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aespa’s Winter Will Not Participate In Group’s Japan Shows

Winter is taking a break this weekend. The aespa lead vocalist will not participate during the group’s Japan shows this weekend.

aespa’s Winter To Sit Out Group’s Two-Night Concert In Japan’s Nippon Gaishi Hall

SM Entertainment issued a statement confirming Winter’s absence from aespa’s concerts in Japan.

“Due to Winter’s poor physical condition, we consulted a doctor, and it was ultimately decided that she will not be participating in [aespa’s] Japan concerts on April 29 and 30 at Nippon Gaishi Hall,” it read.

“The concerts in question will be held with only three members: Karina, Giselle, and Ningning,” the statement continues.

SM Entertainment also addressed possible refunds. The company assured that refunds will be offered due to last-minute change in the lineup.

The statement did not share details on Winter’s health condition. However, the aespa lead dancer will rejoin the group in their next promotions. We are hoping for Winter’s speedy recovery so she could reunite with Karina, Giselle, and Ningning soon.

aespa Confirmed To Be First K-Pop Group To Attend Cannes Film Festival This Year

aespa was recently confirmed to attend the 76th Cannes Film Festival. The group is currently the global ambassadors for Chopard and will represent the luxury jewelry brand at the event. Chopard is an official sponsor of the Cannes Film Festival. The upcoming appearance will make aespa the first K-pop group to attend the prestigious film festival.

The 76th Cannes Film Festival will screen numerous South Korean films including “Cobweb” and “Hopeless”. The HBO series “The Idol”, which stars BLACKPINK member Jennie, will also premiere at the event.

aespa recently confirmed their next comeback with their third EP ‘MY WORLD’. The pre-release track “Welcome to MY World” will drop on May 2 followed by the album’s release on May 8, 2023. Karina, Giselle, Winter, and Ningning will then attend the 76th Cannes Film Festival which takes place in Cannes on May 16 to 27, 2023.

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Jinyoung Teases GOT7 Comeback at 59th Baeksang Awards

Jinyoung once again proved he is a force to reckon with. The “Yumi’s Cells” actor won two major awards at the 59th Baeksang Arts Awards. During his speech, the GOT7 singer teased the group’s comeback after he completes his mandatory military service.

Jinyoung Wins 2 Awards At 59th Baeksang Arts Awards

Park Jinyoung attended the 59th Baeksang Arts Awards where he won TikTok’s Popularity Award with “Dream” actress IU. He also nabbed the Best New Actor Award for his performance in the film “Christmas Carol”. As he accepted the first award, the “Dive” singer thanked his fans and promised to continue doing his best.

“As I received such a huge award, I will come back healthily after the military service and will greet you again with great works, also with GOT7’s album and my solo album. Thank you,” Jinyoung said.

This is the first time Park Jin-young won a Baeksang award. AHGASEs were proud of the “Devil Judge” actor as he once again proved his talent.

Jinyoung previously confirmed his mandatory military enlistment in a sweet letter to his fans.

“Everyone must be very worried, but I’ve gotten confident and reassured while meeting all of you. That’s why I promise to return as a more mature person and in good health after experiencing a lot,” he wrote. “I’ll think of everyone. Well then, let’s meet again soon. Thank you always, and I love you.”

Park Jin-young will be the second GOT7 member to enlist for military service. In February, it was confirmed that the group’s leader Jay B had quietly enlisted and is currently serving as a public service worker. Jinyoung’s military enlistment will begin on May 8, 2023.

GOT7 previously left JYP Entertainment but continues to pursue group activities. In May 2022, they released the new album ‘GOT7’ and the music video for the lead single “Nanana.”

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BTS’ Suga Debuts on UK Official Charts With ‘D-Day’

Suga is on a roll with his solo album. The BTS rapper just debuted with multiple entries on the UK Official Charts with ‘D-Day’. The feat makes Min Yoongi the first South Korean soloist to debut multiple releases on the United Kingdom’s Official Charts.

Suga’s ‘D-Day’ Debuts On The UK Official Charts

The Official Charts released their latest Singles and Albums Charts on April 28, 2023. The Charts, which is regarded as the UK’s equivalent to Billboard’s U.S. charts, revealed that Suga’s single “Haegeum” debuted at No. 77 on the Official Singles Chart.

“Haegeum” also debuted at No. 5 on the Official Singles Download Chart. It came in at No. 8 spot on the Official Singles Sales Chart, and at No. 10 on the Official Video Streaming Chart.

‘D-Day’ also did well on the Official Charts. It debuted at No. 41 on the Official Albums Chart, becoming Suga’s second album to debut on the chart. The LP is now the second-highest debut by a Korean soloist on the chart after 2020’s ‘D-2’ debuted at the No. 7 spot. Suga is now the first Korean soloist to debut multiple releases on the UK Official Albums Chart.

