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Fantasy Boys to Make Comeback in November

The members pose during their first fan concert in Tokyo. Credit: Twitter/FANTASY BOYS

Just two months after making their official debut, rookie group FANTASY BOYS is confirmed to be making a comeback. 

According to Korean media, agency PocketDol Studio confirmed that the 11-member group will be making a comeback on November 24. 

Moreover, the agency revealed that the comeback track will be helmed by famous producers Albin Nordqvist and Gabriel Brandes. Notably, Nordqvist has previously worked with K-pop acts TWICE, NCT 127, Stray Kids, and SF9. Meanwhile, Brandes has collaborated with groups BTS and TXT. 

Other details about the group’s comeback activities have yet to be announced. 

Moreover, fans of the group have another reason to rejoice! Following their comeback, FANTASY BOYS will be staging a fan concert in Tokyo on December 9. Said show will have two sessions set for 3pm and 7pm. Additional details about the fan concert haven’t been disclosed yet. 

More about FANTASY BOYS 

Formed through MBC reality competition show Fantasy Boys, the group made their debut in September with the album NEW TOMORROW. 

Initially a 12-member act, leader Yu Jun Won didn’t debut with the group following his dispute with Pocketdol Studios. According to Jun Won, instead of editing some unfavorable clauses in the contract, Pocketdol Studios instead attempted to force an agreement after adding more ridiculous demands. 

Despite no longer pushing through with the group, Jun Won still asked fans to continue their support for the 11 members of FANTASY BOYS. 

Now, FANTASY BOYS is only made up of members Hikari, Hikaru, Hong Sung Min, Kaeden, Kang Min Seo, Kim Gyu Rae, Kim Woo Seok, KSoul, Lee Han Bin, Lingqi, and Oh Hyeon Tae. 

As of writing, it remains unclear whether member Hikaru will join activities for the group’s November comeback as he’s on hiatus. In October, the group announced that Hikaru is taking a break due to poor health.

Featured image: The members pose during their first fan concert in Tokyo. Credit: Twitter/FANTASY BOYS

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SM Entertainment Warns Fans of Clothing Brand That Uses NCT Dream for Events Without Their Consent

K-pop boy group NCT DREAM models for TEDDY ISLAND. Credit: Twitter/TEDDY ISLAND

SM Entertainment has alerted fans regarding a clothing brand’s unauthorized use of NCT DREAM for their upcoming events. 

On Monday, October 30, SM Entertainment released a statement to detail what prompted their agency to terminate their partnership with TEDDY ISLAND, a clothing brand that NCT DREAM previously modeled for. 

According to the label, the brand hadn’t met its financial obligations related to the modeling fees accrued during the past year despite the agency’s repeated payment requests. As a means to protect their artists’ rights, the company ultimately decided to end the partnership.

But what raised even more concern for the agency was TEDDY ISLAND’s continued unauthorized use of NCT DREAM in their advertising activities. 

Despite using the NCT DREAM’s portraits without proper compensation, SM Entertainment revealed that the brand took things a step further by unilaterally announcing a fan sign event in May 2023 without prior consultation with  their agency. 

NCT DREAM as TEDDY ISLAND ambassadors

In their statement, SM Entertainment shared that their advertising model contract with TEDDY ISLAND began in 2022. It was also then when NCT DREAM filmed advertising content for the brand. However, the brand didn’t fulfill their financial obligations for the group. 

https://twitter.com/teddyisland_twt/status/1626144360562675717

In response, the label said that they requested the clothing brand to immediately cease using their artists’ images. In June 2023, SM Entertainment shared that they officially notified TEDDY ISLAND of the termination of the advertising model contract. 

Regardless, the brand, according to SM Entertainment, continued to utilize NCT DREAM’s images without permission and remitted only a portion of the model appearance fees after the contract was terminated. Furthermore, TEDDY ISLAND allegedly attempted to shift the blame onto SM Entertainment, claiming that the entertainment company had breached the contract.

https://twitter.com/teddyisland_twt/status/1613098441437229056

Moreover, the situation escalated when TEDDY ISLAND announced a pre-order event featuring photo cards and merchandise bearing the NCT DREAM’s names and images without any prior discussion with SM Entertainment. Which prompted the agency to make a counter statement on October 18, 2023, to prevent any further harm to their artists and fans.

Additionally, the agency noted that they exerted efforts to resolve the matter amicably. As such they shared that they even presented multiple proposals to TEDDY ISLAND so that the canceled fan sign event can resume. However, the agency said that the brand continued to make unreasonable demands and shifted the responsibility for the dispute onto the label. 

