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EXO’s D.O.’s New Agency Confirms Legal Action For Malicious Posts

D.O. poses in the teaser of EXO's 'Cream Soda' music video. Credit: Facebook/EXO

D.O. has found a new agency and they are immediately taking action to protect their artists. Company Soosoo has issued a statement confirming they are taking legal action against malicious posts about the EXO member and their other affiliated artists.

D.O.’s New Agency Announces Intentions to Take Legal Action Against Malicious Posts

On November 6, Company Soosoo issued a statement about their plans.

“In order to protect the honor of our affiliated artists, we plan to take regular legal action against the creators of malicious posts and comments containing baseless accusations, defamation, and malicious insults on online communities and social media,” the statement read.

“We will collect relevant information through our internal monitoring system, and we would be grateful if fans could also report malicious posts and comments when they come across them. Please report any such content to our dedicated email account at clean@companysoosoo.com,” it continues.

“We will continue our ongoing efforts to safeguard our artists’ rights and vigorously respond to illegal activities, including the spread of false information and malicious rumors,” the statement concludes.

On October 18, SM Entertainment also confirmed that D.O. would be leaving the agency. He would then join a new agency founded by SM’s former manager. SM Entertainment further clarified that D.O. will continue his EXO activities with SM while also carrying out acting and individual activities through Company Soosoo.

“D.O.’s exclusive contract with us will expire in early November,” the statement read. “Following thorough discussions with D.O., it has been decided that he will continue his EXO activities with SM, but will also proceed with his acting and individual activities through the newly established agency founded by his and SM’s former manager.”

D.O.’s latest project is the variety show “You Reap What You Sow” which also stars Lee Kwang Soo, Kim Woo Bin, and Kim Ki Bang. In the series, the four friends are seen navigating the challenges of farm life on a vast 500-pyeong (about 17,792 square feet) field.

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G-DRAGON Visits Police Station for Voluntary Questioning

G-Dragon has willingly presented himself at the Incheon Metropolitan Police Department for a thorough investigation regarding the allegations of drug-related charges. His decision to cooperate with the authorities follows a previous statement by his legal representatives announcing his intention to undergo voluntary questioning by the drug crime investigation team.

G-Dragon Attends Voluntary Questioning at Police Station

On November 6 KST, G-Dragon arrived at the police station to address these allegations directly.

During the investigation, G-Dragon vehemently refuted the accusations against him, asserting that the reports of his involvement in drug crimes were entirely baseless. He emphasized his intent to reveal the truth and undergo the voluntary questioning promptly, expressing his determination to prove his innocence. Moreover, when questioned about the claims of bleaching and dyeing his hair, the BIGBANG leader responded with a clear denial, stating that he had never undertaken such actions.

The development comes at a time when various personalities within the entertainment industry, including actor Lee Sun Gyun, are under investigation for potential drug-related offenses. Reports concerning Lee Sun Gyun’s involvement suggest that he may have been “tricked into drug use by a female manager of an adult entertainment establishment,” although further information remains pending as investigations continue. The situation underscores the ongoing scrutiny surrounding drug-related issues in the entertainment sector, with several individuals facing investigations to determine the veracity of these claims.

On October 25, it was reported that G-Dragon had been booked by the Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency under suspicion of violating the Act on the Control of Narcotics, Etc. He later issued an official statement through his legal representatives. Although the statement is brief, it assures VIPs that the BIGBANG member is innocent of the recent drug abuse allegations.

Later, G-Dragon’s lawyer Kim Soo Hyun shared a new statement about the drug-relation investigation.

“This is Kwon Ji Yong’s (G-Dragon’s) advisory counsel, lawyer Kim Soo Hyun of K1 Chamber LLP. As clearly revealed already, it is not true that Kwon Ji Yong used drugs,” the statement read.

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PENTAGON’s Hongseok Leaves CUBE Entertainment

CUBE Entertainment has lost another PENTAGON member. Hongseok has just been confirmed to depart from the agency. This makes Yang Hong-seok the sixth member of the idol group to leave the company.

Hongseok Becomes 6th PENTAGON Member To Officially Leave CUBE Entertainment

On November 6, CUBE Entertainment issued a statement confirming Hongseok’s departure from the agency.

