Category: KPOP NEWS

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NCT’s TEN Reveals Top 3 Favorite SM Entertainment Hyungs

As an NCT member, TEN is considered one of the hyungs with younger members to look out for. But who are the people he admire and respect? The WayV member just revealed his top three favorite SM Entertainment hyungs in a new interview.

TEN Discusses Favorite SM Entertainment Hyungs in ‘Bam House’

In an episode of GOT7 member BamBam’s YouTube series “Bam House”, TEN was featured as the guest as part of his recent activities with WayV, who were celebrating the release of their second album, ‘On My Youth.’

During the discussion, BamBam mentioned that SHINee’s Key had previously praised TEN during his guest appearance on the show, acknowledging TEN as one of his top three cherished dongsaengs within SM Entertainment. The humble TEN admitted he was flattered to place third in Key’s list.

“I like it. It’s an honor to be in TOP 3. And he’s a senior whom I really like, so I feel happier,” he said.

BamBam then turned the tables and asked TEN, “Who are your top three SM Entertainment hyungs?”

TEN faced a bit of difficulty in making his selections but eventually shared his top three favorite SM Entertainment hyungs.

“I think a lot of SHINee members are on the list. Taemin, Key, and Yunho,” he said before further elaborating, “I enjoy discussing work-related matters with them.”

The revelation sheds light on the strong camaraderie and respect that exists among the artists at SM Entertainment, with TEN holding a special place for his fellow colleagues Taemin, Key, and Yunho. His selections reflect the genuine bond and mutual admiration shared between these artists within the entertainment industry.

In related news, Taemin recently made his solo comeback with the EP ‘Guilty’. The mini album is the SHINEE maknae‘s fourth solo release and the title track of the same name was released on October 30, 2023.

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BLACKPINK’s LISA Inducted as Cultural Icon in ‘Asian Hall of Fame’

BLACKPINK’s Lisa has achieved a momentous milestone in her illustrious career by being inducted as a Cultural Icon into the ‘Asian Hall of Fame.’ This remarkable honor serves as a testament to her status as a global superstar and a significant influencer in the cultural landscape.

Lisa Confirmed as a Cultural Icon by the ‘Asian Hall of Fame’

What makes this achievement even more exceptional is the fact that Lisa is the first K-pop artist to receive this prestigious recognition since the establishment of the Hall of Fame in 2004. Her induction not only highlights her remarkable journey but also underscores the far-reaching impact of Asian artists on the world stage. By joining the ranks of legendary figures like Queen’s Freddie Mercury and esteemed Japanese composer Ryuichi Sakamoto, Lisa’s inclusion heralds a new era for the Asian Hall of Fame, celebrating the diversity and dynamism of Asian artistic contributions to the global cultural tapestry.

Lisa‘s ascent to global stardom has been nothing short of extraordinary, marked by a series of groundbreaking accomplishments that have firmly established her as a powerhouse in the music industry. Her solo debut made waves worldwide, breaking records on YouTube for the most views within the first 24 hours of a music video’s release and ultimately becoming the most-watched video of the year. On Spotify, she made history as the first K-pop solo artist to exceed one billion streams for a single track, while her album garnered the title of the most streamed album by a K-pop solo artist on the platform.

Lisa as a Solo Artist

Despite not releasing new music as a solo artist since 2021, Lisa’s popularity continues to soar. Her monthly listeners on Spotify have recently exceeded 9.34 million, showcasing her enduring appeal. Furthermore, her hit song “Money” remains on its path to reaching one billion views on YouTube, amassing an impressive 923 million views to date.

Lisa’s journey is a testament to her exceptional talent, global influence, and enduring popularity as a multifaceted artist, and her induction as a Cultural Icon into the ‘Asian Hall of Fame’ is a well-deserved acknowledgment of her profound impact on the world of music and culture.

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SEVENTEEN’s Hoshi Reveals Hilarious Reason for Renewing HYBE Contract

Hoshi from SEVENTEEN has captured the spotlight for a relatable and comical reason behind his decision to renew his contract with HYBE Labels. The SEVENTEEN BSS member admitted he was mainly motivated by good food when it was time to decide on renewing his HYBE contract!

SEVENTEEN’s Hoshi Reveals The Real Reason for Renewing HYBE Contract

During a recent appearance on the YouTube show ‘Salon Drip’, hosted by Jang Do Yeon, Hoshi candidly shared he was impressed with the HYBE building.

