Category: KPOP NEWS

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BTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

RM Confirms BTS Contract Renewal With BIGHIT MUSIC

It’s official: all seven members of BTS have renewed their contracts with BIGHIT Music. Several news outlets were quick to print the news but ARMYs had a more reliable source. RM announced the BTS contract renewal on his official social media accounts and it further confirmed the group’s love for their fans.

RM Confirms BTS Contract Renewal on Instagram

In a surprising turn of events, all seven members of the globally renowned K-Pop sensation, BTS, have officially renewed their exclusive artist contracts with BIGHIT MUSIC, as reported on September 20, KST. This announcement has come as a pleasant shock to devoted ARMYs, as the group’s previous contract was still in effect. However, the BTS members have a history of opting for early renewals, highlighting their commitment to their future together.

In a heartwarming gesture, RM, the group’s leader, took the initiative to share the news directly with ARMYs. He posted a photo of the contract document on his Instagram, followed by another story dedicated to their devoted fanbase. RM’s actions not only revealed the unexpected contract renewal but also provided ARMYs with the assurance they may not have even realized they needed.

BTS initially signed their first contract with BIGHIT in 2013, which was set to last until 2020. Remarkably, in 2018, they chose to renew their contract well ahead of its expiration date, showcasing their strong bond and determination to continue their remarkable journey. Their second contract, originally set to conclude in 2025, coinciding with the year when all BTS members are expected to complete their mandatory military service, has been extended by two years, ensuring their continued presence as a group.

This announcement has brought immense joy and relief to fans, as it guarantees the group’s unity and the highly anticipated reunion expected in 2025. The early renewal reaffirms the enduring commitment and enduring bond shared by BTS and their dedicated supporters worldwide.

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KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

EXO’s Suho Confirmed For Asia Artist Awards 2023

EXO member Suho is the latest idol confirmed to make an appearance at the Asia Artist Awards 2023 to be held in December

A true K-pop icon is coming to the Asia Artist Awards 2023! EXO member Suho has just been confirmed to make an appearance at the highly anticipated event. Not surprisingly, EXO-Ls based in the Philippines are excited about seeing the idol later this December!

EXO Member Suho Set To Make an Appearance at Asia Artist Awards 2023

In December, EXO’s Suho is set to make an appearance at the highly anticipated Asia Artist Awards 2023, which will be held in the Philippines. Suho, renowned for his multifaceted talents as both an actor and a member of the immensely popular group EXO, has continually diversified his career with various impressive works.

Most notably, he recently portrayed the iconic role of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in the musical “Mozart!,” garnering widespread acclaim and admiration from his dedicated fanbase. As a seasoned artist, Suho’s presence at the awards ceremony is also highly anticipated by fans and industry enthusiasts alike.

Kim Jun Myeon is the leader of EXO and its sub-unit Exo-K. He debuted as a soloist on March 30, 2020, with the release of his EP, ‘Self-Portrait’. It has not yet been confirmed whether Suho will perform at the upcoming event. Nevertheless, Philippine-based EXO-Ls are already excited about his return to the country.

It was previously confirmed that BSS from SEVENTEEN, ATBO, HORI7ON, KINGDOM, LUN8, ONEUS, and the popular Filipino boy band SB19. The event will also showcase other remarkable artists such as NewJeans, LE SSERAFIM, BOYNEXTDOOR, NMIXX, Stray Kids, ZEROBASEONE, The Boyz, ITZY, KARD, and more. Hosting the prestigious ceremony will be IVE’s Wonyoung, along with Kang Daniel and Sung Han Bin.

Scheduled for December 14, the Asia Artist Awards 2023 promises to be an exciting event celebrating the outstanding achievements and contributions of artists across diverse fields. Suho’s participation also adds to the anticipation and excitement surrounding this prestigious gathering of talents in the entertainment industry.

