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Rowoon Opens Up About Leaving SF9 for the First Time

South Korean singer and actor Rowoon has opened up about his thoughts on his departure from the K-pop boy group SF9

During a press event for his new series The Matchmakers, Rowoon shed light on the reasons behind his decision to part ways with SF9 after seven years. 

In September, FNC Entertainment made the announcement that Rowoon would no longer be actively promoting with SF9. With this, the group would continue its activities with just eight members. This news took many fans by surprise, as Rowoon had been an integral part of the group since its debut in October 2016, having dedicated seven years to SF9.

“I left the group because I wanted to become more serious about acting, and I wanted to get better at it,” the idol-actor said, as per SBS Star. 

To date, Rowoon is one of the idols who successfully made a name in the acting industry. He made his acting debut in the 2017 series School 2017 and garnered significant attention with his role as Haru in Extraordinary You in May 2019. Since then, Kim Seok-woo, Rowoon‘s real name, actively participated in various series. The list includes She Would Never Know, The King’s Affection, Tomorrow, and Destined With You

During the press conference for The Matchmakers, Rowoon acknowledged that some fans might have been disappointed by his decision. But he stressed that these disappointments are part of the weight of his choice. Furthermore, he hoped that his dedication to acting will eventually make people understand his decision and see it as a significant step in his career.

“Please understand that it was not an easy decision for me,” he added. 

Rowoon continues to root for SF9

Despite his departure, Rowoon made it clear that he still has deep affection for SF9 and remains close to his former groupmates. 

In particular, he mentioned his camaraderie with Hwiyoung, who is also part of The Matchmakers alongside him. “Hwiyoung is also in the drama, but we don’t feel awkward around each other at all,” Rowoon said. “We chat and tell jokes to each other like we always have.”

However, it can be recalled that Youngbin, SF9‘s leader,  also addressed Rowoon’s exit from the group in a heartfelt letter to fans. At the time, he expressed feeling “conflicted” about Rowoon’s departure. But Youngbin also emphasized his continued support for Rowoon‘s individual activities. Moreover, Youngbin also extended his gratitude to the fans and provided comfort during this transitional period.

As of writing, there’s no details yet about SF9’s upcoming activities. The group last made a comeback with their 12th EP The Piece OF9 in January 2023.

Featured image: Rowoon in the concept photo for SF9’s ‘The Piece of 9’ album. Credit: Facebook/SF9

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SEVENTEEN’s Dino Confirms Solo Mixtape, OST Are in the Works

Fans of K-pop boy group SEVENTEEN are sent into a frenzy when member Dino has finally confirmed that he’ll be releasing several solo works soon. 

Rumors that SEVENTEEN’s youngest member is gearing up for his solo mixtape started when his co-member Hoshi mentioned it during the episode of Waggle Waggle. Interestingly, producer Na Youngseok, or also known as Na PD, also hinted at Dino’s solo activity in a livestream with SEVENTEEN

Since speculations about his solo mixtape already went viral on social media, Dino then addressed it in a recent Weverse live. 

Will Dino be the next SEVENTEEN member to release TTT? 

In the livestream, the group’s main dancer confirmed that he’s working on his solo mixtape. 

As PLEDIS Entertainment is yet to make an official announcement about it, Dino said that he won’t reveal other details yet. 

Still, he expressed his excitement for the said release as he recalled how much he’s been dreaming of releasing music as a solo artist. Furthermore, he also assured fans that he really worked hard for his upcoming solo mixtape. And that he drew inspiration from the artists he looked up to, including Michael Jackson. 

With this, CARATs are eagerly anticipating if Dino’s solo mixtape will fall under SEVENTEEN’s TTT project. 

For those unfamiliar, TTT — or The Thirteen Tapes — is a long-term project of SEVENTEEN wherein all 13 members of the group release their solo mixtapes. 

So far, only Hoshi, Woozi, and Vernon had their own TTTs. To recall, Hoshi released Spider in April 2021, Woozi with Ruby in January 2022, and Vernon with Black Eye in December 2022. 

