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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES VARIETY

Watch: Zerobaseone’s Kim Ji Woong to Star in Own Variety Show

Kim Ji Woong of rookie group ZEROBASEONE will be starring in his own variety show, just a month after his official debut! 

In Boy Detective Kim Ji Woong, the ZEROBASEONE member will act as a detective whose mission is to investigate the current trends.

The rookie idol will participate in a series of challenges to solve topics ranging from popular locations to trivial questions and patterns. 

 

In the teaser, Ji Woong shared that he’s interested to do extreme activities such as bungee jumping and rock climbing. “I can do it all,” he declared. 

Boy Detective Kim Ji Woong will premiere on August 30. New episodes will air every Wednesday. 

Additionally, the upcoming web variety show is under CJ ENM’s Studio Horak Horak. Said studio is also in charge of the Fearless Kura show headlined by LE SSERAFIM’s Sakura

Busy month for ZEROBASEONE 

ZEROBASEONE or ZB1 is a nine-member group formed via Boys Planet. 

Aside from Ji Woong, the other members are Sung Han-bin, Zhang Hao, Seok Matthew, and Kim Tae-rae. Ricky, Kim Gyu-vin, Park Gun-wook, and Han Yu-jin are also part of the lineup.

ZB1 made their debut on July 10 with the release of their mini-album YOUTH IN THE SHADE.  Shortly after, YOUTH IN THE SHADE set the record for being the best-selling debut album in K-pop history. Over 1,240,700 copies were sold in just 24 hours of sales. 

ZB1 project group that will promote under WakeOne Entertainment, a CJ ENM subsidiary, for around two and a half years. 

Featured image: Kim Ji Woong in the concept photos for ZEROBASEONE’s ‘Youth In The Shade’ album. Credit: Facebook/ZB1

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Kara’s Heo Young Ji to Make Solo Debut

Good news, Kamilias! Heo Young Ji of K-pop girl group KARA is gearing up to make her official debut as a solo artist. 

DSP Media confirmed the news on Friday, August 11. The agency said that the release is set for September. 

“We will announce the concrete details at a later time,” they added. 

 

Heo Young Ji joined the lineup of KARA in 2014 after winning the reality show KARA Project. At the time, original members Nicole and Jiyoung didn’t renew their contracts with DSP Media and left the group. 

As a result of Young Ji’s inclusion, KARA promoted as a four-member group. They released two singles “Mamma Mia” in 2014 and Cupid” in 2015. 

However, in January 2016, DSP Media announced KARA’s disbandment following the expiration of Gyuri, Seungyeon, and Hara’s contracts. 

Heo Young Ji as an artist

Since then, Heo Young Ji continued promoting as a solo artist under DSP Media. She also renewed her contract with the agency in August 2021. 

Although Young Ji released a solo song called “Memory Clock” in 2017, she hasn’t really promoted as a solo artist. 

 

Aside from her singing career, Young Ji also participated in several variety shows. She appeared in Roommate, Hitmaker, Very Private TV, and Humanity Busking. 

Meanwhile, KARA reunited in November 2025 for the special album Move Again. The release was in celebration of the group’s 15th debut anniversary. It’s also their first comeback in approximately seven years. 

KARA is known for their hit songs “Honey,” “Mr.,” “Jumping,” “Rock U” and “Pretty Girl.”

Featured image: Heo Young Ji updates fans with new photo of her. Credit: TWITTER/Young Ji

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Look: Bighit Music Opens Global Auditions

Dreaming of becoming labelmates with K-pop powerhouses BTS and TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT)? Well, this might be your chance! 

BIGHIT MUSIC announced on Friday, August 11, that they are opening global auditions for their next boy group. 

The auditions are open to male candidates of any nationality born from 2005 and after. 

Additionally, interested applicants can choose to audition among several categories: vocal, rap, dancing, acting, modeling, and producing. 

Applications are open from August 11 to September 22 via the Big Hit Audition website. 

Previously in February to April 2023, BIGHIT MUSIC also held an audition for aspiring idols. Only male applicants born between 2005 and 2013 were eligible. 

