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SM Entertainment, Kakao to Release Nct Webtoon & Riize Web Novel

SM Entertainment's boy groups NCT and RIIZE will be having their webtoon and web novels. Credit: Twitter/SPOTV

SM Entertainment has partnered up with Kakao Entertainment to launch a webtoon and web novel for their K-pop boy groups NCT and RIIZE, respectively. 

On Thursday, August 17, Kakao Entertainment announced the news, saying that the projects will be in commemoration of NCT’s upcoming album and RIIZE’s anticipated debut. 

 

As for NCT, the full group will be releasing their fourth studio album Golden Age on August 28. All 20 members of NCT’s different subgroups; NCT 127, NCT Dream, and WayV, will take part in the album.

 

Additionally, the album will have two title tracks, including the full unit song “Golden Age.” Prior to the album release, NCT will also hold their first-ever offline concert as a full group on August 26. 

As for RIIZE, the seven-piece act will debut on September 4 with the single album Get A Guitar. Interestingly, RIIZE will serve as the agency’s first boy group in seven years following NCT.

 

What we know about NCT’s webtoon and RIIZE’s web novel 

According to a press release, the webtoon about NCT will be titled NCT: Dream Contact, while RIIZE’s web novel is called Rise & Realize. 

For NCT: Dream Contact, it’s going to be an omnibus-style webtoon that has a total of five episodes. It will follow NCT’s concept of people empathizing through dreams and becoming one through music. 

Writers ZQ, Seogeul, and Kim Ho Ae are in charge of the production. NCT: Dream Contact will be released simultaneously in Japan and North America via  via Kakao Webtoon and Kakao Page at August 18, 10 pm. 

On the other hand, Rise and Realize will be a web novel that have a total of eight episodes. It will be released on Kakao Page every Saturday starting August 19. 

Moreover, Rise and Realize will see the members of RIIZE as characters in the novel as they try to overcome growing pains. Writer No Gon and illustrator Nak Di created the novel. 

Furthermore, Kakao Entertainment expressed that it’s a “meaningful” collaboration with SM Entertainment. 

“We plan to continue to carry out various projects on storytelling IP targeting the global market in the future,” they said. 

Featured image: SM Entertainment’s boy groups NCT and RIIZE will be having their webtoon and web novels. Credit: Twitter/SPOTV

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(G)I-DLE Delays Release of Ep ‘Heat’

(G)I-DLE in a concept photo for their 'I Feel' album. Credit: Facebook/(G)I-DLE

The release of (G)ID-LE’s highly-anticipated all-English EP HEAT has been rescheduled. 

88rising announced the changes on Friday, August 18. 

“We are working hard to put the final touches on the EP to ensure the best quality for (G)I-DLE’s fans around the world,” they explained.

 

Instead of its initial schedule of September 8, HEAT is now slated for an October 5 release. 

Following the news, the Asian-focused music company asked the fans for their continued support and understanding. 

What makes HEAT special? 

One of the reasons why fans are looking forward to HEAT is because it’s in collaboration with 88rising. The said label is home to a multitude of Asian artists, including K-pop stars Chungha and Jackson Wang. 

Additionally, HEAT will also be (G)I-DLE’s first all-English EP since debut. It’s also the first for Cube Entertainment in the company’s 17-year history. 

As for what fans can expect in HEAT, the EP will reportedly talk about “feeling confident and bringing the spirit of an endless summer with you wherever you go.” 

According to 88rising’s executive vice president John Yang, the (G)I-DLE members were “full of excitement and positivity” for their collaboration. 

In July, (G)I-DLE released “I DO,” the first single from HEAT. The music video for the English track features an extraterrestrial being falling in love with a human. 

 

The group also released a second music video “I DO,” which featured Thai actors Tu Tontawan Tantivejakul and Dew Jirawat Sutivanisak. 

HEAT will come after (G)I-DLE’s sixth mini-album I FEEL, which was released in May. 

Featured image: (G)I-DLE in a concept photo for their ‘I Feel’ album. Credit: Facebook/(G)I-DLE

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Fifty Fifty Members Pen Letter to Fans

FIFTY FIFTY posing for the concept photo of 'The Beginning: Cupid' album. Credit: Twitter/FIFTY FIFTY

To say that 2023 has been a rollercoaster ride for girl group FIFTY FIFTY is an understatement. 

The year started with their song “Cupid “ becoming the highest charting hit by a South Korean group in the history of the Billboard Pop Airplay chart. As proof of their popularity, FIFY FIFTY was even tapped to be part of the soundtrack for the live-action movie Barbie. 

