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FIFTY FIFTY and How a Phenomenal K-Pop Career Can be Destroyed in Weeks

Everyone might have assumed that FIFTY FIFTY would only achieve new heights ever since the group went global—with their hit “Cupid” and getting included in the original soundtrack of the hit movie “Barbie.” That is, before word of the lawsuits from all sides broke and now the future of the group is uncertain and might be over. But what specifically occurred to cause events to go in this direction? 

Before anything else, let us present the cast of characters of this rather messy drama that, unfortunately, is still ongoing and doesn’t look like will be ending anytime soon.

Also read: FIFTY FIFTY’s Song for Barbie Soundtrack Absent From Film

  • FIFTY FIFTY: A K-pop girl group that debuted in November 2022, composed of four members– Sio (main dancer), Saena (leader), Aran (vocalist), and Keena (rapper). 
  • Jeon Hongjoon: CEO of Attrakt, FIFTY FIFTY‘s entertainment agency
  • Ahn Sangil (Siahn) – Music producer who claims to have had the biggest role in the group’s success, also CEO of his own music production company The Givers

Now, to present the drama-filled story of FIFTY FIFTY which seems to rival American soap operas and K-dramas, let’s make a timeline, shall we? 

Timestamp What Happened?
2019 Attrakt CEO Jeon Hongjoon met with the CEO of US-based performance production company KAMP in Singapore to collaborate on the production of a global K-pop girl group. Attrakt was supposed to be in charge of the group’s formation while KAMP was in charge of the overseas marketing. Record producer Ahn Sung-il (Siahn) joined the conversation. In December, Jeon initially recruited 12 trainees, eventually reduced to four through monthly evaluations.
January 2021 KAMP left the project due to differing views over the global strategy. 
May 2021 Siahn and two other KAMP employees involved in the project resigned and created their own company, The Givers, while still working with Attrakt. Jeon was in charge of raising money, Ahn chose the music direction and trained the members in music theory, singing, dancing, rapping, acting and English. CEO Jeon claims that Attarakt spent more than ₩20–30 million monthly on the group, and more than a billion was invested in the production of four music videos. CEO Jeon also reiterated on interviews that he did everything to have the group’s eventual debut released, including selling his car, opting for inexpensive meals and even operating tea stalls to generate funds. 

On his LinkedIn profile (which has since been taken down), Siahn also identified himself as the CEO of Attarakt while also serving as the company’s chief music producer while still being the CEO of his then newly-established The Givers. By this time, we could accurately name the people involved in Attarakt, and therefore, FIFTY FIFTY as CEO Jeon, another CEO Choi Seungho, and CEO/Chief Producer/TheGivers CEO Siahn. Siahn may have more current experience, but in the past, CEO Jeon also worked with big names in the Korean music industry such as 1990s entertainment staple Jo Kwanwoo, rapper Yoon Mirae, and hip-hop artist Bobby Kim. 

But then, Siahn played a bigger role in the production of FIFTY FIFTY‘s music, as well as making sure that the chosen members improve their communication skills in English so that they are ready anytime to venture into the highly competitive, not to mention very finicky and picky international music market. 

As for the members, the Korean public was only familiar with Saena, who was a contestant on KBS’ dancing competition show Dancing High. 
November 14, 2022 After two years of training, Attrakt announced that FIFTY FIFTY would be debuting later in the next few days by releasing the group’s official logo image posted across all the group’s social media accounts. The same day, a pre-released music video for the song “Lovin Me” was released on their official YouTube channel.
November 15, 2022 The members were made public through the concept art for their first album, which included the members’ first-ever official images as well as their names and album release date. The same day, a performance video for “Log In” was also made available.
November 18, 2002 FIFTY FIFTY released their debut EP The Fifty, with “Higher” serving as the lead single. 
November 22, 2002 With their music broadcast debut on SBS M’s The Show, promotions for the extended play’s release got underway. 
December 2, 2022 FIFTY FIFTY‘s ended their promotional activities for their first EP on KBS2’s Music Bank.

