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Look: aespa to Return With ‘Drama’ in November

aespa shares photo from filming 'Better Things.' Credit: Facebook/aespa

Save the date, MYs! K-pop girl group aespa is returning with new album titled Drama in November. 

On Wednesday, October 11, the quartet released the first teaser for their fourth mini-album Drama. 

In the 19-second “INTRO” teaser, the shot opened with the members walking on what appears to be an abandoned building. Then, the shot changed to a hand picking up a miniature car toy. 

According to the press release from SM Entertainment, Drama will include six songs encompassing a variety of genres. Notably, the title track will be of the same name as the album. 

Moreover, SM Entertainment teased fans that aespa will “showcase more mature vocal charms and musical colors” in the upcoming album. 

MYs’ excitement for ‘Drama’ 

Drama will serve as aespa’s comeback in five months. 

Previously, the quartet released their third EP My World in May, which carries the title track “Spicy.” Said album recorded over 1.37 million sales on the first day of its release and 1.69 million in the first week. Which made it the highest-selling K-pop girl group album in the first week of its release. 

Given this feat, SM Entertainment shared that the group is looking forward to setting a new record for their upcoming release. 

“With the overwhelming popularity of the prior album’s title track, ‘Spicy,’ we are excited to witness the fresh music and evolving personas that aespa will unveil in this new album,” the agency said. 

In between these albums, the group also released their English-language single “Better Things” in August.

And although no other details about Drama have been provided yet, fans are already looking forward to the group’s new music. 

Drama is set to drop on November 10.

2023 for aespa

Outside of their album releases, aespa alo recently wrapped up their first world concert tour called SYNK: Hyper Line. It included stops across the United States, Asia, and Europe. 

In May, the group made history as the first K-pop act to attend the Cannes Film Festival. The quartet attended the prestigious event as the global ambassador of the luxury Swiss jewelry Chopard. 

Aside from that, aespa also recently collaborated with footwear brand Crocs. 

Featured image: aespa shares photo from filming ‘Better Things.’ Credit: Facebook/aespa

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SHINee’s Taemin to Make Solo Comeback With ‘Guilty’

Taemin poses for the teaser of SHINee's 'Hard' album. Credit: Facebook/SHINee

Mark your calendars, SHAWOLs! Taemin of K-pop boy group SHINee is making his first solo comeback in over two years with his fourth mini-album Guilty.

On Tuesday, October 10, the group released a poster announcing Taemin’s solo return. In the photo, a person’s feet is standing next to what appears to be a white shirt on the ground. 

Notably, the poster revealed that Guilty will be released on October 30. Moreover, the mini-album will reportedly contain six songs.

Other details such as its track list and concept have yet to be disclosed. 

Soloist Taemin is back!

Following the news, fans couldn’t contain their excitement as it’s been awhile since Taemin released a solo music. For those unfamiliar, his last solo comeback was in May 2021 for the EP Advice. 

Shortly after the release of the mini-album, Taemin enlisted in the military.

In January 2022, the SHINee member was transferred from the military band to supplementary public service. According to SM Entertainment, it was because the idol had “worsening symptoms of depression and anxiety.” However, at the time, the agency was quick to assure fans that he’s receiving treatment and therapy in the military. 

In April 2023, he was discharged from the military. Among the SHINee members, Taemin was the last to complete his service. 

As for his career as a soloist, he made his solo debut in August 2014 through the album Ace. Since then, he has had many hit singles such as “Move,” “Criminal,” and “Danger.” 

SHINee’s year for 2023

Aside from all SHINee members completing their service, 2023 also saw the 15th debut anniversary of the group. 

To celebrate, the group released their eight full-album Hard in June 2023. It served as the group’s first new music in over two years, following their April 2021 repackaged album Atlantis.

Moreover, the group will also be marking their anniversary with the release of their documentary My SHInee World. Said film is expected to premiere in November. 

Managed by SM Entertainment, SHINee made their debut in May 2008 with the extended play Replay. Initially a five-member group, vocalist Jonghyun passed away in December 2017. 

