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KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BLACKPINK’s JENNIE is First K-Pop Artist On ELLE France Cover

BLACKPINK’s Jennie Kim has firmly established her presence in the global fashion realm, gracing the cover of ELLE France’s September issue. This significant achievement underscores her profound impact and influence within the fashion industry, a feat rarely accomplished by K-pop idols.

ELLE France Unveils Jennie’s September Issue Cover

ELLE France shared the news on their official X (formerly Twitter) account. The tweet shares the cover of the magazine’s upcoming issue and it features the BLACKPINK member. Not surprisingly, Jennie is clad in one of her group’s trademark colors.

Following her historic appearance as the first Korean idol on the cover of ELLE USA in late 2022, Jennie has now extended her accomplishments by becoming the first K-pop artist to feature on the cover of ELLE France. Furthermore, she joins the ranks of only a few Asian artists to achieve this honor, with the last being acclaimed actress Maggie Cheung in 2004.

ELLE France, renowned as a premier fashion publication worldwide, typically reserves its covers for French celebrities and models, making this recognition exceptionally rare for Hollywood or Asian luminaries. Jennie’s cover debut signifies the end of nearly two decades since an Asian artist was last featured. ELLE France celebrated this historic moment on their official Twitter account, eliciting widespread excitement among her fans.

BLACKPINK’s Jennie Foray Into Fashion

Jennie Kim, a prominent member of BLACKPINK, has recently made a splash in the fashion world with the launch of her exclusive capsule collection, JENNIE for Calvin Klein. This limited-edition line, handpicked by Jennie herself, encompasses both intimate and outerwear pieces, highlighting “minimal silhouettes with a relaxed attitude.” Her venture into the fashion industry demonstrates her evolving influence and taste beyond the music scene.

Furthermore, Jennie’s versatility extends to the screen, where she appeared in the HBO series “The Idol,” sharing the spotlight with stars like Lily-Rose Depp and The Weeknd. Her foray into acting showcases her multifaceted talent and expanding horizons in the entertainment realm.

Despite these individual endeavors, Jennie remains committed to her BLACKPINK duties. Fans can eagerly anticipate her continued contributions to the group as they maintain their presence and impact in the world of music.

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BTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BTS’ V Calls ‘Barbie’ The Most Impactful Movie He Watched

V is sharing his thoughts about everything, from his beloved dog Yeontan to the best film he has watched. The BTS member is currently promoting his upcoming album “Layover” but he also spoke about movies that had an impact on him. Not surprisingly, Kim Taehyung called “Barbie” the most impactful movie he has seen recently. In addition to that, the “Rainy Days” singer discussed how jazz influenced his solo endeavor.

V Gushes About ‘Barbie’

Kim Taehyung recently sat down with W Korea for a photoshoot and an accompanying interview. When asked if he had watched any good movies lately, V enthusiastically admitted that he has seen “Barbie.”

“I watched ‘Barbie’. Seriously, it really is the most impactful movie I’ve watched recently,” he said.

“Barbie” is directed by Greta Gerwig and stars Margot Robbie as the titular doll. The film follows Barbie and Ken (Ryan Gosling) as they embark on a journey of self-discovery following an existential crisis. “Barbie” has grossed $1.28 billion worldwide, becoming the second highest-grossing film of 2023.

It’s great to know that V has already watched “Barbie” but the influences on his new album are very different from the film’s soundtrack. Still, Kim Taehyung confirmed that “Layover” is inspired by his love for jazz.

“Standard jazz could be a bit too complex, so I tried to make my songs more contemporary and popular,” he said. “When the sun’s setting, under the sunset, when you’re driving, when you get off work… That would be the best time to listen.”

V has recently unveiled two pre-release tracks “Love Me Again” and “Rainy Days”. He is now preparing to drop his third one, titled “Blue.” All this excitement precedes the highly anticipated release of the BTS member’s debut solo mini-album, “Layover,” scheduled for September 8th. Fans are eagerly anticipating this milestone in his career, as V showcases his individual artistry and musical prowess.