During this set of auditions, the label also held in-person auditions in Korea and Japan aside from the online ones. 

 

 

Besides these series of global auditions, BIGHIT MUSIC remains mum about their next act. Their latest group to debut was TXT in 2019. Before that was BTS, who debuted in 2013. 

Moreover, BIGHIT MUSIC is one of the many record labels housed under HYBE. Recently, HYBE acquired BELIFT LAB, ENHYPEN’s agency. 

Featured image: K-pop groups BTS and TXT are under BIGHIT Music. Credit: Twitter/BIGHIT Music Audition

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

SM’s New Boy Group RIIZE Drops Teaser Photos For Upcoming Debut

The K-pop scene is abuzz with excitement as SM Entertainment’s newest boy group, RIIZE, shared teaser images for their debut single album, “Get A Guitar.” These images, released on the group’s official social media, show the members in their practice room, embodying the concept of “Training Days.” The photos radiate a cool, unique vibe, highlighting the members’ fresh visuals.

 

RIIZE‘s teasers are connected to their album’s theme, which encapsulates the time they invested in preparing for their debut. This theme also hints at the “Real-Time Odyssey (Journey of Growth)” the members will embark on post-debut. Moreover, RIIZE recently held their first live broadcast on Instagram. They interacted with fans from South Korea and elsewhere by sharing insights into their music and performance journey. 

[ENG/INDO SUB] 230808 RIIZE First Instagram Live

This live broadcast was followed by their performance video for the song “Siren,” which has already garnered significant attention.

RIIZE 라이즈 ‘Siren’ Performance Video

However, the group’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. After their live broadcast, RIIZE faced a wave of discussions and debates regarding photo editing and perceptions of reality. The live broadcast, intended to offer fans a candid glimpse of the members, inadvertently sparked fandom discourse. Some K-netizens felt the members’ visuals during the live broadcast were very different from the polished images they posted before.

Comments ranged from praising the group’s photographic skills to questioning the extent of photo enhancements in earlier releases. While some fans defended the group, emphasizing that all artists’ photos are edited to some extent, others expressed disappointment. This incident underscores the challenges artists face in the digital age, where edited content can influence perception.

RIIZE is making waves

Accusations of too much photo editing aside, RIIZE is making waves on social media. Impressively, they earned one million Instagram followers in just four days, becoming the fastest K-pop group to do so. The septet—Anton, Eunseok, Seunghan, Shotaro, Sohee, Sungchan, and Wonbin—has been generating significant buzz leading up to their debut. To better engage with fans, RIIZE plans to expand their presence on some social media platforms, including Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, Weibo, and YouTube.

RIIZE, a name derived from the English words ‘Rise’ and ‘Realize,’ refers to a team that grows and realizes dreams collectively. They introduce their unique music genre, ‘Emotional Pop,’ which aims to express their myriad emotions through their songs. As the first rookie boy group launched by SM since NCT‘s debut in 2016, RIIZE is poised to make a significant impact in the K-pop industry.

With their debut single album set to release on August 21st, which includes the title track ‘Get A Guitar’ and the prologue single ‘Memories,’ anticipation is high. Pre-orders for the album are ongoing. As RIIZE continues their journey, fans worldwide eagerly await their official debut and the unique musical experience they promise to deliver. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: RIIZE already has an international fanbase, even if they haven’t officially debuted yet. Isn’t that great? Source: Twitter/@RIIZE_official.

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KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Queendom Puzzle Will Allow EL7Z U+P Members to Do Double Duty

Mnet’s Queendom Puzzle, a captivating spin-off of the celebrated Queendom, features idols from active girl groups vying for a spot in a new seven-member project group. As the show’s finale drew closer, Mnet introduced a twist.

Taeyeon from Girls’ Generation, the host of Queendom‘s second season, announced that members of the upcoming project group, EL7Z U+P, won’t have to leave their original groups. Instead, they can promote with both, signaling a notable change in K-pop project group norms.