But it seemed like all the good luck for FIFTY FIFTY had run out come June 2023. On June 19, the members of the group filed for an injunction to suspend their exclusive contracts with agency ATTRAKT. 

According to the group’s legal representatives, the members cited contract breaches and breakdown of trust for their legal action. 

Read the timeline of what happened to FIFTY FIFTY and ATTRAKT here: FIFTY FIFTY and How a Phenomenal K-Pop Career Can be Destroyed in Weeks; A Timeline

Since then, more allegations and evidence have come out. And on August 18, two months after the FIFTY FIFTY members first sought the suspension of their contracts, the group filed criminal charges against ATTRAKT’s CEO Jun Hong Joon. 

https://twitter.com/fiftyfiftylog/status/1692128551716237740

 

The filing of criminal charges came after the FIFTY FIFTY members were informed by the court that they had no intention of continuing the meditation. Meaning, the group’s legal dispute with ATTRAKT will return to trial. 

FIFTY FIFTY’s message to their fans 

Following the continued legal battle, the FIFTY FIFTY members have finally broken their silence. Handwritten letters in Korean and English were posted on Instagram under the account fifi_fifi1118. 

“Hello, we are Keena, Saena, Sio, and Aran of FIFTY FIFTY. We hope that you will be kind enough to understand us conveying our situation in this way. Thank you,” the caption read.

A representative of the group reportedly confirmed that the members personally wrote the letters. 

https://twitter.com/fiftyfiftylog/status/1692169240088850782

In their message, the group began by apologizing to “everyone who loves [them] for causing much concern.” 

Meanwhile, the group also empathized that their fans might be confused with what’s happening, saying that “misunderstandings and accusations have been snowballing.” 

“Nevertheless, we believe that there is a truth that needs to be uncovered despite these difficulties,” FIFTY FIFTY wrote. 

Additionally, the members shared that while they’re grateful for the love they’ve received, they think it’s best to “right the wrongs that have been forced in our relationship with the agency” 

https://twitter.com/fiftyfiftylog/status/1692147509999636539

Moreover, the group said that it’s been “heartbreaking to see so many untrue stories” circulating and that they hope that the truth would be uncovered soon. 

“We sincerely hope that you do not make too much criticism based on false suspicions and misunderstandings and look at the facts objectively,” they asked fans. 

Also, FIFTY FIFTY assured that they’re doing this together as a group. “Every one of our members is in this together,” they said. 

As for their future activities, FIFTY FIFTY shared that they’d like to continue being artists “in a trustworthy environment.”

“We will do our best to come back in good shape and return our thankfulness to all of you who have been following us,” they wrote. 

Fans rally behind FIFTY FIFTY

In response to the members’ letter, fans quickly took to social media to show support for FIFTY FIFTY. 

Using the hashtags “We Love You FIFTY FIFTY” and “Hunnies with FIFTY FITY,” fans sent their messages of solidarity. 

https://twitter.com/fiftyfiftylog/status/1692168160550478280

 

“Please keep fighting hard for what you believe in and never give up,” one comment read. “We are wishing for the best possible outcome from all of this.” 

Another wrote: “Truth cannot be hidden, truth doesn’t change with time. We will be right here waiting patiently for you.” 

https://twitter.com/Jjojjo5050/status/1692178948682383737

 

As of writing, ATTRAKT has yet to release a statement about the recent developments. 

Featured image: FIFTY FIFTY posing for the concept photo of ‘The Beginning: Cupid’ album. Credit: Twitter/FIFTY FIFTY

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All 3 Members of Bdc Part Ways With Brandnew Music

BDC updates fans with new group photo. Credit: Twitter/BDC

Boy group BDC is leaving BRANDNEW Music, its agency of four years. 

On Friday, August 18, the label announced that after a “long, in-depth discussion and careful consideration” with the three members, they’ve mutually decided to end the exclusive contract. 

“We sincerely apologize to the fans of BDC, who have always sent such unconditional support to the group, for breaking this news abruptly,” the agency said. 

Moreover, BRANDNEW Music promised that they will “continue to wholeheartedly support” the group in their future activities. 

Additionally, BDC will be releasing a final digital single on August 26, 6pm. After this, the group will be ending all “official promotion as artists under BRANDNEW Music.”

Lastly, the agency also asked the group’s fans for their continued love and support to the members. 