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LOOSSEMBLE Wins Group Name Lawsuit Against Blockberry Creative

The group name lawsuit filed by Blockberry Creative has been overturned in favor of the LOOSSEMBLE members

LOOSSEMBLE just got a landmark victory. The former LOONA members have won in a group name lawsuit filed by their former company Blockberry Creative. This means that they will be able to continue promoting under their new name!

LOOSSEMBLE Group Name Lawsuit Comes To A Close

According to multiple legal officials, CTD ENM, the agency representing the K-Pop girl group LOOSSEMBLE, has recently emerged victorious in a lawsuit brought forth by Blockberry Creative. Blockberry Creative had filed a civil suit, seeking various injunctions, including a ban on performances and the restriction of using names similar to “LOONA,” “LOONA ASSEMBLE,” or “LOOSSEMBLE.”

Had Blockberry Creative succeeded in its petition, it would have barred LOOSSEMBLE from utilizing their newly adopted name. However, following the court’s decision, LOOSSEMBLE can continue using their new name and carry on with their activities without any hindrances.

This legal outcome signifies a significant development for LOOSSEMBLE and their agency, CTD ENM, as it enables them to move forward with their musical endeavors and promotional activities under their chosen name. It also marks a resolution to the dispute with Blockberry Creative, allowing the group to focus on their artistic pursuits and engage with their fans without any further legal constraints.

This is great news for LOOSSEMBLE and their fans who recently got an official name. The idols recently took to a live broadcast to unveil their new fan club name. It was confirmed that the fandom will be known as C.LOO (pronounced as “crew”). This choice carries the sentiment that fans are an integral part of LOOSSEMBLE’s crew, an acknowledgment of the tight-knit bond between the group and their supporters.

LOOSSEMBLE has wasted no time in generating anticipation for their debut album. The group has already unveiled their plans for the highly-anticipated US Debut Ceremony tour, during which they intend to connect with fans across the United States at eight different locations. This tour promises to be an exciting opportunity for fans across America to engage with LOOSSEMBLE and be part of their milestone US debut.

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KPOP ALBUMS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Look: Seventeen to Return With ‘Seventeenth Heaven’

SEVENTEEN poses for their 'Your Choice' album. Credit: Facebook/SEVENTEEN

Brace yourselves, CARATs! The “theater kids” of K-pop are returning with new music as group SEVENTEEN has finally unveiled details for their comeback Seventeenth Heaven. 

On Wednesday, September 20, the “Super” hitmakers posted a motion teaser video for their upcoming release. There, it was revealed that their 11th mini album will be out on October 23, but pre-orders for the album are already underway. 

In a Weverse post, SEVENTEEN has also unveiled the titles and cover arts of Seventeenth Heaven’s album versions. 

In contrast to the minimalistic cover of their last album FML, Seventeenth Heaven features a light and playful vibe which piqued the interest of fans. Additionally, The cover included random details such as a smiling flower, a unicorn and some hot air balloons.

Moreover, fans were moved upon discovering the version names were important dates for the group and the fandom.

The first version “AM 5:26” marks SEVENTEEN’s debut date. Then, the second version “PM 2:14” marks CARATs, the fandom’s, anniversary. Meanwhile, the third version “PM 10:23” marks the release date for the said 11th mini album.

From FML to Seventeenth Heaven

Given its October release, Seventeenth Heaven will come six months after the release of their FML in April. The group’s record-breaking 10th mini-album set various career highs for the group. 

Previously, FML set the record for the highest first-week sales of any album in Hanteo, having sold over 4.5 million copies.  What’s more impressive is that 3.99 million copies were sold on the first day alone. 

In July, the album distributor YG PLUS announced that FML had officially sold over 6.2 million copies. With this feat, SEVENTEEN became the first K-Pop artist to sell over six million copies of a single album.

Moreover, in 2023 alone, SEVENTEEN already sold more than 10 million copies of their albums. Now that they’re set to release another album, it’s expected that the number will go higher before the year ends. 