“I am so thankful that we are a part of HYBE now,” he said. “The company building is so tall, it’s so cool inside when the weather is warm, it’s warm inside when the weather is cold, we can enter with face recognition, they give us transportation wherever we go… it used to be during our debut days that we were always dying of heat when the weather was warm, we were freezing to death when the weather was cold, and we were always cramped with so many people in a small space.”

When asked what is the best thing about being with HYBE, Hoshi pointed out that SEVENTEEN members can now enjoy good food regularly.

“To be honest, there are so many great things about HYBE… but I guess for me, the essentials are important,” he said. “So I ordered ramyeon at the company cafeteria. I was expecting the regular ramyeon, but what I got was ramyeon was topped with abalone and octopus.”

This was clearly an eye-opener for Hoshi. “Right at that moment, I knew that I had to renew with the company,” he declared.

Is SEVENTEEN Signed with HYBE?

While SEVENTEEN is still signed with PLEDIS Entertainment, HYBE Corporation acquired the majority of shares in the label on May 25, 2020, with PLEDIS remaining an independent entity. As a result, technically, SEVENTEEN is signed to both PLEDIS Entertainment and HYBE. In July 2021, all SEVENTEEN members, including Hoshi, renewed their HYBE contract.

Hoshi’s humorous anecdote about escalating meal costs offers a glimpse into the more relatable aspects of being a successful K-pop idol. His decision to continue his journey with HYBE reinforces the strong bond between the members of SEVENTEEN and their commitment to continue creating music together under the label’s banner.

SEVENTEEN recently released the new single “God of Music” from the album ‘SEVENTEENTH HEAVEN’.

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KARD Prepare for International Promos By Signing with United Talented Agency

KARD is getting ready to take over the world! The co-ed group has just been confirmed to be preparing for international promos. In line with that, the idols have signed with a new agency to promote across the globe!

KARD Signs With United Talent Agency For International Promos

On November 2, KARD made a significant move in their international endeavors by signing with United Talent Agency (UTA) for their promotions outside of South Korea. UTA announced that they would represent KARD in regions including North America, South America, the United Kingdom, and Europe. UTA, headquartered in California, boasts a global presence with offices in New York, London, Chicago, Nashville, and Atlanta.

Despite this new partnership, KARD’s management will also continue to be overseen by DSP Media, which became a part of the RBW family last year.

United Talent Agency (UTA) is home to an impressive roster of renowned artists spanning various music genres, reinforcing its stature in the industry. This includes top-tier artists such as Cardi B, Lil Nas X, Post Malone, Halsey, Rosalía, Karol G, Guns N’ Roses, Jason Derulo, J Cole, Paramore, Common, Jimmy Eat World, Anitta, and 21 Savage. The agency also represents Lizzo, The Jonas Brothers, Latto, Machine Gun Kelly, Florence and the Machine, Lil Wayne, Marshmello, The Kid LAROI, Bebe Rexha, and many more.

KARD’s collaboration with UTA marks a significant step towards expanding their global reach and also gaining recognition in music markets beyond their home country. With such a powerhouse agency behind them, KARD is also poised to make waves and captivate audiences in new territories.

KARD is also known for being one of the first co-ed groups in South Korea. They are composed of members J.Seph, BM, Somin, and Jiwoo who officially debuted with their EP ‘Hola Hola’ on July 19, 2017. They recently made a comeback with the single album ‘ICKY‘.

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RBW Entertainment To Debut New Boy Group NXD

RBW is gearing up to debut their first new boy group in nearly half a decade, creating excitement among K-pop enthusiasts. The new idol group will also consist of former contestants from “Boys Planet” and “Fantasy Boys”!

RBW Reveals New Boy Group

Officially announced on November 3, RBW is set to introduce NXD, a five-member boy group poised to make their mark in the K-pop scene. The group’s lineup includes Hiroto, who garnered recognition as a participant on “Boys Planet,” as well as Hwang Jaemin, Kang Daehyeon, and Park Hyeonggeun, all former contestants from “Fantasy Boys.” Rounding out the quintet is Lee Yongjoon, a new talent ready to shine.

In preparation for their highly anticipated debut, NXD is gearing up to launch their official social media accounts on November 9. This milestone will mark the beginning of an exciting journey for both the group and their fans. Fans can look forward to a diverse range of pre-debut content, providing glimpses into the talents and personalities of the members, and building anticipation for their official debut.

