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(G)I-DLE Collaborates with 88rising for New Single and EP

In a groundbreaking collaboration, Cube Entertainment’s (G)I-DLE, one of the leading girl groups in K-pop’s fourth generation, joined forces with 88rising, an Asian-focused music and media company. The result is the group’s highly anticipated new single, “I DO,” and an upcoming EP called “HEAT.”

Known for their fearless approach to performing and self-crafted smash hits, (G)I-DLE has gained recognition as leaders in K-pop. Last year, their chart-topping single “Tomboy” was even named the No. 1 K-pop song of 2022 by Billboard critics. 

Now, the group is taking a significant step forward by collaborating with 88rising.

“I DO,” set to drop soon, is (G)I-DLE‘s first original English single. Unlike their previous bold and energetic tracks like “Queencard,” “Nxde,” and “Tomboy,” this heartfelt mid-tempo song showcases a different side of the group. With sweet and emotional vocal performances from members Minnie, Miyeon, Shuhua, Soyeon, and Yuqi, “I DO” was designed to be easy to sing along to and resonate on a deeper level with listeners. It also serves as the opening track for the girls’ upcoming EP, “HEAT,” co-executive produced by 88rising.

Woohyung Ahn, the CEO of Cube Entertainment, is very excited about HEAT, which will be the first all-English EP produced by the company in its 17-year history. “HEAT is about feeling confident and bringing the spirit of an endless summer with you wherever you go,” he says. “We hope the release of HEAT will allow us to bring the message and mission of (G)I-DLE to the whole world.”

Sean Miyashiro, CEO and founder of 88rising, admires (G)I-DLE because of the girls’ artistry and creativity. “We’ve been fans of (G)-IDLE for a long time because they’re in tune and involved with what they put out. I was like, ‘Wow, they know what they want to do,’ which is important—it makes the process much more meaningful when there’s a firm belief and point of view. I felt honored that they were open to collaborating with us.”

John Yang, 88rising’s executive vice president, says the (G)I-DLE members are “full of excitement and positivity. We got so excited about what we could do together.” He praised 24-year-old Soyeon, the group’s leader, primary songwriter, and producer. “Soyeon knows what she wants for every song, from the delivery of the vocal to the overall cadence and tone—she truly is a genius.”

While 88rising has recently signed several K-pop artists, such as Chungha and Jackson Wang, their collaboration with (G)I-DLE has been in the works for a year since their initial introduction.

“I DO” and its official music video will be released on Friday, July 14, at 9:00 AM KST. The global release of the EP, HEAT, is scheduled for September.

(Featured Image: This photo accompanied their sixth EP. Source: Twitter/(G)I-DLE official Twitter account)

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BTS Fans, ARMY, Lauded for Cleaning Up After Massive Anniversary Event

The dedicated fanbase of the global K-pop sensation BTS, known as ARMY, has been praised for behaving responsibly after the boy group’s 10th anniversary celebration. The fans cleaned the venue after the event, displaying a high level of responsibility and respect for public spaces.

On June 17th, BTS celebrated their 10th debut anniversary with a massive event called 2023 BTS 10th Anniversary Festa @ Yeouido held at Hangang Park in Seoul. The event attracted an estimated 400,000 people, including 120,000 international fans, according to HYBE, the group’s management company. Despite the massive gathering, the venue was left spotless because of ARMY’s concerted efforts.

BTS‘s leader, RM, took to Instagram to express his gratitude towards the fans and staff members for what they did at Hangang Park. He posted a screenshot of a news article about the cleanup on his Instagram Story and thanked the ARMY and the staff for their efforts. “To all the staff, and proud ARMYs, Thank You,” he wrote.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/5tIjGSJI_kU

In an interview with Korean media, a street cleaner confirmed the fans’ efforts. “We were tasked to clean the place by 12 o’clock, but there was no trash left,” they said.

The fans’ initiative to clean up after the event was widely praised by netizens. Photos of the clean venue went viral on social media. 

ARMY’s actions sparked a wave of positive comments online, with many expressing their admiration for what the fans did.

ARMY’s actions reflect not only their dedication to BTS but also their commitment to maintaining order in public spaces, setting a good example for fans worldwide. The 10th-anniversary celebration of BTS was proof of the band’s enduring global popularity and their fans’ maturity. The event was so well-managed that it made headlines in South Korea and beyond.