On August 8, Queendom Puzzle aired its semifinal round live, allowing viewers to vote in real time. The Contestants were sorted into teams and each team was given a new song to perform. The songs were “PUZZLIN’” by DAY6’s Young K, “i DGA,” by iKON’s Bobby, and “I Do,” by Ryan Jhun.

Following the eliminations two weeks prior, the “i DGA” team lacked a member, and the “I Do” team had an extra. To address this, Elly moved from the “I Do” team to “i DGA.” This change resulted in these lineups:

PUZZLIN’” had Cherry Bullet’s Jiwon, Lovelyz’s Kei, and Rocket Punch’s Suyun.

♬ PUZZLIN’ – 리이나, 미루, 수윤, 수진, 우연, 지원, 케이

i DGA” had CLC’s Yeeun, PURPLE KISS’s Yuki, and Weki Meki’s Elly.

♬ i DGA (i DONT GIVE A) – 도화, 엘리, 여름, 예은, 유키, 파이, 휘서

I DO” showcased Cherry Bullet’s Bora, Rocket Punch’s Yeonhee, and Weeekly’s Zoa.

♬ I Do – 나나, 보라, 연희, 조아, 쥬리, 지우, 지한

After tallying the votes, the “i DGA” team triumphed, earning each member an extra 30,000 points for that week’s eliminations.

Queendom Puzzle unveils its Top 7

That evening, the Top 7 queens were unveiled, listed alphabetically: CLC’s Yeeun, H1-KEY’s Hwiseo, Lovelyz’s Kei, PURPLE KISS’s Yuki, Rocket Punch’s Yeonhee, WJSN’s Yeoreum, and woo!ah!’s Nana. However, in another surprising twist, the show reset the votes at the end of the episode. This move ensures the semifinal positions don’t affect the final rankings.

TOP7! 대망의 파이널에 한 발자국 더 가까이 간 퀸들

The episode signified the exit of the following contestants, listed alphabetically: Cherry Bullet’s Bora and Jiwon, Fye, H1-KEY’s Riina, Japan’s Shiroma Miru, and Weeekly’s Lee Soojin and Zoa.

세미파이널까지의 여정을 마친 퀸들의 마지막 인사

Fans are now on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting the live finale of Queendom Puzzle on August 15. This episode is set to reveal the final members of EL7Z U+P and will feature a special performance with all the contestants. Previous episodes of Queendom Puzzle are available on Viki for those looking to relive the excitement. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The show’s new Top 7 could debut in EL7Z U+P. Source: YouTube/@Mnet.

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KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

HYBE Buys Out CJ ENM to Acquire BELIFT LAB, ENHYPEN’s Agency

HYBE Corp, the K-pop titan responsible for global sensation BTS, has made another significant move by buying its partner’s stake in BELIFT LAB, the agency behind boy group ENHYPEN. The company recently announced its agreement to buy CJ ENM’s 51.5% share in BELIFT LAB. While the deal’s specifics remain tightly under wraps, this acquisition underscores HYBE’s commitment to expanding its influence in the K-pop domain.

BELIFT LAB, initiated in 2018 as a collaborative venture between HYBE and CJ ENM, was designed to cultivate and promote idol groups. Both companies have praised BELIFT LAB for its “innovation and excellence in K-pop.” 

@heejakeswonki

since they announced that be:lift is now fully owned by hybe, here’s a little compilation of bang shi hyuk pd- nim unwavering love and support for #enhypen

♬ One and Only – ENHYPEN

As a testament to its success, BELIFT LAB celebrated the debut of ENHYPEN in November 2020. This septet originated from the survival show I-LAND and has since succeeded remarkably. Their latest album, DARK BLOOD, was released last May. It sold 1.32 million copies in its first week. This surpassed their previous record set by MANIFESTO: DAY 1 in 2022, which sold 1.24 million in its debut week.

Currently, ENHYPEN is embarking on their FATE World Tour. They’re gearing up for performances in Osaka on September 2 and 3 and will then head to Tokyo for shows on September 13 and 14.

https://twitter.com/sunookitchenrag/status/1689513704537133056

HYBE and its multi-label approach

By gaining full ownership of BELIFT LAB, HYBE emphasizes its strategic multi-label approach. In a statement, HYBE expressed its intent to offer unparalleled support to BELIFT LAB and its artists. Park Jiwon, HYBE’s CEO, said, “We remain committed to fostering a partnership with CJ ENM to further promote K-culture.”