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Modhaus to Take Legal Action for Malicious Posts Against Kim Lip

South Korean record label and entertainment agency MODHAUS announced that they would take legal action against malicious posts directed at their ARTMS artist, former LOONA member Kim Lip

On Thursday, August 24, MODHAUS released a statement that they’re continuously monitoring posts containing defamation, harassment, and personal attacks against Kim Lip.

MODHAUS does not tolerate any form of right infringement against our artist,” they wrote. “MODHAUS is considering taking legal actions in cooperation with legal experts to address the issue.” 

Interestingly, the agency didn’t go into detail of what prompted the statement. But the label wrote that “unfortunate incidents” arose as fans got access to a more active communication with the artists. 

Furthermore, MODHAUS expressed its commitment to ensure the safety of the artists and fans in the future. Additionally, they also encouraged fans to report cases of rights infringements against the artists to their Response Team. 

Kim Lip as a MODHAUS artist

Kim Lip made her debut in May 2017 when she was introduced as the sixth member of LOONA. At the time, she was also a member of the group’s second sub-unit ODD EYE CIRCLE before LOONA officially debuted as a 12-member act in August 2018. 

 

However, in November 2022, Kim Lip, together with nine other LOONA members, filed an injunction against their agency Blockberry Creative. 

Kim Lip, together with Heejin, Jinsoul, and Choerry, won their injunctions in January 2023. The four of them signed exclusive contracts with MODHAUS in March. 

Since then, the agency  launched the ARTMS project. It will reportedly refer to the activities of the former LOONA members under their agency. Haseul, who signed with MODHAUS in June, has also been added to the ARTMS project. 

In July, Odd Eye Circle, the sub-unit composed of Choerry, Jinsoul, and Kim Lip, released their album Version Up.

Fans’ reactions

Numerous fans thanked the agency for taking the necessary measures to protect their artist.

I’m genuinely so glad you guys are doing this. thank you for protecting her!”, one fan wrote.

 

Others also commended MODHAUS for the speedy action as they responded even before the allegations spread.

https://twitter.com/whoiskimlip/status/1694674174193910027

 

More agencies take legal actions to protect artists

Just like MODHAUS, more agencies are taking legal actions to protect their artists.

In August, JYP Entertainment announced that the agency is taking legal actions for malicious posts and comments against their girl group, ITZY. 

WakeOne Entertainment, ZEROBASEONE’s agency also announced in July that they’ve taken legal actions against individuals who have been spreading hateful posts and threats against the nine-member rookie boy group. 

Another is Starship Entertainment, who also sued YouTubers who published false content regarding their artists, specifically IVE. 

Meanwhile, SM Entertainment also filed a complaint against an online user who sent death threats to aespa’s Winter. The agency will also take a legal action against a fan who invaded NCT’s Jaehyun’s privacy. 

In addition, these agencies stated that they will regularly monitor and report posts that spread false information, hate, and insult towards their artists. 

Featured image: Kim Lip in the teaser for LOONA’s ‘The Origin’ album. Credit: Twitter/LOONA

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KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Jeon Somi Signs With Universal Music Japan

Jeon Somi has ignited excitement among her fans, as she recently revealed her signing with Universal Music Japan!

The announcement, made via her official Twitter account, has left supporters eagerly anticipating her imminent Japanese debut. On August 24, Somi shared the news, officially declaring herself an artist under the renowned Universal Music Japan label. She warmly invited her Japanese fanbase to connect with her on her official Japanese Twitter account and website, signaling the beginning of a promising chapter in her music career.

This significant development not only underscores her global appeal but also sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting journey in the Japanese music industry for the talented artist. Fans worldwide are poised to witness her artistic evolution as she ventures into new horizons with Universal Music Japan.

Somi Discusses ’11-Line Abs’ Secret

Somi is currently preparing for her Japanese debut and that includes her diligent commitment to maintaining her physical fitness. She was recently a guest on “Knowing Bros.” where she admitted that she has been working out for six years.

