Category: KPOP NEWS

In a groundbreaking move, former SM Entertainment executives are coming together to create Titan Contents, a new venture set to develop K-pop idols in the United States. This initiative is led by Han Se-min, who previously co-led SM Entertainment and is now the President of ASTORY, a prominent South Korean drama production company.

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Han Se-min’s experience in the entertainment industry is extensive. At ASTORY, established in 2004, he oversees a company renowned for its drama content production, intellectual property rights sales, and diversification into OST music and games. ASTORY has made a mark in the industry by producing the Kingdom series for Netflix, acclaimed both in South Korea and internationally.

Joining Han in this new venture are other notable ex-SM talents. Choreographer Lia Kim, former SM casting director Kang Jung-ah, and DAZED Korea’s editor-in-chief Lee Gyeom are co-founders of Titan Contents. The company was established in Los Angeles in April and with a branch in Seoul’s Gangnam district. It aims to launch K-pop artists in the U.S. market. 

Titan Contents may redefine the K-pop landscape

Han Se-min, who joined SM in 2002 and played a pivotal role in its global expansion, will lead Titan Contents as the Chairman of the Board. Kang Jung-ah, known for discovering members of NCT, Red Velvet, SHINee, and The Boyz, is CEO. Lia Kim is Chief Performance Officer and Lee Gyeom will be Chief Visual Officer.

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Titan Contents aims to launch K-pop artists in the U.S. market. The team’s goal is to debut two girl groups, two boy groups, one male soloist, and one female soloist by 2028. Next year, their focus will be on global auditions to scout talent, with plans to unveil artists starting from 2025. This unveiling will begin with girl groups, boy groups, and female solo artists in sequence. 

The establishment of Titan Contents by former SM Entertainment execs marks a significant shift in the K-pop industry. This venture represents a strategic move to directly engage with the U.S. market and signals K-pop’s globalization. With the expertise of these industry veterans, Titan Contents could potentially redefine the way K-pop idols are developed and promoted, especially in Western markets. This could lead to more culturally diverse and globally oriented K-pop groups. That, in turn, could further solidify the genre’s place in the global music landscape. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Han Se-min used to lead SM Entertainment as its CEO. Now he’s spearheading an exciting new venture. Source: Facebook/@nikkisemin.han.

ENHYPEN, managed by BELIFT LAB, a HYBE Labels subsidiary, recently announced a collaboration with Baskin Robbins to promote their newest studio album, ORANGE BLOOD. Initially, fans were thrilled about the special merchandise and themed food and beverage menu. However, excitement turned to disappointment when they found out  Baskin Robbins is a subsidiary of the SPC Group, a company currently facing a boycott in South Korea.

The controversy surrounding SPC Group stems from a series of industrial accidents. In January 2022, a tragic incident at the Shany Confectionary factory in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, resulted in the death of a 56-year-old woman. Reportedly, she was caught in a factory machine, leading to fatal injuries. This incident was not isolated; it followed another alleged accident eight months prior at the Paris Baguette factory in Pyeongtaek. There, a young woman in her twenties reportedly died after being pulled into a machine while working alone.

The aftermath of these incidents was further marred by controversy. Reports surfaced suggesting that SPC Group attempted to settle with the young woman’s family on the night of her funeral. This action, perceived as insensitive and opportunistic, fueled public outrage. Also, the decision by SPC Group to resume operations shortly after these tragedies made things worse. Consequently, South Koreans began boycotting SPC Group, protesting against the company, and avoiding its subsidiaries.

ENHYPEN fans expressed dismay

ENGENEs, the dedicated fans of ENHYPEN, expressed their dismay over the collaboration, fearing it could tarnish the group’s reputation and affect the success of their album. The use of “Orange Blood” in the names of items on the special menu was criticized as insensitive, considering the alleged deaths at SPC Group’s factories.

Following the backlash, BELIFT LAB updated the menu, changing the items’ names and removing the Orange Blood Cake entirely. While fans appreciated the agency’s response to their concerns, they remained unsettled by the collaboration with SPC Group.

This controversy highlights the complexities of brand partnerships in the industry. Earlier this year, RIIZE, another group, faced similar issues with their Baskin Robbins collaboration, causing distress among their fans, BRIIZE. While such partnerships can enhance an artist’s profile and offer exciting opportunities for fans, they also carry risks, especially if the brand is negatively perceived by the public. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: In South Korea, SPC Group’s name is mud right now. Source: X/@enhypenupdates.

Dispatch added another new dimension to the controversy surrounding beleaguered group FIFTY FIFTY by publishing texts from Keena to the other members and their families. These messages, dating back to September 4, provide greater insight into the group’s internal dynamics and their legal battle with their agency, ATTRAKT.

In the texts, Keena expressed doubts about their lawyers’ intentions, feeling that the members’ wishes were being ignored. “I would like to say that I am still skeptical about what Ahn Sung Il and the lawyers, who have ignored our wishes and have left the members out in the proceedings, have to say,” she wrote.

How Dispatch EXPOSED Keena’s DISTURBING TEXTS Sent to the Members

Furthermore, Keena‘s messages suggest the members actually had little to do with how the lawsuit unfolded. “No matter how well we prepared, we had setbacks due to unforeseen circumstances, and thus, I no longer can trust in an uncertain future and just wait,” she stated.

As the eldest member, she felt a responsibility towards the younger members, recognizing that adults largely controlled the lawsuit. She noted that none of the members were permitted to participate in discussions and meetings. She questioned the strategy of avoiding negotiations, suggesting a need for compromise. 

Keena expressed regret

Keena also expressed regret about what happened. “I know we were trying to be a Joan Of Arc-like figure for all K-pop idols and take on their struggles, but it is true that we fought meaninglessly by forcing our complaints against what is widely accepted as reasonable. I won’t force my thoughts on the other members. We don’t seem to agree on much anyway, and we’ve never met in person to talk about this. We’ve never had the opportunity to really talk about what we thought about the situation.”

Keena‘s messages highlight a desire for the members to be more actively involved in the lawsuit and the group’s future. “I will take part in negotiations and I will listen to what they say. In the future, I believe we should be present at every meeting. We’d like to know everything about what is going on. It is our dream and our life. We will be the ones who listen, who voice their objections, and who make the decisions,” she concluded.

Keena From FIFTY FIFTY On Success of “Cupid” & Future of FIFTY FIFTY

These messages offer a whole new perspective on the challenges the girl group faced. As of this writing, Keena is back with ATTRAKT. She was the group’s sole representative at the recently concluded 2023 Billboard Music Awards. There are also plans to reorganize the group with her as the center, supported by three new members. 

Whatever happens after this, we wish Keena all the best. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Based on the texts, it seems Keena returned to ATTRAKT because she felt uncomfortable with the lawsuit’s direction. Source: X/@fiftyfiftylog.