With this, SM Entertainment decided that no further negotiations will be feasible. In turn, they strongly advised fans to exercise caution in terms of supporting this clothing brand.

Featured image: K-pop boy group NCT DREAM models for TEDDY ISLAND. Credit: Twitter/TEDDY ISLAND

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ATTRAKT Bares Plans to ‘Reorganize’ FIFTY FIFTY with Keena

Keena during one of the promotional activities for 'Cupid.' Credit: Facebook/FIFTY FIFTY

Following a months-long legal battle, ATTRAKT has revealed their plans to “reorganize” the K-pop girl group FIFTY FIFTY. 

The agency hinted their plans through a press release on Sunday, October 29, wherein they confirmed that member Keena will be attending the Billboard Music Awards. 

For the Billboard Music Awards, FIFTY FIFTY is nominated in two categories: Top Duo/Group and Top Global K-pop song for their viral hit “Cupid.” The awarding ceremony is set to take place on November 19 in the United States. 

Notably, only Keena will be present as she’s the only member of FIFTY FIFTY to return to ATTRAKT. Following her return, the agency announced that they’re terminating the exclusive contracts for the three remaining members: Sio, Saena, and Aran. 

A quick rundown between FIFTY FIFTY vs ATTRAKT

In June, all four members Aran, Sio, Keena, and Saena filed a preliminary injunction with the desire to suspend their exclusive contract with ATTRAKT. According to the idols, the agency failed to provide them fair treatment and proper income distribution. 

Such a move was a huge surprise to the industry as the rookie group was on their way to stardom. For instance, their February single “Cupid” gained so much popularity on social media that it set several records. Furthermore, it led them landing a stint on the Barbie movie soundtrack. 

In August, the court rejected the group’s injunction request, with all four members later appealing the decision. Moreover, the heated dispute between two parties continued, with the members revealing that the group was used by the agency to settle major debts.

However, Keena withdrew her appeal in early October and returned to ATTRAKT. Shortly after, the contract with the three other members was terminated. 

What’s next for both parties?

Since the termination of their contracts with ATTRAKT, Sio, Saena, and Aran have yet to reveal their next plans for their career. 

Meanwhile, ATTRAKT teased that FIFTY FIFTY will continue their activities. “We plan to reorganize the group and present it to the public together with Keena,” they said. 

Aside from that, the agency also confirmed their plans to collaborate with JTBC for a new girl group project show.

Featured image: Keena during one of the promotional activities for ‘Cupid.’ Credit: Facebook/FIFTY FIFTY

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‘Doona!’ Star Suzy Discusses Her Character’s Rebellious Behavior

Bae Suzy certainly understands the character she played in the hit Netflix series “Doona!”, and she defended the character’s rebellious behavior. According to Suzy, it is all tied to Doo Na’s true feelings!

In the Netflix hit series “Doona!”, Suzy portrayed a character that defied conventional expectations, giving viewers a fresh perspective on her acting abilities. Her character, Lee Doo Na, was emotionally unstable and yearned for love and attention from others. Despite her struggles, she found the burden of life as an idol too overwhelming to bear.

Through her portrayal of Lee Doo Na, Suzy unveiled many new and unfamiliar facets of her talent to the public. She surprised audiences with scenes featuring her character smoking, a departure from the usual roles associated with K-pop idols. Her fashion choices in the show also garnered attention, as she donned numerous stunning outfits, although some were short and uncomfortable.

Suzy Explains Doo Na’s Rebellious Behavior in Netflix Show

When asked about these unconventional elements of her character in an interview with TV Report, Suzy explained that they were essential to the role and carried significant symbolism. She embraced the opportunity to break the mold of a typical idol character, adding depth and authenticity to her performance.

“I think smoking was a tool to express Doo Na’s loneliness,” Suzy said. “That’s why when she was dating Won Jun, she cut down on smoking, but started again when she got insecure. I think how Doona feels can be seen through her smoking.”

“As for her clothing, they are short, thin, and uncomfortable in general,” she continued. “This is another tool through which Doona’s unstable emotions are expressed. I thought that it hints at how lonely and cold she felt.”

“Doona!” achieved remarkable success on Netflix, topping the platform’s global charts during its launch week. It is considered one of the most successful Korean content offerings on the platform in 2023, further solidifying Suzy’s reputation as a versatile and accomplished actress. Her willingness to take on challenging roles and explore unconventional character traits resonated with audiences worldwide, contributing to the series’ popularity. Suzy’s performance in “Doona!” marked a significant milestone in her acting career and left a lasting impression on viewers.