“We are here to inform you that PENTAGON member Hongseok and Cube Entertainment’s exclusive contract has been terminated,” the statement read. “We shared many conversations with Hongseok regarding his activities, and as a result, we made the decision to end our contract.”

“We are grateful for Hong Seok’s hard work, who debuted as a member of PENTAGON back in 2016, and for unsparingly showing his passion and talent as a member of CUBE Entertainment. We look forward to and cheer for Hong Seok’s even more brilliant steps forward,” it continues.

“Please show your warm support and encouragement for Hong Seok of PENTAGON even after his departure from CUBE Entertainment, who will be starting anew,” the statement concluded.

Since the announcement, Hongseok shared a message to his fans on his official Instagram account. “CUBE Entertainment about 9 years together. Thanks to you, I met a team called PENTAGON, I gained a brother. And most of all, meet the UNIVERSE,” he wrote. “It was a series of happy times. Staying cool in front of you, I’ll turn up, Always be grateful!”

On October 9, CUBE Entertainment confirmed that Yeo One, Yan An, Yuto, Kino, and Wooseok decided against renewing their contracts with the company. This makes Hongseok the sixth member of PENTAGON to leave the agency. However, Yeo One also assured fans that the group will continue promoting despite their departure from their former company.

In related news, all members of BTOB decided to leave CUBE Entertainment after 11 years with the company.

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LE SSERAFIM Shows Support for LA Lakers During NBA Game

LE SSERAFIM poses with their customized LA Lakers jerseys. Credit: Twitter/Lakers

It’s the collaboration between K-pop and basketball that we didn’t saw coming! Girl group LE SSERAFIM took center stage as special guests of the NBA team Los Angeles Lakers. 

On Wednesday, November 1, the quintet stole the spotlight at the Crypto.com Arena as they witnessed the electrifying showdown between the Lakers and the Clippers.

Speculations about a potential collaboration between the two were prompted by an intriguing Instagram post from member Yunjin. In her photo, she shared the customized Lakers jerseys adorned with the names of the LE SSERAFIM members and their chosen numbers. 

LE SSERAFIM as Lakers Girls

During their appearance, the group was affectionately referred to as the Laker Girls cheerleaders. And to further amp up the excitement, LE SSERAFIM even treated the attendees with a performance of their  hit song “ANTIFRAGILE.”

As fate would have it, the LA Lakers emerged victorious over their local rivals, the LA Clippers. Notably, the win ended an 11-game losing streak.

In the aftermath of this victory, LE SSERAFIM was affectionately dubbed the “Victory Fairy” by sports fans. 

Moreover, the fun extended beyond the game itself, as members of LE SSERAFIM had the opportunity to meet some of the Lakers’ key players. For example, Magic Johnson, one of the iconic point guards of the Lakers and one of the most accomplished figures in basketball history, welcomed the K-pop stars with open arms. 

 

On social media, both K-pop fans and sports enthusiasts were delighted by the encounter. Some fans couldn’t help but notice and poke fun the height difference between the towering Magic Johnson and the members of LE SSERAFIM.

The ‘ANTIFRAGILE’ singers in the US

Interestingly, the Lakers game was just one of the many highlights in the group’s series of promotional activities in the United States. 

Primarily, the group is in the US to  promote their latest digital single, “Perfect Night.” Since this new song is a collaboration with the popular video game Overwatch 2, the group also attended the second night of BlizzCon 2023. 

In October, game developer BLIZZARD Entertainment announced the unexpected crossover between Overwatch and LE SSERAFIM. Not only did this collaboration delighted fans of both the game and the group but it also introduced their music to a new global audience.

Adding to their list of impressive appearances, LE SSERAFIM is also set to make their  television debut on Today with Hoda & Jenna. Furthermore, the group also performed at Grammy Museum’s Global Spin Live, solidifying their status as international superstars.

Featured image: LE SSERAFIM poses with their customized LA Lakers jerseys. Credit: Twitter/Lakers

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HyunA Signs Contract With AT AREA

HyunA changes her Instagram profile photo. Credit: Instagram/HyunA

Singer HyunA is set to embark on a new chapter in her career as she inked a contract with agency AT AREA. 

On Monday, November 6, the label confirmed to Korean media that the idol is now under their artist roster. “We will support HyunA in expanding her musical spectrum while she tries new music and performances,” they said. 

Notably, this move marks a significant development for the artist as it serves her return to an agency more than a year. She hasn’t been under any agency since she departed from in August 2022.

