Category: KPOP NEWS

ENHYPEN is making waves as they prepare to perform at the 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The septet voiced an underwater K-pop band of belugas in Baby Shark’s Big Movie. They also did a song for the movie titled “Keep Swimmin’ Through.” 

Baby Shark’s Big Movie | “Keep Swimmin’ Through” Music Video ft. ENHYPEN | Paramount+

The film boasts an impressive cast, including Cardi B, Kulture, and Offset, who will reprise their roles from the TV show, alongside celebs like Ashley Tisdale, Lance Bass, and Patrick Warburton. It follows Baby Shark as he faces the evil pop starfish Stariana, who plots to steal his singing ability to conquer the underwater music scene. Baby Shark must overcome her magic to restore peace to the ocean. Fans can catch the premiere on Nickelodeon this December and stream it on Paramount+.

Pinkfong, Baby Shark’s creator, confirmed that ENHYPEN will premiere “Keep Swimmin’ Through,” which they recorded for the movie, at the parade. Jungwon, Heeseung, Jay, Jake, Sunghoon, Sunoo, and Ni-ki will perform aboard Nickelodeon and Pinkfong’s Baby Shark float, which features a huge 25-foot-long Baby Shark balloon and an 18-foot-long float that brings an enchanting underwater seascape to life.

ENHYPEN will be exposed to a broader audience

“Keep Swimmin’ Through” hit streaming platforms worldwide today, November 3, setting the stage for ENHYPEN’s forthcoming album ORANGE BLOOD. Jake told the media that “this album is our best album to date,” raising anticipation for its release on November 17.

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, a beloved New York City tradition since 1924, will start at 8:30 AM ET on November 23. Aside from ENHYPEN, Western artists like Bell Biv Devoe, Brandy, Cher, Chicago, Jon Batiste, and Pentatonix are also on hand to perform. Famous for its balloons, floats, and live music, the parade is a cornerstone of the holidays. Last year, 28 million viewers tuned in to watch the spectacle unfold on the streets of Manhattan.

ENHYPEN‘s performance at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a significant achievement for them. It demonstrates their increasing popularity worldwide and the growing importance of K-pop in American music. By participating in the parade, they will be exposed to a broader audience. That could attract new fans and enhance their global recognition. Additionally, their inclusion in the lineup emphasizes the diversity and international appeal of the performers at this event. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: This performance could help the boys connect with new fans in America. Source: X/@BELIFTLAB.

ATTRAKT has revealed plans to reorganize the K-pop girl group FIFTY FIFTY. This comes after new developments in the agency’s legal battle with the group’s former members Aran, Sana, and Sio. The group’s sole original member, Keena, will be the center of the new lineup. She will be joined by three new members. While there’s no set date for the group’s comeback yet, fans are eager to meet the new lineup.

FIFTY FIFTY debuted in November 2022 with their mini album The Fifty and gained international fame with “Cupid,” which went viral on TikTok. However, in June 2023, the K-pop world was stunned when all four members filed to suspend their contracts with ATTRAKT. They cited violations on the part of the agency. In August, their request was dismissed. Although Keena initially planned to file an appeal alongside the other girls, she ultimately withdrew and returned to ATTRAKT.

Upon her return, Keena revealed that Ahn Sung Il of The Givers gaslit the girls into turning against ATTRAKT. Meanwhile, the agency terminated the contracts of the other three girls and announced plans to build a second generation of FIFTY FIFTY around Keena. An industry insider disclosed that Keena has returned to Seoul, signaling a new chapter for the group.

The group’s comeback might be delayed

Keena’s mother played a pivotal role in her daughter’s return to ATTRAKT. According to an industry insider, “It was Keena‘s mother’s comment that changed CEO Jeon Hong Joon’s mind. The court’s dismissal was on August 28, but Keena‘s mother had left a comment in early August saying Keena would return. It was not a decision made after the dismissal, but Keena had already decided to return. The fact that she had been persuading the members since July became a significant reason for the reorganization and comeback.”

FIFTY FIFTY has also been nominated for the ‘2023 Billboard Music Awards’ in two categories. Even with the current situation in Israel and Palestine potentially preventing offline events, Keena is committed to attending the ceremony, whether in-person or virtually.

In related developments, ATTRAKT has partnered with Studio Jam to produce a new girl group audition program, reaffirming their ambition to conquer the K-pop scene and the Billboard charts. This focus suggests that FIFTY FIFTY’s comeback might be delayed, with the new members emerging from these auditions. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Can you imagine a new FIFTY FIFTY with Keena as center? Source: X/@we_fiftyfifty.

