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Wow! Blackpink Becomes 1st Artist to Reach 90 Million Subscribers on YouTube

Are we even surprised, BLINKs? K-pop girl group BLACKPINK continues to set new records! 

YG Entertainment announced on Monday, July 17, that BLACKPINK has surpassed 90 million subscribers on their official YouTube channel at 5:36 am KST. 

The group is the first artist to reach this milestone and they achieved the feat within seven years and one month since the YouTube channel was launched in June 2016. 

In July 2020, BLACKPINK became the first non-English language artist to be part of the top five YouTube channels with the most subscribers.  

 

In September 2021, BLACKPINK reached 65.5 million subscribers and became the most subscribed artist on YouTube, surpassing pop stars Justin Bieber, Eminem, Ariana Grande, and Ed Sheeran. “We would like to dedicate this honor to all of our fans around the world who have loved and supported us throughout,” the group said then about the milestone. 

The four-piece act held the record since then. They reached 80 million YouTube subscribers in September 2022 and added another 10 million in less than a year – proving BLACKPINK’s consistent growth in popularity. 

BLACKPINK sets more achievements

Reaching 90 million subscribers on YouTube is the latest addition to BLACKPINK’s growing accolades.

In April, BLACKPINK also set another Guinness World Record for being the most viewed channel on YouTube. As of writing, the group has now surpassed more than a total of 32 billion views of all its videos on their official channel. 

Music videos of “Boombayah,” “Ddu-du Ddu-du,” and “This Love” have more than 1.5 billion views each. But aside from group music videos, BLACKPINK’s official YouTube channel also holds behind-the-scenes videos of the girls’ activities, as well as the solo releases of each member.

Aside from their group and solo music activities, members Jisoo and Jennie have also ventured into acting, with Jisoo working on Snowdrop and Jennie in the recently-concluded The Idol.

BLACKPINK, who made their debut in August 2016, is known for songs “As If It’s Your Last,” “How You Like That,” and “Shut Down.” The group is currently embarking on their “BORN PINK” concert tour. 

The group’s seven-year contract with YG Entertainment is set to expire by August 2023, with member Lisa being rumored to no longer renew with the agency. Stay tuned about BLACKPINK’s contract renewal news here!

Featured image from BLACKPINK’s Twitter

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Kim Sejeong to Make September Comeback

Mark your calendars because idol-actress Kim Sejeong will be releasing new music. 

The K-pop star’s agency Jellyfish Entertainment confirmed the news on Thursday, July 27. “Kim Sejeong will release a new album in September,” they said. 

Additional details, such as album name, number of tracks, and final release date, have yet to be announced. 

The upcoming September comeback will serve as Sejeong’s first music release in two years following her second mini album I’m, which was released in March 2021. 

 

Since then, Sejeong has mainly focused on her acting career – starring in the hit Netflix romantic-comedy series Business Proposal with Ahn Hyo Seop, Today’s Webtoon, and The Uncanny Counter 2.

Sejeong gained popularity through the first season of Produce 101 in 2016, where she finished as runner-up and became a part of the project group I.O.I. The group made their debut in May 2016 and disbanded in January 2017. 

 

 

While still a member of I.O.I, Sejeong also made her debut as a member of Gugudan, a group under Jellyfish Entertainment. Gugudan, however, disbanded in December 2020. 

She made her acting debut in School 2017, where she won a Best New Actress award. She also hosted variety shows Busted, Get It Beauty, and Wanna Hear Your Song, and even made her musical debut. 

Sejeong also released OST soundtracks for dramas Crash Landing On You and The Legend of the Blue Sea, and released her own digital singles.

Featured image: Kim Sejeong’s Twitter

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Look: Mamamoo’s Hwasa Releases Profile Photos for P Nation

In celebration of Hwasa’s recent signing with their agency, P NATION has released new official profile photos of the MAMAMOO member. 

Even in the black-and-white photos, Hwasa is still oozing with sultriness.

Aside from the new stunning set of photos, P NATION also released a video of Hwasa covering “Walk On By” by Dionne Warwick. 

