Category: KPOP NEWS

Categories
BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BTS’ Jimin’s Support Spurs Brand to Give ARMY Freebies

Niccier gave ARMY gifts to thank Jimin for his help.

On October 13, fans worldwide celebrated the birthday of BTS member Jimin. They displayed billboards in bustling areas and organized events. One such event took place in Seongsu-dong, South Korea. The brand Niccier contacted the organizers of the event and offered to send 100 perfumed hand creams to the event. Niccier gave fans free products because thanks to Jimin, they were able to overcome challenging times.

On March 24, Jimin released his highly anticipated first solo album FACE and debuted as a soloist on music shows, including KBS2’s Music Bank. Fans attended the pre-recording, and in return, the artist surprised them with gifts. He gave them two smartphone grips, one with a drawing by Jimin and another with dried flowers in resin. He also gave them pamphlets with heartfelt messages and Niccier hand cream gift sets. Each set cost 53,000 KRW (about 40.90 USD).

Niccier wasn’t doing well in terms of sales at that time. So when many fans posted pictures of the gifts they received, those who couldn’t get Niccier products at the music shows purchased them individually from the brand’s website, increasing their sales. This support helped the brand get back on their feet.

Why did Jimin choose Niccier?

Based on the information available on its website, Niccier emphasizes the importance of genuine values and self-worth. The brand encourages people to go beyond societal norms and expectations, urging them to discover and embrace their true selves. Niccier champions authenticity, resilience, and self-discovery. 

FACE captivated critics and fans with its emotional depth and musical versatility. The track “Set Me Free Pt. 2” reflects Jimin‘s journey of self-discovery and liberation. Its assertive lyrics about “freedom and moving forward” and the album’s overarching themes echo Niccier’s message. Both Jimin‘s music and Niccier’s brand ethos advocate for determination, passion, and overcoming adversity.

Given this thematic alignment, it’s plausible that Jimin selected Niccier products to gift his fans during the FACE promotions, as the brand’s values harmonize with the album’s messages. By opting for Niccier, Jimin may have aimed to provide his fans with products that are not just memorabilia but also embody the emotions and meanings of his music. This gesture reinforces FACE‘s themes and inspires fans to embrace their true selves, mirroring Jimin‘s own journey through his work. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jimin clearly put a lot of thought into those gifts. Source: GQ Korea.

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

IU’s Agency Issues New Safety Measures To Protect Their Artists

EDAM Entertainment is taking extra safety measures to protect its artists. The agency, which is best known for representing IU, confirmed the new guidelines in an effort to safeguard artists from reckless fan behavior.

EDAM Entertainment Confirms Safety Measures to Protect IU

On October 17, EDAM Entertainment took significant steps to enhance the safety and privacy protection of their artists and guide fan conduct in order to foster a healthier fandom culture. The company issued a statement outlining the new safety measures via IU’s fan cafe.

The agency specifically banned fans from visiting places that are generally considered private and outside official schedules, such as the company premises, recording studios, rehearsal rooms, hair and makeup salons, and the artist’s residence. They stressed the importance of preserving and respecting the artist’s private life. Locations like airport immigration, security and baggage claim zones, and airport facilities such as duty-free shops and lounges were also designated as off-limits.

EDAM discouraged random live broadcasting and filming during an artist’s travels, citing the inconvenience it causes to staff and the breach of the artist’s privacy. They also cautioned against encroaching on an artist’s personal space by approaching too closely, repeatedly attempting to make contact, initiate conversation, or establish physical contact. These actions were labeled as unacceptable, and the guidelines also extended to the artist’s family, friends, and acquaintances.

Respecting Artists’ Private Lives

Regarding private schedules that are not disclosed to fans, the agency requested understanding, explaining that such unannounced events are intended to minimize external exposure at the organizer’s request and ensure business security. They emphasized the importance of following instructions from on-site staff and security personnel during official offline activities.

The guidelines outlined the strict prohibition of non-compliance, unauthorized access to restricted areas (e.g., backstage rooms, parking lots), verbal disputes with other fans, verbal abuse of staff, and instances of assault. Additionally, the impersonation of artists for fan activities, unauthorized photography or recording, the purchase and sale of the artist’s personal information, and the trading of travel information while an artist is on the move were considered illegal.

EDAM Entertainment issued a warning that fans who failed to adhere to these guidelines might have their membership and associated benefits in the official fan club terminated. In severe cases, where it is determined that a crime has been committed, legal actions, including civil and criminal proceedings, may be initiated. These measures reflect the agency’s commitment to ensuring the well-being and privacy of their artists while promoting a positive and respectful fandom culture.

