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Doha of n.SSign to Halt Activities Due to Health Concerns

Member Doha updates fans with new photos. Credit: Twitter/n.SSign

Two months after making their debut with the mini-album Birth of Cosmos in August, K-pop boy group n.SSign will now continue promotions with one member short. 

On Monday, October 9, n.CH Entertainment updated fans about the well-being of member Doha. According to the agency, Doha would temporarily be sitting out of n.SSign’s group activities to focus on his health.

“Due to symptoms of poor physical condition and various health reasons, Doha is currently taking sufficient rest,” the agency said in an official statement. Moreover, they added that he is currently “focusing on recovery while seeking a precise medical diagnosis.” 

With the artists’ health as a top priority, n.CH Entertainment further mentioned that they ultimately decided to halt Doha’s activities for the meantime. This is to ensure that he can fully concentrate on his treatment and recovery.

Additionally, the agency also thanked the fans who support n.SSign and asked for their generous understanding regarding the sudden news. 

Get to know n.SSign

For those unfamiliar, n.SSign is a 10-member boy group formed through Channel A and Abema’s survival show, Stars Awakening. Originally planned as a project group, n.SSign was later announced to be a permanent team.

Composed of members Doha, Kazuta, Hyun, Eddie, Sungyun, Junhyeok, Robin, Hanjun, Laurence and Huiwon, the group aims to achieve a cosmic theme for its identity. 

According to n.CH Entertainment, n.SSign stands for “a net of star signs,” with the members and fans creating a synergy of creativity and music. Following this concept, the group has named their fandom as “Cosmo.”

On August 9, 2023, the boy group made their debut with the mini album Birth of Cosmo. Said album contained five songs including the title track “Wormhole: New Track.” Within the first week of its release, the album recorded more than 200,000 copies in sales.

Following the announcement of Doha’s break, n.SSign will temporarily be promoting as an eight member-group. Prior to Doha, member Hyun has also missed out the team’s debut promotions due to health concerns as well.

Wishing Doha and Hyun a speedy recovery!

Featured image: Member Doha updates fans with new photos. Credit: Twitter/n.SSign

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SEVENTEEN’s Jun Wins ‘Rising Star of the Year’ at ACA & Global OTT Awards

SEVENTEEN's Junhui shares photo from the awarding ceremony. Credit: Twitter/SEVENTEEN

The 2023 Asia Contents Awards and Global OTT Awards was held on Sunday, October 8, at the Busan Cinema Center. And in the midst of well-renowned actors in the industry, one idol shone remarkably bright— and that’s Moon Junhui, or also known as Jun of SEVENTEEN.

During the ceremony, Jun was announced as the winner of the “Rising Star of the Year” award. He was recognized for his portrayal of Ling Chao in the Chinese drama Exclusive Fairy Tale. 

In the romcom series, he starred alongside Taiwanese actress Zhang Miao Yi, as they played the characters of two childhood sweethearts. 

After the ceremony, the singer posted photos of him holding the trophy. “It’s an honor that Carats brought me, I’ll keep working hard,” he said in his caption.

In addition, Jun also shared his thoughts to fans through a Weibo Live. There, he expressed his gratitude for having won the “Rising Star of the Year” award. “Thank you for letting a little actor from Shenzhen whose biggest hobby is acting, grow little by little,” he stated.

For those unaware, Jun first debuted as a child actor before being a member of SEVENTEEN in 2015. At the age of two, the multi-talented idol has already been casted in a commercial and has appeared in numerous television series since.

Although he has appeared in various projects before, SEVENTEEN’s fans, also known as Carats, were thrilled to watch Exclusive Fairy Tale as it is Jun’s comeback as an actor and his first lead role in a Chinese drama.

SEVENTEEN members and CARATs congratulate Jun

Upon hearing the news, SEVENTEEN members were the first to praise the singer. In the community platform Weverse, members Dokyeom, Dino, Mingyu, Wonwoo, Joshua, Woozi, and S.Coups all sent their congratulatory messages for Jun.

“Actor Moon is so cool. Moon Junhui, congratulations a lot. You’ve worked very hard”, Dokyeom said. Meanwhile Dino posted: “Jun hyung is so cool. Sincerely congratulations”.

Aside from his bandmates, CARATs were also proud of Jun’s achievement. Moreover, they also have high hopes to see more acting projects for the idol in the future.

“I’m rooting for you, my actor Jun! Here’s to more acting opportunities soon,” one fan wrote.