 

It was in June when Hwasa left RBW, the agency who formed K-pop girl group MAMAMOO. She’s the second member to leave the agency, following Wheein who left in 2021. Only Moonbyul and Solar remain with RBW, but the group assured fans that they’ll continue activities as MAMAMOO. 

After her departure from RBW, Hwasa signed with P NATION, the agency established by Psy, in early July. 

Other artists under P NATION include Crush, Heize, Penomeco, Swings, and group The New Six (TNX). 

The release of Hwasa’s new profile photos also coincide while the singer is in the middle of controversy. A complaint was reportedly filed against the idol following her performance at Sungkyunkwan University. 

P NATION has briefly issued a statement to acknowledge that the police are reviewing the case, but other developments about the matter have yet to be disclosed. 

Outside of MAMAMOO, Hwasa made her debut as a solo artist in February 2019 with the song “Twit.” She released her solo debut EP Maria in June 20200 and single album Guilty Pleasure in November 2021. 

Featured image: P NATION’s Twitter

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Treasure’s Haruto to Take Hiatus Due to Grandfather’s Health

Haruto of K-pop boy group TREASURE will be taking a break from promotional activities as his grandfather has gotten ill, YG Entertainment announced on Thursday, July 27.

The agency didn’t go into detail about the health issues of Haruto’s grandfather, but cited this as the reason why the Japanese member won’t be able to participate in the group’s upcoming activities for their album REBOOT. 

 

“We apologize for causing concern with this sudden news. We ask for your understanding, and he plans to return as soon as possible to meet the fans,” the agency was quoted as saying. 

The announcement came a day before TREASURE released their second full-length album REBOOT on Friday, July 28. 

REBOOT has a total of 10 songs, with “Bona Bona” as its title track. Several songs in the album were also written by some of the TREASURE members including Asahi, Haruto, Choi Hyun Suk, Junkyu, and Yoshi. 

REBOOT also served as the group’s first comeback following their first extended play The Second Step: Chapter One, which was released in February 2022, as well as the group’s first release as an official 10-member group as members Yedam and Mashiho officially left TREASURE in November 2022. 

The “reboot project” also started with the debut of T5, TREASURE’s first official sub-unit, with “Move.” 

Initially a 12-member group, TREASURE made their debut in August 2020 under YG Entertainment. Currently, the group is composed of Choi Hyun Suk, Ji Hoon, Yoshi, Junkyu, Yoon Jae Hyuk, Asahi, Doyoung, Haruto, Park Jeong Woo, and So Jung Hwan. 

TREASURE is known for songs “Jikjin,” “Darari,” and “Hello.” 

Featured image: YG Entertainment’s Twitter

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Akmu Confirms First Comeback in 2 Years

Mark your calendars because Akdong Musician (AKMU) is gearing up for their first comeback in almost two years. 

YG Entertainment confirmed on Tuesday, July 25, that the duo of Lee siblings Suhyun and Chanyuk are releasing new music in August. 

“AKMU is currently working on post-production for the album with the goal of making a summer comeback. We will share more details when they are confirmed,” the agency said. 

 

Additional details, such as album name and final release date, have yet to be announced. 

Prior to the upcoming album, AKMU’s latest music was the collaboration album NEXT EPISODE, which was released in July 2021. NEXT EPISODE included seven collaborative tracks featuring IU, Crush, Zion. T, Lee Sun Hee, Beenzino, Choi Jung-hoon/Jannabi, and Sam Kim. 

During their two-year break, the Lee siblings focused on their individual activities. Chanhyuk made his solo debut through the album ERROR, which was released in October 2022. Meanwhile, Suhyun recorded OSTs for dramas My Liberation Notes and Curtain Call and hosted the Netflix variety show 19/20.

 

AKMU made their debut in 2014 after winning the reality competition show K-pop Star 2. They renewed their contract with YG Entertainment in January 2021. 

AKMU is known for their songs “200%,” “Last Goodbye,” “Give Love,” “Time and Fallen Loves,” and “How Can I Love the Heartbreak, You’re the One I Love.”