Even though it did not initially appear on the Circle Album Chart on its debut weeks, The Fifty appeared at number forty-four on the Circle Chart issue dated December 18–24, 2022, with 2,597 album sales. While largely ignored by the public, the album was positively received by music journalists and critics. It got a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from the Korean critic publication IZM, the best score the publication has ever given to a girl group. FIFTY FIFTY, according to the music writer Son Seunggeun, “is a good example of what happens when great songs and good singers meet. Thanks to them, Korea has one more good girl group.”

Even internationally, the debut was well-received.  The quartet “displays various colors and a vocal maturity that is both hard to find and crucial to have,” according to The Recording Academy, who also named FIFTY FIFTY one of the “Best K-pop Debuts of the Year” and included “Tell Me” and “Loving’ Me” on lists of the “Best K-pop Songs of 2022” compiled by Paper and Mashable, respectively.

 
February 24, 2023 FIFTY FIFTY’s sophomore efforts saw the light of day. The Beginning: Cupid, the group’s debut single album, and the “Cupid” music video were both released. Keena contributed some of the Korean lyrics to the song, which was recorded in both Korean and English. Soon after, a sped-up fan-made version of the English version gained popularity on TikTok. As of press time, TikTok videos with the hashtag #cupidfiftyfifty (song covers, dance choreo videos, and any video that uses the song as its background track) have accumulated a total of more than 563 million videos.
March 27, 2023 “Cupid” went on to become the highest charting hit by a South Korean girl group in the history of the Billboard Pop Airplay chart and only the second South Korean music act to land on the Adult Pop Airplay after BTS. The song went on to make them the sixth group and the fastest K-pop group in history to enter the Billboard Hot 100. A four-month-old group entering the Billboard Hot 100, how major was that?
May 6, 2023 Music streaming platform Spotify announces that with only six songs, FIFTY FIFTY surpassed the 30 million monthly listeners mark.
May 16, 2023 “Cupid” has maintained a perfect streak of rising to a new peak with each passing week. In its eighth consecutive week on the Hot 100, the song climbed to No. 17, marking its highest ranking yet on the chart. Since then, “Cupid” has surpassed Blackpink X Selena Gomez‘s “Ice Cream” for the longest-charting K-pop girl group song in Hot 100 history, as Cupid, as of press time, is still on the chart at number 24 on its eighteenth week. 
May 25, 2023 The musicians who would be a part of the soundtrack for the live action movie Barbie were disclosed, including FIFTY FIFTY and Kaliii. FIFTY FIFTY‘s agency Attrakt confirmed the same day that the group’s song on the soundtrack would be titled “Barbie Dreams” and include Kaliii. 
June 2023 All FIFTY FIFTY group activities and promotions for Cupid were put on pause. Attrakt issued delayed statements, saying that one of the members (Aran) had to undergo surgery for a medical condition, causing the group to momentarily halt promotions. 
June 19, 2023 The members of the group FIFTY FIFTY filed for an injunction to suspend their exclusive contracts with Attrakt, citing broken contractual obligations, a lack of transparency in financial settlements, and instances of medical malpractice during the group’s promotions. The group alleges that the agency Attrakt had no right to disclose Aran’s condition to the public and point to it as a cause of the group’s momentarily hiatus. They also filed for trademarks for the name of the group and their stage names.
June 23 and 25 2023 CEO Jeon of Attrakt released statements stating external companies have been trying to poach the FIFTY FIFTY members from them. He adds that he will be pursuing legal action against these parties in the next few days.   
June 26, 2023 CEO Jeon’s sued Warner Music Korea for unfair practice, mainly for trying to poach or pirate the members of his company. Days later, it was revealed that Attrakt has also sued Siahn for encouraging the members to violate their contracts to sign with another agency. Both parties denied the claim while Attrakt further filed criminal charges against Ahn and three other individuals for fraud, breach of duty, and obstruction of business.
July 3, 2023 Further evidence has come out, largely thanks to news outlets like Dispatch, of course. 
  • The song CUPID was bought (all rights) by The GIVERS from its Swedish composers for USD 9,000. Considering how massive the song is currently, 9,000 dollars is a steal. 
  • The group FIFTY FIFTY was being sold to Warner Music Korea to the tune of at least USD 15 million. The company, for confidentiality purposes, could not disclose the other party in this transaction, while Attrakt CEO Jeon has denied any knowledge in this. Although he did say that no other person has the capacity to do that except Siahn.
  • Receipts of conversations between CEO Jeon and the girls revealed that the girls caused the cancellation of the Barbie MV creation. After Aran’s surgery in May, the members asked for a break and asked they return to their homes. CEO Jeon originally planned to make the girls spend a week in their Gangnam apartment first so they can all be provided with the best medical monitoring in one place before allowing them to return to their respective homes for a week.