Furthermore, Somi credited her Pilates instructor for imparting the knowledge necessary to achieve what’s commonly referred to as “11-line abs.” She explained that this is influenced by a person’s early life experiences, such as excessive crying as a baby. Somi stated that it strengthens their abdominal muscles through deep breathing exercises.

Somi soared to nationwide recognition when she secured the coveted first position on the competitive reality show “Produce 101,” which led to her membership in the eleven-member project girl group, I.O.I. Following the disbandment of I.O.I, she inked a contract with YG Entertainment’s subsidiary, The Black Label. This pivotal move marked the commencement of her solo artist career, with her debut taking place on June 13, 2019.

Presently, Somi is in the midst of an active promotional phase for her latest EP, titled “Game Plan.” She also started a fun variety show “Yes or Hot” where Somi had longtime friend HyunA as her first guest.

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K-DRAMA KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

NewJeans to sing OST for Netflix’s ‘A Time Called You’

A Time Called You, the Netflix series starring Ahn Yeo Seop and Jeon Yeo Been, has given fans another reason to look forward to their drama as it announced that rising rookie group NewJeans will be involved in the show’s original soundtrack. 

What we know so far about ‘A Time Called You’ 

Based on the hit Taiwanese series Some day or One Day, A Time Called You is a romance drama involving time-travel. 

Jeon Yeo Been will portray Jun Hee, a girl who’s grieving the death of her boyfriend Yeon Jun, played by Ahn Hyo Seop. 

 

Mysteriously, Jun Hee will be transported to the year 1998 as a different person. There, she’ll meet a fellow high school student who has a striking resemblance to her late boyfriend. 

In the trailer released on Thursday, August 24, it showed Jun Hee trying to grapple with her past emotions and current feelings. A budding love triangle with Kang Hoon’s character In Gyu was also revealed.

Moreover, the poster also featured the three main characters in two different timelines. “One past, one chance to save you,” it read. 

In addition to the mystery romance themes, viewers are also looking forward to Ahn Hyo Seop and Jeon Yeo Been’s chemistry. 

Ahn Hyo Seop is best known for his roles in Business Proposal and Dr. Romantic 2. Meanwhile, Jeon Yeo Been starred in Vicenzo and Night in Paradise. 

Additionally, A Time With You will premiere on Netflix on September 8. 

NewJeans’ involvement 

While the acting and story alone are already promising, the anticipation for the series rose after it was confirmed that NewJeans will be lending their voices for the show. 

According to representatives from Netflix, the quintet will sing a remake of Kim Jong Seo’s 1996 song Beautiful Restriction.” 

Also, this will serve as NewJeans’ first time to sing an OST for a drama. 

 

Interestingly, a snippet of NewJeans’ OST was featured in the trailer. Fans were quick to pinpoint how it sounded like the group even before Netflix confirmed the news. 

On top of that, fans are curious as to how NewJeans’ rendition of the hit ballad can further elevate the storytelling in the drama. 

The OST is also the group’s next project after the release of their second EP Get Up. Said album gave NewJeans’ their first entry to the Billboard 200 chart

Get Up, which has six songs, was released on July 21. ETA,” “Super Shy,andCool With You” are the album’s triple title tracks. 

Composed of Minji, Hanni, Hyein, Haerin, and Danielle, NewJeans made their debut in July 2022. 

Featured image: NewJeans shares photo from their Bunnies Camp. Credit: Facebook/NewJeans

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BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Go Behind the Scenes of BTS V’s W Korea Shoot In New Q&A Video

Kim Taehyung, also known as BTSV, graced the pages of W Korea’s latest issue. After the media outlet uploaded the cover story, a behind-the-scenes video followed. This video gave fans a glimpse at everything that happened on the set of the photoshoot, set to the tune of V answering questions from the W Korea team.

Opening with a cheerful, “Hello, W Korea! I’m V of BTS,” he set the tone for a candid conversation. One of the first topics broached was his pet, Yeontan. V affectionately remarked, “Yeontan ate too much, so I put him on a diet. Yeontan also got his hair cut recently, so he looks very cute.” He added that while Yeontan is close to him, the dog has a very special bond with his mother, which means he competes with her for Yeontan’s attention.