Throughout their career, the boy group has been collecting masterpieces in their discography. The list includes “Ring Ding Dong”, “Lucifer”, “Sherlock”, among many others. 

Recently, Key confirmed that all four members of SHINee renewed their third contract with SM Entertainment. 

Featured image: Taemin poses for the teaser of SHINee’s ‘Hard’ album. Credit: Facebook/SHINee

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ZEROBASEONE Reveals Release Date and Title of New Album

Rookie idol group ZEROBASEONE made waves in the K-pop scene shortly after they were formed on Mnet’s survival show Boys Planet. Now, they’re getting ready to do it all over again with their first-ever comeback. The group, managed by WAKEONE Entertainment, recently unveiled the logo poster and promotional schedule of their second mini-album, MELTING POINT, set to release on November 6. The poster, shared through their official SNS, showcases the album’s title amidst a snowy backdrop. 

X/@ZB1_official

X/@ZB1_official

The teaser materials for MELTING POINT hint at a winter-themed concept, a departure from their summery debut. The teaser video, captioned “Hello, Another World,” features the nine members stepping into a mesmerizing winter wonderland. The enchanting melody of “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” plays in the background. Some say the video is hinting at the possible sampling of this classic tune for their title track.

ZEROBASEONE‘s debut was nothing short of spectacular. Their first mini-album, Youth In The Shade, performed exceptionally well on music charts and set a record by becoming the first K-pop debut album to sell over a million copies. This impressive feat was further solidified when the album was certified Million by the Korea Music Content Association (KMCA).

X/@ZB1_official

What ‘MELTING POINT’ will bring

Fans and industry insiders speculate on the musical direction ZEROBASEONE will take with MELTING POINT. Given the winter theme, some believe the album might explore ballads or mid-tempo tracks that match the season’s ambiance. The group’s versatility and ability to tackle various genres have been a talking point since their debut, and MELTING POINT is expected to showcase their range further.

With such a strong start and the buzz surrounding their comeback, fans eagerly anticipate what MELTING POINT will bring. As the release date approaches, the K-pop community remains on the edge of their seats, waiting to witness ZEROBASEONE‘s next big move. The group’s commitment to delivering high-quality music and captivating concepts has set them apart, and MELTING POINT promises to be another testament to their prowess. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The ZB1 boys are ready to break more records with their first-ever comeback. Source: X/@ZB1_official.

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The ENHYPEN Effect: Lotte World Reports a 17% Increase in Visitors

Lotte World, a major amusement park in Seoul, has witnessed a remarkable 17% surge in its visitor count. This increase is attributed to the “ENHYPEN effect,” a phenomenon stemming from the boy group’s immense popularity. The iconic Magic Castle of Lotte World was recently transformed into the Dark Moon Castle. This change isn’t merely aesthetic; it symbolizes the collaboration between HYBE and Lotte World.

@enhypen

#잇츠유앤미인디스롯데월드 🌕 #ENHYPEN #DARKMOON

♬ CRIMINAL LOVE – ENHYPEN

The park has morphed into a vast stage for the Naver Webtoon Dark Moon: Altar of the Moon. This webtoon, boasting over 100 million views, is a testament to HYBE’s innovative approach to storytelling. It’s not just a webtoon; it’s an original story IP, a concept that HYBE has been pioneering. Based on the artist IP of the boy group ENHYPEN, the story has been reborn in a visual format, captivating fans and newcomers alike.

Moreover, this collaboration isn’t just about visuals. It’s an immersive experience. Visitors to the park can purchase official merchandise from the Dark Moon series and even experience the Drexelius Party Room, a setting straight out of the webtoon. This room, located on the third floor of the Magic Castle, is designed to emulate the party space of the seven vampire boys from the webtoon. 

For the love of ENHYPEN

It’s not just a hit among local fans; international enthusiasts from countries like China, Japan, and even the US flock to this attraction. One such international fan, a 25-year-old named Xing from Shanghai, expressed her excitement: “I came from Shanghai because I love ENHYPEN.” Such testimonies highlight the global appeal of this collaboration. The event also offers limited-edition photo cards and special admission ticket packages, further enhancing the experience for the group’s fans.