However, the girls already left their dorm and demanded their contract with Attrakt to be suspended on June 19. This further proves that the lack of FIFTY FIFTY activity despite their phenomenal popularity was not because Attrakt was paralyzed with indecision on how to manage the girls’ success or because the company was overworking the girls. It was the girls who wanted to spend their break with their families and eventually, leave the company. How can Attrakt force them to do the Barbie MV when they have already asked for their contract with the company to be suspended?

  • Netizens were quick to point out that the girls have been billeted in luxury accommodations and were given outfits from high-end fashion brands from the start, not only when Cupid became a viral hit. As early as their debut, the four members have stayed in a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom unit in the luxurious Gangnam district (compare this to the 2-bedroom apartment the five members of NewJeans have to share) costing USD2,500 a month. 

Moreover, FIFTY FIFTY members have also been seen wearing Miuiu tops, JW Anderson jeans, and other branded outfits averaging a million won per piece. Those clothes don’t even get worn by idols in big companies, so it’s head-scratching how these girls who have had one flop and one hit could afford these expensive outfits. 
July 5, 2023 It was discovered that the parents of the FIFTY FIFTY members had filed for the trademark of “FIFTY FIFTY” in Hangul on June 19, 2023, right when the lawsuit between girl group FIFTY FIFTY and their agency Attrakt broke out. They had also filed to trademark the stage names of each member. Attrakt has stated that they already registered the trademark previously on May 15, 2023, as part of a business dealing with artists and performances. They followed up with another application on June 15, to cover other uses and applications of the trademark. The parents, however, claim that since “hangul and English titles are treated the same, the authority goes to them, for they have already registered it.”
July 6, 2023 Barbie Dreams was released, but without any accompanying MV as fans expected. 
July 18, 2023 The Korea Music Copyright Association (KOMCA) has decided to withhold all royalties for the popular song “Cupid” until all legal issues pertaining to copyright ownership have been resolved.
July 24, 2023 Allegations regarding Siahn’s academic background and career were raised. Investigations have shown that while portal sites indicate that Ahn graduated from Chung-Ang University’s Department of Business Administration, he is not listed as an alumnus of the university. Additionally, there are discrepancies between the details of Ahn’s career as mentioned on portal sites, and the actual working period.
July 25, 2023 On July 25 KST, The Givers said in an official press release, “We have confirmed the wrong parts regarding CEO Ahn Sung Il’s academic background and career, and we apologize for the confusion in this regard.” They added, “We apologize for not being able to deliver accurate information, and we will take corrective action.”

On the same day, FIFTY FIFTY’s trademark licenses in four of the top music markets are  now owned by Attrakt. Munhwa Ilbo announced that Attrakt had successfully applied for and secured trademarks for the group name of FIFTY FIFTY in the four main K-Pop markets: the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, and China.

Given the revealed information, the shifts in public opinion, and the usual routes these “agency versus idol court cases” go, all parties, in this case, have lost, but the biggest losers would be the four members of FIFTY FIFTY: Aran, Sio, Saena, and Keena.

These cases drag on for years and as revealed to have backstabbed Attrakt, no entertainment company in their right business senses would dare accommodate them. Even Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin had the sense to return to SM Entertainment, who is currently the Korean entertainment company with the most compromised reputation. However, they were back in the public’s favor when it was revealed that CBX might have been influenced to leave the company by external forces that were trying to poach them.  

More on the FIFTY FIFTY vs ATTRAKT controversy: FIFTY FIFTY’s Lawsuit May End with a Settlement Between Members and ATTRAKT CEO

Sources: Forbes, Naver TV, KoreaJoongAngDaily

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KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

SF9’s Hwiyoung Confirms Solo Debut

SF9's Hwiyoung updates fans with a new photo. Credit: Twitter/SF9

The long wait is almost over as SF9 member Hwiyoung is confirmed to make his solo debut. 