This isn’t the first time ARMY was lauded for cleanliness. In October 2022, some fans organized a fantastic event to celebrate BTS member Jimin‘s 27th birthday. They gathered at Gwangali Beach in Busan for what they dubbed a “plogging” program, an activity that combined picking up trash with jogging. A nonprofit organization called EARTH SAVE spearheaded the project. After clearing the beach of litter, ARMYs gathered for a photo session and shouted, “We purple Busan.”

Busan, being the hometown of Jimin and Jungkook, made that project more meaningful.

(Featured Image: The official BTS Twitter account run by the group’s label posted a photo of RM in Hangang Park on the day of the event. Source: Twitter/BTS’s official Twitter account)

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Look: BB Girls Unveils New Photos, Logo and Social Media Accounts

We’re entering a new era with BB GIRLS, formerly known as K-pop girl group Brave Girls! 

On Monday, July 10, BB GIRLS unveiled their new group logo and launched new social media accounts.

 

They also released a set of new photos for each members. Minyoung, Youjuong, Eunji, and Yuna showcased a mature and sophisticated look while posing in monochromatic ensembles. 

 

 

This came after Minyoung, Youjuong, Eunji, and Yuna signed with Warner Music Korea in April following the expiration of their exclusive contracts with Brave Entertainment. 

Brave Entertainment initially announced that Brave Girls has officially disbanded. But after moving as a full group in Warner Music Korea, the agency announced that the members will continue their activities under the name BB GIRLS as their former label still own the trademark rights for the group’s first name. 

Warner Music Korea also confirmed that BB Girls will be making an August comeback, but additional details, such as album title and release date, have yet to be announced. 

Brave Girls debuted in 2011 and had several changes in their member line-up over the years. The group gained massive popularity in 2021 after their 2017 track “Rollin’.” went viral. Their last album with Brave Entertainment was Summer Queen, which was released in September 2021. 

Featured image: collage from BB GIRLS’ Twitter

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Here Are the K-Drama and K-Pop Documentaries Coming to Disney+ for the Rest of 2023

Hallyu fans have a lot of things to look forward to in Disney+ as the streaming platform unveiled on Tuesday, July 11, its slate of Asia-Pacific originals for the remaining half of 2023. 

The Korean projects included in Disney’s lineup are: 

  • Moving, a fantasy-action series which follows a group of superpowered individuals as they attempt to run away from government personnel and a mysterious assassin. It is based on the hit webtoon of author Kangfull, and stars Ryu Seungryong, Han Hyojoo and Jo In Sung. Moving will premiere in Disney+ on August 9. 
  • Worst of Evil, an action series starring Ji Chang Wook, Wi Ha Jun, and Lim Semi. It is set in 1990s Seoul where a rural police officer is recruited to track a gang that pushes a new drug in the city’s nightclubs. 
  • Vigilante, a crime drama series that follows a star student at the police academy who uses his knowledge to exact revenge on non-repentant offenders. 
  • Han River Police, a comedy action series starring Kwone Sangwoo and Kim Hiiewon, revolves around the works and antics of Seoul’s Han River Police Force. 
  • Soundtrack #2, a sequel to the 2022 series Soundtrack #1, will feature a new storyline between an ex-couple who got reconnected again after ending their six-year relationship. It stars Keum Saerok and Steve Sanghyun Noh. 

Disney+ has yet to announce the release dates for the other titles. 

Meanwhile, Disney+ also confirmed that they’ll be releasing the much-anticipated BTS Monuments: Beyond The Star in the second half of 2023. Although a final release date has yet to be announced, the docu-series was first teased by Disney+ in November 2022. 

 

BTS Monuments: Beyond The Star will chronicle the idol group’s journey to being pop icons through “unprecedented access to a vast library of music and footage over the past nine years.” 

In the series’ teaser, V teased that it will “share candid stories that have never been told.” “I hope you find new sides of us that are previously unseen,” Jungkook added. 

While BTS Monuments: Beyond The Star is their first docu-series as a full group under Disney+, the streaming platform has previously released several content related to BTS, including Permission to Dance LA stage movie, Suga’s Road to D-Day,and  j-hope’s Jack in the Box documentaries. 