ENHYPEN, the chart-topping K-pop group, has been named the first global ambassador for the skincare brand Dr. Jart+. This collaboration brings together two Korean-born global favorites: Dr. Jart+, known for its innovative skincare solutions, and ENHYPEN, celebrated for their musical hits.

“We are so excited to welcome ENHYPEN and their fans into the world of Dr.Jart+,” said Christopher K. Wood, Dr.Jart+’s Global Brand President. “Dr.Jart+ brings joy to its community through its high performance skincare and whimsical, engaging campaigns. ENHYPEN is the ideal inaugural global ambassador for Dr.Jart+. Together we share passion for art, creativity, innovation, and great skin.”

ENHYPEN’s leader Jungwon said, “I was very surprised when I first heard of our collaboration with such a renowned brand. Even now, it’s somewhat surreal that we are the brand’s first global ambassador—I’m more than thrilled for this collaboration.”

ENHYPEN is leading the charge

However, the announcement has met with mixed reactions from ENGENEs, ENHYPEN‘s fanbase. Some fans have expressed concerns over Dr. Jart+’s affiliation with Estée Lauder Companies Inc. The latter acquired the former in November 2019. Estée Lauder’s reported support for Israel in the Israel-Palestine conflict has led to discontent among fans.

Despite the controversy, Dr. Jart+ is set to debut its partnership with ENHYPEN in a new campaign titled “Supercharged repair, Cicapair™.” The campaign will feature the members tackling challenges that align with the skincare benefits of the Cicapair™ line. Fans and skincare enthusiasts can catch a first glimpse of the campaign at www.drjart.com/global-ambassador.

The new Dr. Jart+ Cicapair™ line, enhanced with a potent Cica Complex and ingredients like Allantoin and R-Protector, aims to improve the skin barrier and reduce irritation. The products, infused with Centella Asiatica Extract and CoolSonic Technology, have a powerful soothing effect. The updated Cicapair™ line will be available in South Korea in November 2023, in China in December 2023, and across Europe and the U.S. in the first half of 2024. While some fans may not approve, the collaboration is poised to bring Dr. Jart+’s products to a broader audience, with ENHYPEN leading the charge. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: This new feather in ENHYPEN’s cap ruffled some fans’ feathers. Source: X/@en77_pen.

K-pop group SEVENTEEN is set to make history. S.Coups, Jeonghan, Joshua, Jun, Hoshi, Wonwoo, Woozi, The8, Mingyu, DK, Seungkwan, Vernon, and Dino will attend the 13th UNESCO Youth Forum. This event will be held at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, France, at 3:00 AM KST on November 14. SEVENTEEN will perform and speak for an hour in a special session.

Educational transformation

UNESCO holds the Youth Forum every two years. It serves as a platform for young leaders from around the world to discuss pressing international issues. These include climate change, education, and world peace. Representatives from 194 member countries, various groups, and youth-related agencies of the UN will attend this year’s forum, which coincides with the 42nd UNESCO General Conference.

In preparation for this speech, PLEDIS Entertainment signed a tripartite agreement with the UNESCO headquarters and the Korean National Commission for UNESCO. They decided to make the ‘Going Together’ education campaign bigger and take it worldwide. SEVENTEEN started this campaign last year to encourage the youth to participate in educational transformation. As part of it, SEVENTEEN donated a portion of the proceeds from their last tour to support education in Malawi, Africa. They’ve also used their fan events to promote the campaign.

At the 13th UNESCO Youth Forum, the group plans to talk about the role education and solidarity play in shaping the future of the planet and the youth. They’ll draw from their own experiences to suggest things young people can do to work towards sustainable development. In a statement, the group’s agency said, “SEVENTEEN will solidify their position as the leading K-pop group, expanding their influence not just as singers but as global speakers representing the youth.”

About UNESCO

Since their 2015 debut, SEVENTEEN has consistently addressed the struggles and uncertainties of youth in their music. Their latest album SEVENTEENTH HEAVEN set a new record for the most pre-ordered K-pop album ever, showing they’re still at the top of their game after nine years.

UNESCO was set up in 1945 to help the world recover from World War II by promoting culture, education, and science. It’s a key part of the UN because it works directly with countries through National Commissions. There are 199 of these commissions in the world. South Korea became a member in 1950 and started its own commission in 1954.

South Korea has been a big success story for UNESCO, especially after the Korean War when it was very poor. With UNESCO’s help, South Korea was able to give more kids a chance to learn by providing textbooks. A South Korean science textbook from 1956 is even on display at UNESCO’s headquarters in Paris. It symbolizes the long-standing ties between South Korea and UNESCO’s educational missions. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: SEVENTEEN has always used their platform for social change. Source: Naver.