Category: KPOP NEWS

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RED VELVET’s Irene Reportedly Injured in Airport Mob Incident

In a recent and distressing incident at the airport, RED VELVET leader Irene was allegedly injured during a chaotic airport mob incident instigated by fans and reporters. The idol group was en route to the Supersound Festival in Thailand following their performance at “Music Core” when they were met with an overwhelming crowd, leading to a situation that quickly spiralled out of control.

RED VELVET Involved in Chaotic Airport Mob Incident

RED VELVET’s fanbase is well-known for its dedication. However, the scenes at the airport were of a nature that no artist or REVELUV would ever want to witness. Video footage circulating on social media shows the severity of the mobbing, with members, particularly Irene, struggling to navigate through the sea of people.

https://twitter.com/reneclips/status/1725818040959254678

The situation became so intense that Wendy herself was seen asking fans to give space in both Korean and English, despite which the situation remained fraught. Fans pushing into each other left the members with little space to move forward.

A distressing video posted on Twitter showed Irene being roughly shoved unexpectedly from behind, sparking outrage among fans online. Admirably, she maintained her composure and smile, a testament to her professionalism and kind-hearted nature toward fans. However, subsequent footage depicted a noticeable change in Irene’s demeanor, appearing distressed, walking slowly, and leaning on fellow member Seulgi for support. Several fan accounts suggest she may have injured her foot during the incident, raising concerns about her well-being.

Irene Maintains Composure Despite Alleged Foot Injury

Irene’s unwavering commitment to engaging with fans, even in the midst of being mobbed, has increased fans’ respect for her. Nonetheless, the incident has left many feeling a mix of emotions: admiration for Irene’s strength and resentment towards those who contributed to the chaos.

The event has also led to criticism of SM Entertainment, Red Velvet’s management company, for failing to provide adequate security measures. Fans argue that better planning and protection are necessary, especially given the group’s rising popularity and the increasing intensity of public appearances. The lack of security staff was apparent in all videos posted from the incident.

As fans await updates on Irene’s condition, hoping she isn’t hurt too badly, they have taken to online platforms to condemn the fans who contributed to the incident and SM Entertainment for not offering appropriate protective measures for their girl group. While the incident has shone a light on Irene’s admirable character, it has also exposed the darker side of fandom culture and the lapses in security protocols.

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THE BOYZ’s Ju Haknyeon Goes on Hiatus Due to Back Injury

Ju Haknyeon is taking a temporary hiatus from activities due to a back injury. Unfortunately, this means that the idol will be unable to participate in THE BOYZ’s upcoming comeback this month.

IST Entertainment Confirms THE BOYZ’s Ju Haknyeon’s Back Injury

On November 16, IST Entertainment shared a statement regarding Ju Haknyeon’s condition. The agency revealed that Ju Haknyeon had been experiencing back pain for some time, and the condition had recently aggravated. Following a medical examination, he was diagnosed with disc stenosis in the lower back, a condition that can result in pain or cramping in one or both legs.

“Ju Haknyeon has been suffering from back pain for a while now, so he has been periodically undergoing examination and treatment. However, because the pain recently worsened, he visited a hospital this afternoon on November 16 and underwent an additional thorough exam and treatment. The doctor advised him due to symptoms of disc stenosis in his lower back, he needs to avoid large movements and watch over his condition through medical treatment and physical rehabilitation,” the statement read.

In light of his back injury, Ju Haknyeon will be taking a break from all activities, including THE BOYZ’s upcoming comeback scheduled for November 20 and their concerts planned for December. The announcement was accompanied by a statement expressing the agency’s commitment to prioritizing Ju Haknyeon’s health and well-being during this period.

“He will not be participating in promotions for ‘The Boyz 2nd Album [Phantasy] Pt.2 SIxth Sense‘, which is scheduled to be released on November 20 or The Boyz’ ‘2nd World Tour: Zeneration – Encore‘ concert,” the statement confirmed.