RBW, the entertainment company behind NXD, is renowned for its track record of creating successful idol groups. They’ve introduced iconic acts like MAMAMOO, ONEUS, and PURPLE KISS to the K-pop landscape, solidifying their position as a major player in the industry. Additionally, RBW houses the band ONEWE, showcasing the company’s versatility in nurturing a wide range of musical talents.

With the official introduction of NXD, RBW continues to shape the future of K-pop and add another promising group to their impressive roster. As fans await the debut of NXD, there’s excitement in the air, as the group promises to bring fresh energy and talent to the K-pop scene.

In related news, ONEUS recently made a successful comeback with the EP ‘La Dolce Vita’ and the single ‘Baila Conmigo’.

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What Happened to the Students Sponsored by BTS’s Jimin?

One of the students who received a scholarship from BTS‘s Jimin recently got accepted into their dream school. They sent a thank-you letter to the Green Umbrella Children’s Foundation to thank the idol. In the letter, the student wrote, “The scholarship allowed me to focus on my studies. I aspire to be someone who can have a positive impact. Thank you.”

 In August, Jimin contributed 30 million KRW to the “Thank You, Senior!” project through the Green Umbrella Children’s Foundation’s Busan branch. His contribution, combined with those from various leaders, supported a broader initiative to assist students in need in Busan. The project focused on enhancing educational settings and awarding scholarships. It aimed to bridge the educational divide and foster a community of support between alumni and current students.

 The “Thank You, Senior!” project was a collaboration between the Busan Ilbo newspaper and the Busan branch of the Green Umbrella Children’s Foundation. It raised 193 million KRW, marking a significant step forward in the fight against educational inequality in Busan. Its success helped ensure that students from underprivileged backgrounds have access to better opportunities.

@bts_official_bighit

(다급)지민씨! 지민씨! 🐣네? 🤳뽀삐 뽀삐뽀😐 뽀삐뽀😮‍💨 #아미들이좋아한다니까하는데그래서이게뭐라구요❓️ #지민 #Jimin

♬ 오리지널 사운드 – BTS – BTS

Jimin truly cares

 The project began in July and concluded last month. It not only drew support from various benefactors, including CEOs and directors, but also sparked a potential for national expansion. Other branches of the Green Umbrella Children’s Foundation are now considering launching their own campaigns.

 The “Like Crazy” hitmaker has done a lot of nice things. He once paid for kids’ school uniforms and donated a significant amount of money to help schools in Busan. He also bought 1200 new desks for his alma mater, the Busan Arts High School. Jimin has given money to the International Rotary and the Jeonnam Education Center for the Future. 

But he didn’t stop there. Jimin also donated to the education boards in Gangwon-do and Chungcheongbuk-do. Finally, he sent financial support to UNICEF, which helps kids all over the world. All this shows that Jimin is really using his fame and money to do good things for others. It’s great to see a celebrity who truly cares about giving back and making a real difference. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jimin’s act of kindness towards students from Busan bore fruit. Source: X/@BIGHIT_INFO.

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HYBE Revenues Soar Thanks to BTS and SEVENTEEN

HYBE has announced a substantial 20.7% year-over-year growth in its third-quarter revenues, reaching a remarkable 537.9 billion KRW (410 million USD). This impressive performance is largely attributed to the strong album sales and the successful world tour of the group SEVENTEEN.

BTS and SVT have had a stellar year

SEVENTEEN has had a stellar year, selling 11 million albums in the first nine months of 2023 alone. Their latest EP, SEVENTEENTH HEAVEN, released on October 23, accounted for 5.1 million copies in just its first week. The group’s popularity also translated into sold-out concerts, with 18 shows across nine Asian cities, including a series of concerts at some of Japan’s biggest venues, drawing in 515,000 fans. In the third quarter, SEVENTEEN‘s two shows at the Tokyo Dome and a concert at Seoul’s Gocheok Sky Dome were particularly notable.

The effect of the BTS members’ solo projects on HYBE’s financial success can’t be overlooked or overstated. V‘s Layover sold 2.1 million copies in the week following its September 8 release. After j-hope‘s debut studio album Jack in the Box topped the iTunes chart in 49 markets, a traditional CD version was released in August. It contained five additional tracks. Agust D, better known as BTS member SUGA, did 28 shows across 10 cities in Asia and North America.