Featured image: AKMU’s Facebook

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Jeon Somi Stuns in Teasers for ‘Game Plan’

SOM-MUNGCHIs, get ready for an exciting comeback as soloist Jeon Somi has released the teasers for her upcoming album GAME PLAN. 

In her new profile picture, Somi is staring intensely at the camera while donning an all-black outfit.

 

The teasers released on Monday, July 24, meanwhile, featured Somi in card-themed posters. One photo saw the singer looking fierce in a black-and-white, while she looks adorable in pink in another picture.

Somi on her new music

The caption revealed that Somi’s solo EP GAME PLAN will be released digitally on August 7, while the physical album will only be available starting August 4.  

In a press release, Somi’s agency THEBLACKLABEL teased fans on what they can expect on the soloist’s upcoming release. 

“Please anticipate what music and performance Jeon Somi, who proved herself to be a solo queen with irreplaceable skills and unique charms while receiving love from many fans, will showcase [following the release of] her new profile image,” they said.

GAME PLAN will serve as Somi’s first comeback in nearly two years, following the release of her studio album XOXO in October 2021. The record features viral hits such as “Dumb Dumb,” “What You Waiting For,” “Birthday,” and “XOXO.” 

Three of these songs – “Dumb Dumb,” “What You Waiting For,” “XOXO” – were featured in episodes of the hit Netflix series XO, KITTY. 

Additional details about GAME PLAN, such as its number of songs and name of title track, have yet to be announced, but Somi had earlier expressed her excitement about her new music.

“I wish I could fast forward life or something and let you guys see and hear what I’ve been working on,” she wrote in a tweet.

 

Somi entered the K-pop industry through the 2015 survival program Sixteen. She also participated in the first season of Produce 101 in 2016, wherein she became a member of the project girl group IOI. 

After IOI disbanded, Jeon Somi chose to venture in her solo career. 

Featured image: Jeon Somi’s Twitter

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Exo’s ‘Travel the World on a Ladder 4’ to Premiere in August 11

Mark your calendars, EXO-Ls because K-pop boy group EXO is returning with a new season of their hit variety show Travel the World on a Ladder! 

Travel the World on a Ladder is a reality-variety series wherein EXO members make their travel decisions based on the results of a ladder game. 

 

Its first season, which aired in 2018, starred EXO-CBX members Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin. The second and third season featured the whole group. 

This upcoming fourth installment will see members Suho, Xiumin, D.O., Baekhyun, Chanyeol, Chen, and Sehun. Kai won’t be part of it since he enlisted in the military in May. 

SM C&C Studio also released individual photos of the members posing with an airsoft gun in a field. Although details about the show have yet to be released, fans are already anticipating the adorable ruckus the EXO members will create while playing this outdoor game. 

The first two episodes will premiere on August 11 on Wave. There will be a total of twelve episodes, with two episodes airing every Friday until September 15. 

The ‘Travel the World on a Ladder 4’ release comes after EXO wrapped up the promotional activities for their seventh full-length album EXIST. 

EXIST, which served as EXO’s first album as a full-group in two years, has a total of nine songs, with “Cream Soda” as its title track. 

Originally a 12-piece act, EXO debuted under SM Entertainment in April 2012. Chinese members Kris, Tao, and Luhan have left the group, while Lay left SM Entertainment in April 2022. 

EXO is known for songs “Growl,” “Monster,” “Love Shot,” “Overdose,” and “Tempo.” 

Featured image from EXO’s Twitter

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Smtown Live 2023 Is Coming to Jakarta in September

Rejoice, Indonesian K-pop fans because SM Entertainment is bringing their highly-anticipated company-wide concert SMTOWN LIVE 2023 to Jakarta! 

The agency announced on Wednesday, July 26, that the concert featuring artists from SM Entertainment will be held at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia on September 23. 

The one-night show will feature performances and appearances from eight acts, including TVXQ!, Super Junior, Red Velvet, NCT 127, NCT Dream, WayV, aespa, as well as SM Entertainment’s upcoming new boy group. 