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STAYC Wears the Wrong Rangers Jerseys in Texas Show

Fourth-generation girl group STAYC has been making waves with their third mini-album, Teenfresh, and their first world tour. When they appeared at KCON 2022, thousands of fans chanted their iconic line, “STAYC girls, it’s going down.” Their U.S. chart successes further solidify their international popularity.

However, the downside of immense popularity is that everything you do attracts attention, including your mistakes. For instance, a wardrobe mishap during their Dallas concert recently caught global attention. Intending to pay homage to the local sports team, members Isa and Sumin wore what they believed to be Texas Rangers jerseys. However, these jerseys were not from Dallas’s baseball team but from the Rangers Football Club in Scotland. Specifically, they donned kits from the 1996-97 season, a period when the Scottish club had stars like Paul Gascoigne and Ally McCoist.

While other STAYC members correctly donned Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Cowboys jerseys, the mix-up led to a surge in searches for Texas Rangers jerseys, with a 1,328% increase overnight. However, this spike might be attributed more to the baseball team’s success than the girls’ wardrobe. Anyway, watch the girls performing in the wrong jerseys in the video below.

STAYC ‘LOVE’ (TEENFRESH Tour) 231019 Dallas, TX

Ally McCoist on the STAYC mix-up

Fans from both the baseball and football Rangers teams took the blunder in stride. Instead of criticism, many expressed gratitude that the jerseys weren’t from the New York Rangers hockey team. The story quickly went viral, with major media outlets like the New York Times and BBC News covering the incident.

Even McCoist himself got in on the act. Speaking on the TalkSport breakfast show, he said, “It’s hilarious. How can you make a mistake like that? They’re clearly looking for Texas Rangers tops and they stick on Glasgow Rangers tops—I nearly cried laughing when I saw it. To be fair to the girls, they look better in the strips than me!”

Interestingly, this isn’t the first time K-pop has intersected with Scottish football. In 2018, boy group Stray Kids featured a Celtic jersey, Rangers’ arch-rival, in their ‘My Piece’ music video. As STAYC continues their global tour, fans worldwide eagerly await more memorable moments, both planned and unplanned. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The girls’ mistake sent shockwaves through the K-pop and sports worlds. Source: X/@CloudHeino.

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Jessi Cancels Entire Broadcast Schedule Due to Health Issues

Rapper Jessi’s recent decision to cancel her entire broadcast schedule has raised concerns and prompted fans to worry about her well-being. The “GUM” rapper was previously confirmed to appear in several shows but backed out at the last minute.

Jessi Shocks Fans With Sudden Absence in Broadcast Schedule

The rapper, known for her strong and charismatic presence in the music industry, has been noticeably absent from scheduled rehearsals and has now gone on to cancel all her upcoming broadcast appearances, including popular music shows like KBS’ “Music Bank”, MBC’s “Show! Music Core”, and SBS’ “Inkigayo”.

Since then, her new agency MORE VISION shared a statement regarding the abrupt cancellations. “We apologize for the sudden news. We’re doing our best, so Jessi can recover her health,” the statement read.

Jessi, who recently signed with the label MORE VISION in April, has attributed her absence to health issues. While the specific nature of these health issues has not been disclosed, her fans and well-wishers have expressed their support and hopes for her speedy recovery.

Jessi’s decision to prioritize her health and well-being is a reminder of the importance of self-care and the challenges that artists in the entertainment industry often face. The demands of a busy schedule and the pressures of maintaining a public image can take a toll on one’s physical and mental health.

As Jessi takes time to address her health concerns, her fans and the music industry as a whole are sending her positive thoughts and best wishes for her recovery. It is a reminder that even the most prominent and resilient figures in the entertainment world are not immune to health challenges and the need for self-care. Jessi’s candid approach to her well-being is also a testament to the importance of prioritizing health and seeking the support and care necessary to overcome any obstacles that may arise.

Jessi released the new single “GUM” on October 25, 2023.

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VERIVERY’s Hoyoung to Take Hiatus Due to Health Concerns

Hoyoung's poster for VERIVERY's fan concert 'Dream Shop.' Credit: Facebook/VERIVERY

K-pop boy group VERIVERY revealed that one of their members, Hoyoung, will be taking a temporary hiatus from promotional activities due to health concerns. 

On Monday, October 30, VERIVERY‘s agency, Jellyfish Entertainment released a statement detailed Hoyoung’s current health status. As well as the steps that the agency is taking to prioritize their artist’s well-being.