Fans of THE BOYZ have shown support for Ju Haknyeon, expressing concern for his health and wishing him a swift recovery. The news underscores the physical toll that the demanding schedules and rigorous performances in the K-pop industry can have on artists, highlighting the importance of addressing health concerns promptly. We are wishing Ju Haknyeon a speedy recovery.

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J.Y. Park Seemingly Shades GOT7 After JYPE Departure

J.Y. Park recently shared his sentiments about GOT7 after their JYPE departure in 2021. Interestingly Jinyoung Park opened up about his thoughts on the group’s potential and their time under the company. However, many viewed his comments as being negative towards the boy group.

J.Y. Park Shares Thoughts on GOT7’s JYPE Departure

J.Y. Park recently appeared on GOT7 member BamBam’s “Bam House” program, where the two artists engaged in a conversation about their past association. Towards the end of the episode, BamBam posed a final question, asking J.Y. Park, “What kind of singer was GOT7 to you?” In response, J.Y. Park expressed that he believed the group had yet to reveal their full potential to the public.

While acknowledging that GOT7 had performed well, J.Y. Park stated, “Compared to what you guys have, I’m still not satisfied.” He went on to suggest that he believed the group had “more special things” to showcase.

While this statement might be interpreted as J.Y. Park expressing that he sees untapped potential in the group, it stirred mixed reactions among fans. Some fans appreciated the encouragement, interpreting it as a belief in the group’s capabilities. However, others, given the past grievances and criticisms directed at JYP and J.Y. Park, found the comment somewhat unsatisfactory, questioning the extent to which the group’s potential may have been constrained under the company.

The statement serves as a reflection of the complex dynamics between artists and their management in the K-pop industry, where fans closely scrutinize the interactions and comments made by both parties. GOT7’s journey post-JYP continues to be closely followed by their dedicated fanbase AHGASEs who are eager to see the group flourish in new endeavors while reflecting on their experiences under JYP Entertainment.

GOT7, originally debuting under JYP Entertainment in 2014, chose to part ways with the company in 2021 as their contracts expired. The JYPE departure marked a significant moment for the group, who continued their journey together, even releasing an album and navigating individual pursuits as members began their military enlistments.

Towards the end of their tenure at JYP, fans expressed various grievances, including concerns about mismanagement of schedules, both in Korea and internationally, a perceived lack of social media engagement, and the company’s handling of stalker fan situations. Some fans also attributed certain issues to J.Y. Park, who played a role in the group’s formation and music production.

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BLACKPINK Partners With Meta for Virtual Concert ‘BLACKPINK: A VR Encore’

BLACKPINK performs at the Hyde Park. Credit: Facebook/BLACKPINK

K-pop sensation BLACKPINK is set to break new ground in the entertainment industry anew. On Thursday, November 16, they announced their first-ever virtual concert, BLACKPINK: A VR Encore, in collaboration with Meta and the Emmy Award-winning production company The Diamond Bros.

According to Billboard, the virtual concert is a recreation of the group’s special finale show from the Born Pink world tour held at Seoul’s Gocheok Sky Dome last September 17. Moreover, the 70-minute virtual experience promises to transport fans into the heart of BLACKPINK’s music. 

 

Among the group’s chart-topping hits that will be featured in the concert are “Pink Venom,” “How You Like That,” and “Kill This Love.”

Additionally, fans can anticipate solo performances from members Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa, adding a personal touch to the immersive concert.

Set to premiere on December 26,  BLACKPINK’s virtual concert will be accessible exclusively in VR inside the Meta Horizon Worlds’ Music Valley, catering to Meta Quest VR headset owners in select regions.

What we know so far about ‘BLACKPINK: A VR Encore’

Alongside the announcement is the release of a trailer for BLACKPINK: A VR Encore. The 16-second clip  featured snippets from the Born Pink tour that has now been tailored for VR.

In a press release, BLACKPINK expressed their excitement in being able to share their music in an innovative way.  “We’re thrilled to embrace the dynamic world of VR because it allows us to reach an even wider global audience and share our music in an entirely new, immersive way,” the group said. 