BDC is a trio composed of former Produce X 101 trainees Kim Si Hun, Hong Seong Jun, and Yun Jung Hwan. 

 

The group made their debut in October 2019. They also recently participated in the JTBC idol survival series Peak Time.

Featured image: BDC updates fans with new group photo. Credit: Twitter/BDC

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Watch: Twice’s Jihyo Makes Fiery Solo Debut With ‘Killin’ Me Good’

TWICE's Jihyo in the teasers for 'Zone.' Credit: Twitter/TWICE

God Jihyo is in the house! The TWICE leader officially made her solo debut on August 18 with the release of her album ZONE. 

Meanwhile, Jihyo’s solo debut title track “Killin’ Me Good” is a tempo R&B song that talks about the ups and downs of a relationship. In the music video, she went from being giddy in her relationship to navigating a breakup. 

 

Additionally, Jihyo not only impressed the audience with her powerful vocals, but also with her sleek dancing skills. 

One main point of her choreography was a motion resembling a finger gun. “You’re killin’ me, killin’ me good,” she sings pointedly in the title track. “You’re makin’ me feel something new / Hey, you’re makin’ me feel so brand new.”

“Killin’ Me Good” is written by J.Y. Park and composed by Marc Lo, Melanie Fontana, Lindgren, and GG Ramirez. 

Jihyo’s solo debut 

Following the release of her album, Jihyo’s fellow TWICE members showed their support for her solo track by doing the “Killin’ Me Good” challenge. 

Aside from “Killin’ Me Good,” ZONE also has six other tracks. To which, Jihyo participated in penning the lyrics and composing for the B-side songs. 

It also featured two collaborations. Jihyo worked with American singer 24kGoldn for the song “Talkin’ About It,” while she worked with Korean soloist Heize for the song “Don’t Wanna Go Back.”

In an interview with Grammy, the TWICE vocalist revealed that she’s “nervous and excited” for her solo debut. 

Additionally, she also talked about her involvement in the creation of the songs for her solo album.

“I wanted to diversify as much as possible so that listeners can have fun while listening to my album. Each song has a different genre and feel to it,” she said. 

Despite having doubts at first, Jihyo said that she’d regret it more if she didn’t give her all in this solo release. “I wanted to focus on the process and I wanted to focus on doing my best,” she said. 

Jihyo is the second member of TWICE to make a solo debut, following Nayeon. Meanwhile, Jihyo shared that Nayeon also gave her  some advice on being a soloist.

Currently, TWICE is embarking on their READY TO BE concert tour, wherein they made history as the first K-pop girl group to sell out at a stadium in North America.

Featured image: TWICE’s Jihyo in the teasers for ‘Zone.’ Credit: Twitter/TWICE

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Look: Purple Kiss to Release ‘Festa’ in September

Purple Kiss while promoting 'Sweet Juice.' Credit: Facebook/PURPLE KISS

Ready for a new era with PURPLE KISS? 

RBW Entertainment announced on Wednesday, August 16, that the six-act will be releasing their single album Festa on September 5. 

The short teaser featured the group’s logo set against a pastel blue door. Additionally, the promotional schedule are also in pastel pink backdrop. 

 

Interestingly, the agency has earlier teased that PURPLE KISS will be switching up their concept for this upcoming release. 

“You’ll be able to see new charms that PURPLE KISS has not yet shown before, so please give their comeback lots of interest and anticipation,” RBW Entertainment said in a press release.

Since the group’s debut in 2021, PURPLE KISS has explored series of concepts ranging from geeky to high-teen and horror. 

It’s Festa time! 

According to the promotional schedule, the group will be releasing concept photos and videos, track list, and highlight medleys. 

Also, the lyric posters and music video teasers will be out before the album release. 

Festa will serve as PURPLE KISS’ first comeback in more than six months. The group released Cabin Fever in February. 

Currently, PURPLE KISS is composed of Na Go-eun, Dosie, Ireh, Yuki, Chaein, and Swan. Member Park Ji Eun left the group in November 2022. 

Moreover, rapper Yuki has also recently became a member of EL7Z UP. Said project group was formed through the idol survival series Queendom Puzzle. 

Despite being part of the final lineup, EL7Z UP members are also allowed to continue promotions under their original group. 

Featured image: PURPLE KISS while promoting ‘Sweet Juice.’ Credit: Facebook/PURPLE KISS

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RM Assures Armys That BTS Will ‘Be Back for Sure’ in 2025

BTS during filming 'Yet to Come' music video. Credit: Facebook/BTS

Following BTS’ hiatus from group activities in June 2022, the members have been focused on their solo ventures. But despite these series of individual releases, ARMYs couldn’t help but miss seeing the seven members together. 