[BIRTHDAY VLOG] 🎂 LOTTE WORLD//ENHYPEN DARK MOON 🌚

This collaboration signifies a broader trend in the K-pop industry. It’s not just about music anymore; it’s about creating a universe, a narrative that fans can immerse themselves in. HYBE’s strategy of blending artist IPs with diverse storytelling formats is a testament to this evolution. As Hwang Bo-sang, the business representative of HYBE’s Story Business Division, aptly put it, “In the future, we will strive to deliver a more diverse and immersive content experience to fans who love artists and stories.”

The success of this collaboration between HYBE, ENHYPEN, and Lotte World underscores the potential of such innovative ventures. It’s a blend of music, storytelling, and real-world experiences, creating a synergy that’s hard to replicate. And as the numbers suggest, it’s a formula that resonates deeply with fans worldwide. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Right now, walking through the park is like walking straight into the pages of the webtoon. Source: X/@PRODBYENGENE.

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Former LOONA Members Talk About Rebranding as LOOSSEMBLE

The members pose for the concept photo of their debut mini-album. Credit: Twitter/LOOSSEMBLE

In a cutthroat industry like K-pop, it’s not every time that we get to see idols get several chances in making their dreams come true. And LOOSSEMBLE, a group formed of LOONA members, is aware of that. Which is why, they couldn’t help but be emotional as they look back at their fresh start. 

On September 15, quintet made its official debut as they presented their new music with a self-titled album. A month after their debut, Hyunjin, Yeojin, Vivi, Go Won, and Hyeju, held a press event at Ilchi Art Hall in Seoul to open up about their new beginning. 

According to Korean media, Go Won stated: “Embarking on this new journey was quite daunting for me. However, after numerous discussions with my fellow members, we realized our shared desire to accomplish more, reconnect with our fans and rekindle the excitement. Furthermore, she explained that this sparked a desire in them to “wholly embrace this re-debut.” 

Meanwhile, Yeojin couldn’t help but share the group’s goals for the future. “We want to win a No. 1 trophy on a weekly music show, break existing records and more,” she said. As for Hyunjin, LOOSSEMBLE’s leader, she has bigger dreams for the group. “I also want our song to land on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart,” she mentioned.

Moreover, Vivi also concisely answered that she was half nervous and half excited to re-debut. 

While the other members’ answers were more positive, Hyeju became candid with her response. “I was actually quite hesitant and worried about starting again,” she uttered with honesty. However, Hyeju revealed that it was the fans who cleared her doubts. “We are here together with the goal to meet our fans once again and to march forward together,” she added. 

From LOONA to LOOSSEMBLE 

The debut of LOOSSEMBLE comes months after their exhaustive legal battle with LOONA’s agency, Blockberry Creative.

Originally an 11-member group, LOONA has suspended their exclusive contracts with Blockberry Creatives citing unfair contract terms as their basis. After winning their lawsuit against the agency, Hyunjin, Yeojin, Vivi, Go Won, and Hyeju found a new home under CTDENM.

According to CTDENM,  the name LOOSSEMBLE stands for LOONA Assemble, referring to the quintet coming together as one. 

Putting behind their struggles in the past, the girl group started afresh with a self-titled album consisting of eight songs including the title track “Sensitive.” Said album also has six other songs, and the English version of its title track. 

As proof of their solid fanbase, their debut album was warmly received by K-pop fans. In the first week of its release, LOOSSEMBLE sold over 75,000 copies, marking a good start for the girl group.

Featured image: The members pose for the concept photo of their debut mini-album. Credit: Twitter/LOOSSEMBLE

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TWICE to Celebrate 8th Anniversary With Pop-up Store, Fan Meeting

TWICE sharing a behind-the-scene photo from their 'Ready to Be' filming. Credit: Facebook/TWICE

ONCEs, mark your calendars! The 8th anniversary of K-pop group TWICE is just around the corner and the girl group has prepared fun activities to celebrate it in style!