FNC Entertainment confirmed to Korean media on Tuesday, August 1, that the rapper will release a solo digital single in August. 

Details, such as the song title and release date, about Hwiyoung’s solo single have yet to be disclosed. 

FANTASYs, fans of SF9, quickly took to social media to express their excitement for Hwiyoung as this is his first official solo release since the group made its debut eight years ago.

Prior to his upcoming solo digital single, Hwiyoung is already known for his wide musical spectrum. He has already released several solo tracks on his Soundcloud account. 

Additionally, Hwiyoung has also appeared in the drama Imitation. 

Meanwhile, his upcoming single will reportedly show a different charm from his activities as SF9. 

 

SF9 is a nine-member group that made their debut in October 2016 with the digital single “Feeling Sensation.” The group’s other hits include “Now or Never,” “Good Guy,” “Puzzle,” “Scream,” “Tear Drop” and “Trauma.” 

Some of its members like Rowoon, Inseong, Hwiyoung, Chani, and Dawon have also ventured into acting. 

Featured image: SF9’s Hwiyoung updates fans with a new photo. Credit: Twitter/SF9

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FIFTY FIFTY’s Lawsuit May End with a Settlement Between Members and ATTRAKT CEO

The legal dispute between the girl group FIFTY FIFTY and their agency ATTRAKT has been a hot topic for a while. However, according to a report by the 50th Civil Affairs Department of the Seoul Central District Court, mediation may soon resolve it.

https://twitter.com/fiftyfiftylog/status/1686277249299886080

The recent decision by the court to send the legal dispute to mediation marks a significant turning point in the ongoing battle. Mediation, a form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR), offers a more private and potentially amicable way to end conflicts. It allows everyone involved to negotiate, giving them an opportunity to reach an agreement without the need for a public trial.

In the case of FIFTY FIFTY and ATTRAKT, the court’s decision to turn to mediation reflects an understanding that a civil settlement may be in the parties’ best interests. This process will enable the rookie group and the entertainment label to discuss their grievances openly and work towards a mutual agreement. However, the path to resolution does not have a guarantee. If the parties fail to reach an agreement, the court may propose a compromise. Should both parties reject this offer, the lawsuit will proceed through the traditional court system.

The allegations and conflict

FIFTY FIFTY, who became popular because of the hit song “Cupid,” accused ATTRAKT of betraying their trust and breaching their contract. Among other things, the agency reportedly pushed the girl group to continue promoting despite health issues. A legal representative for FIFTY FIFTY stated, “This application for an injunction is due to ATTRAKT’s violation of the contract and destruction of trust.”

ATTRAKT’s CEO Jung Heung Joon countered the allegations. He accused outside forces, including major label Warner Music Korea, of attempting to “poach” the group. The agency also sued “Cupid” producer Ahn Sung Il, claiming they bought the copyrights to the song from a foreign composer.

Cupid (Twin Ver.) – LIVE IN STUDIO | FIFTY FIFTY (피프티피프티)

The situation escalated when Dispatch revealed details behind FIFTY FIFTY‘s funding, formation, and copyrights. More than 95% of the song’s royalties were reported to go to Ahn Sung Il and The Givers. The Korean public supported ATTRAKT’s CEO, referring to FIFTY FIFTY as “Backstabbing Idols.”

The first trial took place on July 5. FIFTY FIFTY‘s lawyer accused ATTRAKT of incompetence and demanded proof of spending on the group. The argument fell apart after Interpark revealed that the money given to ATTRAKT had nothing to do with FIFTY FIFTY.

Impact of mediation on the industry

In another shocking revelation, Dispatch wrote that producer Ahn Sung Il forged the signatures of the “Cupid” songwriters to transfer its copyright to himself. As a result, FIFTY FIFTY‘s royalties from the song were withheld due to a decision made by the Korean Music Copyright Association.

The court’s decision to arbitrate an agreement between the two parties rather than giving a ruling elicited mixed reactions. Some fans have expressed support for FIFTY FIFTY‘s fight for freedom, while others called for new members to be picked for the group.

The legal battle also raised questions about the transparency and ethics within the K-pop industry. It exposed the complex relationships between labels, producers, and artists, shedding light on the challenges faced by young idols.

