Categories
K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

NCT’s Taeyong Worries Fans With Recent Health Updates

Taeyong of K-pop group NCT sparked concern among his fans as his health condition seems to worsen in the days leading to the act’s upcoming NCT NATION: To the World tour. 

After performing at the KCON LA 2023, Taeyong held a live broadcast wherein he updated fans with what he’s been up to lately. At one point of the livestream, he was seen trying to get up while appearing to look like he’s experiencing a lot of pain. 

The idol then confessed that he’d been feeling weak and experiencing chest discomfort recently. Because of this, Taeyong shared that he’s apprehensive as to how he’ll perform at the group’s August 26 concert. 

“I don’t know if I can perform well next week. I’m worried. I hope I get better by then,” he said. 

 

But what caused more worries among fans was that Taeyong had to fly out of the United States a day after his KCON LA 2023 stage to return to South Korea to resume his preparations for the group’s upcoming concert.

What frustrates fans even more was that the artist even arrived in the US on the day of his performance, proving that he’s following a very tight schedule. This incident then prompted discussions about NCT‘s hectic activities and well-being. 

Taeyong and his grueling schedule 

2023 saw Taeyong bloom as a solo artist while still doing promotions with NCT. 

In June, he made his highly-anticipated solo debut with the EP Shalala. Additionally, he also had solo schedules such as attending Paris Fashion Week and performing at the KCON LA 2023. 

 

On top of his solo ventures, he’s also actively participating with NCT’s group activities. In fact, he tried juggling his solo work and preparation for the group’s upcoming concert. 

However, eagle-eyed fans noticed that Taeyong was notably absent from a group photo taken during rehearsals. Since fans were getting perplexed about his whereabouts, the idol explained that he had to visit the hospital. 

Additionally, the artist disclosed through the online cafe that he had to receive treatment because of cold and high fever. Instead of focusing on his health, though, he was more fretful about missing the rehearsals. 

“There was no time to feel sick,” he wrote. 

Fans irked by SM Entertainment’s treatment of artists

Following Taeyong’s situation, fans took to social media to send their well wishes and prayers for the idol’s recovery. 

Moreover, many of them called out SM Entertainment for not putting their artist’s health and safety their priority. Several pointed out that the agency didn’t even updated fans about the idol’s health status.  

 

Several were also scrutinizing at how the label just let their artists continue to do a series of rigorous activities despite not being in their best health conditions. 

However, what angered fans the most is that Taeyong isn’t the only NCT member who’s not feeling well. Taeil will be taking hiatus from group activities after he sustained a fracture in his thigh because of a motorcycle . 

Aside from Taeyeong and Taeil, other members such as Winwin, Renjun, Haechan, Johnny, and Chenle were also experiencing health problems in the previous months. 

https://twitter.com/staytinyallie/status/1694745128399728669

 

Despite this, fans pointed out that SM Entertainment isn’t doing enough to make sure that their artists aren’t overworked.

Given that NCT has more scheduled activities set for the coming weeks, fans are asking for the agency to at least give the group a proper resting period. 

Featured image: Taeyong in the teasers for NCT’s ‘Golden Age’ album. Credit: Facebook/NCT

Categories
K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Look: Seventeen Releases First Season of Artist-Made Collection

SEVENTEEN surprised fans by announcing that they’ll be releasing their first batch of artist-made collection! 

Similar to BTS’ artist-made collection, this SEVENTEEN version will see each 13 members create their own set of merchandise. 

From conceptualizing and planning the product to reviewing the samples, each merchandise in their collection was made with personal contribution of the SEVENTEEN members. 

 

However, the release schedule for the artist-made collection of the members differ. The SEVENTEEN members were divided into three groups, whose collections will be released from 2023 to late 2024. 

According to the scheduler released by HYBE MERCH, the division of the members and the release date are as follows: 

  • Season 1 (September 2023): S.coups, Jeonghan, Joshua, Jun 
  • Season 2 (Early 2024): Hoshi, Wonwoo, Woozi, The8 
  • Season 3 (Late 2024): Mingyu, Vernon, DK, Dino, Seungkwan

 

The first season of SEVENTEEN’s artist-made collection will be available via offline and online stores.

Offline stores will run from September 1 to September 10. Meanwhile, the online selling will start on September 13. Additionally, the shipping schedules also vary for each regional retailer. 