BTS V Q&A by W Korea

V also shared insights about his fitness regimen. “I actually shared my routine on my Story, I hope you check it out.” When asked which part of his body he’s most proud of these days, he confidently and simply stated, “Hands!”

Discussing his downtime, V revealed that he’s been recharging and is now channeling all his energy into work. Naturally, the conversation veered towards his much-anticipated solo album. While V was a bit secretive about the exact genre, he did drop several hints. “Standard jazz can be too complex, so I tried to make my songs more contemporary and popular,” he explained. He also painted a serene picture for fans, when asked what time of day best suits his album. “When the sun’s setting, under the sunset, when you’re driving, when you get off work—that would be the best time to listen.”

BTS’ V and the heartfelt goodbye

Known for his unparalleled bond with the ARMY (BTS‘s fanbase), V emphasized his commitment to them. “There are many contents that ARMY can enjoy when they’re bored. I’m trying to make more communication channels for ARMY, so I’m shooting a lot of those contents,” he said, showcasing his dedication.

Reflecting on his journey as the last member of BTS to release a solo album, V expressed respect for his members. “BTS members went through so much. I learned that as I made my album. It’s not easy,” he confessed. However, he also expressed the joy in the process, “But because it’s so hard, it makes the process more fun.”

V‘s personal style also became a topic of discussion. Identifying as a minimalist, he shared, “I don’t usually carry around a bag.” Yet, he always has his cherished accessories with him, especially his bracelet, necklace, and a special ring. His penchant for luxury was evident when he spoke about his endeavors to acquire a Cartier Crash watch and fondly reminisced about his first Cartier purchase, the Cartier Tank Louis watch.

He left fans with a brief yet heartfelt, “I’m V, thank you,” signaling the end of a conversation that offered a deeper understanding of the person behind the global sensation. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: V talked about everything from his album to his dog. Source: YouTube/@wkorea.

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Pledis Entertainment Updates Fans on S. COUPS’ Condition

Earlier this month, SEVENTEEN’s fans were concerned when the group’s agency revealed that their overall leader S. COUPS sustained a bad knee injury. The injury occurred during a shoot, resulting in a torn ligament in his left knee. Consequently, the decision was made for him to undergo surgery.

Fast forward to August 24, and there’s good news for fans and well-wishers. Pledis Entertainment confirmed that S. COUPS‘ surgery went well. Furthermore, he was discharged from the hospital on the morning of the 24th. Since then, he has been resting and focusing on his recovery.

The label’s detailed statement shed light on the situation. “On August 10, S. COUPS sustained a tear to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee during a content photo shoot. After seeking medical advice and undergoing pre-surgery treatment, he had surgery on Monday, the 21st, to restore his ACL and anterolateral ligament. The surgery went smoothly, and he was discharged on the 24th Thursday morning.”

S. COUPS’ long road to recovery

Now, the rapper’s long road to recovery starts. S. COUPS will be focusing on rehabilitation for the foreseeable future. As part of his recovery process, he will use crutches, a wheelchair, and wearing a leg brace. Additionally, he will undergo physical therapy to aid his healing. Despite the challenges his injury presents, there’s a silver lining. His agency’s goal is for S. COUPS to rejoin SEVENTEEN later this year, which is undoubtedly something fans are eagerly anticipating.

In the meantime, CARATS are sending S. COUPS their well wishes. Many fans pray for him to make a speedy recovery. Till then, the artist continues to make his presence felt on Weverse and through previously filmed content. He most recently appeared in a video where he showed off some items he designed especially for CARATS.

[Artist-Made Collection by SEVENTEEN] Season 1. Making of Log – S. COUPS

The support for S. COUPS has been immense, with many taking to SNS to express themselves.

Injuries are never easy, but the positivity and resilience shown by S. COUPS are commendable. His family, fans, and fellow SEVENTEEN members are behind him, so there’s no doubt he’ll be OK, even if he has a long way to go. Stay tuned for further updates on his condition. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: CARATS worldwide hope S. COUPS gets plenty of rest so he can come back soon. Source: Twitter/@cscthnkr.