CARATs’ anticipation for SVT’s comeback

With the success of FML, CARATs are even more anticipating what SEVENTEEN has yet to show.

Interestingly, the group’s performance unit leader Hoshi, who’s also known to be a spoiler king, teased the fans saying they “always go beyond expectations”.

Others are also looking forward to the puzzling concept of the album as SEVENTEEN is known to have a wide range of genres. In fact, some fans are already making theories as the group has apparently been teasing about their new album for awhile already. 

 

Moreover, CARATs are also beyond thrilled to see member Seungkwan rejoin the group in the upcoming album. In July, the group’s main vocalist took a hiatus but PLEDIS Entertainment has already confirmed his return. 

However, the group’s leader S.Coups will have to sit out on the promotions for Seventeenth Heaven. Currently, he’s taking a break from group activities as he suffered from a knee injury in August.

Apart from the Seventeenth Heaven preparations, the “Rock With You” singers are also in the middle of their fourth world tour, Follow. The 13-member group is set to finish Follow’s Japan leg in December, then continue the tour by dominating the stadiums in Asia in 2023. 

Aside from their records made through FML, SEVENTEEN also achieved another milestone with their previous world tour BE THE SUN. According to reports, the act was the only K-pop artist that ranked in Billboard’s 2023 Top Tours chart. 

Featured image: SEVENTEEN poses for their ‘Your Choice’ album. Credit: Facebook/SEVENTEEN

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

TXT Drops Dance Practice Video for MTV VMAs Performance

On September 19, K-pop sensation TOMORROW X TOGETHER, aka TXT, released a new dance practice video, giving fans an in-depth look into their performance of “Back for More” for the MTV Video Music Awards. This video features all five TXT members—Soobin, Yeonjun, Beomgyu, Taehyun, and Hueningkai—with a Korean dancer filling in for Anitta.

During the ceremony held at New Jersey’s Prudential Center, TXT and Brazilian star Anitta premiered their chart-topping single “Back for More.” This collaboration not only marked their debut of the song but also celebrated their win for Push Performance of the Year.

TXT (투모로우바이투게더), Anitta 2023 VMAs ‘Back for More’ Dance Practice

The performance was nothing short of electrifying. Beomgyu took the stage first, capturing the crowd’s attention with his slick moves. He danced across the LED floor, his arms and legs moving in time to the water “rippling” beneath his feet.

“Back for More” is a hip blend of Anitta‘s Brazilian flair and TXT‘s Korean style, a testament to the star power of both acts. The song, which was eagerly awaited by fans, arrived on streaming platforms on September 15. Additionally, a TXT-only version, along with house and afrobeat remixes, followed on September 18.

TXT was firing on all cylinders

TXT took center stage as the lines “I can see you coming back for more / Coming back for more, if you walk out that door” reverberated throughout the venue. After the chorus, the song took on a Latin feel. Anitta joined the quintet via a back staircase and delivered her verse in English and Spanish.

Their combined energy was palpable, especially during the synchronized sequences that led to a thrilling dance break led by main dancer Yeonjun. Throughout this performance, TXT was firing on all cylinders. They impressed the crowd with their dancing and live singing skills.

TXT feat. Anitta – “Back For More” | 2023 VMAs

TXT‘s performances on American stages, such as their appearances at Lollapalooza in 2022 and 2023, have always garnered attention. However, the VMA debut of “Back For More” underscored their versatility and burgeoning influence in the global music industry. 

Thankfully, MOAs everywhere can relive the performance through the dance practice video. This footage, released today, offers a panoramic view of Anitta’s and TXT’s moves, including the special intro and dance break that wowed the VMA crowd. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: TXT’s synchronization is on point, as always. Source: YouTube/@TXT_bighit.

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Key Reveals Heartwarming Reason for SHINee’s Unusual Stage Formation

Key is opening up about an unusual thing happening during SHINee’s performances. In an eye-opening interview, Kim Ki Bum revealed the heartwarming reason why the group keeps adopting an unusual stage formation. Not surprisingly, it is connected to their former member.