On August 12, RM held a livestream wherein he opened up about BTS reconvening as a full group, as well as his thoughts on their hiatus and solo activities. 

 

RM’s statement came after he read a heartfelt letter from a fan who expressed how BTS meant a lot to them. In their message, the ARMY also shared how they’ll patiently wait for 2025 to see the group as a whole  again. 

In response, the BTS leader assured the group’s supporters that the members are also looking forward to them reuniting. 

“What I’m thinking these days when I’m doing my solo projects is, this is just like a vacation to get back to where I was,” he said. “Which is BTS and ARMY. So all this solo (work) is just a journey.” 

But RM also emphasized the significance of these individual ventures. “It is a very important journey for chapter two. But it’s a journey to get back home safe. And eventually, we’ll get back and reunite together in 2025. 

BTS’ love for ARMYs 

RM also took the opportunity to convey how BTS never took their fans’ support and love for granted. He added that even with their solo ventures, ARMYs are always put into consideration. 

“I hope our songs and solo projects could be  another reminder to you guys of how important ARMY was has been, and will be in our lives at the same time,” he said. 

The rapper continued that all the other BTS members are also deeply appreciative of their dedicated throng of supporters. 

“This is a greatness of love. When I face this kind of love, I feel like it’s irresistible. And that’s what makes me go through all those trials and hardships and shits happening in life,” RM added. 

What the BTS members have been up to 

Since June 2022, all seven members of BTS have had their solo releases. 

Jin released his single “The Astronaut” in October 2022, while RM released his solo album Indigo in December 2022. 

Meanwhile, Jimin featured on BIGBANG Taeyang’s “Vibe” and released his solo debut album Face in March 2023. 

On the other hand, Suga started his web talk show Suchwita. He also released the album D-Day in April 2023 and embarked on his solo concert world tour. 

As for j-hope, he released Jack In The Box in July 2022 and headlined Lollapalooza festival. After that, a Disney+ documentary series about these solo projects was also released. 

Then, Jungkook collaborated with Charlie Puth for “Left and Right.” In July 2023, he released his single “Seven.” 

Lastly, member V has participated in series In the Soop: Friendcation and Jinny’s Kitchen. Now, he’s about to make his solo debut with the album Layover, which will be out on September 8. 

Also, two BTS members, Jin and j-hope are currently serving in the military. Furthermore, Suga has also started the military enlistment process. 

Featured image: BTS during filming ‘Yet to Come’ music video. Credit: Facebook/BTS

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SEVENTEEN’s Joshua Sparks Concern in Airport Photos

SEVENTEEN‘s Joshua, recently faced a whirlwind of reactions following dating allegations with an influencer-model. While some expressed disappointment, feeling misled by the K-pop star, others, particularly Korean netizens, showed more understanding. Many believe that as Joshua approaches 30, he deserves to find happiness in love.

On August 17, 2023, Joshua‘s appearance at the airport became a talking point. Observers noted a significant change in his demeanor and physical appearance. The star, best known for his bright and sunny disposition, seemed to have lost weight. Although he greeted everyone with a polite smile, it lacked the usual warmth and vibrancy fans had come to expect.

Away from the direct gaze of journalists, Joshua‘s expression turned serious, even haggard. This shift in demeanor led many to speculate that the recent events had taken a toll on his mental and emotional health. Historically, he has always presented himself as well-groomed, cheerful, and calm during public appearances, especially at the airport. His recent appearance, however, hinted at a dip in his usual confidence.

Netizens picked up on these subtle changes, expressed their concern and compassion. Comments flooded in, with many noting his apparent weight loss and expressing sadness over the situation. Others voiced their support, urging Joshua to eat well and come back strong after completing his schedules. Some even questioned the harshness of all the comments, wondering if he had committed any crime to warrant such backlash.

@meyyraa17

shua km kaya kurusan:( #CapCut #joshua #hongjiso #seventeen #airport #today @SEVENTEEN

♬ Kembalikan Senyumku – Melly Goeslaw

In the midst of this, SEVENTEEN has embarked on a trip to Japan to promote their new Japanese album. Fans and well-wishers hope that Joshua finds strength during this time and returns with his signature bright smile. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Recent events may have taken a toll on the idol. Source: Twitter/@daywithshua.

