Category: KPOP NEWS

With more and more idols debuting at a young age, many leave school to focus on their careers. But Kang Ye-seo, the youngest member of the girl group Kep1er, is charting a different path. She has decided to balance higher education with her idol career.

According to an exclusive report by Star News, Ye-seo is preparing for the 2024 College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT), scheduled to be held at a school in Seoul on the 16th. Born in August 2005, the 18-year-old idol is currently enrolled at Lira Arts High School in Jung-gu, Seoul, making her eligible for the CSAT this academic year. She wants to major in acting or practical music, reflecting her desire to expand her horizons beyond her career as an idol.

In South Korea, the CSAT is a standardized exam akin to the ACT or SAT in the United States. It plays a significant role in university admissions. Ye-seo‘s decision to take this exam while promoting with Kep1er says a lot about her dedication and values. It demonstrates a commitment to education and a desire for self-improvement. This makes her a good role model for young fans. 

Ye-seo is working hard

Preparing for the CSAT is a smart move. She’s laying the groundwork for life after being an idol. In the uncertain world of showbiz, having a good education can provide more opportunities and security for the future. In the meantime, she’s working hard to excel academically and as an idol.

Ye-seo debuted in the project group Kep1er through Mnet’s Girls Planet 999 in 2021. Before that, she had been part of multiple groups, including Prestige, Cutie L, and Busters. She’s slated to join LIMELIGHT after the Kep1er group contract ends. Aside from her idol activities, Ye-seo is also an experienced actor. She debuted as a child actress in the 2010 drama Goldfish. She has since done dramas like Angel’s Choice and Fighting Family. Her performance in Miracle in Cell No. 7 won Ye-seo a lot of praise. 

Kep1er recently released their fifth EP Magic Hour, bannered by the title track, “Galileo.” – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Ye-seo’s decision is admirable. Source: X/@official_kep1er.

South Korean singer-songwriter Nahee has died at the age of 24. StarNews reported her passing on Wednesday, November 8, with the cause of death remaining unspecified. The sudden loss of the young artist has led to widespread shock and speculation, with rumors suggesting the possibility of suicide, although this has not been confirmed by Korean authorities. Her funeral took place on Friday, November 10, at the Central Funeral Hall in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do.

In a heartfelt statement, her label expressed deep sorrow: “Singer-songwriter Nahee has left our earth and become a star in the sky. We are sorry to bring sudden news to all of you fans who have supported and loved Nahee. We send our deepest condolences to the deceased’s final journey.”

Korean Singer Nahee Dead At 24

Nahee‘s career, though brief, was impactful. She signed with Mun Hwa In in September 2020 and earned recognition with 15 Korea Music Copyright Association (KOMCA) credits. Despite a career spanning only four years, she managed to build a decent-sized fanbase.

Her musical journey began in 2019 with her first single “Blue City,” which captivated listeners with its unique style and emotive lyrics. Subsequent releases like “Blue Night” and “Gloomy Day” further cemented her status as a promising talent. Nahee was best known for her song “Rose,” released in July, which combined electronic undertones with a heartfelt message to her fans. “I always think of my songs as flowers. With this particular one, I want to narrate a heartfelt story to all those who adore these floral melodies of mine,” she had said.

나히 (Nahee) – rose [Official Audio]

Nahee left her dog behind

Other notable releases by Nahee include “I’m Not Fine” (2021), “I’m So Confused,” “Love Note,” “I Can’t Sleep,” and “Treasure” (2022). She also covered popular songs on YouTube, with the most recent being New Jeans’ “ASAP.” Nahee was active on Instagram, where she gave her fans short looks at her private life, including posts about her dog. She archived all these posts before her passing, leaving only one on her feed.

Her last Instagram post, shared just hours before her death on November 7, struck fans. It featured a selfie in a winter coat, a video of a train ride at dusk, and adorable portraits of her dog. The comments section overflowed with condolence messages, with some fans mourning on behalf of her dog, who “lost his mama.”