IU generally has a polite fandom but the idol has been subjected to unruly fan behavior. EDAM previously addressed the idol’s safety after she reportedly received death threats.

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

SM Entertainment Addresses EXO D.O. Signing With New Agency

It’s official: D.O. is leaving SM Entertainment. Several reports suggested that the EXO member will be leaving the company to join a new agency with a longtime friend. Now, SM Entertainment has addressed the news to assure fans about the idol’s future.

According to several reports, D.O. is currently extending his activities by joining a new agency, which was founded by a long-time management director who has been with him since his debut. Notably, D.O. and the management director share a close bond well-known among EXO fans. Do Kyungsoo reportedly mentioned the manager in various award acceptance speeches and interviews, and consults with the manager regarding his career decisions.

Despite the reported move to a new agency, it is anticipated that D.O. will maintain his role as an EXO member while pursuing new opportunities within the framework of the new company.

SM Entertainment Confirms EXO D.O.’s New Agency

Since then, SM Entertainment has addressed the report, confirming D.O.’s status in a statement.

“D.O.’s exclusive contract with us will expire in early November,” the statement read. “Following thorough discussions with D.O., it has been decided that he will continue his EXO activities with SM, but will proceed with his acting and individual activities through the newly established agency founded by his and SM’s former manager.”

The news of D.O.’s departure comes shortly after it was reported that EXO members Chanyeol and Sehun will sign with a new agency. SM Entertainment refuted the reports but also indicated that the members can pursue individual activities with other companies.

“It is not true that Chanyeol and Sehun have moved to a new agency,” the statement read. “The contracts that EXO members signed with SM Entertainment at the end of last year remain valid, and EXO activities will continue to proceed under SM Entertainment.”

SM Entertainment continued, “However, in regards to the members’ individual activities, we have conditionally allowed them to proceed through their own established companies if they wish, within the terms of their existing exclusive contracts with SM.”

EXO released their seventh studio album ‘EXIST’ on July 10, 2023.

Categories
K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

ATEEZ Wins Best Concert Award at 10th Edaily Culture Awards

On October 16, Hongjoong, Jongho, Mingi, San, Seonghwa, Wooyoung, Yeosang, and Yunho clinched the Best Concert Award at the esteemed Edaily Digital Awards. This accolade was in recognition of the ATEEZ concert tour, THE FELLOWSHIP: BREAK THE WALL, further cementing their stature in the K-pop scene.

ATEEZ‘s victory is particularly commendable as they didn’t originate from one of the “Big Four” K-pop companies: HYBE, JYP, SM, or YG. Instead, they come from KQ Entertainment. Their win distinguished them as the first fourth-generation group that took home the Best Concert Award for a global tour. This notable accomplishment received extensive coverage in local media, further highlighting the group’s success.

The Best Concert Award at the Edaily Culture Awards boasts a distinguished legacy of winners. EXO took the honor in 2016, Wanna One in 2017, BTS in 2018, TVXQ! in 2019, and TWICE in 2020. SEVENTEEN clinched the award in 2022 with their ‘BE THE SUN’ world tour. ATEEZ is the newest addition to this illustrious list.

THE FELLOWSHIP : BREAK THE WALL WORLD TOUR IN SEOUL

The ATEEZ concert earned high marks

In the K-pop industry, such awards often pave the way for the coveted daesang, or grand prize. ATEEZ‘s win in the Best Concert category positioned them as contenders for it. This award is a prestigious honor in K-pop, with only one winner chosen from each of six categories. They are as follows: Classic, Concert, Dance, Musical, Play, and Traditional Music. The daesang winner will be announced during the ceremony on November 10, heightening the anticipation among ATINY worldwide.

A panel chose the Best Concert winner, taking into account factors like “the global ripple effect” and ticket sales. They also considered craftsmanship, growth prospects, and innovation. The panel said: “ATEEZ, a team that achieved the miracle of small and medium-sized agencies, is a group with a significant contribution to the development of the K-pop market and has a vast global influence. The tour, which showcased the power of K-pop with outstanding performances and spectacular direction, was successfully concluded, and for that, they were given high marks.”

D-DAY MAKING FILM OF BREAK THE WALL WORLD TOUR IN SEOUL

Immense pride and joy

This recognition sparked immense pride and joy among ATINY, celebrating ATEEZ‘s journey from modest beginnings to a dominant force in K-pop. Adding to the celebration was the return of member Jongho, who missed some shows on the tour due to an injury.