The fate of FIFTY FIFTY‘s career remains uncertain, but the impact of this legal battle will surely resonate throughout the K-pop industry. Whether the mediation leads to a settlement or the case goes to court, the outcome may affect how the K-pop industry handles contracts and relationships moving forward. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: At this point, netizens really want this case to be resolved as quickly as possible. Source: Twitter/@fiftyfiftyfeed.

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Watch: Disney+ Releases Teaser for Nct 127’s ‘The Lost Boys’

NCT 127 will be releasing a documentary special on Disney+. Credit: Twitter/NCT 127

NCT127 is off to Neverland! Disney+ released on Tuesday, August 1, the first teaser for the K-pop group’s upcoming docu-series titled The Lost Boys. 

The 37-second clip featured clips from NCT 127’s Neo City – The Link concert tour in various cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and Bangkok. 

It also included snippets of members Taeil, Johnny, Taeyeong, Yuta, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Jungwoo, Mark, and Haechan doing individual activities. 

“NCT 127 like you’ve never seen them before,” the text in the teaser read. Disney+ also wrote: ”Come and join the lost boys in Neverland.  

 

NCT 127: The Lost Boys will see the members open up about their childhood dreams, pre-debut lives, and idol journey. 

The four-part documentary-series is directed by Jayil Park and created by Cho Youngchul and Yim Pilsung. 

Each episode will reportedly feature two to three different members of the group, with two episodes airing from August 30 to September 6. 

Aside from NCT 127, Disney+ has also launched documentary shows of other K-pop idols. The list includes BTS members Suga and j-hope, and groups Super Junior and Tomorrow X Together.

Launched in 2016, NCT 127 is best known for their songs “Cherry Bomb,” “Kick It,” “Sticker,” “2 Baddies” among others.

It is one of the sub-units of the SM Entertainment act NCT. Currently, NCT is set to establish their last sub-unit through the reality survival series NCT Universe: LASTART.

Featured image: NCT 127 will be releasing a documentary special on Disney+. Credit: Twitter/NCT 127

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Ed Sheeran and Jungkook Rumored to be Doing a Song Together After Viral Interaction

In a recent and unexpected interaction, Ed Sheeran and BTS‘s Jungkook left netizens excited and speculating about a potential collaboration. The two global stars engaged in a playful conversation on the Audacy podcast, where Jungkook was promoting his new solo single “SEVEN.”

Jungkook, known for his charm and sense of humor, posed a question to Ed Sheeran, asking him to choose between playing the guitar and eating his favorite food for an entire month. Sheeran, with a bright smile, quickly chose to let go of his favorite food, explaining that he has many favorites and could easily do without one. He humorously added, “I’m not going to eat curry for the month and I’d eat other things.”

Audacy Check In: Jung Kook

This interaction was heartwarming and intriguing. Ed Sheeran has previously collaborated with BTS on hits like “Make it Right” from their 2019 EP Map of the Soul: Persona and their 2021 English single “Permission to Dance.” However, they have yet to meet face-to-face. They communicate only via interviews and music exchanges.

In addition to that playful interaction, Jungkook also spoke about his single and the possibility of releasing a full-length solo album. His confidence and excitement were palpable, leaving fans eagerly awaiting what might be on the way. He hinted, “I think a great album might be on the way.”

The bond between Ed Sheeran and Jungkook

BTS’ fans, also known as ARMY, were delighted by this unexpected interaction. 

The playful banter between the two artists led to hopes for a new collaboration, possibly even in person. Clips from the interview flooded social media, and ARMY expressed excitement about what might happen next.

Furthermore, their interaction showcased the genuine friendship and mutual respect between Ed Sheeran and Jungkook. Despite not having met in person, their camaraderie was evident. Sheeran‘s response to the South Korean superstar’s playful question was met with laughter and appreciation from fans. The BTS fandom affectionately refers to Ed Sheeran as “ARMY’s boy,” reflecting the close connection between the artists and the fans.

Whether or not a collaboration is in the works remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the bond between Ed Sheeran and Jungkook is strong, and their fans are here for it. The world is ready for whatever musical magic these two talents may make. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: ARMY and Ed’s fans are here for the bond between the two superstars. Source: Twitter/@Audacy.