On October 6, JYP Entertainment announced through social media that the agency will operate the “TWICE Records” pop-up store in Seoul. The said event will allow ONCEs, the group’s fanbase, to take pictures at a photobooth, check out exclusive merchandise, and participate in other exciting activities.

Moreover, “TWICE Records” will have a week-long operation which will begin on October 18 and last until October 24.

Aside from that, the “Set Me Free” singers will also hold an exclusive fan meeting event titled “2023 TWICE Fan Meeting: Once Again.” Additionally, the fan meeting will have two shows – 1 PM and 7PM – on October 21 at the Olympic Hall in Seoul. 

As the tickets for the event were immediately sold out upon its release, JYPE announced that the final performance at 7PM will be accessible through a live stream on the platform Beyond LIVE. So that global fans will also be able to celebrate the group’ anniversary, as well.

In relation to the fan meeting, TWICE released a dress code notice for the fans. Revealed to be a 90s-themed event, the girl group is hoping to time-travel with ONCEs as they reminisce their journey since debut.

8 years with TWICE: the group’s milestones throughout their career

Before being one of the most popular K-Pop acts in the world, TWICE was first formed through the reality show SIXTEEN.

Composed of Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Sana, Mina, Jihyo, Dahyun, Chaeyoung, Momo, and Tzuyu, the nine-member girl group made their official debut in October 2015. Since then, TWICE has conquered the music industry with their colorful style and eye-catching performances.

The girl group has even won the “Song of the Year” for the Circle Charts Music Awards seven times. In particular, the recognition were for the tracks: “Cheer Up”, “TT”, “Knock Knock”, “Heart Shaker”, “What is Love?”, “Dance the Night Away” and “Scientist.” 

Now in their eight year, TWICE has achieved greater heights in their career. For instance, they are the first female K-pop group in history to headline and sell out shows in the iconic Sofi Stadium through their fifth world tour Ready To Be.

Currently, the girls are expanding their global influence as they continue the Ready To Be tour in numerous countries. Among their concert stops include North America, Europe, Southeast Asia, among others.

Featured image: TWICE sharing a behind-the-scene photo from their ‘Ready to Be’ filming. Credit: Facebook/TWICE

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HYBE’s ‘The Debut: Dream Academy’ Eliminates 4 More Contestants

'The Debut: Dream Academy' announces results for its Mission 2. Credit: Twitter/Dream Academy HQ

The competition is indeed getting tougher! As The Debut: Dream Academy eliminates four more contestants after its second mission. Now, only the remaining 14 aspirants will advance to the third and last mission.

For the Mission 2 of the survival show, the 18 contestants were divided into four teams and they were tasked to perform a song by the K-Pop girl group LE SSERAFIM. Two groups sang and danced to “ANTIFRAGILE,” while the other two groups performed “FEARLESS.”

Interestingly, the participants even had a surprise visit from the LE SSERAFIM members themselves in the middle of their rehearsals. Moreover, HYBE chairman Bang Si Hyuk also talked to the contestants briefly. 

After casting the global votes, the final rankings for the said mission was unveiled. There, it was announced that Brooklyn and Karlee from the USA, Mei from Japan, and Iliya from Belarus have been axed from the series.

Following the eliminations, the remaining 14 contestants are left to continue their dreams of being an idol. Once the third and last mission ends, only 10 girls will perform at the show’s live finale which will be held on November 17. 

More about ‘The Debut: Dream Academy’

Created by South Korean entertainment company HYBE and American record label Geffen Records, The Debut: Dream Academy aims to create the next global girl group. The audition program combed through 120,000 applications and selected 20 girls from different countries to participate in the show.

In its pilot episode aired last September 1, it was announced that the 20 participants will undergo three survival missions before clinching a spot in the live finale. There, the official group name and the final debuting lineup will be revealed.

According to the executives of HYBE and Geffen Records, the first song for the girl group will be in English to showcase their global prowess.