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KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Filipino News Anchor Criticized For Making Another K-Pop Mistake

In showbiz, even the smallest mistakes can spark significant reactions. Recently, Dianne Medina, a Filipino actress and TV correspondent, found herself at the eye of a social media storm again. The reason? Another mispronunciation related to K-pop.

During a segment on Rise and Shine Pilipinas, Medina reported on a recent Manila concert by K-pop legends iKON. However, she mistakenly referred to their song as “taranta” (which means “panic” in her native language) when it should have been “Tantara.” 

The song was released on April 25, 2023, as a pre-release single for their third full-length album Take Off. Its title comes from the Korean word “딴따라 (ttantara),” an old-fashioned slang word used to criticize or mock celebrities and individuals who are seen as lacking cultural sophistication or having poor taste. The album “Tantara” appears on was iKON’s first release under their new label 143 Entertainment. They went there after their exclusive contract with YG Entertainment ended in December 2022.

Medina’s latest slip of the tongue didn’t go unnoticed. Filipino netizens took to SNS like Twitter to voice their disappointment.

Dianne Medina vs. K-pop terms

This isn’t the first time Medina has faced this kind of criticism. She once mispronounced the word “subunit” during a segment about the Japanese trio MISAMO, a unit of the JYP Entertainment girl group TWICE. That led to a hailstorm of comments, primarily from ONCE (TWICE’s loyal fanbase). When she realized her error, Medina later corrected her pronunciation in a subsequent report and shared the updated version on her Instagram account.

@inquirerdotnet

Dianne Medina shares updated version of her viral news segment #socialnewsph #inquirerdotnet

♬ original sound – INQUIRER.net – INQUIRER.net

Responding to a netizen’s query about that particular oversight, Medina said, “At least I learned a lesson not to rely on the prompter and script.” Moreover, she emphasized her perspective on making mistakes. Medina explained, “I never took it as an embarrassment because I know God allowed this to happen so I would learn from it. Unless you’re perfect; I’m not, so it’s OK to make mistakes.”

Medina acknowledged her latest mistake during a recent radio interview. “The social media world is very cruel,” she began. “People will always try to pull you down and hurt you in so many ways. But me, what I always like to think is, ‘How many of them actually know me? Do they know me personally? Do they really matter in my life?”

@djjhaiho

Bagong programa at pagbabalik radyo maiinit na chika agad ang hatid sainyo! Bugsh!! @Dianne Medina humingi ng tawad matapos ma call out ng netizens dahil sa pagbabalita! EXCLUSIVE!!!

♬ original sound – JhaiHo – JhaiHo

She went on to explain that a combination of nerves and technical problems contributed to her new blunder. Medina also asked her critics to remember that mistakes are inevitable when you’re doing a live show. She ended the interview with an apology to iKON’s fans and a promise to do better next time she reports on K-pop. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: This was Dianne Medina’s second K-pop related blunder in less than a year. Source: Instagram/@dianne_medina and Twitter/@ytv_musicpower.

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

EVNNE Unveils New Concept Photos, But Fans Are Not Pleased

The K-pop scene is abuzz with the latest concept photos from EVNNE. These photos are for their debut mini-album, Target: ME. These photos, featuring the members in a cozy-looking home, were meant to showcase their youthful chemistry and set the stage for their much-anticipated debut. 

A promotional schedule is also out, giving fans a glimpse of what to expect in the coming weeks. 

However, instead of pure excitement, a cloud of controversy now hangs over the group’s debut.

What is EVNNE to do?

EVNNE’s agency Jellyfish Entertainment initially slated the group’s debut for September 18, 2023. The gravity of September 18 in Chinese history is profound. On this day in 1932, a train track near Mukden, China, exploded. The Japanese were behind the explosion and attempted to frame Chinese nationalists for it. This incident became the catalyst for Japan’s subsequent invasion of Manchuria and other parts of China. For Chinese nationals, September 18 is a day of remembrance and silent reflection, observed solemnly across the nation.