The ATEEZ concert award solidifies their position as a leading fourth-generation group. With the awards ceremony coming in November, the boys are hoping to add a daesang to their accomplishments. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The winning ATEEZ concert tour began in Seoul, South Korea on October 29, 2022 and ended in Manila, Philippines on September 16, 2023. Source: X/@1024updates.

Categories
K-POP ARTISTS KPOP ALBUMS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

OMEGA X Confirms 1st Comeback After Leaving SPIRE Entertainment

OMEGA X shares new profile photo. Credit: Twitter/OMEGA X

K-pop boy group OMEGA X is ready to start anew as they confirmed that they’ll be making a comeback with iykyk. 

On Wednesday, October 18, the group announced that they’re releasing their third mini-album iykyk on November 7. Other details such as the number of songs and name of the title track have yet to be announced. 

Following the news, fans of the group couldn’t help but rejoice as it served as OMEGA X’s first return following their controversial legal battle with former agency SPIRE Entertainment. 

A rundown of OMEGA X’s fallout with SPIRE Entertainment 

Composed of Jaehan, Hwichan, Sebin, Hangyeom, Taedong, Xen, Jehyun, Kevin, Jung-hoon, Hyuk and Yechan, OMEGA X debuted in June 2021 with the mini-album VAMOS. Prior to being part of the project group, some of their members participated in survival shows such as Under 19, The Unit, and Produce 101 season 2. 

In October 2022, speculations that the group is being mistreated by their agency Spire Entertainment started. Several witnesses shared on social media that they saw the OMEGA X members being berated and assaulted in public during the group’s CONNECT: Don’t Give Up world tour. Some reports also claimed that the members weren’t given tickets for their flight back to South Korea when the mistreatment allegations started gaining traction on social media. 

Such events led the group to hold a press conference in November to announce the termination of their contract with SPIRE Entertainment. During the press conference, the members detailed the physical, verbal, and sexual abuses that they went through under the hands of their agency. 

In January 2023, the group was granted an injunction suspending the validity of their contracts with SPIRE Entertainment. 

In May 2023, OMEGA X announced that they reached an “amicable and mutual agreement” with their former agency. Hence, both parties have decided to end all of their disputes. 

OMEGA X forges on

Throughout this ordeal, the members of OMEGA X have expressed their desire to continue their dreams of being an idol. Despite the tough circumstances, they kept assuring their fans that this won’t be the end of their group. 

Amidst their legal battle, the group managed to release a new digital single titled “Dream” in April. In June, they also held a mini fan meeting for their debut anniversary. Moreover, the members also actively appeared in radio programs, web dramas, music shows, and television broadcasts. 

 

In July, OMEGA X announced that they signed with a new agency, IPQ. 

Featured image: OMEGA X shares new profile photo. Credit: Twitter/OMEGA X

Categories
BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BTS’ Jungkook to Perform at 2023 MTV EMAs in Paris

BTS shares behind-the-scene photo from Jungkook's filming of '3D.' Credit: Facebook/BTS

Attention ARMYs! Jungkook of K-pop boy group BTS is set to make his debut as a solo performer at the 2023 MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs) in Paris. 

On Wednesday, October 18, MTV EMAs unveiled its list of performers. The awarding ceremony is set for November 5. 

Aside from Jungkook, other confirmed performers include Anne Marie, and Sabrina Carpenter. Meanwhile, The Kid Laroi, David Guetta, and Thirty Second to Mars are also confirmed to take the stage.

For the 2023 MTV EMAs, Jungkook is nominated in three categories: Best Song for “Seven,” Best K-pop and Biggest Fans. Which makes him the most nominated K-pop soloist for the awarding ceremony. 

As of writing, the BTS member is the only confirmed K-pop act that will perform in the ceremony. 

Although there’s no other details about Jungkook’s performance yet, fans are already getting hyped up on the possible numbers he’ll prepare for the show. Especially since the awarding ceremony will come days after the official release of Jungkook’s solo debut album Golden. 

Since “Seven” is already nominated, ARMYs are expecting that it will be part of his list. But there’s also a huge chance that Jungkook will perform some of his solo tracks for the first time in MTV EMAs. Some eagle-eyed fans are even hypothesizing that Jungkook and The Kid Laroi will share the stage for MTV EMAs as the two have recently announced that they’re collaborating. 

Notably, the K-pop star collaborated with several big names from Hollywood for his 11-track album. Among those who have songwriting and producing credits in some of the songs for Golden are Ed Sheeran, Shawn Mendes, David Stewart, DJ Snake, and Major Lazer. 

More about MTV EMAs

Apart from Jungkook, there are also several K-pop acts nominated for the 2023 MTV EMAs. 