Since its Korean stock market debut in October 2020, HYBE has consistently flexed its corporate strength. Initially best known for debuting BTS, the company diversified its interests. This includes acquiring various labels in Korea and a leap into the global market by buying Scooter Braun’s Ithaca Holdings.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7_TK7nlsyk&t=9s

2022 HYBE BRIEFING WITH THE COMMUNITY

HYBE’s extensive portfolio encompasses ADOR, BELIFT LAB, BigHit Music, HYBE Labels Japan, KOZ Entertainment, NAECO, Pledis Entertainment, and Source Music. Additionally, HYBE America oversees affiliate labels, including the Big Machine Label Group.

Earlier this year, HYBE made headlines when it aimed to acquire its primary competitor in the K-pop scene, the pioneering SM Entertainment. Unfortunately, tech behemoth Kakao intervened, becoming SM’s largest shareholder. Despite this, HYBE likely profited from selling its stake in the company. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Netizens hope this acquisition will lead to bigger and better things for ENHYPEN. Source: Twitter/@ENHYPEN_Charts.

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K-DRAMA KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Hwang Minhyun Confirmed to Lead Drama Based On Webtoon “Study Group”

Hwang Minhyun, a name synonymous with talent, has bagged another significant role. This time, he’s set to appear in the drama adaptation of the popular webtoon Study Group. On August 10, PLEDIS Entertainment confirmed Minhyun‘s participation in the project. Fans are eagerly waiting to see him bring the character of Yoon Ga Min to life.

Not just another high school drama

Study Group is not just another high school drama. It delves deep into the life of Yoon Ga Min, a student with a passion for studying but an undeniable knack for fighting. 

The story unfolds at Yusung Technical High School, notoriously known as one of the worst schools. Here, Yoon Ga Min forms a study group to do well on the college entrance exams. But the journey is anything but easy. Yoon Ga Min faces challenges at every turn. The webtoon’s narrative is a gripping tale of determination, friendship, and the struggles of student life.

@hmh_little_warehouse

Mong anh Hwang Minhyun xác nhận vào vai em Yoon Ga-min ạ 🥹🥹🥹 #황민현 #hwangminhyun #studygroup #yoongamin #윤가민 #kdrama #minhyunholic🍑

♬ 맛 Hot Sauce – NCT DREAM

At first glance, Yoon Ga Min seems like the quintessential model student. He has glasses and a neat appearance. But although he comes across as an intellectual, the truth is he’s near the bottom of his class in terms of grades. But there’s more to him than meets the eye.

For one thing, he’s fiercely determined. He’s dead set on attending college and works hard towards that goal. But when adversity strikes and his study group friends are bullied, he doesn’t hesitate to shed his “model student” persona. He defends his friends, revealing his formidable fighting skills.

A departure for Minhyun

This role is a departure from Minhyun‘s previous characters. He’s showcased his acting prowess in dramas like JTBC’s Live On and tvN’s Alchemy of Souls. He’s currently winning hearts in My Lovely Liar. With Study Group, Minhyun is set to explore a new dimension of his acting capabilities.

As anticipation builds, fans are eager to see how Minhyun will interpret his multifaceted character. With filming scheduled to commence later this year, updates are eagerly awaited. Until then, fans can catch Minhyun in My Lovely Liar and stay tuned for more news on Study Group. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Besides his new K-drama, Minyhun is also about to embark on an international tour called UNVEIL. Source: Twitter/@MINHYUN_PLEDIS.

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BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BTS’ V Serenades ARMY in “Love Me Again” MV, Fans Analyze His Lyrics and MV

BTSV, also known as Kim Taehyung, dropped his newest solo track, “Love Me Again” accompanied by a mesmerizing music video. This release is fans’ first peek at his solo album, Layover, which is set to drop on September 8. The video features close-ups of V as he sings the R&B track passionately.