According to the agency, Hoyoung recently visited the hospital to sought treatment for a deterioration in his psychological well-being. After being examined, the medical professionals advised the idol to take ample time to rest and focus on his recovery.

Following extensive discussions and self-reflection, Hoyoung decided to heed this advice and temporarily step away from his group’s activities.

With this, VERIVERY will continue their activities with only four members – Gyehyeon, Yeonho, Yongseung, and Kangmin. 

Moreover, the agency assured fans that they’ll share updates on the idol’s progress on his recovery. Especially when the time comes that he’ll be deemed fit to resume activities again. 

In their statement, Jellyfish Entertainment also asked for the understanding and support of fans. As they emphasized that they’re prioritizing the health and well-being of their artists. 

Both Minchan and Hoyoung are on a break 

Hoyoung‘s temporary hiatus is not the first time VERIVERY has faced such a situation. 

In December 2022, fellow member Minchan announced that he’s taking a break from group activities due to his own health concerns. Notably, Minchan has been on hiatus for more than ten months. And this also marks his second health-related hiatus, as Minchan had previously suspended his activities from October 2020 through May 2021.

The news of both Hoyoung and Minchan’s health-related breaks has understandably raised concerns among fans, who are genuinely worried about the well-being of these talented artists. 

Through social media, their fans have been actively expressing their support and well wishes for the idols as they hope for their speedy recovery. In addition to concerns for the two members on hiatus, fans have also voiced their hopes that Jellyfish Entertainment will continue to provide the necessary support and resources to ensure the overall well-being of all their artists. 

On top of that, Hoyoung’s hiatus came two months after leader Dongheon enlisted in the military. 

VERIVERY debuted as a seven-member act in January 2019 with the EP Veri-Us. The group is known for songs “Tag Tag Tag,” “Trigger,” Super Special,” and “Thunder.”

In 2020, VERIVERY participated in Mnet’s reality television series Road to Kingdom, wherein they finished in fifth place. 

Featured image: Hoyoung’s poster for VERIVERY’s fan concert ‘Dream Shop.’ Credit: Facebook/VERIVERY

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G-Dragon Shares Update On Drug-Related Investigation

G-Dragon’s legal representative has finally shared an update on the ongoing drug-related investigation involving the BIGBANG member. The statement offers some insight into Kwon Jiyong’s cooperation with the police and addresses false information being spread about the case.

G-Dragon Issues New Statement Regarding Drug-Related Investigation

On October 30, G-Dragon’s lawyer Kim Soo Hyun shared a new statement about the drug-relation investigation.

“This is Kwon Ji Yong’s (G-Dragon’s) advisory counsel, lawyer Kim Soo Hyun of K1 Chamber LLP. As clearly revealed already, it is not true that Kwon Ji Yong used drugs,” the statement read.

“Regarding this, Kwon Ji Yong appointed a lawyer and submitted a statement of intent for voluntary attendance to the Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency’s Narcotics Unit of the Regional Investigation Department with the appointed lawyer this morning,” it continues.

“Through the statement of intent for voluntary attendance and a written opinion of counsel, Kwon Ji Yong expressed his intent for voluntary attendance and his intent to actively cooperate with the investigation, and in order to resolve the false accusations as quickly as possible through a rapid investigation process to reveal the truth, he stated to the police that he will actively cooperate with the hair follicle test and urine test. His schedule for voluntary attendance is currently being discussed,” the statement added.

G-Dragon Addresses False Information About Drug Abuse Case

The statement also addressed false information being spread about G-Dragon’s case. It is confirmed that the BIGBANG member intends to pursue legal action against those spreading fake news.

“Recent speculative false reports and YouTube videos regarding this case such as the appointment of a lawyer who is a former constitutional judge and an excessively high lawyer payment are being released thoughtlessly, but we clearly reveal that these are not true at all, and we will take strong legal action against these types of speculative reports for the circulation of false information and defamation,” the statement read.

On October 25, it was reported that G-Dragon had been booked by the Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency under suspicion of violating the Act on the Control of Narcotics, Etc. He later issued an official statement through his legal representatives. Although the statement is brief, it assures VIPs that the BIGBANG member is innocent of the recent drug abuse allegations.

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Soojin Marks Return to K-Pop With Dance Performance Video

Seo Soojin, previously known for being a member of the girl group (G)I-DLE, is making a notable comeback to the entertainment scene after a two-year break, which was a result of school violence allegations. Her new agency, BRD, recently showcased a teaser video for her forthcoming record Agassy, set to drop on November 8. The teaser shows Soojin wearing something that looks like hanbok, the Korean traditional dress, complemented by a traditional Korean hairpin, binyeo.