 

While the fandom is celebrating Jun’s award, CARATs are also excited for one more thing: the group’s nearing comeback. On October 23, SEVENTEEN is set to release their 11th mini album Seventeenth Heaven.

Featured image: SEVENTEEN’s Junhui shares photo from the awarding ceremony. Credit: Twitter/SEVENTEEN

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BTS’ Jimin Graces the Covers of ELLE and GQ Korea

BTS’ Jimin is set to appear on the cover of ELLE Korea’s November 2023 issue. This collaboration between the fashion magazine and the K-pop idol is particularly significant as it marks ELLE’s 31st anniversary. Standing in front of the camera, Jimin modeled high-end jewelry from Tiffany & Co., which highlighted his boyish charm.

ELLE Korea unveiled three versions of the cover featuring the “Like Crazy” singer. Each version captures Jimin‘s allure perfectly. In the first, he gazes into the camera with his fingers steepled under his chin, proudly displaying his “7” tattoo and an eye-catching ring. A stylish black ensemble complements his look. He adopts relaxed poses in the other two covers, showcasing Tiffany & Co. accessories, including necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings.

After the photoshoot, Jimin sat down for an interview to talk about going solo. His recent ventures include becoming the face of Dior Men and releasing a successful album. Jimin reflected on these accomplishments, saying, “I realized how shy I am by nature. It was also a moment of realization about how much more I need to grow. To approach things with confidence, one must be well-prepared.”

Regarding his current projects, he shared, “As always, I’m consistently working on songwriting. And I really want to try my hand at a wide range of musical genres.” This sentiment underscores his ambition to evolve as an artist.

Is Jimin prepping new material?

With his birthday on October 13 looming, fans wonder how he’ll spend it. Addressing inquiries about his plans, he remarked, “Honestly, just because it’s my birthday doesn’t mean I feel the need to do something special. It’s always the fans who make this day special for me. I’m always grateful for their support.”

Jimin‘s solo album FACE, released in March, is setting records on global platforms like Spotify and YouTube, underscoring his artistic prowess. Fans can check out Jimin‘s interview and photoshoot in the print edition of the magazine’s November issue. They’ll also be available on the ELLE Korea website. Meanwhile, ELLE Korea will upload the video segments to their YouTube channel.

Jimin is also set to grace the cover of GQ Korea’s November 2023 issue. Interestingly, the cover story is titled “This is your song.” This set fans’ tongues wagging. Many of them think it’s a hint that the BTS member is prepping new material. However, no official announcements or confirmations regarding this have been made as of this writing.

We can confirm that Jimin wore Dior for the GQ Korea feature, which also comes with three versions of the cover. There’s also an extensive 20-page photoshoot and an in-depth interview. As if that wasn’t enough, GQ Korea prepared fun stuff for their Instagram account, so Jimin stans should keep an eye out for that. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Fans freaked when they saw Jimin’s covers. Source: ELLE Korea.

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Naoko Takeuchi of ‘Sailor Moon’ Fame Draws Album Cover for BLACKPINK’s Jennie

Blinks, BLACKPINK‘s dedicated fanbase, are in for a treat as Jennie unveils her latest solo single, “You & Me.” Elevating the release is the cover art, a masterpiece crafted by the legendary Japanese mangaka, Naoko Takeuchi, who portrayed Jennie in her signature Sailor Moon style.

Naoko Takeuchi, the mastermind behind the iconic Sailor Moon series, has left an indelible mark on the anime and manga world. Born in Kofu, Yamanashi, Japan, in 1967, her creation of Sailor Moon revolutionized the magical girl genre, blending action, romance, and transformation sequences. The series garnered global acclaim, spawning anime adaptations, films, musicals, and a plethora of merchandise. While Sailor Moon remains her crowning achievement, Takeuchi’s distinct artistry and storytelling skills have cemented her legacy.

Twitter/@BLACKPINKGLOBAL

The digital cover showcases Jennie against a luminous full moon, adorned in a radiant white ensemble. Fans have noted the striking resemblance of the song title’s font to that of the Sailor Moon logo. Beyond the cover, an exciting collaboration between Jennie and Takeuchi is on the horizon, with a merchandise line teased by YG Select’s X account, hinting at its imminent release.

The unexpected collaboration between the “SOLO” singer and the esteemed Japanese artist has left fans in awe. Given the global prominence of both BLACKPINK and “Sailor Moon,” this union seamlessly bridges two pop culture titans. The album cover has been lauded for its artistic brilliance and originality.