‘D-Day’ also entered the Official Albums Downloads Chart and the Official Hip Hop and R&B Albums Chart at No. 2. It debuted in the Official Albums Sales Chart at No. 23, and the Official Albums Streaming Chart at No. 77.

Suga Opens Up About ‘AMYGDALA’

Suga is currently on his first world tour as a soloist and is promoting ‘D-Day’ during his shows. The BTS rapper also dropped the documentary ‘SUGA: Road to D-Day’ where he interacts with other artists he collaborated with. In the documentary, Min Yoongi opened up about the true meaning behind the track “AMYGDALA”.

“There’s a thing called an ‘amygdala.’ Your brain stores all of your unpleasant memories in the amygdala,” he confirms. The rapper adds that it does this “so you can prepare yourself for those types of situations in the future.”

“I have massive mood swings whenever I’m working on this song. To work on it, I have to bring up some of my unpleasant memories,” Min Yoongi stated. Still, he points out that this is “a very important process to learn to control those memories.”

Min Yoongi is currently on the road for the ‘Suga Agust D Tour’ in North America.

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Eunji Assures Fans After APINK Members Sign With New Agency

Eunji wants fans to know that APINK will stay together. The “Work Later, Drink Now” star assured PANDAs that the group will continue working together. Jung Eun-ji made the promise after Chorong, Bomi, Namjoo, and Hayoung signed up with a new agency.

APINK’s Chorong, Bomi, Namjoo, and Hayoung Sign With New Company

Choi Creative Lab issued a statement confirming that four APINK members have signed with the agency.

“We notify that Apink members Chorong, Bomi, Namjoo, and Hayoung have signed exclusive contracts with the agency, effective beginning in May of 2023,” the statement reads. “At Choi Creative Lab, we plan on supporting the four members of Apink in both their team and individual promotions to the best of our capabilities.”

“We will provide for our artists with warm and magnanimous leadership as to foster their growth, and also make many happy memories together,” it continued.

The news comes almost immediately after IST Entertainment announced that Chorong, Bomi, Namjoo, and Hayoung have not renewed their contracts with the company. Eunji, who has been doing solo promotions, chose to stay with the agency.

Eunji Promises APINK Will Continue Group Activities

Jung Eun-ji expressed her joy for the other APINK members after they found a new company. The “Reply 1997” star shared an update on Weverse about the group’s future.

“Nothing has changed!! You don’t have to take it too seriously,” she wrote to PANDAs. “We’ll still be Apink in the future.”

APINK recently dropped their tenth EP ‘SELF’ and will continue to promote their new single “D N D”.

In related news, IST Entertainment recently announced that the VICTON maknae line has chosen not to renew their contracts with the company. Hanse, Byungchan, and Subin each shared their handwritten letters confirming their exit from the agency. Meanwhile, Seungwoo, Seungsik, and Sejun will complete their contracts with the agency. The hyung line’s contracts were moved to accommodate their military enlistment.

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Moonbin & Sanha Weverse Community To Shut Down This Week

The Moonbin & Sanha Weverse Community is officially shutting down. ASTRO’s agency FANTAGIO decided to close the recently opened community following the passing of Moon Bin earlier in April.

ASTRO Agency Announces Moonbin & Sanha Weverse Community Shut Down

FANTAGIO issued a statement regarding the status of the Moonbin & Sanha Weverse Community. According to the statement, the agency has decided to suspend the community following Moon Bin’s sudden passing.

“All services within Moonbin & Sanha’s Weverse platform will end on April 30,” it read. “Following the termination of service, it will not be possible to view or upload posts, photos, or videos on all menus, and it will not be possible to enter the community following the end of service.”

The agency urged fans to “back up the content” that they wish to save. “We apologize for the inconvenience caused in using the service,” the statement concluded.

Moonbin & Sanha was an active ASTRO subunit before Moon Bin passed away earlier in April. The Weverse Community had been opened following their latest comeback with the album ‘Incense’. Moonbin passed away on April 19, just two days after the community was opened.

Sanha has kept his silence following his subunit partner’s passing. However, he left an emotional handwritten letter at Moonbin’s memorial space in front of the FANTAGIO building.

“Hyung, are you well? I miss you so much,” he wrote. “Your image still lingers in front of my eyes. I know if I show such a weak side, you’ll give me a scolding, but just let me stay like this a little longer.”

He added, “I promise to be happy, just like you told me to. I’ll keep that promise for certain. Know that I love you a lot, and I love you.”