Aside from BTS, Disney+ will also be releasing documentaries for K-pop groups Tomorrow X Together and NCT 127. 

BTS also recently released the memoir Beyond The Story: 10-year record of BTS.

Featured image: BTS’ Facebook

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Zerobaseone’s ‘Youth in the Shade’ Becomes Best-Selling K-Pop Debut Album

The highly-anticipated debut of rookie group ZEROBASEONE (ZB1), the K-pop boy group formed through the reality survival series BOYS PLANET, is off to a good start. 

On Monday, July 10, the nine-member group released their mini-album YOUTH IN THE SHADE, with “IN BLOOM” as its title track. 

The music video for “IN BLOOM” shows the ZB1 members flaunting their fresh charms and vocal prowess as they sing about their determination to do well in this new journey they’re embarking on. 

 

During their debut showcase, the members talked about their resolve as a rookie group. 

“We will become an artist who can give back the love we have received,” member Kim Tae Rae, according to a translation by Soompi. 

Member Kim Ji Woong added: “We feel a greater sense of responsibility, so we hope to show that going forward to return the love and show our best performance.” 

And in just 24 hours of sales, the album YOUTH IN THE SHADE has sold over 1,240,700 copies, making it the best debut album in K-pop history. 

The record was previously set by X1’s QUANTUM LEAP, which sold around 500,000 copies during its first day. 

In addition, YOUTH IN THE SHADE has also become the fifth highest-selling album in first-sales day in 2023. They trail behind SEVENTEEN’s FML, Stray Kids’ 5-STAR, TXT’s The Name Chapter: TEMPTATION, and aespa’s MY WORLD. 

However, there’s a damper on the group and fandom’s celebration as member Kim Gyu Vin had to take a break due to his health condition. 

WAKEONE Entertainment, ZEROBASEONE’s agency, announced on Tuesday, July 11, that Kim Gyu Vin is “experiencing dizziness.” 

They added that said member will visit the hospital for a thorough examination and treatment. 

ZEROBASEONE or ZB1 is composed of Sung Han-bin, Kim Ji-woong, Zhang Hao, Seok Matthew, Kim Tae-rae, Ricky, Kim Gyu-vin, Park Gun-wook, and Han Yu-jin. 

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

Boys Planet, which premiered in February and ran for 12 weeks, served as the sequel to the 2021 reality competition Girls Planet 999. Said series formed the girl group KEP1ER. 

WakeOne Entertainment, in partnership with Mnet, also recently announced that they’ll be forming a new girl group through the audition program I-LAND 2.

Featured image: ZEROBASEONE’s Twitter

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Exo Sets New Personal Record With ‘Exist’

The wait is over, EXO-Ls! K-pop powerhouse EXO made their highly-anticipated comeback on Monday, July 10 with their seventh full-length album EXIST. 

EXO also released on Monday the music video for its title track “Cream Soda,” a dance-pop song with heavy brass and drum sounds. 

The music video of “Cream Soda” only featured members Suho, Xiumin, Chen, Baekhyun, Chanyeol, D.O., and Suho. 

 

Member Kai, who enlisted in May, was absent. But he was present in the music videos of the two earlier released songs “Hear Me Out” and “Let Me In.” 

EXIST, which has a total of nine tracks, also includes songs “Regret It,” “Private Party,” “Cinderella,” “No Make Up,” “Love Fool,” and “ Another Day.” 

Within hours of its release, EXIST recorded a total of 1,074,914 sales, making it EXO’s highest first day sales. It’s also the first album of the group to surpass 1 million first-week sales. 

Meanwhile, “Cream Soda” placed no 1. on the worldwide ITunes song chart after topping the chart in more than 60 countries on its first day. 

 

EXIST served as EXO’s first album as a full-group in two years, following the extended play Don’t Fight This Feeling that was released in June 2021. 

The group comeback came after three members – Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin – had a legal dispute with agency SM Entertainment about their settlements. The two parties reached an agreement in June, saying that they’ve resolved their differences and agreed to continue their activities as EXO. 

Aside from the new album, EXO is also confirmed to star in a new reality show. 

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: EXO’s Facebook

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BLACKPINK’s Hanoi Concert: Controversy and Clarifications

The upcoming BLACKPINK concert in Hanoi, part of their Born Pink world tour, has been caught in controversies. Vietnamese authorities are investigating the promoter’s website over a disputed South China Sea map. At the same time, YG Entertainment, the South Korean agency that manages BLACKPINK, has denied the authenticity of a leaked set list for the concert.