HYBE’s music sales saw a whopping 104.4% increase from the previous year, reaching 264.1 billion KRW (201 million USD), and concert revenue surged by 83.9% to 86.9 billion KRW (66 million USD). However, concert revenue did see a 44.8% decline from the previous quarter. Weverse, HYBE’s fan community platform, increased its monthly active users to 10.5 million in the third quarter, up from 9.5% in the previous quarter and 6.9 million in the third quarter of 2022.

HYBE continues its dominance

The acquisition of the Atlanta-based hip-hop label Quality Control also made a significant impact. With acts like Lil Baby and Migos, Quality Control contributed to 19% of the company’s streaming revenue for the quarter. Country music powerhouse Big Machine Label Group, acquired through the purchase of Scooter Braun’s Ithaca Holdings in 2021, accounted for 27% of the third-quarter streaming revenue. South Korean labels claimed a 54% share.

HYBE’s shares rose by 5.4% to 243,000 KRW (180.89 USD) in early trading on Thursday in South Korea. Other financial highlights include a 21.3% increase in fan club revenue to 21 billion KRW (16 million USD) and a net profit improvement of 5.9% to 98.6 billion KRW (75 million USD), despite a 25.3% decrease in merchandising and licensing revenue to 85.7 billion KRW (65 million USD).

With these robust figures, HYBE continues to solidify its position as a dominant force in the global music industry. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: To say that HYBE is doing well for itself would be an understatement. Source: Yonhap News Agency.

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ENHYPEN to Perform ‘Baby Shark’s Big Movie’ Song at Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

ENHYPEN is making waves as they prepare to perform at the 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The septet voiced an underwater K-pop band of belugas in Baby Shark’s Big Movie. They also did a song for the movie titled “Keep Swimmin’ Through.” 

Baby Shark’s Big Movie | “Keep Swimmin’ Through” Music Video ft. ENHYPEN | Paramount+

The film boasts an impressive cast, including Cardi B, Kulture, and Offset, who will reprise their roles from the TV show, alongside celebs like Ashley Tisdale, Lance Bass, and Patrick Warburton. It follows Baby Shark as he faces the evil pop starfish Stariana, who plots to steal his singing ability to conquer the underwater music scene. Baby Shark must overcome her magic to restore peace to the ocean. Fans can catch the premiere on Nickelodeon this December and stream it on Paramount+.

Pinkfong, Baby Shark’s creator, confirmed that ENHYPEN will premiere “Keep Swimmin’ Through,” which they recorded for the movie, at the parade. Jungwon, Heeseung, Jay, Jake, Sunghoon, Sunoo, and Ni-ki will perform aboard Nickelodeon and Pinkfong’s Baby Shark float, which features a huge 25-foot-long Baby Shark balloon and an 18-foot-long float that brings an enchanting underwater seascape to life.

ENHYPEN will be exposed to a broader audience

“Keep Swimmin’ Through” hit streaming platforms worldwide today, November 3, setting the stage for ENHYPEN’s forthcoming album ORANGE BLOOD. Jake told the media that “this album is our best album to date,” raising anticipation for its release on November 17.

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, a beloved New York City tradition since 1924, will start at 8:30 AM ET on November 23. Aside from ENHYPEN, Western artists like Bell Biv Devoe, Brandy, Cher, Chicago, Jon Batiste, and Pentatonix are also on hand to perform. Famous for its balloons, floats, and live music, the parade is a cornerstone of the holidays. Last year, 28 million viewers tuned in to watch the spectacle unfold on the streets of Manhattan.

ENHYPEN‘s performance at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a significant achievement for them. It demonstrates their increasing popularity worldwide and the growing importance of K-pop in American music. By participating in the parade, they will be exposed to a broader audience. That could attract new fans and enhance their global recognition. Additionally, their inclusion in the lineup emphasizes the diversity and international appeal of the performers at this event. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: This performance could help the boys connect with new fans in America. Source: X/@BELIFTLAB.

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BTS’s Jungkook Scheduled for Two Appearances on U.S. Television

ARMY, mark your calendars! BTS‘s Jungkook is about to light up American television with his upcoming solo appearances. He’s set to make his late-night debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on November 6, with Jimmy Fallon himself hyping up the appearance with an Instagram Reel set to Jungkook‘s single “Seven (feat. Latto).”

Jung Kook Is Making His Solo Tonight Show Debut!