The label added that the celebration is even more special as 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Indonesia. “With our upcoming show, we will reflect on the meaning of harmony while promoting more active cultural exchange between the two countries.”

The SMTOWN LIVE 2023 in Jakarta might serve as the first international schedule for SM’s new boy group. Although the agency remains tight-lipped about the upcoming act, a representative has earlier confirmed that said group is gearing up for a September debut. 

SM Entertainment’s CEO Jang Cheol Hyuk has also revealed that the new boy group will have former NCT members Sungchan and Shotaro and SM Rookies Eunseok and Seunghan as part of its lineup. The seven-piece act will also feature other members of Korean and American nationalities. 

First staged in 2008, SM TOWN LIVE is a concert tour held by SM Entertainment artists. It had stops in Japan, China, Singapore, Thailand, and the United States. 

The last SM TOWN LIVE 2023 concert in Jakarta will be the second time it’ll be held in Indonesia, with the first being in September 2012. 

Featured image: Red Velvet’s Facebook

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Look: Everglow Drops Teasers for “All My Girls”

Mark your calendars because K-pop girl group EVERGLOW is finally making a comeback after almost two years! 

To hype their upcoming release, EVERGLOW shared individual posters that show the silhouettes of each member as they pose behind what seemed to be a white veil. 

On Thursday, July 27, they also released a promotion scheduler for their single album, which will be titled All My Girls. 

From July 31 to August 2, EVERGLOW will be releasing concept photos for the album, while the tracklist will be out on August 3. 

Pre-orders will start on August 4, while the album will be released on August 18. 

The group will also be releasing music video teasers, highlight medley, and visual clips before the official release of the album. The activities will then conclude with a comeback showcase. 

All My Girls will serve as EVERGLOW’s first comeback following the release of their third mini-album Return of the Girl in December 2021. 

During the lull between their album releases, EVERGLOW collaborated with German DJ and producer TheFatRat for the song “Ghost Light” in 2022. They also appeared in several K-pop festivals such as HallyuPopFest London 2022 and HallyuPopFest Sydney 2022. 

Composed of Sihyeon, Onda, E:U, Mia, Aisha, and Yiren, EVERGLOW made their debut in March 2019. The group is known for hit songs “Dun Dun,” “Bon Bon Chocolat,” “LA DI DA,” and “Adios” among others. 

Featured image: EVERGLOW’s Facebook

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Watch: Oh My Girl Returns With Lively “Summer Comes” Music Video

K-pop girl group Oh My Girl dropped the music video for “Summer Comes,” the title track for their ninth mini-album Golden Hourglass on Monday, July 24. 

In the whimsical music video of “Summer Comes,” the Oh My Girl members are seen inside an ice cream shop where they get surrounded by ghosts and zombies before being able to escape. 

 

 “It has a cool and refreshing vibe that goes well with any season. It will remind people of summer even when it’s spring or winter,” member Mimi said about the song during the album’s press event.

Aside from “Summer Comes,” the other songs in the mini-album include “Celebrate,” “My Type,” “Dirty Laundry,” “Paradise,” and their pre-release single “Miracle.” 

 

“Miracle,” which was first unveiled in April in time for the group’s eight debut anniversary, is a song dedicated to Oh My Girl’s fandom – which is also coincidentally named Miracle. 

All six songs in the Golden Hourglass mini-album are co-written by rapper Mimi. 

Golden Hourglass served as the group’s first comeback in more than a year, following the release of their second full-length album Real Love in March 2022. 

This also marked Oh My Girl’s first album as a six-member group following the departure of Jiho in May 2022. Jiho signed with P&Studio in August 2022 to pursue an acting career. 

Initially an eight-member group, Oh My Girl made their debut in 2015. JinE left the group in 2017 due to health issues. Currently, the group consists of Hyojung, YooA, Mimi, Seunghee, Yubin, and Arin.

Oh My Girl is known for songs “Dun Dun Dance,” Nonstop,” “Boggle Boggle” and “Dolphin.”

Featured image: Oh My Girl‘s Facebook

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