Key Reveals Why SHINee Insists on Unusual Stage Formation

In a recent YouTube video posted on the ‘1theK Originals – Wonder K Original’ channel, SHINee’s Key shared a poignant insight into the group’s stage formation. Key mentioned that he and fellow member Minho often stood closer together than usual, resulting in a noticeable gap in their lineup. The reason behind this, as Key explained, was the absence of their late member, Jonghyun, who had previously filled that spot.

“Since we’ve maintained a 5-person formation for over 10 years- I’ve become so used to that space that I now stand there naturally. It’s not intentional, but it’s something I’ve become accustomed to,” Key said. “It’s quite amazing.”

It was at this moment that he looked at a photo of all five original members sharing the stage, including Jonghyun. Key then added, “This is the arrangement we are maintaining on stage currently.”

Key’s heartfelt revelation sheds light on how SHINee continues to remember and honor Jonghyun who tragically passed away on December 18, 2017. Even in his absence, Jonghyun’s presence within the group remains integral to their performances, highlighting the enduring bond the members share with their late colleague.

This touching tribute to Jonghyun not only underscores the deep emotional connection between SHINee’s members but also serves as a reminder of the lasting impact he had on the group and their fans. Despite the passage of time, his memory and contributions continue to be cherished and celebrated by SHINee and their dedicated supporters.

Key is currently promoting his single album ‘Good & Great’ and its title track of the same name.

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

RIIZE’s Eunseok Rejected SM Entertainment’s Offers Four Times Before Debuting

Tales of grit and determination often shine the brightest in the K-pop scene. Eunseok of RIIZE has such a story, marked by his unique experiences with industry titan SM Entertainment.

@riizearea

officially. #eunseok #mainvisual #riize #riizearea

♬ Lost In The Fire – versations

Eunseok‘s journey with SM Entertainment is a roller-coaster of opportunities and choices. The company cast him on four separate occasions, and each time, he declined. This decision—which may have had something to do with the fact that he was in middle school when they first approached him—raised eyebrows, given the agency’s stature in the industry. Eventually, he agreed to sign a contract and trained under SM for five years. During his audition at SM, he showcased his vocal prowess with EXO‘s “Growl,” a choice that undoubtedly left an impression.

While many wonder about his reasons for dodging SM at first, Eunseok‘s personality might offer some clues. Although he can be shy, he has a knack for building strong relationships with those around him. His MBTI type, ISTP, often called the “Virtuoso,” aligns with this. ISTPs are independent, practical, and have sharp observational skills. They might seem reserved, but they also adapt easily and connect well when they decide to. Eunseok‘s decisions reflect the ISTP’s desire for autonomy and ability to carve out their own path.

Much ado about Eunseok

Adding to the buzz around Eunseok, SM Entertainment recently dubbed him the official visual of RIIZE. This announcement came as SM Entertainment artists debuted on Weverse, a fan community platform run by HYBE. The transition to Weverse resulted from an agreement between HYBE and Kakao during the acquisition of SM in March. Artists shared welcome messages on this platform and their profiles were updated. Among the descriptions of RIIZE members, Eunseok‘s introduction as the group’s official visual garnered significant attention.

The revelation of Eunseok being the official visual of RIIZE sparked diverse reactions. Some fans expressed surprise and said other members would be a better fit. But most BRIIZE felt Eunseok deserved the title. They said his “gentle” features and height made him the perfect choice. 

Eunseok‘s journey in the K-pop world is a testament to the power of determination and self-belief. His ISTP personality allowed him to navigate the industry on his terms. As RIIZE continues to make waves, fans eagerly anticipate more from Eunseok, a true virtuoso. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Can you believe Eunseok almost didn’t sign with SM Entertainment? Source: Twitter/@eunseokpictures.

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BOYNEXTDOOR Cracks Billboard 200 With ‘WHY..’