In the playful teaser, Fallon marks Jungkook‘s name on the calendar for November 6, followed by Jungkook‘s voice announcing, “See you soon.” This appearance follows in the footsteps of fellow BTS members Jimin and SUGA, who have also graced Fallon‘s stage solo.

But that’s not all—Jungkook is also heading to The Today Show as part of its Citi Concert Series. He will perform new and old tracks on the November 8 episode of the show. Set your alarms, ARMY—the South Korean superstar will hit the stage at 8:00 AM ET.

@todayshow

This is 🚨 NOT A DRILL 🚨 #JungKook is coming to #TODAYShow as an addition to the #CitiConcertSeries on November 8! #SEVEN #3D #JeonJungKook #BTSARMY #BTS

♬ оригинальный звук – nuni ☆

Jungkook is no stranger to the spotlight

Having already performed solo on shows like the BBC’s Live Lounge, the Global Citizen Festival, and Good Morning America, Jungkook is no stranger to the spotlight. His debut solo album GOLDEN dropped today, November 3, featuring the hit “3D (feat. Jack Harlow),” clean and explicit versions of “Seven (feat. Latto),” and his new single “Standing Next to You.”

Jungkook‘s recent collaboration with The Kid LAROI, “TOO MUCH,” debuted at No. 44 on the Hot 100, tying PSY‘s record for the most Hot 100 entries by a Korean solo artist. The track also hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Digital Song Sales chart and No. 25 on the Pop Airplay chart. Off the back of these achievements, Jungkook has re-entered Billboard’s Artist 100 at No. 71, His re-entry is a historic moment, marking him as the first Korean soloist to spend 11 weeks on the chart. This milestone is a clear indicator of his growing influence and the love and support of the fans.

Congratulations to Jungkook on his continued success and upcoming U.S. television appearances! – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Brace yourself, America. Jungkook is coming to a TV screen near you! Source: X/@TODAYshow.

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ATTRAKT to Revive ‘FIFTY FIFTY’ with Keena and New Members

ATTRAKT has revealed plans to reorganize the K-pop girl group FIFTY FIFTY. This comes after new developments in the agency’s legal battle with the group’s former members Aran, Sana, and Sio. The group’s sole original member, Keena, will be the center of the new lineup. She will be joined by three new members. While there’s no set date for the group’s comeback yet, fans are eager to meet the new lineup.

FIFTY FIFTY debuted in November 2022 with their mini album The Fifty and gained international fame with “Cupid,” which went viral on TikTok. However, in June 2023, the K-pop world was stunned when all four members filed to suspend their contracts with ATTRAKT. They cited violations on the part of the agency. In August, their request was dismissed. Although Keena initially planned to file an appeal alongside the other girls, she ultimately withdrew and returned to ATTRAKT.

Upon her return, Keena revealed that Ahn Sung Il of The Givers gaslit the girls into turning against ATTRAKT. Meanwhile, the agency terminated the contracts of the other three girls and announced plans to build a second generation of FIFTY FIFTY around Keena. An industry insider disclosed that Keena has returned to Seoul, signaling a new chapter for the group.

@we_fiftyfifty

Cupid Challenge by KEENA #CupidChallenge #KEENA #키나 #FIFTYFIFTY #Cupid #피프티피프티 #큐피드 #큐피드챌린지

♬ Cupid – FIFTY FIFTY

The group’s comeback might be delayed

Keena’s mother played a pivotal role in her daughter’s return to ATTRAKT. According to an industry insider, “It was Keena‘s mother’s comment that changed CEO Jeon Hong Joon’s mind. The court’s dismissal was on August 28, but Keena‘s mother had left a comment in early August saying Keena would return. It was not a decision made after the dismissal, but Keena had already decided to return. The fact that she had been persuading the members since July became a significant reason for the reorganization and comeback.”

FIFTY FIFTY has also been nominated for the ‘2023 Billboard Music Awards’ in two categories. Even with the current situation in Israel and Palestine potentially preventing offline events, Keena is committed to attending the ceremony, whether in-person or virtually.

In related developments, ATTRAKT has partnered with Studio Jam to produce a new girl group audition program, reaffirming their ambition to conquer the K-pop scene and the Billboard charts. This focus suggests that FIFTY FIFTY’s comeback might be delayed, with the new members emerging from these auditions. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Can you imagine a new FIFTY FIFTY with Keena as center? Source: X/@we_fiftyfifty.

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