Moonbin is survived by his parents and sister Moon Sua, the main rapper for the girl group BILLLIE. Sua served as chief mourner at Moon Bin’s funeral last week.

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MONSTA X’s Joohoney Confirms Solo Debut In May

Joohoney is preparing for his solo debut. The MONSTA X rapper is currently working on his first solo album. Lee Joheon is reportedly aiming to release the solo effort in May this year.

MONSTA X’s Joohoney Prepares For Solo Album This May

MONSTA X’s agency STARSHIP Entertainment confirmed the news. “Joohoney is currently preparing his first solo album, with the goal of a release at the end of May. Please give it lots of interest,” the statement reads.

The details of the solo album have not yet been revealed. MONBEBEs are already speculating that it will be a full album. In addition, the latest project will get a physical release, unlike Joohoney’s mixtapes. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

Joohoney has released numerous mixtapes starting with ‘SUPEXX’ in 2015 where he collaborated with rapper Mad Clown on the track “Get Low”. In August 2108, he released the mixtape ‘DWTD’ and a music video for the song “Red Carpet”. After taking a break in 2020 to focus on his mental health, Lee Joheon released the ‘Psyche’ mixtape.

 

The rapper is currently busy with several projects. He is currently a permanent MC on Mnet’s M Countdown alongside (G)I-dle’s Miyeon. Lee Jooheon was also a part of JTBC’s new variety show “Korean Food Tray” with Chef Lee Yeon Bok and actress Hong Jin Kyung. He recently collaborated with fellow MONSTA X member Kihyun on the song “Awake” for the soundtrack of TVING’s original “Our Game: LG Twins”.

MONSTA X Reunite With Shownu For Minhyuk’s Military Service Send-Off

In related news, MONSTA X recently reunited to give Minhyuk a proper send-off as he enlisted for military service. The members got together along with Shownu ahead of the leader’s discharge from the military. Lee Minhyuk is the second member of MONSTA X to enlist for mandatory military service.

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BAE173’s Dohyon Files Injunction to Suspend Contract With Agency

Dohyon is taking action against his current agency. The BAE173 maknae has filed an injunction to suspend his exclusive contract with PocketDol Studio. The rapper reportedly filed for an injunction due to a difference in opinion.

Dohyon Files Injunction To Suspend Exclusive Contract With PocketDol Studio

News1 reports that on April 28, Nam Do-hyon filed an application for a provisional injunction asking for the suspension of his exclusive contract against his agency PocketDol Studio. The rapper filed for the injunction after the first interrogation was completed on April 26.

PocketDol Studio confirmed the news. “It is true that we are in a [legal] dispute,” the agency said. However, the company did not share any further details.

Dohyon reportedly filed for an injunction due to differences in opinion. The BAE173 rapper allegedly disagreed with the agency on exclusive contract obligation fulfillment.

The decision on whether to accept or reject the request for an injunction will be made in late May or early June. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

Nam Do-hyon started his career by participating in Mnet’s boy group survival audition “Produce X 101”. He finished in eighth place and debuted as a member of the boy group X1. Following the group’s disbandment, he collaborated with fellow X1 member Hangyul as the duo H&D. The two would later become members of BAE173.

In October 2022, PocketDol Studio announced that Dohyon will go on hiatus due to health issues. The rapper was reportedly dealing with the after-effects of COVID-19 and needed time to rest so he could recover. Since then, BAE173 has participated in the JTBC idol competition show “Peak Time” with eight members.

Dohyon is currently still on hiatus and has not participated in group activities since October 2022. He had last worked on the group’s fourth EP ‘Odyssey: Dash’ and the lead single “Dash”, which was released on August 17, 2022.

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SEVENTEEN’s Seungkwan Pays Tribute to Moonbin in Emotional Instagram Post

Seungkwan is paying tribute to his good friend, the late Moon Bin. The SEVENTEEN vocalist shared several happy pictures featuring the ASTRO member on his official Instagram account. Boo Seungkwan also wrote an emotional letter addressed to Moonbin.

Seungkwan Honors The Late Moonbin In Emotional Instagram Post

Seungkwan’s latest Instagram post features a series of photos of himself and his late friend who passed away on April 19. In the caption, the SEVENTEEN member explained that he wanted to share the memories “for all the people who loved you.”

“You were a person who made the world look different. It’s so hard to get along this well,” Seungkwan wrote. “We walked together for hours without a destination. Captured pretty sceneries on a camera. Became lost in contemplation while looking at the night sky. Became drunk and sang songs on the streets. When I fell asleep drunk, you would always make sure to charge my phone before sleeping.”

He also reminisced about his disagreements with Moon Bin which were always settled naturally.