 

Additionally, they promised that the BLACKPINK: A VR Encore concert is “not just a show.” “It’s an extension of the tour we poured our hearts into. We can’t wait for you to see the magic we’ve created with The Diamond Bros and Meta,” they said. 

Currently, fans eager to attend the virtual concert can start RSVP-ing to the event. And for those unable to catch it live, replays will be available for a month after the initial premiere. 

Notably, this isn’t the first time that BLACKPINK ventured into virtual reality. In 2022, they had a successful partnership with PUBG Mobile where they held a virtual in-game concert. 

Meanwhile, the BLACKPINK: A VR Encore concert comes amid ongoing contract renewal negotiations between BLACKPINK and YG Entertainment. As of writing, the agency says no final decision has been made yet. However, rumors about the members, specifically Lisa, not renewing with the agency has surfaced for several months. 

Featured image: BLACKPINK performs at the Hyde Park. Credit: Facebook/BLACKPINK

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

EXO’s Xiumin, SEVENTEEN’s Jeonghan Show Support for Enlistment of MONSTA X’s Hyungwon

MONSTA X members and CEO-dol Mart co-stars show support for Hyungwon's enlistment. Credit: Twitter/MONSTA X

Hyungwon of K-pop group MONSTA X  has officially embarked on his military service on Tuesday, November 14.  And several of his friends in the industry,  including EXO’s Xiumin and SEVENTEEN’s Jeonghan, showed their support for him. 

Prior to his enlistment, Hyungwon has been updating his fans about his preparation. For instance, he revealed that it was co-member Shownu who shaved his head. Moreover, he also shared photos of him sporting his new buzz cut on his Instagram, jesting that his hair now dries in only three seconds. 

On the day of his enlistment, the idol was sent off by fellow MONSTA X member Shownu and I.M, alongside Hyungwon’s CEO-dol Mart co-stars EXO’s Xiumin, Choi Won Myeong, and Lee Sae On. 

Meanwhile, SEVENTEEN’s Jeonghan, who was in Paris at the time, also sent his well wishes for Hyungwon’s enlistment. During a Weverse live show, he revealed that he asked the MONSTA X member to send him a photo of him in his new haircut. Initially, Hyungwon sent Jeonghan a photo that he already uploaded on his Instagram. But Jeonghan requested a new set of photos, leading him to use one of them as his wallpaper. 

These interactions delighted fans a lot as it reflects the close friendship that Hyungwon has with other idols. Notably, both EXO’s Xiumin and SEVENTEEN’s Jeonghan have also appeared in the web variety series Mr. Chae the Castaway sas guests. 

Hyungwon begins his military service

After completing his basic training, the MONSTA X member will serve as an active duty soldier. 

In a series of posts, Hyungwon sent several messages to his fans, expressing his commitment to complete military service in good health. “As always, I’ll work hard and stay healthy. I’ll do well and when I return, I’ll be strong and reliable enough to block the wind easily. Let’s greet each other warmly when that time comes,” he said. 

On the idol’s behalf, agency Starship Entertainment also left a message for fans of MONSTA X: “Please look forward to the cool return of MONSTA X [as a group] when I come back.” In the statement, Hyungwon also promised that he will show a “more mature side” of him once all members of MONSTA X gathered again. 

Notably, Hyungwon is the fifth member of MONSTA X to enlist, following Shownu, Minhyuk, Joohoney, and Kihyun. Only their youngest member, I.M has yet to enlist in the military. 

Featured image: MONSTA X members and CEO-dol Mart co-stars show support for Hyungwon’s enlistment. Credit: Twitter/MONSTA X

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Ahyeon to No Longer Debut With BABYMONSTER

Ahyeon in her teaser for Last Evaluation. Credit: Website/YG Life

Ahead of its highly anticipated debut, BABYMONSTER has undergone a change in its lineup, with trainee Ahyeon departing the group. 

On Wednesday, YG Entertainment announced that Ahyeon would no longer debut with upcoming girl group BABYMONSTER due to health reasons. 