On Reddit, fans expressed their grief, with many regretting not having discovered her art sooner. “Such a young talent, gone too soon. RIP,” wrote one user. Another shared, “I was just listening to her songs for the first time the other day. I was thinking I’d really get into her stuff since it’s actually really good. Very sad to hear and I hope she rests in peace.” – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Rest in peace, Nahee. We’ll always remember you. Source: X/@nugupromo.

FIFTY FIFTY, currently embroiled in a conflict with their agency, ATTRAKT, is on the verge of receiving their first payment this month. Industry insiders reveal that the girl group has turned a profit, paving the way for the members’ first paycheck. Keena, the only member to return to the agency, is expected to receive a significant first paycheck, estimated to be in the tens of millions of KRW (Korean won). This substantial amount translates to a hefty sum in USD (US dollars).

The group’s primary source of income comes from music streaming platforms. Remarkably, FIFTY FIFTY achieved profitability just two years after their debut, relying solely on streaming revenues. This is particularly impressive when you realize they did it without additional earnings from concerts, endorsements, or other public appearances. They lost many opportunities due to the legal battle.

Their success is largely attributed to the global popularity of their hit single, “Cupid.” The track performed well on major music platforms like Billboard and Spotify. According to the international music revenue system, it typically takes four to nine months from revenue generation to settlement. Hence, this month is the time when the members will finally receive their well-deserved earnings.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsdMC9uTDW8

FIFTY FIFTY’s Keena To Receive Massive First Payout — Netizens React

Netizens say Keena had great timing

However, the situation is less clear for Aran, Saena, and Sio, who have been in a dispute with the agency since April. Their receipt of any payments may be affected by the fact that the agency has terminated their exclusive contracts. “The three FIFTY FIFTY members have not shown any signs of reflections regarding their serious contract violations and thus, made our decision. We’ll discuss follow-up measures regarding the members moving forward,” ATTRAKT said in a statement.

Keena, on the other hand, is set to receive her first settlement and plans to continue with FIFTY FIFTY. The group, nominated for the 2023 Billboard Music Awards, will see Keena attend the awards ceremony in the U.S. as its sole representative. There are also plans to revive the group with new members. This new iteration of FIFTY FIFTY may see Keena standing in the center.

K-netizens have expressed varied opinions on this issue, with comments ranging from admiration for Keena‘s timing to criticism of the other members’ decisions. Some believe that the other members have missed out on a significant opportunity. It’s all because of their refusal to mend fences with the agency. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The other members may not get any money because they have yet to settle things with ATTRAKT. Source: X/@wekdramalovers_.

RIIZE is the new boy group from SM Entertainment that’s been making waves in the K-Pop scene. The group has seven talented members: Wonbin, Sungchan, Sohee, Shotaro, Seunghan, Eunseok, and Anton. Among them, Anton has been attracting a lot of attention. Not just for his stunning visuals and impressive background, but also for his musical skills.

His artistic talents

Born Lee Chanyoung on March 21, 2004, in Boston, Massachusetts, Anton moved to New Jersey when he was three. His parents are the renowned singer and producer Yoon Sang and actress Shim Hyejin, and he has a kid brother born in 2009. Standing tall at 186 cm (6’1″), Anton‘s visuals are as impressive as his artistic talents. His charming smile and handsome face are often compared to his labelmates Jeno, Renjun, and Taemin. As a kid, Anton dreamed of becoming a professional swimmer, but his journey took a turn when he got into music.

In RIIZE, Anton contributes a unique artistic flair. Not only does he perform, but he also produces music and writes songs for the group, blending artistic expression with technical skill. As one of the group’s younger members, his many talents make him a standout in the K-pop industry. Anton dreams of working with Bruno Mars and plays the cello.