AT AREA, an agency founded in 2021 by the music production duo GroovyRoom, is home to a diverse roster of artists. Among their artists include GEMINI, Mirani, BLASÉ, and even HyunA’s ex-boyfriend and fellow solo artist, DAWN. 

Given the history between HyunA and DAWN, fans couldn’t help but wonder if the female artist signed with AT AREA because of her former flame. 

But the agency was quick to address the rumors, clarifying that the professional move does not indicate a romantic rekindling between the two stars. “DAWN was not the reason she signed with us,” the agency explained. They also added that the two being labelmates doesn’t mean that they’re “back together.”

Moreover, the ex-couple maintained their friendship despite splitting in November 2022. The two had a six-year relationship and even got engaged in February 2022. 

What’s next for HyunA under AT AREA?

Additionally, the move to AT AREA t came on the heels of a teaser that the singer dropped on Sunday, November 5.

In a surprise announcement, she released a trailer titled “This is HyunA’s ________” through her official YouTube channel. It left fans abuzz with speculation about what she might have in store for them with this exciting new project.

Also following the confirmation of the artist’s move to AT AREA, the agency released performance videos of HyunA’s new song titled “ATTITUDE.” 

 

For those unaware, HyunA first made her debut in 2007 as a member of the iconic girl group Wonder Girls. However, her time with the group was short-lived, and she left them the same year. In 2009, she re-emerged on the K-pop scene as a member of the highly popular girl group 4Minute. 

Yet, it was her solo career, which began in 2010, that truly catapulted her to stardom. Throughout her solo career, HyunA delivered chart-topping hits like “Bubble Pop” in 2011, “Ice Cream” in 2012, and “Lip & Hip” in 2017. 

Now that she’s under AT AREA, fans are looking forward to the next move of this talented artist.

Featured image: HyunA changes her Instagram profile photo. Credit: Instagram/HyunA

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BTOB Officially Leaving CUBE Entertainment

After a long wait, BTOB has finally made a decision about their contracts. All members of the idol group have decided not to renew their exclusive contracts with CUBE Entertainment. However, it has not yet been disclosed whether the group will continue to promote together with different companies.

CUBE Entertainment Confirm BTOB’s Departure

On November 6th, CUBE Entertainment disclosed that their longstanding contract with BTOB has reached its conclusion. After 11 years of collaboration, both parties have amicably decided not to renew the contract, marking the end of an era for BTOB’s journey under the agency.

“We discussed carefully with the members for a long time ahead of the expiration of our second exclusive contract with BTOB, and we made a mutual agreement to not renew our contract,” the statement read.

“With this, CUBE Entertainment and BTOB members Seo Eunkwang, Lee Minhyuk, Lee Changsub, Lim Hyunsik, Peniel, and Yuk Sungjae are wrapping up our 11-year work relationship,” it continued.

The company also expressed their appreciation for BTOB’s fans.

“We would like to thank BTOB for their proud achievements as a member of CUBE Entertainment for a long time, and we thank their fans MELODY for always being supportive of BTOB,” the statement added. “The relationship between CUBE Entertainment and BTOB has unfortunately come to an end here, but we will sincerely support the new growth and shining future of the BTOB members with endless possibilities.”

“Please show your unwavering love to BTOB who will be starting their new journey,” it concluded.

It was previously reported that the agency was hoping that all six members of BTOB would renew their contracts this year. On the other hand, it looks like the idols are ready to explore other possibilities.

The significant development reflects a bittersweet farewell for the group and the entertainment company, as they part ways with mutual respect and appreciation for the time spent together.

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CUBE Entertainment Comments on BTOB Contract Renewal

BTOB poses for their 'Wind and Wish' album. Credit: Facebook/BTOB

Amidst reports of the members’ contract expiration, CUBE Entertainment revealed that the discussion on the BTOB members’ renewal is still underway. 

On Wednesday, November 1, a media outlet claimed that K-pop boy group BTOB  is currently engaged in negotiations with agency CUBE Entertainment for a second contract renewal. And as of now, no official agreement has been reached.

 

Additionally, some reports also hinted at the possibility of some BTOB members exploring the prospect of moving to different agencies. 

Meanwhile, other reports claimed that BTOB is keen on staying together as a group even if they part ways with CUBE Entertainment.