The song’s lyrics resonate with themes of longing and lost love. Lines like “I think about you all the time / Where you are, who you’re with / Lost without you, baby / I wish you would love me again” evoke a sense of yearning. This sentiment is further amplified by the music video’s setting and V‘s choice of attire. 

V ‘Love Me Again’ Official MV

Fans have been dissecting every frame of the “Love Me Again” music video, eager to uncover any hidden meanings or messages. V, known for his unique sense of style and impeccable fashion choices, left an indelible mark with his fits in the video. Set against the alluring backdrop of a dimly lit cave, V‘s attire was a stark contrast to his environment. The BTS star donned two sequined turtlenecks, one long-sleeved in a radiant red and the other sleeveless in a lustrous golden hue. 

At first glance, those turtlenecks might seem like a mere reflection of V‘s fashion sense, especially since they’re from the CELINE Men’s Fall 2022 Collection. But fans believe there’s more to those clothes than meets the eye. The way the sequined tops glint and shine, even in the subdued lighting, could symbolize V‘s yearning to be acknowledged by the one he loves. His sartorial choices seem to parallel the song’s themes of lost love and the desire to get it back.

Intense discussions among fans

The lyrical content of “Love Me Again” has also sparked intense discussions among fans. One line, in particular (“Now you’re in California, I’m still waiting for us”) ignited a flurry of speculations. Many are theorizing that this could be a subtle nod to BLACKPINK‘s Jennie, who is known to have a home in Los Angeles, California.

Moreover, some fans have drawn parallels between the lyrics of V‘s “Slow Dancing” and Jennie‘s “You & Me.” In “Slow Dancing,” V sings, “Stay with me ’til the end of the day. Maybe we could be slow dancing until the morning. We could be romancing the night away,” which some believe could be a response to Jennie‘s lines in “You & Me“: “I love you and me dancing in the moonlight. Nobody can see, it’s just you and me.” 

The impact of “Love Me Again”

People have spotted the two idols in similar outfits and locations, leading to speculation about their dating. Still, such theories must be approached with caution. The world of K-pop is rife with rumors, and while fans are passionate about connecting the dots, it’s crucial to differentiate between fact and fiction. What’s undeniable, though, is the impact of V‘s solo releases. The “Love Me Again” music video swiftly garnered over 9.1 million views on YouTube, securing its spot as the No. 1 video on YouTube’s Trending for Music.

https://twitter.com/SA_BTS_UPDATES/status/1689705430266544129

V‘s solo venture follows successful releases from other BTS members. “Love Me Again” is more than just a song; it’s a testament to his artistry. As we await the release of Layover, one thing is sure: V’s album will surely knock everyone’s socks off. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Some fans believe V’s shining, shimmering outfits carry a deeper meaning. Source: YouTube/@HYBELABELS.

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BTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BTS Island Game Developers Respond to Fans’ Concerns About Jimin

BTS Island: In The SEOM, an official mobile game that’s an integral part of BTS’ IP, came under fire for its portrayal of BTS member Jimin

【BTS Island: In the SEOM】 1st Anniversary Special Video

This game, which hit the market on June 28, 2022, takes direct inspiration from real-life incidents involving the BTS members. All seven members actively participated in designing their characters and provided input regarding the gameplay and storyline. Since its release, the game has enjoyed immense popularity among fans. It’s considered a fun way for baby ARMY to learn about the group’s history and the dynamics between the members.

However, some scenes in the game show Jimin‘s character expressing self-doubt. In one particular scene, Jimin‘s character is shown doubting whether he’s worthy of being in the group. He even said he might leave, only to be reprimanded by SUGA’s character. This narrative has not resonated well with fans, leading to widespread criticism on social media platforms, especially Twitter. 

Screenshots from the game, shared by ARMY, highlight moments in which Jimin’s character voices insecurities about his dancing and singing. These screenshots quickly went viral, leading to trending taglines such as “APOLOGIZE TO JIMIN” and “RESPECT JIMIN.” Fans have voiced their concerns about the negative impact this narrative could have on Jimin‘s real-life image.