Naoko Takeuchi contributed to its success

Jennie introduced “You & Me” during the Born Pink world tour, captivating audiences with its sultry dance-pop rhythm. In a YouTube interview, Jennie shared insights into the song’s conception, revealing its years-long journey from recording to performance. 

“I did the recording about three to four years ago. I think it was on the list of nominees for my solo, or maybe after that. It was in the closet for a while, but while preparing for this concert, I thought about what kind of performances and songs I wanted to do and looked through them with Teddy. We decided to bring out that song we liked, and that’s when we decided to prepare for it,” she said.

JENNIE – ‘You & Me’ DANCE PERFORMANCE VIDEO

The track showcases Jennie‘s enchanting vocals and rap skills, with heartfelt lyrics like, “I really like it / Nothin’ in the world can make me feel the way you do, the things you do.” At the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, a “You & Me” remix was unveiled, introducing an additional rap verse and a more hip-hop heavy beat. The song’s release was accompanied by a dance performance video, spotlighting Jennie in a stunning red dress, performing intricate choreography alongside backup dancers. The ethereal setting, reminiscent of dancing under the moonlight, adds to the song’s allure.

“You & Me” and its Coachella version took the charts by storm, thanks partly to Naoko Takeuchi and her contributions. The track secured the 18th spot on Spotify’s Global Top Songs chart and reigned supreme on MelOn’s Hot 100. Furthermore, it clinched the top position on the global iTunes chart on October 7, underscoring Jennie‘s global appeal. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The mangaka transformed the idol. Sources: X/@PopBase and @saintdemie.

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LE SSERAFIM Reportedly Set for End-of-October Comeback

October is shaping up to be a big month for K-pop, with several groups announcing their comebacks. Among them, LE SSERAFIM stands out.

iMBC Entertainment has reported that the all-female group, comprising Kim Chaewon, Huh Yunjin, Kazuha, Miyawaki Sakura, and Hong Eunchae, is gearing up to release a new track by month’s end. Sources close to the group hint at the members’ dedication, suggesting they’ve been pouring their hearts and souls into putting their new album together.

The buzz is that this comeback will surpass all their previous ones, setting the stage for a musical experience fans won’t soon forget. This news comes hot on the heels of their August collaboration with Japanese singer-songwriter Imase on the track “Jewelry.”

LE SSERAFIM (르세라핌) ‘Jewelry (Prod. imase)’ LIVE CLIP

LE SSERAFIM has delivered hit after hit

The announcement has sent ripples of excitement across the K-pop community. The group’s devoted fanbase, affectionately known as FEARNOT, has flooded social media with anticipation. However, some are skeptical, given LE SSERAFIM‘s busy schedule. Aside from their ongoing world tour, they will appear at the Asia Artist Awards in December. The girls will fly to Bulacan, Philippines for the ceremony, taking the Philippine Arena stage alongside some of today’s top K-pop acts.

Source Music, LE SSERAFIM‘s agency, remains tight-lipped about the comeback. But if the report is correct, this will mark the group’s first release in five months. Since their 2022 debut, LE SSERAFIM has consistently delivered hit after hit, earning them domestic and international acclaim. And we’re not just talking about their title tracks—“Eve, Psyche & The Bluebeard’s Wife,” a b-side from their UNFORGIVEN album, went viral earlier this year. 

Their ongoing FLAME RISES Tour, which kicked off in Seoul on August 12, has already seen successful shows in cities like Hong Kong, Jakarta, Nagoya, Osaka, and Tokyo. The “Antifragile” singers are set to perform in Bangkok on October 7 and 8, concluding the Asian leg of their tour. The girls have also bagged numerous awards, solidifying their position in the K-pop industry. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: LE SSERAFIM’s upcoming comeback is said to be bigger and better than anything they’ve done before. Source: X/@le_sserafim.

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Kriesha Chu Returns to K-Pop, Signs with New Agency

Kriesha Chu, the first-ever Filipino to make a debut as a K-pop soloist in South Korea, is making a comeback after a three-year hiatus. She gained immense popularity after securing second place on the reality survival show K-pop Star 6: The Last Chance in 2016. Recently, she signed an exclusive contract with NewWay Company and will re-debut under the mononym Kriesha. NewWay Company also manages actors Kim Nam Hee, Lee Won Hee, and former VICTON member Byungchan.

In a statement, NewWay Company expressed excitement about working with Kriesha. They praised her exceptional vocal skills and her bright and lovely charm. They promised to support her in showcasing her talents in various fields. 

Kriesha, now 24, shared her enthusiasm about her return. “As I have announced a new beginning by changing my name to Kriesha, I will work hard to present a good image to the public through various activities.”