Among the nominees are his fellow HYBE groups TOMORROW X TOGETHER, SEVENTEEN, and NewJeans. Also nominated are groups BLACKPINK, FIFTY FIFTY, Stray Kids, and TREASURE. 

Fans can vote for their favorite acts on the MTV EMAs official website until October 31, 11:59 pm. 

Featured image: BTS shares behind-the-scene photo from Jungkook’s filming of ‘3D.’ Credit: Facebook/BTS

Categories
BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

ARMY Celebrates as BTS’ Jin Makes Instagram Comeback

BTS member Kim Seokjin—who also goes by his stage name, Jin—made headlines on October 14 after sharing a series of photos on his personal Instagram account. This comes after his last public appearance during SUGA’s concert in Seoul on August 6. Jin’s latest posts, some of which were taken at the MapleStory pop-up store in Gangnam, left ARMY overwhelmed with emotion.

Eagle-eyed fans deduced that the photos were from Jin’s recent vacation when he was on leave from the military. In the photos, Jin is sporting a brown jacket, a cap, jeans, and a white tee. One of the photos features him posing with a jar of traditional wine, suggesting he might have tried his hand at brewing. The label on the jar reads “Seokjinnie’s honey jar.” In other snaps, he’s enjoying himself at the MapleStory pop-up, dubbed MapleStory World Tour.

The MapleStory pop-up was held at the Hyundai Seoul department store from October 5 to 15. It was designed to resemble the game’s villages and transported visitors into the world of MapleStory. It also showcased over 250 MapleStory-themed products. In one of the photos he posted, Jin is bowing to a MapleStory character. In others, he’s exploring the pop-up and showing off game merchandise.

@ipurpleyou_afbf

Seokjin Instagram update [101423]💜 Seokjin oppa came home today! 🥰 He visited Maple Store during his vacation yesterday and posted these photos 🤗😍 ” Jinnie oppa is on vacation that’s why he was able to give his gift to Jimin”🥹🥰 #SeokjinKim #Jin #Bts_Jin #Jinnie #kimseokjin #bts #WWHJin #seokjinnie #seokjinbts #Borahae #fyp #fypシ゚viral #foryou #fyp #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp

♬ epiphany jin demo ver – ☁️

Kim Seokjin penned a heartfelt message

The ARMY, always attentive, noticed a playful exchange between Jin and fellow BTS member j-hope. The latter commented on one of Jin‘s posts, saying, “Ahjussi, upload it as one feed. How many are you going to post?” Jin humorously replied, “I don’t have that many pictures so I have to make it seem like I have a lot.”

Aside from his Instagram posts, a pre-recorded video for his fans was uploaded to Weverse. He penned a short yet heartfelt message to go with the clip. “Weather where autumn rain has started to fall and become a lot more chilly. ARMY, please be careful not to catch a cold and be healthy,” wrote Jin.

The BTS fandom became emotional when Jin returned to Instagram because they missed him. He had enlisted in the military shortly after releasing “The Astronaut” in December 2022. The song, a collaboration with British band Coldplay, recently surpassed 262M streams. As of today, October 18, it gained an additional 722,583 streams in the last 24 hours. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Kim Seokjin returned to Instagram and Weverse, cheering up the fans who miss him dearly. Source: Instagram/@jin.

Categories
K-POP ARTISTS KPOP ALBUMS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Red Velvet to Return With ‘What a Chill Kill’ in November

Red Velvet celebrates their debut anniversary. Credit: Facebook/Red Velvet

Mark your calendars, ReveLuvs! K-pop girl group Red Velvet confirmed that they’re making their highly-anticipated comeback with What A Chill Kill. 

On Wednesday, October 18, the quintet dropped the first teaser for their upcoming third full-length album. 

In the poster, a bonsai tree with pink leaves is surrounded by trinkets such as a pair of high heels, a disembodied hand, and more. 

According to a report by Sports Seoul, What a Chill Kill, which will be released on November 13, will feature 10 new songs. Other details such as the theme and title track have yet to be announced. 

Although no other details have been provided yet, fans of the group are already sent into a frenzy as the “Psycho” hitmaker is known for their intriguing concepts. And based on the eerie teaser alone, ReveLuvs are already anticipating another interesting concept for What a Chill Kill. 

Moreover, What a Chill Kill will come almost a year after the group last made a comeback. In November 2022, they released the mini-album The ReVe Festival 202 – Birthday. 

Furthermore, it’s also been six years since Red Velvet released a full-length album. To note, their second full-length album was 2017’s Perfect Velvet, which carried the single “Peek-a-Boo.” 

The significance of ‘What a Chill Kill’ for Red Velvet fans 

Given the long break between the album releases, it’s unsurprising how fans are eagerly awaiting for Red Velvet’s return. 