수진 (SOOJIN) [아가씨] Concept Trailer

The day before, Soojin launched her personal YouTube channel. Here, she uploaded a dance video for one of her album’s tracks, “Black Forest.” The monochrome video features Soojin performing a unique contemporary dance to dramatic instrumental music. As the video progresses, two masked back-up dancers join her, adding depth to the performance. 

Despite the limited information about her solo debut, this dance video has already garnered significant attention. Within a mere two hours post-release, the video attracted around 47,000 views. As of this writing, the count has surged to 91,000 views, and her channel boasts more than 160,000 subscribers. She has also released a series of concept photos since then.

수진 (SOOJIN) – BLACK FOREST

What happened to Seo Soojin?

To provide context, Soojin’s career hit a snag in 2021 when actress Seo Shin Ae, a former classmate, accused her of bullying and violence during their school days. Soojin firmly denied these allegations and took legal action against her accusers. The controversy led to her departure from (G)I-DLE in August of the same year. However, in March of the subsequent year, the case was dismissed due to insufficient evidence. Following this, Cube Entertainment announced the termination of her contract. During the nearly three years she spent away from the limelight, Soojin maintained a connection with her fans through social media.

Recently, Soojin signed an exclusive deal with a new agency, BRD Communications. This move marks her re-entry into the K-pop world as a solo artist. As she prepares for her solo debut, many are keenly observing to gauge the public’s reception. After leaving (G)I-DLE in 2021, she is now making her return to the music industry after a hiatus of two years and eight months.

Soojin‘s resilience, especially in light of the challenges she faced, is commendable. Her next steps are eagerly anticipated by fans and the industry alike. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: This photo is from the fourth batch of concept photos Soojin released. Source: X/@BRD_SOOJIN.

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Former Treasure Member Bang Ye Dam to Make Solo Debut in November

GF Entertainment shares photo of their new artist Bang Yedam. Credit: Website/GF Entertainment

Rejoice, BLACKSWANs! South Korean singer Bang Ye Dam, popularly known as a former member of the boy group TREASURE, is about to make a significant step in his musical career with his upcoming solo debut in November. 

On Monday, October 30, Bang Ye Dam launched official accounts on various social media platforms, including X (formerly known as Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. Alongside these new accounts is a poster confirming his upcoming debut as a solo artist. 

Additionally, the poster also unveiled his new logo, which hints at his musical journey ahead. Notably, the logo creatively stylizes his initials to resemble a treble clef, a symbol closely associated with music notation, 

While the official title of his upcoming release is yet to be disclosed, fans can anticipate a pre-release track dropping on November 10. Meanwhile, Bang Ye Dam’s first solo mini-album is scheduled for release on November 23. 

Although other details about his solo release are still under wraps, fans are already awaiting for new music from the talented artist. As this will serve as his first release since signing with his new agency, GF Entertainment, in August. 

A look back on the career of Bang Ye Dam 

Bang Ye Dam‘s journey in the public eye began in 2012 when he gained recognition as a contestant on SBS’s K-pop Star Season 2. There, he showcased his impressive talents and finished in second place, closely following the brother-sister duo AKMU. Moreover, this also marked the start of his trainee days under YG Entertainment. 

Then in 2018, Yedam participated in the reality program YG Treasure Box, where the group TREASURE was formed. Initially a 12-member group under YG Entertainment, TREASURE made their official debut in August 2020. 

However, in May 2022, YG Entertainment announced that Ye Dam, along with Mashiho, would be taking a hiatus from group activities. According to the agency,  Ye Dam would be focusing on his career as a producer and dedicating time to study music. 

In November 2022, YG Entertainment confirmed that both Ye Dam and Mashiho were parting ways with the agency. Many fans were surprised at this, as Yedam had been with YG Entertainment for nine years – seven years as a trainee and two years as a member of TREASURE. 

Since then, TREASURE has continued activities as a 10-member group. Currently, the remaining members include Choi Hyunsuk, Jihoon, Park Jeongwoo, Yoshi, Junkyu, So Junghwan, Yoon Jaehyuk, Asahi, Doyoung, and Haruto.

When he signed with GF Entertainment, Bang Ye Dam also expressed his gratitude to both his former group and agency. In his message, he wrote that his experience under him made him the artist he is today. 

Featured image: GF Entertainment shares photo of their new artist Bang Yedam. Credit: Website/GF Entertainment

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