 

Apart from their debut track, a Netflix documentary series about the group’s journey is also slated for 2024. Said docuseries will be directed by Emmy-nominated filmmaker Nadia Hallgren, and is jointly produced by HYBE, Interscope Films, and Boardwalk Pictures.

As HYBE is known to be home to K-pop powerhouse acts BTS, SEVENTEEN, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, and more, fans have set high expectations for the upcoming girl group.

With the live finale just around the corner, fans can continue rooting for their favorites by casting votes in the fandom platform Weverse.

Featured image: ‘The Debut: Dream Academy’ announces results for its Mission 2. Credit: Twitter/Dream Academy HQ

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YG Entertainment Announces November Debut for BABYMONSTER

YG Entertainment has unveiled the debut date for their latest girl group, BABYMONSTER. On the 10th at 1:00 PM, the entertainment giant signaled the group’s imminent debut by sharing a “coming soon” poster on their official blog.

Twitter/@YGBABYMONSTER_

In preparation for BABYMONSTER‘s debut, YG Entertainment has collaborated with international composers and their in-house producers. That resulted in the creation of many high-quality tracks. One particular song, characterized by its intense mood, was chosen as BABYMONSTER‘s debut track. Addressing the change in their debut plans, the agency said, “We aimed to deliver the best outcome and were cautious in selecting the title track. We ask for your understanding regarding the slight delay.”

The members of BABYMONSTER are currently immersed in practicing the choreography for their title track. They are also gearing up to shoot their music video by the end of October. The entire agency put in much effort to ensure the group’s success. 

BABYMONSTER – DEBUT MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENT VIDEO

The BABYMONSTER girls are ready

YG Entertainment says the girls are more than ready. “All preparations are now complete. Once the official debut takes place in November, we will continuously give our best and run with full force. We ask for much interest.” This announcement has heightened global music fans’ excitement.

BABYMONSTER – ‘DREAM’ (PRE-DEBUT SONG)

Previously in July, the agency had announced that BABYMONSTER aimed to debut in September. The group, introduced by YG after a seven-year gap following BLACKPINK, boasts top-tier skills in dance, rap, and vocals. Comprising multinational members like Ahyeon, Haram, and Rora from Korea, Chiquita and Pharita from Thailand, and Asa and Ruka from Japan, they are set to stir things up as “monster rookies.” Despite not having debuted yet, their official YouTube channel already has over 3.12 million subscribers, with their videos nearing 450 million views.

The news of BABYMONSTER‘s debut has garnered mixed reactions from Korean netizens. While the excitement is palpable, some fans expressed skepticism, pointing out YG’s previous statements and noting that the group has yet to film their music video. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: It’s been quite a long road for the girls, but their moment is almost here! Source: X/@picbaemon.

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Whatever Happened to Former LE SSERAFIM Member Kim Garam?

Kim Garam, once a member of the K-pop girl group LE SSERAFIM, faced a whirlwind of challenges early in her career. A mere month after her debut, she was engulfed in multiple bullying allegations that sent shockwaves through the industry. Consequently, she announced her departure from the group. Instead of letting this setback define her, Kim Garam returned to a more typical teenage life, attending the School of Performing Arts Seoul (SOPA). By May 2023, she celebrated her graduation from this esteemed institution.

@kimgaramcomebacksoon

#garamupdate #GaramUpdate #김가람 #lesserafim #fearless #blueflame #Kimgaram #unforgiven #antifragile #yooeunseo #yooeunseobullyliar #viral #tiktok #tiktokviral

♬ Judas (Tiktok Guitar) – H1TD0WN

SOPA, located in the heart of Seoul, is renowned for giving aspiring artists top-notch music, drama, and dance training. Many of its graduates, including Kim Garam, made their mark in entertainment. As an acting major at SOPA, she immersed herself in the intricacies of drama and theater. Her training covered everything from script analysis and voice modulation to character development and on-camera techniques.