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‘Queendom Puzzle’s EL7Z UP to Debut in September

Members of ELYZ UP poses after final episode of Queendom Puzzle. Credit: Twitter/ELYZ UP

Just a day after Queendom Puzzle has wrapped up, its girl group EL7Z UP has unveiled its upcoming plans. 

On Tuesday, August 15, it was revealed that H1-Key’s Hwiseo, Woo!ah’s Nana, and Purple Kiss’ Yuki were the top three in the final round of Mnet’s Queendom Puzzle. 

 

Joining them in the debut lineup are Lovelyz’ Kei, WJSN’s Yeoreum, Rocket Punch’s Yeonhee, and CLC’s Yeeun. 

And on Wednesday, August 16, the new girl group launched its official social media accounts. 

 

Mnet also announced that the seven-piece act will start preparing for their September debut. Although, a final date wasn’t provided. 

Additionally, EL7Z UP will also hold a fan concert in Japan before embarking on a global tour. Their shows are set for October 22 in Saitama and October 24 in Osaka. 

Aside from the fan concert, EL7Z UP will also perform at the 2023 MAMA Awards. 

More about EL7Z UP 

Queendom Puzzle is a spin-off of the survival series Queendom. But instead of featuring various girl groups, it will have female idols competing against each other instead. A total of 26 members battled for spots in a new seven-member project girl group. 

During the final round, Suyun, Wooyeon, Jihan, Elly, Juri, Jiwoo and Dohwa, placed in the seventh to 14th places. Meaning, they didn’t make it to the final group. 

As for the EL7Z UP members, they’re allowed to still continue promoting with their original groups. 

Featured image: Members of ELYZ UP poses after final episode of Queendom Puzzle. Credit: Twitter/ELYZ UP

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Kim Sohye Reveals I.O.I Members Want to Reunite

Project girl group I.O.I during one of their promotions in 2016. Credit: Instagram/I.O.I

It’s been more than five years since girl group I.O.I has disbanded but the bond between the members remains strong. And it even reaches the point that they’re even hoping for a possible reunion. 

In the Wednesday, August 16 episode of Problem Child in House, Kim Sohye opens up how she misses her idol days. Since I.O.I’s disbandment, Sohye has ventured more into acting. 

 

Then, she shared that despite I.O.I’s short-lived existence, the members still keep in touch with each other. 

Note that I.O.I was a project group that was formed in May 2016 following the first season of Produce 101. During their promotional activities, the group got the nickname “Nation’s Pick” and became known for hits “PICK ME,” “Whatta Man,” and “DOWNPOUR.” 

Unfortunately, I.O.I still disbanded in 2017 despite their huge following and popularity. 

And during Sohye’s variety guesting appearance, she revealed that I.O.I almost had a reunion. 

 

“We almost reunited but it didn’t work out. The plans unfortunately collapsed in the end,” the idol-actress said. “It was close to happening.” 

She continued that the members are still hopeful that it will happen. “Everybody desperately wishes to get back together. It’s something we talk about all the time,” Sohye said. 

Among the I.O.I members, she said that it’s Doyeon, Sejeong, and Yoojung she remain closest to. 

 

Where are the I.O.I members now? 

For season one of Produce 101, only 11 members were chosen to debut from a pool of 101 trainees. Said group was named I.O.I. 

When the group disbanded, they promised fans that they’ll be reuniting for their fifth debut anniversary. And in May 2021, they fulfilled that promise by gathering together for a live broadcast. 

However, two out of the 11 members weren’t able to attend the reunion in person. Kang Mina and Kyulkyung only joined the special event through a video call. 

Since then, the I.O.I members continued their respective ventures. 

Members Jeon Somi and Chungha have become soloists, with the former being under THEBLACKLABEL. Additionally, Chungha has recently left MNH Entertainment, her agency of seven years. 

Next, Sohye has established her company S&P Entertainment. She has also received several awards as an actress. 

Chayeon re-debuted in group DIA and Nayoung with Pristin. Both girl groups have disbanded as well, and the two chose to focus on their acting careers instead. 

Meanwhile, Kang Mina and Sejeong also debuted as members of girl group gugudan. However, it disbanded in 2020. But the two are also active as actresses. 

Moreover, Yoojung and Doyeon are under the girl group Weki Meki, with Yeonjung in WJSN. In September 2019, Kyulkyung returned to China to continue her idol activities there. 

Featured image: Project girl group I.O.I during one of their promotions in 2016. Credit: Instagram/I.O.I

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