But what makes What a Chill Kill even more special for fans is that it’s arriving 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. She first renewed her contract in 2021, which she did alongside her fellow Red Velvet members.

However, the agency has yet to reveal the status of the other Red Velvet members, namely Irene, Wendy, Joy, and Yeri. 

Moreover, Irene was even rumored to have left SM Entertainment. Which sparked concerns among fans about the extended hiatus of Red Velvet, as the group didn’t have any activity following the conclusion of their R to V world tour in June. 

But the agency was quick to dispel the rumors, saying that the “Queendom” singers are gearing up for their comeback. 

And now that details for What a Chill Kill is released, fans see it as a positive sign that Red Velvet will continue their activities as a group. 

Featured image: Red Velvet celebrates their debut anniversary. Credit: Facebook/Red Velvet

Categories
K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

SM Entertainment Shares Health Update on NCT’s Taeil

Taeil poses for NCT 127's 'Fact Check' concet photos. Credit: Facebook/NCT 127

Taeil of K-pop boy group NCT will continue with his hiatus to focus on his recovery after being involved in a motorcycle incident. 

On Wednesday, October 18, SM Entertainment released an update regarding Taeil’s health status and participation in future group activities. 

According to the agency, the idol still needs “sufficient treatment and stability.” They added that since his successful surgery in August, Taeil has been focusing on his treatment. 

To note, the vocalist sustained a fracture in his right thigh from the motorcycle accident. Based on the advice of the doctors, Taeil had to undergo a surgery and treatment. 

Given his situation, he had to sit out the NCT Nation: To The World concerts in South Korea and Japan. As well as the promotional activities for Golden Age and Fact Check albums. 

In late August, NCT released the album Golden Age, their first full group comeback in more than a year and a half. Then in October, sub-unit NCT 127 released their fifth full-length album Fact Check. 

Fans leave messages for Taeil

Following the update, NCTzens were quick to share their well-wishes for Taeil on social media. Some were even emphasizing that the idol’s health should be the priority, and he shouldn’t feel pressured to resume activities soon. 

In line with that, SM Entertainment also confirmed that Taeil will be absent in NCT 127’s third world tour, The Unity. Which means only members Yuta, Jaehyun, Taeyeong, Jungwoo, Winwin, Doyoung, Haechan, Johnny, and Mark will headline the show. 

Titled NEO CITY: SEOUL – THE UNITY, the concert tour will kick off for two weeks at the KSPO Dome. Set for November 17 to 19 and November 24 to 26, it will have a total of six shows. 

In a press release, SM Entertainment said that the group’s upcoming tour will feature “never-before-seen performances” that will highlight NCT 127’s unique music. 

As of writing, details about international stops have yet to be released. 

Featured image: Taeil poses for NCT 127’s ‘Fact Check’ concert photos. Credit: Facebook/NCT 127

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

NCT’s Johnny Finally Reveals Real Height

Johnny has finally debunked a long-standing NCT mystery. After years of height-related confusion for NCTZENs, Johnny Suh has unofficially revealed his real height, much to the delight of fans.

How Tall is Johnny Suh? The NCT Height Mystery Finally Debunked

In the world of K-Pop, fans often take a keen interest in the heights of their favorite idols. Official profiles typically include this information, allowing fans to compare their idols and discuss who might be the tallest or shortest in their group. While most K-Pop idols have an average height, it’s the ones who stand out that often capture fans’ attention. NCT’s Johnny is one such idol as he is often listed as 6’0 (approximately 182~183 cm) in official profiles.

In the past, Johnny had confirmed his height as 6’0 when asked by fans, which added to the mystery, especially when compared to other idols with similar height listings. Fans were left confused and curious about the accuracy of these measurements considering that the NCT member appears to be much taller than he claims. Luckily, Johnny’s real height has finally been revealed, albeit unintentionally with the help of one eager NCTZEN.

Recently, during NCT 127’s visit to their pop-up shop location, Johnny provided fans with a way to check how tall he is. He marked a line on part of the exhibition’s decorations, sparking fans’ interest. One inquisitive fan, upon visiting the pop-up shop, took it upon themselves to determine the truth about Johnny’s height. Armed with a tape measure, the fan finally made the big discovery – Johnny’s marked height was actually 188 cm (6’2), a good two inches taller than he claims to be.

This revelation was met with immense joy from fans who had long questioned how tall Johnny truly is. Many were pleasantly surprised to find out that Johnny was even taller than they initially believed, finally putting the mystery to rest. Thank you for coming to today’s FACT CHECK.

Exit mobile version