According to the agency, they’ve decided to let Ahyeon “focus on getting rest for the time being due to health reasons.” Moreover, they added that the decision was made for the sake of the artist’s health. Additionally, they promised that they will prioritize Ahyeon’s recovery so that she’ll return to good health. 

Prior to YG Entertainment’s announcement,  some fans had long speculated about Ahyeon’s absence from BABYMONTER’s activities, noting that it might be the reason why there’s a delay in the group’s debut. 

Several eagle-eyed fans have pointed out that Ahyeon has been missing from the group’s social media content with her last video posted in July.

On top of that, the  group was also seen attending BLACKPINK’s Born Pink finale concert in Seoul, but only six members were present. Based on the photos circulating online, Ahyeon wasn’t in attendance.

As of writing, Ahyeon has yet to address her departure from the group. 

How will BABYMONSTER go from here? 

Following Ahyeon’s departure, YG Entertainment confirms that BABYMONSTER will debut with six members: Ruka, Pharita, Asa, Haram, Rora, and Chiquita. 

On November 10, YG Entertainment released a teaser for the group’s debut slated for November 27. Since then, the agency has started releasing individual teasers for the members. However, further details about the group’s release are yet to be disclosed. 

 

Ahead of the group’s official debut, BABYMONSTER has already built a substantial social media following, boasting 3.4 million Instagram followers and 3.1 million YouTube subscribers. 

Moreover, the debut of BABYMONSTER holds significance for YG Entertainment, considering the departure of several artists between 2022 and 2023. Notably, BABYMONSTER also marks YG Entertainment’s first girl group since the debut of BLACKPINK in 2016.

 

The journey to BABYMONSTER’s debut was documented through the reality show Last Evaluation, which was launched in March. Originally intended to consist of five members, overwhelming demand from viewers led to the inclusion of all seven members in the final lineup. 

In May, they released their pre-debut song, “DREAM,” generating excitement among fans. 

Featured image: Ahyeon in her teaser for Last Evaluation. Credit: Website/YG Life

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aespa Surpasses 1M 1st-Week Sales With ‘Drama’

aespa is proving that they can churn out truly successful albums. Their latest album ‘Drama’ has just surpassed over 1 million in 1st-week sales. It is the third album from the girl group to achieve the amazing feat!

‘Drama’ Becomes aespa’s Third Album to Surpass 1Million 1st-Week Sales

aespa has achieved another remarkable milestone as they return with their latest mini-album ‘Drama’. According to Hanteo Chart’s official announcement on November 17, the album has sold an impressive total of 1,130,379 copies in its first week of release (November 10 to 16).

The accomplishment marks aespa as the first female artist in Hanteo history to achieve over 1 million copies in the first week for three different albums. Prior to ‘Drama’, aespa surpassed the 1 million first-week sales mark with their previous mini-album ‘MY WORLD’ and their 2022 release ‘Girls’.

The success of ‘Drama’ extends beyond South Korea, making an impact on music charts in China. The album secured the top spot on both QQ Music’s and KuGou Music’s digital album sales charts. Additionally, the title track of the album ‘Drama’ reached No. 1 on QQ Music’s music video chart and rising chart.

The historic achievement solidifies aespa’s status as a “million-seller” and underlines their popularity and impact in the music industry. The group continues to make significant strides not only in their home country but also in international markets, showcasing their global appeal and influence.

In celebration of their 3rd anniversary, aespa hosted the ‘My Drama’ fan meeting on November 17 at Kyung Hee University at 8 PM KST. The event, titled after their latest mini-album ‘Drama’, provided an opportunity for the group to connect with fans and express their gratitude. The fan meeting was not limited to an in-person audience, as it was also accessible online through Beyond LIVE, allowing global fans to join in the celebration and share the special moments with aespa

Congratulations to aespa on this impressive feat, marking another chapter in their successful career.

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Watch: Red Velvet Showcases Versatility in New Album ‘Chill Kill’

Red Velvet poses for their concept photo for 'Chill Kill.' Credit: Twitter/Red Velvet

K-pop girl group Red Velvet has made a highly-anticipated return to the music scene, dropping their third full-length album, Chill Kill, on Monday, November 13. 