BOYNEXTDOOR, a name rapidly gaining traction in the international music scene, has achieved a significant milestone. On September 18, Billboard officially confirmed that this rookie K-pop group had made their grand entrance into its Top 200 Albums chart. This chart, renowned for ranking the most popular albums in the United States, now features BOYNEXTDOOR‘s new mini album WHY.. at No. 162 for the week ending on September 23.

The group also marked their debut on Billboard’s Artist 100, securing the 64th spot. This is their first-ever appearance on this chart. It showcases their rising popularity and potential to become a big name in the music industry. Furthermore, WHY.. has made its presence felt on other Billboard charts. It entered the World Albums chart at an impressive No. 3 and debuted at No. 10 on both the Top Album Sales chart and the Top Current Album Sales chart.

It’s amazing that BOYNEXTDOOR made a significant impact—and on such prestigious charts, too. Their journey, marked by dedication and talent, serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists. With WHY.., they’ve not only captured the hearts of their fans but also the attention of the global music community. Their agency, KOZ Entertainment, must be very proud.

BOYNEXTDOOR continues to rise

The EP’s tracks tell the story of someone “experiencing a breakup for the first time.” During an EP showcase before its launch, member Riwoo said, “We prepared both together, and we treat them as one big album.” The EP’s songs are characterized by candid lyrics. In a conversation with The Korea Herald, member Woonhak shared that they “used the daily language and gestures of the members in the lyrics,” intending for the tracks to “sound like talking to a friend.”

For those eager to catch a glimpse of BOYNEXTDOOR in action, their recent appearance on the variety show Weekly Idol is available with English subtitles. It offers a delightful insight into the group’s camaraderie, dynamics, and, of course, their music.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDx1INXFT-A

[ENGSUB] Weekly Idol EP 629 BOYNEXTDOOR

BOYNEXTDOOR’s debut on the Billboard charts is proof of their talent and the influence of K-pop on the world stage. As they continue to rise, one can only anticipate what other milestones Jaehyun, Leehan, Riwoo, Sungho, Taesan, and Woonhak will achieve. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Congratulations to BOYNEXTDOOR! Source: Twitter/@bonedo_charts.

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Lee Jeonghyeon Bemoans His Lack of Screen Time on ‘Boys Planet’

On September 17, Lee Jeonghyeon and his team, EVNNE, made a notable appearance on the variety show K-Star Next Door. This visit was an essential part of the promotional run leading up to their debut. During their time on the show, host Jonathan Thona encouraged Jeonghyeon and the others—Keita, Park Hanbin, and Yoo Seungeon—to be unfiltered in their responses. They shared insights about their musical journey, the excitement surrounding their debut, and their experiences on Boys Planet.

Those who watched the show know that Jeonghyeon made the Boys Planet finale despite his lack of screen time. When asked to comment on that, Jeonghyeon didn’t hold back. “Honestly, before Boys Planet, I had high expectations because I practiced so much. I thought people would recognize me. I performed, but I wasn’t on TV. Only my reactions appeared on TV. I was so disappointed,” he said.

@cherryeunsang

i live for jeonghyeon calling out mnet like that💀 #leejeonghyeon #boysplanet #evnne

♬ Super Shy – NewJeans

Probing further, Jonathan asked if Jeonghyeon had anything to say to the show’s staff. Displaying his flair for music, he launched into a spontaneous rap that went, “My part, yo, none of it was on / Yet I made it to the top.” When he finished, he emphasized that he held no grudges against anyone from Boys Planet.

@jhyeonism

rapper jeonghyeon is back #leejeonghyeon #evnne #fypシ

♬ original sound – hel. – hel.

Lee Jeonghyeon continues to dazzle

Jeonghyeon and his fellow members showcased immense talent and dedication on Boys Planet, leaving fans eagerly anticipating EVNNE‘s debut. Their engaging stints on programs like K-Star Next Door have further amplified the excitement, with fans keenly looking forward to their first performance. On September 19, the wait ended as they dropped the mini-album, Target: ME. With six captivating tracks, the album offers a compelling musical journey.