Her dedication and hard work paid off. Following her graduation, Kim Garam was among the select few who cleared the first round of applications for the prestigious acting department of Dongguk University. With its central location in Seoul, this university offers a comprehensive curriculum in theater, film, and television. It’s a hub for budding actors, directors, and scriptwriters, providing them with the skills and exposure needed to thrive in the entertainment industry.

@kimgrrm

#garam #kimgaram

♬ suara asli – am – 𝟑𝟎𝟑 𝐀𝐦𝐳.

Congratulations to Kim Garam

To put Kim Garam’s achievement into perspective, the acting department of Dongguk University receives over 2000 applications annually, accepting only 30 students. With a 72.5% acceptance rate, it ranks as the third most sought-after acting department in South Korea. Notable alums from this department include Girls’ Generation‘s Seohyun and YoonA.

While the Dongguk University announcement redacted the second syllabus of her name, fans were confident that it referred to her. Why? There’s her unique name and the fact that the list only included students from SOPA’s acting department. 

Now, with just the second round of applications standing between her and a place at Dongguk University, the future looks bright for this young star. Congratulations to Kim Garam on her continued journey in the arts. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Garam is doing well after leaving the group. Source: X/@GARAMGLOBAL.

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TXT Drops Highlight Medley for ‘The Name Chapter: FREEFALL’

TOMORROW X TOGETHER, popularly known as TXT, is gearing up for their much-anticipated comeback. The group recently released a preview for their album The Name Chapter: FREEFALL, and the excitement among fans is palpable.

The album is about confronting reality and dealing with the aftermath of dreams. It takes listeners on a journey where dreams meet reality, and the consequences of chasing those dreams unfold. TXT took this concept and spun it into a musical tapestry that spans multiple genres, showcasing their unparalleled versatility.

TXT (투모로우바이투게더) The Name Chapter: FREEFALL Preview

One of the standout features of this album is TXT‘s deep involvement in its creation. They’ve always been involved in their music, and The Name Chapter: FREEFALL is no exception. The members co-wrote the lyrics for a majority of its tracks. Specifically, they’ve penned songs like “Growing Pain,” a hard rock track that delves into the pains of confronting reality; “Dreamer,” an R&B/Soul number that reminisces about forgotten dreams and self-identity; and “Deep Down,” a pop song that celebrates acknowledging and accepting one’s true identity.

“Blue Spring,” a fan song that touched many hearts during TXT’s ACT: SWEET MIRAGE tour, is another highlight. All five members have writing credits on this alternative rock track, which also incorporates elements of folk rock and hip-hop rhythms. Beomgyu took the reins as producer for this song, adding another feather to his cap.

@txt.bighitent

Chasing that TXT 🎥Directed by #BEOMGYU 🧸 #NewMusic #TheNameChapter #FREEFALL #ChasingThatFeeling

♬ Chasing That Feeling – TOMORROW X TOGETHER

Another successful release for TXT

The album doesn’t stop there. “Back for More (TXT Ver.)” brings a touch of disco funk, celebrating the magical moments that exist even in a world of uncertainty. “Happily Ever After” is a bright and optimistic Jersey club track that encourages listeners not to lose hope despite the harshness of reality. “Skipping Stones” is an indie rock anthem about resilience and not yielding to hardships.

The title track, “Chasing That Feeling,” is set to be a game-changer. It’s a New Wave song with 1980s vibes. The boys sing about waking up from the deceptive allure of a carefree paradise and choosing to live on their own terms. Through this song, they express their determination to embrace the highs and lows of life.

Produced by the renowned Rock Mafia, a production outfit famous for their work with global stars like Selena Gomez, Miley Cyrus, and Demi Lovato, this track is poised to be a massive hit. TXT‘s leader, Soobin, has expressed his belief that “Chasing That Feeling” will not only resonate with their fanbase but captivate the general public as well.

As the countdown to the release of The Name Chapter: FREEFALL continues, fans worldwide are buzzing with excitement. With such a diverse and promising lineup of songs, this album is set to be another successful release for TXT. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: MOAs can hardly wait for TXT’s new era to begin. Source: X/@BIGHIT_MUSIC.

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