Furthermore, various outlets went as far as claiming that members have been in contact with multiple agencies. Some of which  have reportedly offered substantial fees, such as up to ₩6 billion as a down payment to secure the group in their roster. 

In response to the reports, CUBE Entertainment issued a brief statement on the ongoing discussion. “As some BTOB members’ contract periods have not yet ended, we plan to do our best until the contract terms conclude. The members are also exploring various options and sorting out the situation,” they said.  

As to the reported contract fee of ₩6 billion, the agency clarified that it’s unrelated to Cube Entertainment. Hence, they won’t be able to properly comment on it. 

What’s next for BTOB? 

Speculations surrounding BTOB’s contract renewal began gaining momentum in late August when several media outlets claimed that the members’ contracts were set to expire by September. As of writing, there’s still no official decision and indication as to what will happen next to the group. 

Known for their incredible vocal talent and versatility, BTOB debuted under CUBE Entertainment in 2012 as a seven-member group. In 2018, all the members renewed their exclusive contracts with CUBE Entertainment, solidifying their commitment to continue their journey together. 

Since their debut, the group has not only achieved immense success in the K-pop music scene but also ventured into various fields, including dramas, variety shows, and musicals.

In December 2020, Ilhoon left the group, reducing their lineup to six members. Currently, the members include Seo Eun-Kwang, Lee Min-Hyuk, Lee Chang-Sub, Im Hyun-Sik, Peniel Shin, and Yook Sung-Jae.

In May, the group released their 12th mini-album Wind and Wash. 

Despite the uncertainty surrounding their contract renewal, fans are eagerly awaiting for BTOB’s decision. Many of their fans are already showing support for any possible outcome.

Featured image: BTOB poses for their ‘Wind and Wish’ album. Credit: Facebook/BTOB

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Fans Angered by Manager Scolding ZEROBASEONE’s Ricky

ZEROBASEONE's Ricky updates fans with new photo. Credit: Twitter/ZEROBASEONE

ZEROSE, fans of K-pop rookie boy group ZEROBASEONE, have expressed their discontent following a recent incident involving member Ricky and a manager. 

On Tuesday, October 31, Ricky initiated a solo live stream to catch up with his fans. Aside from him, fellow ZEROBASEONE members Gyuvin and Gunwook are also doing a live stream in the same room as him.

Since a single device couldn’t accommodate all three members comfortably, they decided to do a live stream simultaneously through different phones. 

During the live stream, Gunwook was seen telling Ricky to check his KakaoTalk. Although Gunwook muted his live, Ricky didn’t. Which left fans able to hear that the latter was being instructed to conclude the live stream.

In response, Ricky abruptly ended his stream after apologizing to fans., “I have to end the live now, bye. I don’t think I can continue, sorry,” he said. 

Even though Ricky’s stream has ended, Gunwook and Gyuvin continued their live session.

And through that,  fans were able to discern a series of voices, which they deduced belonged to the manager. According to fans, the manager could be heard scolding Ricky in the background, uttering phrases like: “You didn’t inform us before you started the live show” and “Do you understand what I’m saying.” 

Apologize to Ricky

Recordings of the incident quickly circulated on social media, with fans deeming the manager’s reprimand as overly severe.

Many are upset at how the manager treated the idol, given that Ricky starting a stream without informing them shouldn’t be considered to be a major transgression. Additionally, some fans are also in disbelief at the manager’s brazen actions given that other ZEROBASEONE members are also present in the room. 

Following the incident, fans of ZEROBASEONE and Ricky are calling for the management, particularly the group’s agency, WAKEONE, to take appropriate measures against the manager’s deeds. Moreover, some supporters have also sent complaints regarding what they view as excessive and condescending treatment toward Ricky.

As of writing, WAKEONE Entertainment and Ricky have yet to address the issue. 

Currently, ZEROBASEONE is gearing up for their upcoming comeback with Melting Point. ZEROBASEONE or ZB1 is a nine-member group formed via Boys Planet. 

Aside from Ricky, the other members are Sung Han-bin, Zhang Hao, Seok Matthew, and Kim Tae-rae. Ji Woong, Kim Gyu-vin, Park Gun-wook, and Han Yu-jin are also part of the lineup.

ZB1 made their debut on July 10 with the release of their mini-album YOUTH IN THE SHADE.  Shortly after, YOUTH IN THE SHADE set the record for being the best-selling debut album in K-pop history. Over 1,240,700 copies were sold in just 24 hours of sales.