Prior to this upcoming solo mixtape, Dino also has several solo releases including High-Five,” “Last Order,” “0(Zero) andThe Real Thing.” 

Mixtape and OST

But the excitement didn’t stop there as Dino also confirmed that he worked on his first solo drama OST. 

A preview of the SEVENTEEN member singing the OST for the drama Castaway Diva circulated on social media. As of writing, additional details about the said OST have yet to be announced. 

During his livestream, the idol also mentioned that the OST was also a pleasant surprise for him. 

Notably, these solo activities came shortly after SEVENTEEN released their 11th mini-album SEVENTEENTH HEAVEN. Moreover, the group is also embarking on their concert world tour FOLLOW. 

Despite these loaded schedules, it’s nice to see Dino also pursuing more solo works on his own.

Featured image: Dino in a concept photo for SEVENTEENTH HEAVEN. Credit: Facebook/SEVENTEEN

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TXT’s Soobin Reveals What Makes Him Truly Happy

Soobin of TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT) recently sat down with Weverse Magazine. He shed light on his personal and professional lives, including the things that bring him genuine happiness.

@weverseofficial

[위버스 매거진] 수빈 Quotes | 투모로우바이투게더 위버스 매거진에서 투모로우바이투게더의 인터뷰를 확인하세요! 🔎 수빈 “저는 멤버들의 행복이 목표였으니까요” – [Weverse Magazine] SOOBIN Quotes | TOMORROW X TOGETHER Check out TOMORROW X TOGETHER’s interviews on Weverse Magazine! 🔎 SOOBIN: “It’s always been my goal for the other members to be happy” – [Weverse Magazine] SOOBIN Quotes | TOMORROW X TOGETHER Weverse MagazineでTOMORROW X TOGETHERのイ ンタビューをチェック! 🔎SOOBIN「僕はメンバーたちの幸せが目標でしたから」 #TXT #투모로우바이투게더 #수빈 #SOOBIN #컴백인터뷰 #위버스 #Weverse #위버스매거진 #Weverse_Magazine

♬ 오리지널 사운드 – Weverse – Weverse

A transformative period

He began by talking about his friends. Recalling a recent trip to Gapyeong, he described it as a memorable experience. “We had a cooking competition, then they had me teach them the dance for ‘Sugar Rush Ride.’ So I showed them and then they held a competition and asked me to be the judge. It was really fun and super cute,” he reminisced.

Beyond the occasional road trip, his friends play a huge role in his life. “It’s fair to say they know me really well. They really love me and look out for me. Usually when they say something like, “Choi Soobin’s eating only this much? Something wrong?”—there really is something wrong. These days they’re so good at seeing through me. It’s almost annoying,” he said with a laugh. “Even though we bicker sometimes, it leads to self-improvement. I guess you could say I’ve become a kinder person overall and I’m capable of being a lot more open now. I really learned how to express myself.”

Last year was a transformative period for Soobin. He sought guidance from experienced artists, leading to a fresh perspective. This change brought about a renewed sense of purpose and a desire to break away from routine. His varied interests, from swimming to baking, showcase his zest for life. “I’m the kind of person who pretty much goes ahead and does things as soon as I want to do them. I never hesitate to start something and I’ll even skip sleep when I want to try something. I can’t stand when I don’t have a hobby to do. It’s tough for me if I can’t have a good time and break out of my routine with something new,” he explained.

Jang Dukhwa/Weverse Magazine

Pure love

Despite the challenges that come with it, Soobin loves his work. “I don’t think I could’ve put this much into any job other than this one. I feel like I’ve always done my best, right from when we debuted, but now it’s like I’m trying to be even better than my best. It might not be the case for everyone in this field, but I think this work makes me really happy, way more than it brings me pain. It brings me so much joy that it’s worth sticking with, no matter what I have to go through.”

Soobin considers the group’s last world tour a highlight of his career. Unlike many artists who feel empty after a show, he cherishes the solitude. “After seeing all those people in big crowds, coming back and having some alone time, it’s—I mean, that’s a really full day. I think it’s important to have time to be alone and reflect, and to enjoy your hobbies.”