Kriesha continues to inspire

Kriesha initially debuted under Urban Works Entertainment in 2017 after her stint on K-pop Star 6. On the show, she had the opportunity to perform for YG, JYP, and Antenna Music execs. Her debut single was titled “Trouble.” She continued to make waves in the industry by releasing new music and appearing on shows like King of Masked Singer and Netflix’s Busted.

However, in 2020, fans observed a noticeable change in her appearance during a press conference for her web drama Ghosts and Sansanda. Rumors that she had plastic surgery were rife, but her former agency clarified that Kriesha was battling a medical condition called lymphedema, which causes tissue swelling due to lymph fluid build-up.

Kriesha‘s journey, marked by her talent and resilience, inspires many. Her fans eagerly await her new endeavors with NewWay Company. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: News of her comeback thrilled Kriesha’s fans to no end. Source: YouTube/@WishFM1075official.

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NCT New Team Releases Pre-debut Single ‘Hands Up’

NCT New Team performs 'Hands Up' during NCT Nation: To the World concert. Credit: Twitter/NCT Japan

2023 is shaping to be a busy year for the NCT New Team!

On Sunday, October 8, the latest act from SM Entertainment released their pre-debut album Hands Up. 

Hands Up has two songs, with the title track having the same name of the album. Described as a dance anthem, “Hands Up” is characterized with synth rhythms and dynamic instrumentation. Additionally, the song aims to highlight the lively spirit of the group. 

Meanwhile, the second track “We Go!” is characterized by pop-infused melodies and guitar arrangements. For this song, the lyrics reflect the idols’ passion for reaching their dreams. 

Although it came as a surprise, fans of NCT New Team welcomed the release with open arms. As it gives the supporters a glimpse of what the group can offer. 

Moreover, the release of Hands Up came days after NCT New Team officially launched their social media accounts. Since then, the members have been releasing photos and teasers. 

Based on their posters, the group marked October 8 and October 19 as special dates. Notably, Hands Up was released on October 8. But as for what will happen on October 19, there’s still no details yet. 

After the release of their single, the group is also set to embark on a pre-debut tour titled LASTART. According to reports, it will have a total of 24 shows across nine Japanese cities. 

Ready for NCT New Team? 

Initially a septet, NCT New Team was formed through the reality show NCT Universe: LASTART. 

On October 2, SM Entertainment announced that Jungmin will no longer debut with the group due to health reasons. 

Following this, the group will only continue with six members: Sion, Riku, Yushi, Daeyoung, Ryo, and Sakuya. 

Following the conclusion of NCT Universe: LASTART, the new unit participated in the NCT NATION concerts in Japan alongside other NCT units. 

Moreover, SM Entertainment has earlier confirmed that the NCT New Team will be the last chapter to NCT’s limitless expansion concept. Previously, it was stated that the group would be called NCT Tokyo. But the agency has yet to unveil the group’s final name. 

As of writing, SM Entertainment has yet to reveal the debut details of NCT New Team.

Featured image: NCT New Team performs ‘Hands Up’ during NCT Nation: To the World concert. Credit: Twitter/NCT Japan

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GOT7’s JAY B Signs With Mauve Company

Mauve Company shares profile photos of new artist JAYB. Credit: Twitter/Mauve Company

JAY B of K-pop boy group GOT7 has signed an exclusive contract with Mauve Company, the agency announced on Friday, October 6. 

According to the agency, the move of becoming the artist’s “precious home” was made “based on deep trust.” 

Now that they’re handling JAY B’s career, Mauve Company promised that they will support the artist’s activities. This includes singing, writing lyrics, composing, and acting. “We will provide full support so that JAY B can develop his capabilities through various activities,” they added. 

Moreover, they asked the idol’s fans for their support as the singer starts a new chapter in his career. 

Following the announcement, Mauve Company also released profile photos of JAY B. There, the artist was sporting a variety of looks from casual to formal. 

 

The solo career of JAY B

JAY B is best known as the leader of the boy group GOT7. Prior to that, he acted in Dream High 2 and made his debut as a member of the duo JJ Project. 

While under GOT7, he and member Yugyeom formed the sub-unit Jus2. He’s also known to write songs as Defsoul or Def., both for GOT7 and the Offshore Crew. 

When GOT7 left JYP Entertainment in January 2021, the leader was the last of the members to sign with another label. Despite being part of different labels, GOT7 members assured their fans that they’ll still release music as a group. 

In May 2021, he signed with H1GHR MUSIC. There, he made his debut as a solo artist with the hit single “Switch It Up.” 