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BTS’ Jungkook Accidentally Exposes His Personal TikTok Account

BTS’ Jungkook, the golden maknae of the world-renowned K-pop group BTS, recently found himself in a humorous predicament that has taken the internet by storm. While praising ENHYPEN’s Jay and Jungwon for dancing to his solo single “Seven” on Weverse, he accidentally exposed his private TikTok account.

The accidental revelation

Fans, always on the lookout, quickly noticed that the shared video led them to Jungkook’s private TikTok account, revealing his username as “Ian.” Realizing his mistake, he swiftly changed it to “JK.” But it was too late. Fans had already seen it, and “Ian” began trending on Twitter, including phrases like “Jungkook Ian” and “Mr. Jeon Ian.”

Jungkook’s reaction to the accidental exposure was a mix of embarrassment and humor. He took to Weverse to clarify the situation.

He also humorously pleaded with fans not to make fun of his nickname.

 

Jungkook and the name “Ian”

Interestingly, the name “Ian” isn’t just a random choice. When BTS appeared on Knowing Brothers in 2017, Jungkook shared that “Ian” was one of the stage names he considered before his debut. 

[EngSub]Knowing Brothers with ’BTS’ Ep-94 Part-15

This name even found its way into the BT21 universe, where “Ian” is a member of AT21, BT21’s rival group, and is depicted as Cooky’s nemesis.

BT21 ORIGINAL STORY EP.02 – COOKY & IAN

Fans connected the dots, recalling Jungkook’s previous mentions of the name and its significance in the BT21 universe. The connection between “Ian” and Cooky, Jungkook’s BT21 character, added an interesting layer to the story.

Fan reactions

Fans reacted to the revelation with a mix of surprise, amusement, and affection. Social media was flooded with memes, jokes, and playful banter. 

https://twitter.com/prince_min_07/status/1686392217282506753

Some fans even incorporated “Ian” into the Korean word for “sorry,” creating “sorryian” as a playful apology.

Despite the initial shock, fans were thrilled to discover Jungkook’s TikTok account. They were glad to see that he followed other HYBE acts like &TEAM, BOYNEXTDOOR, ENHYPEN, LESSERAFIM, NewJeans, SEVENTEEN, TXT, and fromis_9.

Fans also discovered that Jungkook had liked various videos, including dance challenge videos, edits, and even funny memes. In less than nine hours, one of the videos he liked went viral, amassing over 1.1 million views. The video was a funny edit featuring a collage of Jungkook dancing. The BTS star didn’t just like the video. He even commented on it, expressing his amusement with multiple “ㅋs,” a Korean character used to signify laughter.

Better luck next time, Jungkook

This incident has shown fans that there’s no hiding from Jungkook on TikTok. Despite the singer’s initial embarrassment, this amusing mishap brought fans closer to Jungkook, giving them a glimpse into his personal preferences and sense of humor.

It’s safe to say that Jungkook’s TikTok adventure has added another memorable chapter to BTS’ vibrant journey, leaving fans eagerly awaiting his next move on the platform. Whether it’s his love for the name “Ian” or his appreciation for fellow artists, Jungkook continues to captivate fans with his authenticity and charm.

Better luck next time, Jungkook! Your fans are watching. Fortunately, they love you all the more for this delightful mishap. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Despite Jungkook’s pleas, fans still clowned him for exposing his account. Source: Twitter/@chartjungkook.

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KTH1 Is Coming: BTS’ V to Work With Min Hee Jin for Solo Album

BTS V posing for FESTA 2022 photos. Credit: Facebook/BTS

Rejoice, ARMYs! Member V of K-pop legend BTS is confirmed to be working on his debut solo album. 

BIGHIT Music confirmed to Korean media on Tuesday, August 2, that V’s upcoming solo album is in collaboration with Min Hee Jin, the creative director behind rising rookie group NewJeans. 

Min will reportedly be leading the overall production of the album including the music, choreography, design, and promotion. 

As of writing, the agency has yet to release final details about V’s album title and release date. 

 

Soloist V

However, the idol couldn’t help but give some teasers on his upcoming solo release, adding that he’s “nervous but happy” about it. 

“It’s an album that captures my tastes. There will be abundant spectacles,” he said. 