Transitioning to another perspective, some fans have pointed out that the game’s narrative might be drawing from real-life incidents. During BTS’ early years, Jimin reportedly felt left out at times, with SUGA being one of the members who encouraged him to persevere. Most fans believe that the game’s portrayal is an exaggerated and misleading representation of the actual dynamics between the two. They argue that the mobile game misrepresents the supportive relationship between SUGA and Jimin, especially given that Jimin has often named SUGA as one of his biggest supporters since the beginning of their careers.

BTS Island: In the SEOM was updated

In response to the backlash, some ARMYs shared a screen recording of the scene in question. This recording paints a different picture. It shows SUGA’s character consoling Jimin and encouraging him to practice more. The whole scene suggests playful banter between the two instead of a serious confrontation. This video cleared up many misunderstandings, but the initial portrayal still remains a point of contention for many fans.

Despite these clarifications, the uproar has highlighted the importance of accurate representation in media, especially when dealing with real-life personalities. Fans demand that game developers be more responsible. They believe that although creative freedom is essential, it shouldn’t come at the cost of misrepresenting real-life relationships and dynamics. HYBE has yet to officially address the controversy. However, someone from the team behind the game responded to a K-ARMY.

Furthermore, recent updates to BTS Island: In The SEOM suggest it was changed in response to the feedback.

ARMYs hope that something like this won’t happen again, especially not to Jimin, who has more than done enough to prove he truly deserves to be in BTS. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: BTS Island: In the SEOM celebrated its first anniversary back in July. Source: YouTube/@btsislandintheseom3031.

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

ATEEZ’s Mingi Surprises ATINY With Emotionally Charged, Self-Written Song

Song Mingi, a cherished member of the globally renowned K-pop group ATEEZ, has graced fans with a touching musical gift. At midnight KST on August 10, he unveiled a song that had been shrouded in mystery. This untitled masterpiece was first introduced to ATINY during a YouTube live broadcast he did in June.

[Special Clip] ATEEZ(에이티즈) 민기 ‘무제’

ATEEZ’s dedicated fanbase welcomed the song’s official release with overwhelming admiration and joy. Mingi’s prowess as a songwriter shone through in it. Not only did he co-compose the music, but he also took the lead in writing the lyrics. He poured his heart and soul into every line.

Mingi, the music man

Mingi has been hands-on in ATEEZ’s discography since their career began. He showcased his writing ability on their first mini album, Treasure EP. 1: All to Zero. Mingi co-wrote five of its six tracks, including its two singles, “Pirate King” and “Treasure.” 

Since then, Mingi has contributed to all of the group’s albums. He excels in crafting poignant lyrics that tackle diverse themes, including dreams, friendship, and youth. His unique ability to articulate feelings that are hard to capture solidified his reputation as an emerging powerhouse lyricist of the fourth generation.

[ENG/CC] ATEEZ LIVE – Mingi’s Unreleased Song

In a separate interview, he opened up about how he catalogs his ideas. “I write down a lot of them as memos on my phone, and I always go back to them to see if they match what we’re going through as a group. That’s how I write my lyrics,” he explains. “Sometimes I’ll think of it as writing a script to really get into that persona.”

In addition to his songwriting, Mingi is also a burgeoning producer. He once gave fans a quick peek at his creative process and the studio where he works.

ATEEZ(에이티즈) log_1DAY VLOG #MINGI_1

More than a piece of music

In K-pop, where artists often collaborate with various songwriters and producers, Mingi‘s choice to take a hands-on approach with this song showcases his dedication and passion for music. As the song continues to gain traction, it serves as a reminder of the bond between ATEEZ and their fans. 

Mingi‘s surprise release is more than a piece of music. It’s a heartfelt message from an artist to his fans, expressing gratitude, love, and the myriad emotions that come with being a worldwide star. With its emotional depth and beautiful composition, the song is bound to leave a lasting impression on all who listen. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Mingi has written songs for ATEEZ since debut. Source: Twitter/@ATEEZofficial.

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