The cello, a string instrument known for its deep tones, is central to classical and orchestral music. Anton‘s ability to play it indicates a solid grasp of music theory, rhythm, and the physical demands of the instrument. This skill adds a unique dimension to his musicality. It also suggests he’s dedicated and disciplined, as learning the cello requires long hours of practice.

Cellist Anton is main character material

Anton‘s pre-debut performances as a cellist were captured on video. It’s amazing to see how dedicated he was even before officially stepping into the spotlight. In these videos, you can see Anton following the conductor’s lead with intense focus. His fingers move gracefully over the cello strings, producing beautiful music that’s pleasing to the ears. The videos have become quite popular on social media platforms like TikTok and X, racking up an impressive number of views.

What sets Anton apart is his natural appearance in these videos, contrasting with the typical idol image. His genuine, unpretentious charm has endeared him to fans, highlighting that true talent transcends outward looks. Anton‘s resemblance to Korean drama protagonists adds to his appeal, making him a real-life main character.

In related news, RIIZE has now surpassed 100M total digital points on the Circle Chart. They’re the first and only fifth-generation group to achieve this. Furthermore, their Get a Guitar single album received a certification from Circle Chart for selling over 1 million copies based on its count. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Playing the cello well takes a whole lot of dedication and discipline. You go, Anton! Source: X/@RIIZE_ID.

Kim Hyeon Bin, who rose to fame on Mnet’s Produce X 101, will debut in CUBE Entertainment’s upcoming boy group. Reports from November 9 confirm his inclusion in the group, which is slated to debut in 2024. This marks the first boy group debut under the label since PENTAGON in 2016.

(eng) ProduceX101 ep 3 Kim Hyunbin and “No more dream” team cut

During his time on Produce X 101 in 2019 as a Source Music trainee, Hyeon Bin impressed fans and judges alike with his exceptional rap skills and dynamic performances. He notably secured the top spot in the Group X Battle on-site evaluation and sang the original song “Move” for his concept evaluation. Despite being eliminated in episode 11, ranking 30th, he received praise from the trainers. Dance trainer Bae Yoon Jung, known for her harsh critiques, complimented him for singing while dancing.

Hyeon Bin‘s journey on the show was remarkable, as he became the only trainee across all four seasons of Produce 101 to perform on M Countdown three times. He showcased his talents with Team PTS performing “No More Dream” and did a special stage with A Class trainees. Finally, he reprised “MOVE” after the concept evaluation. This feat is unparalleled even among those who debuted through previous seasons of the show.

What happened to Kim Hyeon Bin after ‘Produce X 101’?

After parting ways with Source Music in January 2020, Hyeon Bin briefly stepped away from idol training. He launched a YouTube channel, “Billboard Man,” and an Instagram account, sharing covers and personal updates. However, in May 2020, he deleted all his content and social media, hinting at a new beginning with another agency. By June 2020, he was spotted training with WM Entertainment trainees, joining their pre-debut group WMGgumnamu. However, in November 2021, his departure from WM was indicated by the removal of his posts from WMGgumnamu’s social media.

PRODUCE X 101ㅣ김현빈 – 방탄소년단 ♬No More Dream @그룹X배틀 190517 EP.3

Now with CUBE Entertainment, Hyeon Bin is poised for his long-awaited debut. The new group, tentatively named NOWADAYS, consists of five members and has already begun intensive debut preparations, including content shoots in various international locations. Hyeon Bin also made a very brief appearance on MBC’s Omniscient Interfering View in February 2022, where he showed off his dancing under the evaluation of BTOB’s Seo Eunkwang.

With his undeniable talent and perseverance, Kim Hyeon Bin‘s upcoming debut with CUBE’s new boy group is eagerly anticipated by many. His journey from a promising trainee on Produce X 101 to a soon-to-debut idol in one of K-pop’s leading agencies is a testament to his dedication and skill. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Hyeon Bin’s dream will finally come true! Source: Facebook/@KimHyeonbinPH.