As this album marks the group’s first full-length release in six years, fans were definitely anticipating it. Notably, Red Velvet’s second full album, Perfect Velvet, came out in November 2017.

Meanwhile, the title track “Chill Kill” is described as a  distinctive pop dance composition that showcases the broad musical spectrum of Red Velvet. According to SM Entertainment, it has a cold yet warm and hopeful melody. 

As for what Chill Kill means, member Joy said in a press release that it refers to a situation or person that disrupts silence. In line with that, the song explores the feeling of missing Chill Kill, even though it altered one’s world, and expresses a desire for hope. Moreover, the group encouraged their fans to pay attention to the  duality portrayed in the song. 

Apart from “Chill Kill,” the album has nine other tracks. 

Red Velvet on returning with a full album

Meanwhile, Seulgi expressed the group’s aim to reveal their growth and unique style to fans. “We have undergone by exploring our past and present throughout the album’s creation,” she added. 

Despite the long gap since their last full-length album, Irene, the group’s leader, highlighted their continuous musical releases and experimentation with various concepts. “We worked hard to showcase a new side of ourselves through this album,” she said. 

In terms of the key points of Chill Kill, Wendy shared that the album follows the theme of “duplicity” – portraying both tragedy and hope.

“We put our minds on showing both sides of the album through all the content,” she said. Moreover, she noted that the group have been hands-on in terms of choosing the songs and making the choreography for their latest album. 

Known for their intriguing concepts, fans of the group are aware of the consistent “red” and “velvet” themes of the group throughout the career.

To note, the “red” theme shows more of the group’s fresh, fun, upbeat, and vibrant concepts. Meanwhile, the “velvet” theme goes for a more sensual, mature, and sophisticated sound. 

Apart from it being a full album, Chill Kill also marked the group’s first comeback in almost a year. In November 2022, they released the mini-album The ReVe Festival 2022- Birthday.

Moreover, the comeback also came amidst speculations regarding the members’ status as SM Entertainment artists. 

In August, Seulgi was confirmed to renew her contract with SM Entertainment.  It marked the second time the K-pop idol has re-signed with the K-pop agency. However, the agency has yet to reveal the status of the other Red Velvet members, namely Irene, Wendy, Joy, and Yeri. 

Featured image: Red Velvet poses for their concept photo for ‘Chill Kill.’ Credit: Twitter/Red Velvet

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SEVENTEEN Shares Inspiring Message at Historical Appearance in UNESCO Youth Forum

SEVENTEEN makes history at UNESCO Youth Forum in Paris. Credit: Twitter/SEVENTEEN

Breaking new ground, K-pop powerhouse SEVENTEEN recently delivered an inspiring message of unity and optimism at the 13th UNESCO Youth Forum in Paris. This marked a historic moment as SEVENTEEN became the first K-pop act to address an entire session at a significant UNESCO event, held alongside the UNESCO General Assembly.

On Tuesday, November 14, at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, several SEVENTEEN members – Seungkwan, Jun, Woozi, Mingyu, Joshua, and Vernon took the stage during a special session. 

Apart from their impactful speeches, the group also performed their uplifting hits such as “WORLD,” “Darl+ing,” “Headliner,” and “God of Music.” Notably, they also surprised fans with an English version of their song “Together,” which only had Korean and Japanese versions before. 

SEVENTEEN looks back on their career

 As the first speaker, member Seungkwan reflected on his journey from a boy with big dreams on a World Heritage island to standing before the UNESCO headquarters. 

Next is Jun, who talked about the group’s camaraderie. Speaking in his native language Chinese, he shared how they overcame distance to become a united team facing challenges together. “Because we were so far from each other, I never imagined that we could grow to become friends with our hands joined for all challenges to come,” he said. “We may not be perfect as individuals, but together, we are the best team SEVENTEEN.”  