In July 2022, he departed from the R&B and hip-hop label before moving to CDNZA Records. After a year, in July 2023, the singer also left CDNZA Records. 

Currently, JAY B is fulfilling his mandatory military service as he enlisted in February. To note, he hinted his enlistment through his latest album Seasonal Hiatus. He’s expected to be discharged in November 2024. 

Featured image: Mauve Company shares profile photos of new artist JAY B. Credit: Twitter/Mauve Company

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EDAM Takes Additional Security Measures After IU Receives Death Threats

IU poses for her movie 'Dream.' Credit: Twitter/IU

Known as the “Nation’s Little Sister,” it is no surprise that IU is loved and supported by millions of fans globally. However, the singer-actress has received a fair amount of hate throughout her career as well.

On Friday, October 6, EDAM Entertainment, IU’s agency, released an official statement to inform fans about the recent events concerning the singer-actress.

“Recently, the degree of violence toward artist IU has crossed the line. A homicide threat against the artist was received some time ago,” the agency said. 

Due to the horrifying threat, EDAM Entertainment revealed that increased the number of security guards assigned to IU. Moreover, they also dispatched police to the agency’s building, Kakao Entertainment building, and the artist’s home to ensure her safety.

Furthermore, EDAM Entertainment also mentioned that despite the unnecessary negative attention the news may receive, they ultimately decided to issue a statement to serve as a warning against malicious forces and to prevent government authorities from being dispatched again for such threats.

Update on IU and her legal battles

Apart from that, the agency also provided an update on the status of the civil and criminal lawsuits against online users for their alleged defamation against the singer. 

Earlier this year, IU was accused of plagiarism after a certain Youtuber claimed that six of her previous tracks were copied off of other people’s works. The alleged plagiarized songs were said to be “Good Day,” “Red Shoes,” “Bbibbi,” “pitiful,” “Boo,” and “Celebrity.”

Following the lack of reasonable proof for such accusations, EDAM Entertainment made necessary actions by keeping track of the list of suspects attacking and circulating rumors against IU.

“We will hold the accuser strictly liable for damages as soon as the accuser’s personal information is confirmed,” the agency warned. Additionally, they emphasized that there’ll be a non-leniency rule against any illegalities against IU.

With the numerous rumors and accusations IU has faced since her debut in 2008, fans voice out their concern for her safety. Thankfully, EDAM Entertainment continues to make the necessary actions to protect the singer.

Featured image: IU poses for her movie ‘Dream.’ Credit: Twitter/IU

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5 Members of Pentagon Leave Cube Entertainment

PENTAGON poses during their concert in Hong Kong. Credit: Facebook/PENTAGON

Five members of K-pop boy group PENTAGON have left CUBE Entertainment, the agency announced on Monday, October 9. 

In their statement, the label confirmed that members Yeo One, Yan An, Yuto, Kino, and Wooseok have decided to not renew their exclusive contracts with the company. 

“We had very long and candid talks with the Pentagon members ahead of the termination of their exclusive contracts,” CUBE Entertainment said in a press release, according to Korean media. 

Moreover, the agency expressed their gratitude for the members who have been with them for seven years. Additionally, CUBE Entertainment also expressed their wishes for the idols’ happiness as they take the next step of their career. 

With this, only four members of the group remain in the agency: Hui, Jinho, Hongseok and Shinwon. 

According to Korea JoongAngDaily, the contracts of Hui, Jinho, and Hongseok were put on hold because of their military services. Meaning, they have separate ending dates for their contract compared to the other members. 

What’s next for PENTAGON? 

Despite leaving CUBE Entertainment, several members have clarified that they will continue promoting with the group. 

“As a member of PENTAGON, I will always try and grow up so that PENTAGON can shine in any situation,” Yeowon said. 

Following the news, UNIVERSE, the group’s fandom, couldn’t help but share their sentiments on social media. 

Many are awaiting for messages from the other PENTAGON members, as well as the plans of those who left CUBE Entertainment. 

Others also couldn’t help but lament that this wouldn’t have happened if the agency treated the group properly. Throughout the group’s career, fans have called out CUBE Entertainment for allegedly not promoting the group correctly.

PENTAGON debuted as a 10-member group in October 2016. In September 2018, E’Dawn, now Dawn, left the group and agency after his relationship with singer HyunA was revealed.

The group is known for songs “Shine,” “Spring Snow,” “Feelin’ Like,” and “DO or Not.” 

Featured image: PENTAGON poses during their concert in Hong Kong. Credit: Facebook/PENTAGON

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