That time, combined with the love he receives from fans, gives him the strength he needs to go on. “It’s even hard for me to grasp, for someone who used to be a fan myself. To me, it even feels like what fans are giving is just pure love,” he mused. “It’s not like the love between friends or between a couple—it’s something completely special that can’t ever be explained. I’ve been a fan before, too, but speaking as a singer, it’s amazing how unconditional their love can be.”

Jang Dukhwa/Weverse Magazine

Soobin and the pursuit of happiness

Speaking of love, Soobin’s members are close to his heart. Like any K-pop group’s leader, he acts as their confidant. When they’re on tour, he gets a big room because the others always end up hanging out with him. “I’m happy when they come in and I always hope they do,” he said. “They come to me when they’re facing some kind of difficulty, whether it’s personal or something related to the group, or when they just want to talk.”

Those conversations helped him understand what the members really want out of life. Knowing that some dreamed of making it to the top of their field motivated Soobin to work harder. “I figured, if that’s what will make them happiest, then I’ll work toward the same goal with them. Nothing makes me happier than seeing them all happy. I think the people I care about being happy makes me really happy and is as important to me as my own happiness. At least for me.”

Soobin‘s journey in the industry has been filled with highs and lows. As he continues to navigate fame, one thing remains clear: his pursuit of happiness is deeply intertwined with the joy of others. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Soobin is a great leader because he cares about his members’ happiness. Source: X/@SexiestJiminie.

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Netflix’s ‘My Demon’ Trailer Showcases Kim Yoo Jung and Song Kang’s Undeniable Chemistry

Netflix has unveiled a teaser for the upcoming drama “My Demon” starring Kim Yoo Jung and Song Kang. In addition to that, the highly anticipated series dropped a gorgeous poster featuring its main players.

“My Demon” Teaser Dropped by Netflix

The teaser, released by Netflix on October 31, showcases the chemistry between the two actors as they portray a rich woman and her unexpected demon companion.

The teaser introduces the characters Do Do-hee and Jung Gu-won, highlighting their surprising chance encounter, which leads to a binding deal between the two. Although they aren’t initially pleased with the arrangement, they soon realize that it might not be as bad as they thought.

In addition to that, Netflix also shared a new poster featuring the main players. The poster also features the Do Do Hee and Jung Gu Won gazing into each others’ eyes.

“My Demon” is a fantasy romantic comedy that revolves around Do Do-hee, a demon-like chaebol heiress played by Kim Yoo Jung, and Jung Gu-won, portrayed by Song Kang, a demon who loses his powers and enters into a contractual marriage with her. Do Do-hee, the heiress to Mirae Group, is also known for her lack of trust in others but finds herself falling in love with a demon. Jung Gu-won is depicted as an absolutely perfect and charming demon who has made countless dangerous yet sweet deals with humans, holding their souls as collateral.

“My Demon” promises to be a captivating and unique tale, offering a blend of fantasy, romance, and comedy, with Kim Yoo Jung and Song Kang delivering compelling performances that have already garnered attention from fans and viewers alike.

The drama is set to premiere on November 24, taking over the Friday and Saturday time slot on SBS after “The Escape of the Seven”. It will also be available for streaming on Netflix on the same day.

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‘Persona: Sulli’ Trailer Finally Released by Netflix

It took a long time for an update but fans can finally look forward to experiencing Sulli’s final work. Netflix has dropped an official trailer for the late idol’s post-humous project “Persona: Sulli” featuring new footage from the special films “4: Clean Island” and “Dear Jin Ri”.

Netflix Unveils First ‘Persona: Sulli’ Trailer

The official trailer, launched by Netflix Korea on October 31, gives fans the opportunity to see and hear Sulli once more. In the trailer, Sulli narrates, “They say when you dream, it’s either in a first-person perspective or a third-person perspective. When I dream… I watch myself in a third-person perspective, just like watching a drama or a movie.”

‘Persona: Sulli’ is a two-part feature consisting of a short drama film titled “4: Clean Island” and a comprehensive documentary film titled “Dear Jinri”.