On K-pop survival shows, screen time can dictate one’s fate. Jeonghyeon‘s heartfelt revelations shed light on the challenges budding artists face. Yet, with unmatched talent, determination, and a sprinkle of humor, they continue to dazzle, winning fans across the globe. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Lee Jeonghyeon wasn’t given a chance to shine on ‘Boys Planet,’ but now he’s shining brightly as a member of EVNNE. Source: YouTube/@Diggle.

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‘Magic Lamp’ Featuring Seventeen’s Jeonghan and Dino Unveils Official Teaser

The cast members of Magic Lamp. Credit: Twitter/Magic Lamp

Get ready for another exciting show, CARATs! SEVENTEEN members Jeonghan and Dino are about to showcase their variety skills in the new travel series titled Magic Lamp.

But what makes the show even more exciting is they’ll be joined by several other Hallyu stars. Other cast members include Kim Jaejoong, Kanghee, Choi Seok Woon, Junpi, and Lee Joo Ahn. 

On Monday, September 18, the show unveiled the official teaser for Magic Lamp. In the 30-second teaser, fans are given a glimpse of how the seven celebrities bonded. 

For those unfamiliar, Magic Lamp is a travel reality program which follows the cast members on their “good-looking” drinking trip. The filming took place in Montpellier, France, which is known to be one of the best vacation spots in Europe. 

Moreover, Magic Lamp will have a total of 10 episodes and it will premiere on September 25. 

Meet the Magic Lamp cast

Prior to the trailer, the show has also been releasing individual posters for each character member. 

First is former TVXQ member Kim Jaejoong, who will lead his castmates as he’s the eldest in the group. In 2023, The 37-year old singer celebrated his 20th debut anniversary.

Another star who will take part in the show is actor Kanghee. He showed his charm in his appearances in the dramas Sky Castle, True Beauty, and Snowdrop. However, for Magic Lamp, he plans to showcase the entertainer side of him.

Meanwhile, SEVENTEEN’s Jeonghan and Dino are already known for their humor in their own web series Going Seventeen. Unsurprisingly, the two idols are expected to showcase more of their skills in their first appearance in a travel reality program.

Also joining the team is singer-actor Choi Seok Won, who goes by the stage name Tan. In 2021, he debuted as a member of CIIPHER but left the group in August 2023. After that, he also kicked off his acting career with his guest appearance in the drama Ghost Doctor.

Lastly, musician and pianist Junpi and rising actor Lee Joo Ahn complete the cast.

With this unique lineup of cast, fans are already anticipating how the chemistry between the members will be in Magic Lamp. In Jaejoong’s Idol Radio appearance, he talked about how he got closer to Jeonghan and Dino while filming. Despite being awkward and unfamiliar at first, they said the cast members kept in touch even when the show wrapped up. 

As proof of their growing friendship, some of the Magic Lamp cast members also attended SEVENTEEN’s Follow concert in Seoul to support Jeonghan and Dino. 

Variety Gods SEVENTEEN

For CARATs, Magic Lamp is another addition to the growing list of variety shows they’ll have to keep track of in 2023. On top of the weekly Going Seventeen episodes. 

First was the already-concluded Bro Marble, which saw members Joshua and Hoshi. 

Then, Seungkwan is set to star in the Netflix survival show The Devil’s Plan. Its first episode will air on September 26.

Lastly, SEVENTEEN has also finished shooting Youth Over Flowers with the well-known producer Na Yeong-seok or Na PD. The 13-member group earned the opportunity to star in the travel variety show after winning a chance on Na PD’s Youtube program Game Caterers. As of writing, details about its release are yet to be announced.

Featured image: The cast members of Magic Lamp. Credit: Twitter/Magic Lamp

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