The Vietnamese culture ministry has ordered an inspection of the concert promoter’s website after fans noticed it featured a map of the South China Sea with disputed boundaries. This controversy follows Hanoi’s recent decision to ban Hollywood’s Barbie film over a scene allegedly featuring the “nine-dash line” used in Chinese maps to illustrate Beijing’s claims over some areas of the South China Sea, including swathes of what Vietnam considers its continental shelf.

Although BLACKPINK’s agency hasn’t commented on the issue, the organizer has apologized for publishing the controversial map. According to  Vietnam National Television VTV and the VnExpress news website, Brian Chow, chief executive of iMe Entertainment, promised the company would remove the map. The organizer’s website is no longer accessible, but a cached version showed a faint line encompassing the South China Sea. Vietnam and China have always had overlapping territorial claims to a potentially energy-rich stretch of the waterway. Hanoi has repeatedly accused Chinese vessels of violating Vietnamese sovereignty.

This incident has sparked outrage among Vietnamese fans. Some are even thinking about boycotting the concert. A fan named Tu Anh Xinh wrote on Facebook, “Bought two tickets for me and my date. Then I saw the cow-tongue and quit. I am a patriot.” (“Cow-tongue” is a Vietnamese phrase used to describe the U-shaped line.”)

In a separate issue, YG Entertainment has refuted claims about a leaked setlist for the concert. The alleged setlist, which featured only 14 tracks, had been circulating online and received criticism from netizens due to the high ticket prices.

A representative from YG Entertainment stated, “The set list of BLACKPINK’s Vietnamese concert circulating online is not true. We will proceed as usual with the normal tour procedures.”

The alleged set list had caused disappointment among fans who were expecting a more extensive lineup of songs from the world-renowned K-pop group. The ticket prices, which ballooned to almost 540,000 won (414 USD), added to fans’ discontent. But YG Entertainment’s words put to rest any concerns over the setlist.

BLACKPINK is a cornerstone of South Korea’s multi-billion dollar K-pop industry. The world-famous girl group is due to perform in Vietnam for the first time on July 29 and 30, having been granted a license that requested the organizer to comply with the government’s regulations on all performing activities.

Despite the issues, the excitement for BLACKPINK’s debut performance in Vietnam remains high. The group’s dynamic performances and immense popularity are expected to draw a big crowd. Fans are excited for the Hanoi stop of the Born Pink world tour. They hope all the issues will be resolved soon so the event will proceed as planned.

Featured Image: BLACKPINK poses for a photo with the crowd at the Sydney, Australia stop of the BORN PINK tour. Source: Twitter/BLACKPINK’s official Twitter account

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Hybe Apologizes After Drawing Flak for Inappropriate Body Search at &Team’s Fan Meeting

HYBE has issued a formal apology following allegations of sexual harassment against their security staff during a recent fan signing event of group &TEAM. 

On Saturday, July 8, &TEAM, a boy group under HYBE LABELS JAPAN, held an in-person fan signing event in Seoul. 

However, several fans took to social media to complain about their alleged invasive encounter with the event’s security staff, with the hashtag “underwear search” quickly trending in South Korea. 

According to the attendees, instead of using a metal detector to search for electronic devices, the security staff allegedly ushered them to a small area instead and told them to lift their shirts so they could touch the fan’s breasts. 

Some attendees also noted that when they were being searched, other staff also entered the room and observed the process. Others also wrote that the staff members didn’t even apologize to them even when they found nothing incriminating on the fans. 

Following the online backlash, HYBE Labels issued a statement on late Sunday, July 9, via WeVerse shop. 

The agency started by explaining that in events such as fan signing, it’s important to prevent any unauthorized recordings from being leaked, as this could have negative consequences for both the fans and the artists. That’s why they’ve set-up strict regulations regarding the prohibition of electronic devices capable of recording. 

However, they’ve encountered several fans who don’t adhere to these rules by hiding electronic equipment on their bodies. HYBE explained that this is why several female security guards carried body checks to the fans who attended the July 8 event. 

“We apologize to the fans who attended the event with happy hearts for making you uncomfortable,” the agency said, according to a translation by Soompi. 