“4: Clean Island” presents an enchanting narrative centered around a unique pig at an unconventional immigration checkpoint. The short film revolves around a pig named 4, which aspires to move to Clean Island, known as the purest place on Earth. To achieve this dream, the pig must first confess its sins.

The film features Choi Jinri (Sulli), Hwang Miyoung, and Park Gabi, offering powerful performances that are sure to leave a lasting impression. The script for “4: Clean Island” is written by Kim Jihye, renowned for her work in the film “Wish” and the drama “Lost.” The co-direction is overseen by Hwang Soo-ah, a director with extensive experience in music videos and films, including “Why Did You Come to My House?”

The second part, “Dear Jinri,” delves into the life of Choi Jinri, exploring her journey as an actress and artist. It offers insights into her thoughts, contemplations, and experiences throughout her 20s, featuring interviews that provide a unique and intimate perspective on Sulli’s life. “Dear Jinri” is directed by Jung Yoon-suk.

“Persona: Sulli” will premiere on Netflix on November 13, 2023.

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ATEEZ’ San Earns Praises for His Performance Cover of Imagine Dragons’ ‘Warriors’

 Among the incredibly talented K-pop acts, ATEEZ stands out as a group known for their powerful stage presence, unmatched charisma, and unrivaled concept for their discographies. Individually, the members are also skilled and brilliant artists on their own. In fact, one of them, San, is currently stealing the spotlight with his recent performance cover of Imagine Dragons‘ “Warriors.”

On October 27, San‘s rendition of “Warriors” took the internet by storm. Originally released in 2014, the single had also been used for the video game League of Legends. Now, the track is gaining traction anew through San’s performance. 

In his performance cover, the artist showcased his exceptional dance skills and evocative facial expressions. Not only did he execute the choreography flawlessly but also added his unique flair to it. Alongside ATEEZ’ choreographers BBtrippin and dance maestro TARZAN, San meticulously crafted the performance in a way that no part was anything short of extraordinary. 

In addition to the actual performance  itself, behind-the-scenes images from the shoot provided a glimpse into the dedication and effort that went into creating this mesmerizing performance. Wearing heavily ripped gray-washed denim pants and a wolf painted on the left side of his chest, San added a whole new layer to the visual aspect of the  performance with his distinctive look. 

As a result, the dance cover left fans and critics alike in awe.

Imagine Dragons notices ATEEZ’ San 

Unsurprisingly, San‘s talent and dedication did not go unnoticed by the original artists of the song, Imagine Dragons. On social media, the American pop-rock band behind “Warriors” applauded the ATEEZ member’s exceptional performance. In a post, they shared the YouTube video and captioned it with clapping emojis. 

Aside from Imagine Dragons showing their appreciation for San’s cover, many fans and netizens also praised the idol for his awe-inspiring performance. Many lauded him as “incredible,” with some going as far as to declare that few artists could match his level of talent and commitment.

 

Moreover,  supporters around the world eagerly anticipate the groundbreaking performances and surprises that ATEEZ has in store for the future. Especially that the “Bouncyhitmakers have announced their plans of releasing the final installment for their The World trilogy. 

To note, the group will be releasing The World EP. FIN: WILL in December. With this, fans are looking forward to how ATEEZ will continue to explore new creative avenues and push the boundaries of their artistry.

Featured image: San in a behind-the-scenes photo from his filming of ‘Warriors.’ Credit: Website/ATEEZ

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Fantasy Boys to Make Comeback in November

Just two months after making their official debut, rookie group FANTASY BOYS is confirmed to be making a comeback. 

According to Korean media, agency PocketDol Studio confirmed that the 11-member group will be making a comeback on November 24. 

Moreover, the agency revealed that the comeback track will be helmed by famous producers Albin Nordqvist and Gabriel Brandes. Notably, Nordqvist has previously worked with K-pop acts TWICE, NCT 127, Stray Kids, and SF9. Meanwhile, Brandes has collaborated with groups BTS and TXT. 

Other details about the group’s comeback activities have yet to be announced. 