V also promised ARMYs that the upcoming album will “see a new side of solo artist V that is different from BTS’ V.” 

 

For her part, Min also agreed that they made an “interesting production.”

She shared that while she initially hesitated to accept the offer of working with V due to schedule conflicts, she got really interested with the BTS member’s “attitude and passion” and “voice tone.” 

 

“We prepared music that reflects V’s preferences,.” she added. “Rather than a familiar style, we placed focus on music that we want to make and music that we can pull off well.” 

Min is the CEO of ADOR, the HYBE subsidiary label that houses NewJeans. She also previously worked with SM Entertainment artists such as SHINee, f(x), EXO, and Red Velvet. 

Busy year for BTS

Since BTS announced in June 2022 that they’ll be taking a break, the members have been busy working on solo releases, with V being the last member to do so. 

Member j-hope released the Jack In The Box album, RM with Indigo, Suga with D-Day, and Jimin with Face. 

Meanwhile, Jin released his debut solo single “The Astronaut” and Jungkook with “Seven.”

Currently, Jin and j-hope are serving in the military. 

BTS made their debut in June 2013 with the single “2 COOL 4 SKOOL.” The septet has since established world records and even entered the Guinness World Records Hall of Fame.

The group celebrated their 10th debut anniversary with the release of the memoir “Beyond the Story: 10-Year Record of BTS” and digital single “Take Two.”

Featured image: BTS V posing for FESTA 2022 photos. Credit: Facebook/BTS

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SM Entertainment Rookie Idol’s Past Comes Back to Haunt Him

The K-pop world is no stranger to controversies, and the latest artist to face the storm is Sohee, a member of SM Entertainment’s new seven-member rookie boy group RIIZE. As the group officially introduced its members, the internet dug up Sohee’s pre-debut photos. The photos sparked heated debates and discussions. Here’s a look at the bad and the good surrounding this emerging star.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/GbI8qj0FwmE

Pre-debut photo of RIIZE Sohee at Hunting Bar #shorts #RIIZE #kpop #vortoone

The controversy began when a photo of Sohee chilling at a “hunting bar” in Ansan-si, Gyeonggi-do began circulating online. Such establishments, known as “hunting pochas” or “solo pochas,” are quite notorious for marketing not just food and drinks but also potential hook-ups. The photo, combined with another one of Sohee posing with friends outside an elementary school, ignited a firestorm of criticism.

Some netizens were quick to judge, expressing their disappointment. Comments ranged from calling him unsuitable to be a K-pop idol to expressing concerns about what more might come to light. But it must be said that not all reactions were negative. Some netizens pointed out that going to a hunting bar as an adult isn’t necessarily a problem, though it might be a turn-off for an aspiring idol.

A relatively normal life

Despite the ongoing controversy, there’s more to Sohee than meets the eye. Born on November 21, 2003, he is described as the main vocalist of RIIZE. By all accounts, Sohee led a relatively normal life before he was cast by SM Entertainment. Aside from the photos of him at that hunting bar, his cheerful yearbook photos (where he’s seen with an adorable gap in his teeth), and pictures of him as a normal student enjoying computer games also made the rounds.

@jmygs7

Sohee vocal is crazy 5th gen Best Main Vocalist #RIIZE #smnewboygroup #SOHEE

♬ suara asli – Lifeisegg – Lifeisegg

Furthermore, his vocal training academy released a video of him singing a ballad alongside another trainee, showcasing his talent. Fans have already started falling for his bright smile and handsome looks, even before he was put in RIIZE. 

@dytunemaster

5th gen best main vocalist is here, RIIZE LEE SOHEE #SOHEE #소희 #RIIZE #라이즈 #RISEandREALIZE

♬ original sound – 도영 – geo

Netizens also found Sohee‘s graduation pictures, where he was described as “cute and reminiscent of someone who jokes around a lot.” These photos paint a picture of a young boy who is much, much more than the controversy that surrounds him.

All eyes on Sohee

The world of entertainment is often quick to judge, and the case of Sohee is no different. While the controversial photos have certainly raised eyebrows, it’s crucial to recognize the potential and talent of this young artist. Furthermore, we must also remember that whatever someone did in the past may not be an accurate reflection of who they are in the present.

