly four years. Currently, there’s no official confirmation as to whether BIGBANG will continue releasing music together as T.O.P hinted that he exited the group. 

Featured image: D-LABLE releases photo of Daesung from ‘King of Active Singer.’ Credit: Twitter/D-LABLE

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PENTAGON’s Hui to Make Solo Debut in January 2024

PENTAGON shares photo of Hui from one of his musical performances. Credit: Facebook/PENTAGON

Gear up, Universe! Hui of K-pop boy group PENTAGON is finally making his solo debut after eight long years!

On Monday, December 11, PENTAGON’s agency Cube Entertainment confirmed that the idol is preparing for his first solo album. “We are planning to release it in January of 2024, the agency said. 

As of writing, other details such as the name and final release date have yet to be announced. 

Since debuting in 2016 as a member of PENTAGON, Hui led the group throughout their performances.  Among many hit tracks that the group released throughout their career include “Shine”, “SHA LA LA”, and “Naughty Boy,” 

Aside from being PENTAGON’s leader, Hui is also known as a talented producer who participates in creating songs for his own group. In addition, Hui also produced songs for other groups including WANNA ONe’s “Energetic” for the first season of Produce 101, and “Never” for the show’s second season.

Fans’ excitement for soloist Hui

With the official confirmation of his solo debut, PENTAGON’s fanbase, Universe, immediately showered Hui with congratulatory messages and positive responses.

“Finally, HUI SOLO DEBUT NEXT YEAR. I’m super excited,” one fan wrote. Meanwhile, another stated: “[I] can’t believe my Hui is getting his solo debut. [It’s been] a long time coming for sure but I’m proud and I can’t wait!” Other fans also expressed their well-wishes for the idol as he embarks on a new journey. 

Moreover, fans are even more anticipative of Hui’s solo endeavor after his appearance in the 2023 MNET survival program Boys Planet. For those who don’t know, he shocked the K-pop community when he competed in the show despite his eight-long year experience as an idol.

Despite being eliminated after placing the No. 13 spot in the final ranking, Hui earned great love and respect from netizens for bravely taking on the challenge.

Furthermore, the announcement of Hui’s solo debut came weeks after several members of PENTAGON left CUBE Entertainment. In October, members Yeo One, Yan An, Yuto, Kino, and Wooseok decided not to renew their contract with the agency. In November, Hongseok also left the label.  

With this, only four members of the group remain in the agency: Hui, Jinho, Hongseok and Shinwon. 

Featured image: PENTAGON shares photo of Hui from one of his musical performances. Credit: Facebook/PENTAGON

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SM Entertainment Launches 2024 Global Auditions

SM Entertainment artists gather together for SMTOWN concert. Credit: Facebook/SMTOWN

Ever dreamed of being the next K-pop superstar? Well, here’s the chance you’ve been waiting for to be labelmates with SM Entertainment artists. 

In a 20-second video clip released on Tuesday, December 12, SM Entertainment has officially launched its 2024 Global Auditions. 

As per the details posted, anyone born from 2005 to 2013, regardless of gender or nationality, are welcome to apply. Notably, young aspirants will then be evaluated in the categories of vocal, dance, rap and acting.

Moreover, the auditions will kick off in Seoul on January 6, 2024. After that, there will also be auditions held across several cities in South Korea including Daegu, Busan, Daejeon, Gwangju, Gangwon, Wonju and Jeju Island. 

Bringing the auditions to a global scale, SM Entertainment will also reach various countries including Thailand, Japan, Canada, and USA. According to the schedule released, the international auditions will be held between February to March 2024. 

After the first round of online registration, applicants who passed the initial screening will be invited for an on-site audition. Then, the final winners will get the opportunity to get trained or sign an exclusive contract with the renowned agency.

In addition, the application period for the said talent search event will only be from January to March 2024. Aspirants can send their application and learn more about the opportunity through SM Entertainment’s global site.

More about SM Entertainment

Established by record producer Lee Soo Man in 1995, SM Entertainment has since become one of the biggest and most successful K-pop agencies in history. For those unfamiliar, they are home to powerhouse acts like TVXQ, Super Junior, SHINee, Girls Generation, EXO, Red Velvet, NCT, and aespa. Moreover, the agency has built a reputation for their artists’ talents, particularly their exceptional vocals.

In September, the agency debuted their newest boy group RIIZE, who immediately gained popularity for their trendy tracks “Get a Guitar”, “Memories” and “Siren.” Aside from RIIZE, the agency also formed the final unit for NCT called NCT New Team. 

With the 2024 Global Auditions already on its way, K-pop fans have high expectations for the potential addition to the label. 

Featured image: SM Entertainment artists gather together for SMTOWN concert. Credit: Facebook/SMTOWN

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Look: MNET’s Survival Program ‘Build Up’ Reveals Judges

MNET introduces the lineup of judges for its upcoming survival vocal competition. Credit: Twitter/MNET

Get ready for an intense vocal battle! The official judging panel for MNET’s latest survival program Build Up: Vocal Boy Group Survival has finally been revealed!

On Tuesday, December 12, MNET Korea confirmed Build Up’s judging lineup consisting of renowned singers Lee Seok Hoon, Baekho, BTOB’s Eunkwang, MAMAMOO’s Solar, and Red Velvet’s Wendy. 

With the program’s aim to bring together passionate singers regardless of genre, MNET has brought together the all-star panel to critique the contestants. “The strongest vocalists in the entertainment industry gathered together! Please look forward to the luxury judgment,” they captioned their post. 

Furthermore, the show’s production team also shared their excitement with the lineup. “It is an honor to invite these five people who are undisputed in terms of skills. We will show not only the chemistry of participants, but also the legendary vocal stages under their high-quality judgment,” they stated.

Meet the judges for ‘Build Up’

One of the confirmed judges is SG Wannabe’s Lee Seok Hoon. Known as a “vocal teacher of vocalists”, the singer has garnered praise from viewers for his expertise as a mentor on popular survival programs including Boys Planet. Said show ultimately created the well-loved rookie group ZEROBASEONE or ZB1.

Next in the lineup is renowned singer Eunkwang of the boy group BTOB. Aside from his vocal prowess, Eunkwang has also gained recognition as a producer in the survival show Mega Karaoke Survival VS.

Meanwhile, soloist Baekho (formerly from NU’EST), MAMAMOO’s Solar and Red Velvet’s Wendy  have all proven their vocal abilities as main vocalists of their respective groups. In the show, they are also challenged to share their expertise and sound judgment in the program.

Moreover, it was revealed that the program will have the talented actress Lee Da Hee as the sole emcee, which raised anticipation among viewers. To note, Da Hee has already established a reputable relationship with MNET. Previously, she hosted a number of the network’s shows including Queendom in 2019 and Road to Kingdom in 2022.

As of writing, MNET has yet to introduce the contestants participating in the show.  Build Up is scheduled to air in the first half of 2024, but final dates have yet to be announced. Stay tuned!

Featured image: MNET introduces the lineup of judges for its upcoming survival vocal competition. Credit: Twitter/MNET

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