Moreover, fans of the group have another reason to rejoice! Following their comeback, FANTASY BOYS will be staging a fan concert in Tokyo on December 9. Said show will have two sessions set for 3pm and 7pm. Additional details about the fan concert haven’t been disclosed yet. 

More about FANTASY BOYS 

Formed through MBC reality competition show Fantasy Boys, the group made their debut in September with the album NEW TOMORROW. 

Initially a 12-member act, leader Yu Jun Won didnt debut with the group following his dispute with Pocketdol Studios. According to Jun Won, instead of editing some unfavorable clauses in the contract, Pocketdol Studios instead attempted to force an agreement after adding more ridiculous demands. 

Despite no longer pushing through with the group, Jun Won still asked fans to continue their support for the 11 members of FANTASY BOYS. 

Now, FANTASY BOYS is only made up of members Hikari, Hikaru, Hong Sung Min, Kaeden, Kang Min Seo, Kim Gyu Rae, Kim Woo Seok, KSoul, Lee Han Bin, Lingqi, and Oh Hyeon Tae

As of writing, it remains unclear whether member Hikaru will join activities for the group’s November comeback as he’s on hiatus. In October, the group announced that Hikaru is taking a break due to poor health.

Featured image: The members pose during their first fan concert in Tokyo. Credit: Twitter/FANTASY BOYS

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SM Entertainment Warns Fans of Clothing Brand That Uses NCT Dream for Events Without Their Consent

SM Entertainment has alerted fans regarding a clothing brand’s unauthorized use of NCT DREAM for their upcoming events. 

On Monday, October 30, SM Entertainment released a statement to detail what prompted their agency to terminate their partnership with TEDDY ISLAND, a clothing brand that NCT DREAM previously modeled for. 

According to the label, the brand hadn’t met its financial obligations related to the modeling fees accrued during the past year despite the agency’s repeated payment requests. As a means to protect their artists’ rights, the company ultimately decided to end the partnership.

But what raised even more concern for the agency was TEDDY ISLAND’s continued unauthorized use of NCT DREAM in their advertising activities. 

Despite using the NCT DREAM’s portraits without proper compensation, SM Entertainment revealed that the brand took things a step further by unilaterally announcing a fan sign event in May 2023 without prior consultation with  their agency. 

NCT DREAM as TEDDY ISLAND ambassadors

In their statement, SM Entertainment shared that their advertising model contract with TEDDY ISLAND began in 2022. It was also then when NCT DREAM filmed advertising content for the brand. However, the brand didn’t fulfill their financial obligations for the group. 

https://twitter.com/teddyisland_twt/status/1626144360562675717

In response, the label said that they requested the clothing brand to immediately cease using their artists’ images. In June 2023, SM Entertainment shared that they officially notified TEDDY ISLAND of the termination of the advertising model contract. 

Regardless, the brand, according to SM Entertainment, continued to utilize NCT DREAM’s images without permission and remitted only a portion of the model appearance fees after the contract was terminated. Furthermore, TEDDY ISLAND allegedly attempted to shift the blame onto SM Entertainment, claiming that the entertainment company had breached the contract.

https://twitter.com/teddyisland_twt/status/1613098441437229056

Moreover, the situation escalated when TEDDY ISLAND announced a pre-order event featuring photo cards and merchandise bearing the NCT DREAM’s names and images without any prior discussion with SM Entertainment. Which prompted the agency to make a counter statement on October 18, 2023, to prevent any further harm to their artists and fans.

Additionally, the agency noted that they exerted efforts to resolve the matter amicably. As such they shared that they even presented multiple proposals to TEDDY ISLAND so that the canceled fan sign event can resume. However, the agency said that the brand continued to make unreasonable demands and shifted the responsibility for the dispute onto the label. 

With this, SM Entertainment decided that no further negotiations will be feasible. In turn, they strongly advised fans to exercise caution in terms of supporting this clothing brand.

Featured image: K-pop boy group NCT DREAM models for TEDDY ISLAND. Credit: Twitter/TEDDY ISLAND

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ATTRAKT Bares Plans to ‘Reorganize’ FIFTY FIFTY with Keena

Following a months-long legal battle, ATTRAKT has revealed their plans to “reorganize” the K-pop girl group FIFTY FIFTY. 