The decision to debut EVNNE on such a historically charged date was met with immediate backlash. Chinese fans, feeling that Jellyfish Entertainment’s decision disregards their history, have started boycotting the group. With a considerable segment of EVNNE‘s fanbase based in China, the demand for a date change is not just about historical reverence but also about the group’s potential success in the Chinese market.

EVNNE, a collab between Rain Company, WAKEONE, and Yuehua Entertainment, operates under the Jellyfish Entertainment banner. The group is composed of notable Boys Planet contestants, such as Keita, Ji Yunseo, Lee Jeonghyeon, Park Hanbin, Park Jihoo, Mun Junghyun, and Yoo Seungeon

As of this writing, Jellyfish Entertainment has yet to acknowledge the backlash. Stay tuned for any updates. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: What will Jellyfish Entertainment decide? Source: Twitter/@EVNNE_official.

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Yu Jun Won Refutes Pocketdol Studios’ Claims on His Departure From Fantasy Boys

Yu Jun Won has disputed the claims made by PocketDol Studios about the reason of his departure from the upcoming rookie group Fantasy Boys. He said the agency lied about certain matters in their statement. 

On Wednesday, August 23, PocketDol Studios announced that Fantasy Boys will debut as an 11-member group without Jun Won. 

According to the agency, Jun Won had an “unauthorized departure.” Allegedly, the idol’s parents also requested to modify the contract several times. 

Yu Ju Won’s side

However, hours after the news broke, Jun Won took to his Instagram to air his sentiment. Aside from his statement, the idol also shared a portion of his contract to refute the agency’s allegations. 

First, he apologized to the fans who are affected by the matter, emphasizing that those being reported are “far from the truth.”

Next, Jun Won opened up about how much he dreamt of becoming an idol. He added that despite all the difficulties, he still pushed through to make the dream a reality. 

“I did my best every moment, and never acted in a shameful way in front of the fans,” he said. Which is why it pains him to have his idol dreams cut short just when he was about to reach it. 

 

“But it is such a pity and it hurts me so much that I am unable to make my dream debut, despite it being right in front of my eyes,” he wrote.

Jun Won then went on to address the claims by PocketDol Studios. He explained that he requested to edit some unfavorable clauses in the contract. 

However, the company allegedly refused his calls for reasonable conditions. Instead, he said that they attempted to force an agreement after adding more ridiculous demands. 

Because of this, Jun Won reasoned out that he has lost trust with the company. It then led to him deciding not to continue his relationship with PocketDol Studios. 

Additionally, the artist said that he has records of his calls, emails, and discussions with the company. He also hinted that he’s not afraid to use them as evidence. 

PocketDol Studios’ side

Following Jun Won’s personal statement, PocketDol Studios and Funky Studios  responded to the idol’s remarks. 

The company insisted that Jun Won’s mother demanded that she be consulted on all matters about her son’s contract. 

Aside from that, the agency claimed that the mother also complained about the idol’s styling, as well as positioning in the group. 

Moreover, Pocketdol Studios also argued that the clause in their contract about the split between management and artists is “the norm” in the entertainment industry.

In the adjunction agreement posted by Jun Won, it shows a clause that states that if an album released by the artist surpass 500,000 copies in sales within a three month period, they will be relieved of their responsibility toward all fixed cost coverage until the expiration of their exclusive contract. 

The agency asserted that this isn’t a “legal violation.”

With the contradicting statements, it’s unsurprising that the fans are worried about the situation. Several are lobbying for Jun Won’s side while many are also wary of how this will affect FANTASY BOYS. 

Nevertheless, many are praising Jun Won for standing up for his rights. Especially that in the statement, he also called for companies to treat their artists better and the practice of unfair contracts to be fixed. 

Despite no longer pushing through with the group, Jun Won also asked fans to continue their support for the 11 members of Fantasy Boys. 

 

In the meantime, the 11-act piece is set to debut in September.

Featured image: Yu Jun Won during the group’s Welcome to Your Fantasy show. Credit: Twitter/Fantasy Boys

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