Meanwhile, Woozi, who served as the group’s producer and vocal unit leader, recalled how many doubted them when they were starting. “Others liked to say that 13 members was too many for a boy band. Many also believed our average age, which was 17 at the time of our debut, made us too young. That we wouldn’t get along, and that we would have a hard time finding and building our original sound. But we were too young to be discouraged.” 

Following that, he spoke about the gradual formation of SEVENTEEN’s identity through shared passions and strengths. Moreover, he also  expressed gratitude and acknowledged each member’s contributions individually.

On the group’s advocacy 

As for the remaining half of SEVENTEEN speakers, the members talked about the initiatives that their group had for certain causes. 

For instance, Mingyu, in his address, highlighted the group’s commitment to philanthropy. During their first anniversary, he recalled that they donated 13 goats to children in Tanzania with the money they earned as a group.

Since then, he shared that the group had been making annual donations. “We do it because we want to make sure that no young people, no matter who they are, or who they’re coming from, ever give up on their dreams or get discouraged,” he said. 

Meanwhile Joshua discussed SEVENTEEN’s collaboration with the Korean National Commission for UNESCO and the #GoingTogether campaign. In his speech, he recognized the crucial role of their fans, CARATs, in supporting educational initiatives. Moreover, he hoped that their group’s actions through UNESCO would inspire young people globally. 

To wrap up the session, Vernon introduced the songs performed at the forum using lyrics from SEVENTEEN’s discography. Through this, he expressed their hope that their stories and music would resonate with the audience.

Following their appearance at the UNESCO Youth Forum, their fans quickly took to social media to express how proud they are of SEVENTEEN. Additionally, UNESCO HQ also recorded their largest-ever crowd for Youth Forum ahead of the K-pop group’s appearance. 

Featured image: SEVENTEEN makes history at UNESCO Youth Forum in Paris. Credit: Twitter/SEVENTEEN

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BTS Members Reportedly Sells All HYBE Labels Stocks

The members of BTS have recently made a surprising decision about their future. A new report reveals that Jin, Suga, RM, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook have sold all their HYBE Labels stocks.

All 7 Members of BTS Have Reportedly Sold All Their HYBE Labels Stocks

In a recent report on November 17, it was revealed that all seven members of BTS have decided to sell their HYBE Labels stocks. The information, accessible through South Korea’s DART (Data Analysis, Retrieval, and Transfer System), detailed that the BTS members placed their HYBE Labels stocks on the market in September of this year.

The reported selling amounts, calculated based on the closing price on September 20 (243,000 KRW), are as follows: Jin sold approximately 12.7 billion KRW (52,385 shares), j-hope sold approximately 15.3 billion KRW (62,784 shares), RM also sold approximately 14.1 billion KRW (58,000 shares), SUGA sold approximately 16.6 billion KRW (68,385 shares), Jimin sold approximately 16.6 billion KRW (68,385 shares), V sold approximately 16.6 billion KRW (68,385 shares), and Jungkook sold approximately 16.6 billion KRW (68,385 shares).

Additionally, a shareholder report on stocks and other securities disclosed by HYBE on November 14 revealed that the label’s chairman, Bang Si Hyuk, has also chosen to decrease his ownership stake from 24,322,584 shares (58.07%) to 21,429,024 shares (51.42%), marking a decrease of 2,893,560 shares (6.65%).

As of now, HYBE Labels has not issued an official statement in response to the report.

Bang Si Hyuk Reflects on the Future

In related news, HYBE had announced its second re-signing with BTS last month. Reflecting on this with Bloomberg, Bang Si-hyuk emphasized the bond between the septet and the company, saying, “The relationship between BTS and HYBE is good, but there were difficulties during the negotiation process, and we became closer while resolving them. It was the greatest happiness in my life as a manager, which is filled with hardships.”

Bang Si-hyuk also revealed that he’s been thinking globally. “We needed to expand externally and internally to enhance the influence of K-pop in the global music market and secure many global fans. We will continue to pursue experimental attempts for the sustainable growth path of K-pop, regardless of success or failure,” he added.

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