The agency hinted their plans through a press release on Sunday, October 29, wherein they confirmed that member Keena will be attending the Billboard Music Awards. 

For the Billboard Music Awards, FIFTY FIFTY is nominated in two categories: Top Duo/Group and Top Global K-pop song for their viral hit “Cupid.” The awarding ceremony is set to take place on November 19 in the United States. 

Notably, only Keena will be present as she’s the only member of FIFTY FIFTY to return to ATTRAKT. Following her return, the agency announced that they’re terminating the exclusive contracts for the three remaining members: Sio, Saena, and Aran. 

A quick rundown between FIFTY FIFTY vs ATTRAKT

In June, all four members Aran, Sio, Keena, and Saena filed a preliminary injunction with the desire to suspend their exclusive contract with ATTRAKT. According to the idols, the agency failed to provide them fair treatment and proper income distribution. 

Such a move was a huge surprise to the industry as the rookie group was on their way to stardom. For instance, their February single “Cupidgained so much popularity on social media that it set several records. Furthermore, it led them landing a stint on the Barbie movie soundtrack. 

In August, the court rejected the group’s injunction request, with all four members later appealing the decision. Moreover, the heated dispute between two parties continued, with the members revealing that the group was used by the agency to settle major debts.

However, Keena withdrew her appeal in early October and returned to ATTRAKT. Shortly after, the contract with the three other members was terminated. 

What’s next for both parties?

Since the termination of their contracts with ATTRAKT, Sio, Saena, and Aran have yet to reveal their next plans for their career. 

Meanwhile, ATTRAKT teased that FIFTY FIFTY will continue their activities. “We plan to reorganize the group and present it to the public together with Keena,” they said. 

Aside from that, the agency also confirmed their plans to collaborate with JTBC for a new girl group project show.

Featured image: Keena during one of the promotional activities for ‘Cupid.’ Credit: Facebook/FIFTY FIFTY

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‘Doona!’ Star Suzy Discusses Her Character’s Rebellious Behavior

Bae Suzy certainly understands the character she played in the hit Netflix series “Doona!”, and she defended the character’s rebellious behavior. According to Suzy, it is all tied to Doo Na’s true feelings!

In the Netflix hit series “Doona!”, Suzy portrayed a character that defied conventional expectations, giving viewers a fresh perspective on her acting abilities. Her character, Lee Doo Na, was emotionally unstable and yearned for love and attention from others. Despite her struggles, she found the burden of life as an idol too overwhelming to bear.

Through her portrayal of Lee Doo Na, Suzy unveiled many new and unfamiliar facets of her talent to the public. She surprised audiences with scenes featuring her character smoking, a departure from the usual roles associated with K-pop idols. Her fashion choices in the show also garnered attention, as she donned numerous stunning outfits, although some were short and uncomfortable.

Suzy Explains Doo Na’s Rebellious Behavior in Netflix Show

When asked about these unconventional elements of her character in an interview with TV Report, Suzy explained that they were essential to the role and carried significant symbolism. She embraced the opportunity to break the mold of a typical idol character, adding depth and authenticity to her performance.

I think smoking was a tool to express Doo Na’s loneliness,” Suzy said. “That’s why when she was dating Won Jun, she cut down on smoking, but started again when she got insecure. I think how Doona feels can be seen through her smoking.”

“As for her clothing, they are short, thin, and uncomfortable in general,” she continued. “This is another tool through which Doona’s unstable emotions are expressed. I thought that it hints at how lonely and cold she felt.”

“Doona!” achieved remarkable success on Netflix, topping the platform’s global charts during its launch week. It is considered one of the most successful Korean content offerings on the platform in 2023, further solidifying Suzy’s reputation as a versatile and accomplished actress. Her willingness to take on challenging roles and explore unconventional character traits resonated with audiences worldwide, contributing to the series’ popularity. Suzy’s performance in “Doona!” marked a significant milestone in her acting career and left a lasting impression on viewers.

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