“We would fight until our faces got red because of trivial words, We tried not contacting each other, being hurt and out of pride. But in the end, we would miss each other and say sorry to each other. After reconciling, we would hang out having fun like never before,” Seungkwan wrote.

“It was an honor for me to become your friend. And thank you so much for being my friend. Thank you again for allowing me to learn and feel many things,” he added.

“You’re my friend in our next life, no matter what. I’ll see you up there! I’ll hug you tight as soon as I see you. I love you so much. Bin, you worked hard,” Seungkwan concluded.

SEVENTEEN is currently promoting their latest album ‘FML’. Last week, Seungkwan did not join the group in the Mnet M Countdown pre-recording.

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STRAY KIDS Announces June Comeback Date With ‘5-STAR’ Trailer

STRAY KIDS just confirmed a June comeback. The eight-member group dropped the awesome trailer for their upcoming album ‘5-STAR’.

STRAY KIDS Drops Edgy ‘5-STAR’ Trailer for June Comeback

JYP Entertainment‘s official YouTube channel dropped the cool ‘5-STAR’ trailer highlighting STRAY KIDS’ funky new concept. The trailer opens with Felix getting candy from a vending machine before stumbling upon a slogan that simply reads, “I Am Ground.”

Things get more interesting from there as the other members get their own spotlight. The trailer concludes with Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, and I.N. in edgy outfits. It announces that STRAY KIDS’ comeback is on June 2, 2023.

‘5-STAR’ is the group’s third studio album following the release of ‘Go Live’ in 2020 and ‘Noeasy’ in 2021. The tracklist is still a mystery but “I Am Ground” is clearly a major clue. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

STRAY KIDS Confirmed To Headline Lollapalooza in Paris

The June comeback is a welcome one for STAYs who have been waiting for new music from the idols since last year. It also coincides with STRAY KIDS being chosen to headline Lollapalooza in Paris in July. They will be the first K-pop group to serve as a headliner in a French music festival.

STRAY KIDS debuted in March 2018 with the EP ‘I Am Not’. The group started out with nine members until Woojin’s departure in 2019. Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, and I.N. are known as a self-producing group. Their latest release is the Japanese-language album ‘The Sound’ which dropped on February 22, 2023.

The third STRAY KIDS full album ‘5-STAR’ is currently available for pre-order. The lead single has not yet been announced. ‘5-STAR’ drops on June 2, 2023.

STRAY KIDS will perform as one of the headliners at Lollapalooza in Paris on July 21, 2023.

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SinB and Umji Leave Heartbreaking Letters To Moonbin at ASTRO Member’s Memorial Space

SinB and Umji have finally visited Moonbin’s memorial space. The VIVIZ members both wrote heartbreaking letters for their good friend and fellow 98z liner.

VIVIZ’s SinB and Umji Pen Regretful Messages for Moon Bin

SinB and Umji penned emotional letters that they then left at Moonbin’s memorial space in front of the FANTAGIO building. Hwang Eunbi, who had been friends with Moon Bin for 18 years, reminisced about how he often scolded her.

“We’ve known each other for 18 years but I wonder why I was so embarrassed to say nice pretty things to you rather than grumbling at you. That’s what I regret so much,” SinB wrote. “I think I’ll regret that, be sad, reminisce, and feel sorry for a while and think of you all day long. I bet you’ll see me from there and sigh wondering why I’m being like that and feeling embarrassed. Please understand.”

She then promised to take care of Moonbin’s sister Moon Sua and his parents. SinB further expressed regret for not sharing her feelings.

“Bin. You are my precious friend that gave me so much strength and reassurance just by your presence. I’m sorry I am only saying that now…Wherever I am, if someone asks who is my best friend, I’ll confidently say it’s you!” she wrote. “Bin, who is so awesome and whom I am proud of, you’re so precious! I’ll come to see you often. Rest peacefully.”

Umji’s letter also reflected her disbelief over Moonbin’s passing.

“After a few nights of longing and regret, I’m trying to live a bit of a more colorful daily life! I still wake up in the morning hoping that it was all just a dream,” she wrote. “The days go by as I come back to my senses, I’ll drop by to say hello and talk to you with anyone who can remember you.”

“I don’t think you’ll have to worry about me much so I’ll be there with the people you worry about,” Umji added. “You can count on me like you always have! Bin-ah, you’ve worked so hard, rest well. Get some rest, & maybe come into other people’s dreams sometime, okay?”

SinB and Umji have been friends with Moonbin for a long time. However, the idols were unable to attend his funeral due to VIVIZ’s schedule. Still, Hwang Eunbi and Kim Yewon still found the time to visit Moon Bin’s memorial space.

In related news, Moonbin’s memorial space will be moved to the FANTAGIO building rooftop. Visitation to the new memorial space will also be extended until June.

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