“Even if it was a security issue, we are aware that it is not an acceptable excuse for making fans uncomfortable. We sincerely apologize that this kind of incident happened at the event.”

HYBE then promised that they will develop plans for improvements, including the implementation of contact-free methods for security checks. 

Composed of EJ, Nicholas, K, Fuma, Yuma, Jo, Harua, Taki and Maki, &TEAM is HYBE’s first Japanese boy band. They debuted in September 2022, and released their second EP First Howling: WE in June. 

Members EJ, Nicholas, K, and Taki previously participated in the survival series I-LAND, which formed the group ENHYPEN.

Featured image: &TEAM’s Twitter

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Solar and Moon Byul’s Subunit Confirms Comeback; Mamamoo to Release Concert Film

MOOMOOs have a lot of things to look forward to as K-pop girl group MAMAMOO will be releasing a documentary film and Solar and Moon Byul’s subunit will be making their comeback! 

MAMAMOO announced that their upcoming documentary film MAMAMOO: MY CON THE MOVIE will be available in cinemas worldwide on August 9 and 12 only. Tickets for the screening will be available starting July 14. 

 

MAMAMOO: MY CON THE MOVIE follows the group’s first world tour, which had stops in Seoul, Japan, Hong Kong, and the United States, among others. It will include exclusive never-before-seen footage and interviews with members Solar, Moon Byul, Whee In, and Hwa Sa. 

“Witness their captivating vocals and dynamic performances, then delve into their personal and heartfelt stories like never before, offering a rare glimpse behind the scenes,” the film’s description read, according to its website. 

Meanwhile, MAMAMOO+, the subunit consisting of Solar and Moon Byul, is gearing up for a comeback. 

Agency RBW confirmed the news, saying that the duo is releasing a new album in August. 

“Following their previous album ACT 1, SCENE 1, the members are once again actively participating in the planning and production of the new album to showcase the wide spectrum of MAMAMOO+,” the label said, according to a Soompi report. 

Additional details about MAMAMOO+’s new release have yet to be announced. 

MAMAMOO+, the first subunit of MAMAMOO, made their unit debut in August 2022 with the single “Better.”  

 

In March, they also released their first single album ACT 1, SCENE 1. 

Featured image: MAMAMOO’s Facebook

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NewJeans Rules with ‘Super Shy’ Single, New Music Videos

K-pop sensation NewJeans has taken the music industry by storm again with their highly anticipated album, Get Up! The album officially dropped on July 7th, and its title track, “Super Shy,” made an impressive debut at No. 46 on the global Spotify charts. What’s more, it earned a staggering 2.49 million streams, setting a new record for the largest Spotify debut by a fourth-generation group!

Previously, the record for the highest Spotify debut by a fourth-generation group was held by the JYP Entertainment boy group Stray Kids when their new song, “S-Class,” debuted with 2.23 million streams. However, NewJeans’ “Super Shy” achievement exceeded expectations and solidified their position as a rising force in the K-pop industry, further amplifying their global popularity.

The “Super Shy” music video has stunning visuals that perfectly complement the song. In the video, the NewJeans members can be seen riding bikes and meeting people from all walks of life.

Its vibrant colors make it a visual feast, while the athleisure and Zumba-inspired choreography give it a truly dynamic feel. Another notable aspect of the “Super Shy” video is the addition of dancers in different locations, which sets it apart from the group’s previous releases.

But although “Super Shy” has been praised for its summery sound, some Koreans were disappointed in it due to its predominantly English lyrics. 

In another remarkable move, NewJeans unveiled another music video for the track “New Jeans,” in which the members transformed into versions of the Powerpuff Girls. 

As you can see, this video aligns with the resurgence of everything Y2K. It combines uptempo pop music with 90s animation and early console video games. The video generated significant excitement online thanks to its unique concept. Its success is proof of Min Hee Jin’s creative genius.

With their latest releases and groundbreaking achievements, NewJeans continues solidifying their status as a force to be reckoned with in the global music scene. Fans eagerly anticipate their future endeavors and the unique experiences they bring through their music and performances.

(Featured Image: NewJeans posed for a group photo after their first fan meeting ‘Bunnies Camp’ on July 1. Source: Facebook/NewJeans’ official Facebook page)

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