On the other hand, there’s still no other details about the second and third season of the artist-made collection for the rest of the SEVENTEEN members. 

Moreover, HYBE MERCH also released a making log of how each product came to be. 

S.coups’ collection 

With the theme “bright after rain,” SEVENTEEN’s leader made a customized umbrella and glass set for CARATs. 

“When it rains, I don’t usually feel very happy,” he said. “So I want you all to use the umbrella I made on a rainy day and feel a little bit better.” 

 

The umbrella has bright doodles inside, while the glass set even has stickers and features that changes depending on the temperature. Seungcheol even joked that he’ll use the glass set often. 

Jeonghan’s collection 

As for Jeonghan, he mixed a bunny and a squirrel to make a character that represents him. 

I want him to be bright and energetic but gets exhausted easily,” he said of Toram. Aside from his representative animals, Jeonghan also used wings as the ears for his character.

 

For his products, he had a stuffed animal of Toram that carries a blanket and a mood light. 

After seeing the final products, Jeonghan said that he was so happy with the results. “i’ve always wanted to create my own character. And through this great opportunity, we got to create this after a long discussion,” he said. 

Joshua’s collection 

One of Joshua’s recent habits is making scents, as mentioned in SEVENTEEN’s In The Soop. So it was not surprising that he made a DIY perfume-making kit. 

He said that it was a kit that includes different scents that he personally likes. “CARATs can mix the scents however they want,” he explained. 

Among some of the scents included in his kit are vanilla, rose, woody notes, and citrus. What makes it even cuter is the scents had names associated to Joshua, such as “Sunday morning” and “deer.”

Juns collection 

Most, if not all, CARATs knew that cats are Jun’s representative animal. And seems like the idol’s more than okay with it as he makes a cat-themed collection. 

One of his two products are the phone cases. Jun said that since he changes phone cases often, he’d want to use the same style as CARATs. 

Next are stuffed animals, cats, specifically. He explained it’s because he has been playing claw machines often lately. 

 

CARATs, they’re all cute, right? Which one of them are you planning to get? 

Featured image: SEVENTEEN shares how their artist-made collection came to be. Credit: Twitter/HYBE MERCH

 

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

GIRLS GENERATION’s Sooyoung on Decision To Pursue Acting Career

GIRLS GENERATION member Sooyoung is opening up about her successful career shift. The former SM Entertainment talent has been pursuing an acting career after leaving her original agency. But does this present a dilemma for Choi Soo-young? The “Winter Breath” singer has opened up about her decision to make the move to acting and how it affected her career.

Sooyoung on Balancing GIRLS GENERATION With Acting Career

Sports Chosun, a prominent media outlet, recently conducted an insightful interview with GIRLS GENERATION’s Sooyoung. This engaging conversation, dated August 24, 2023, delved deep into various aspects of her acting career.

Sooyoung’s transition into the acting industry following her remarkable tenure in the nation’s top idol group, GIRLS GENERATION, has been widely recognized. For numerous idols who embark on an acting career, shedding their idol image can be a challenging feat. There’s often a prevailing bias against idol-actors. During the interview, an intriguing question was posed: whether she felt any constraints as an actor, given her firmly established image as a member of the girl group.

Interestingly, Choi Soo-young gave her answer a lot of thought and her response was intriguing.

“I’ve never thought about ever breaking up GIRLS’ GENERATION and leaving. GIRLS’ GENERATION’s existence is akin to my own skin,” she said. “It is a matter of my own skills and competitive edge, for the audience to not be reminded of GIRLS GENERATION as I promote as an actor.”

“I think that this isn’t a question of the essence,” Choi continued. “Although I am working on acting projects as Choi Sooyoung, I cannot change the fact that I’ve been living as part of GIRLS’ GENERATION continuously. There’s nothing to change about this in fact. It’s not something that I have to escape from. If GIRLS GENERATION becomes a weight for me to bear as an actor, then I think that my own skills are lacking.

Choi Soo-young began her acting career by working on variety shows. She made her acting debut in “Hello, Schoolgirl” in 2008. Since then, she appeared in TV shows like “The Third Hospital”, “Run On”, and “If You Wish Upon Me.” Sooyoung also appeared in films like “Girl Cops” and “New Year Blues.”

Categories
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.

Categories
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.

Categories
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

Categories
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.

Categories
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

Categories
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.

Categories
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.

Exit mobile version