Featured image: ZEROBASEONE’s Ricky updates fans with new photo. Credit: Twitter/ZEROBASEONE

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Moon Jong Up Makes 1st Solo Comeback in More Than 2 Years

Moon Jong Up updates fans with new photos. Credit: Twitter/Jongup

The long wait is over as B.A.P’s Moon Jong Up finally returned with his second mini-album, SOME, on Monday, October 30. 

In SOME, five songs are included  in the album with “X.O.X“ as the title track. Meanwhile, it’s sub-title “Common” has two versions: Korean and English. 

Moreover, SOME marks Jong Up’s first solo comeback in more than two years and 3 months. His last solo release was the min-album US, which  was released in July 2021. 

Moon Jong Up on being a solo artist

In an interview with allkpop, Jong Up looked back on his career, including pursuing a solo career outside of B.A.P. activities. 

“There was definitely a lot of pressure going solo. With the energy and everything that I have shown when I was part of a group, I don’t want to come out as a solo artist to disappoint with my releases,” he said. 

The artist added that he wants to show to his fans a “different performance and side” of him that they haven’t seen yet. Moreover, he also admitted that while doing solo activities is a difficult experience, it also helped him mature as an artist. 

Additionally, Jong Up also opened up about his involvement in the production of the album. As well as his thought process in penning the lyrics for the tracks. 

“I really put my personal story and emotions into it because I wanted to embed my own color into this song,” he said. 

And his hardwork is definitely paying off as charts showed that he’s broken his personal record for album sales with SOME. 

According to the Hanteo chart, SOME has recorded exactly 9,642 album sales on its first day. It surpassed the 600 units sold on the first day for his debut album US. Furthermore, SOME also has become his highest-selling album in first-week sales.  

Jong Up’s career

Moon Jong Up debuted as a member of the K-pop group B.A.P in 2012. However, he left TS Entertainment in 2019, alongside three other B.A.P members. 

Despite being under different agencies, the B.A.P members remain close and supportive of each other. In fact, the B.A.P members congratulated Jongup for the release of SOME. 

Prior to making his solo comeback, Jong Up also participated in the JBTC survival show Peak Time. There, he placed first in the global individual votes and his team finished third overall. 

Featured image: Moon Jong Up updates fans with new photos. Credit: Twitter/Jong Up

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BTS’s V Solo Album ‘Layover’ Celebrates 7 Consecutive Weeks On Billboard 200

V has achieved a historic milestone on the Billboard 200, solidifying his position as a record-breaking artist in the global music industry. The success comes with the BTS member’s solo album ‘Layover’, which continues to dominate global charts.

‘Layover’ Celebrates 7th Week in the Billboard 200

V made his solo debut with the album ‘Layover’ in September, which promptly landed on the Billboard 200 chart at an impressive No. 2. The remarkable achievement equalled the record set by his fellow BTS members Jimin and Suga as the highest-ranking Korean solo albums on the chart.

The latest feat ensured V’s status as the first K-pop solo artist to maintain a presence on the Billboard 200 for seven consecutive weeks. Since its debut, ‘Layover’ has retained a spot on the chart, and for the week ending on November 4, it impressively held position at No. 160.

‘Layover’ is only the second Korean solo album to have achieved such longevity on the Billboard 200. V’s bandmate RM previously charted for seven weeks with his solo album ‘Indigo’, albeit with non-consecutive weeks.

Beyond the Billboard 200, ‘Layover’ climbed to No. 13 on Billboard’s Top Current Album Sales chart and No. 18 on the Top Album Sales chart during its seventh week on both charts.

V’s title track “Slow Dancing” also maintained its presence on the Billboard charts as well. It ascended to No. 30 on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart and No. 54 on the Global 200 chart during its seventh week. His pre-release single “Love Me Again” also saw success, re-entering the charts at No. 116 on the Global Excl. U.S. chart during its 11th week.

V’s impact as a solo artist extended to the Billboard Artist 100, where he secured the No. 83 position, marking his ninth appearance on the chart, showcasing the enduring influence of his solo work. V’s groundbreaking achievements underscore his status as an exceptional artist, not only within the K-pop realm but also on the international music stage.

‘Layover’ was released on September 8, 2023.

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