As RIIZE prepares to debut in September, all eyes will be on Sohee and his fellow members. The journey ahead may be filled with potholes, but with determination, talent, and the support of people who adore him, Sohee has a chance to rise above this controversy and become a shining star in the K-pop scene. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Despite the controversy, Sohee already has supporters who are rooting for him to rise above it. Source: Twitter/@riizefiles.

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Redstart ENM Trainees From “Boys Planet” Set to Debut as TIOT

The K-pop world is buzzing with excitement as Redstart ENM’s trainees from Boys Planet announce their official debut. This new group, called TIOT, comprises Choi Woo Jin, Kim Min Seoung, Kum Jun Hyeon, and Hong Keon Hee, and is set to make waves in the music industry.

On August 1, Redstart ENM revealed the new group’s name, TIOT, which stands for “Time Is Our Turn.” The name symbolizes the group’s determination and readiness to take on the world. TIOT will begin group promotions with a pre-debut project, showcasing their unique style and talent.

As part of their pre-debut project, TIOT will be remaking Click B‘s single “Undefeated,” originally released in 2001. This remake marks the first time someone has covered the song in approximately 22 years. A music video for TIOT‘s version of “Undefeated” will drop this August 23, followed by more material on August 28.

TIOT has a promising future

The anticipation for TIOT‘s debut has been building since their impressive performance on Mnet’s survival program Boys Planet. Fans are eagerly awaiting the group’s fresh take on a classic song and their official debut. Additionally, TIOT has been actively engaging with fans through social media, keeping them up to date on the group’s upcoming activities.

REDSTART BOYS INTERVIEW EP.1 [ENG/JPN]

With their official group name announcement and pre-debut song release, TIOT is gearing up for a promising future. The group’s talent and charisma have already captured the attention of netizens, and their upcoming debut is sure to solidify their place in the K-pop scene.

REDSTART BOYS INTERVIEW EP.2 [ENG/JPN]

TIOT’s debut is a milestone for Redstart ENM and the members themselves. The road they took to become a full-fledged boy group has been filled with dedication, hard work, and passion. As the four boys begin their journeys, fans and industry insiders are watching them with interest. Their official name announcement and pre-debut song mark the start of an exciting new chapter, and the K-pop community is looking forward to what TIOT has in store. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The Redstart ENM trainees hit the ground running after the show, and now their dreams are about to come true. Source: Twitter/@TIOT_NOW.

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

“POW”: GRID Entertainment Announces Name of New Boy Group

Startup entertainment company GRID Entertainment is making waves in the K-pop industry with the announcement of its new 5-member boy group, POW. The group’s name symbolizes an explosion. It reflects their goal to make a fun, refreshing, and significant impact on the scene.

 

The debut team is led by Yorch Yongsin, a Thai actor, model, and soloist under GRID Entertainment. Born on April 11, 2002, in Phayao, Thailand, Yorch has been acting since he was 10 years old and has starred in movies like 15+ IQ Krachoot and Timeline Letter Memory. He almost debuted in a boy group under HYBE, but when that didn’t work out, he shifted gears. He debuted as a soloist back in April with the single “Switch.” Yorch enjoys dancing, food (particularly durian and tteokbokki), and soccer.

YORCH – Seven (Official MV)

Joining Yorch is a Filipino-South Korean dancer-singer named Yoon Dong Yeon. Born on September 26, 2003, Dong Yeon, also known as Justin, was a contestant on the SBS survival program LOUD. He is fluent in English, Korean, and Tagalog and used to be active under JYP Entertainment. His zodiac sign is Libra, and his MBTI type is ENFP.

Youn Dongyeon | Filipino-Korean Participant in LOUD?

The remaining members, Jung Bin, Hyun Bin, and Hong, are newcomers to the industry.

All eyes on POW

On August 1, GRID confirmed the launch of POW, unveiling the group’s logo, and opening its official SNS accounts. POW‘s debut is scheduled for September 2023, and fans can hardly wait for what promises to be a dynamic addition to K-pop. The addition of well-known personalities like Yorch and Dong Yeon adds to the excitement, as their previous experiences and fan following are likely to contribute to the group’s initial success.

With experienced and up-and-coming talents, POW will surely make a significant impact. As their official debut in September approaches, all eyes are on POW, anticipating the refreshing explosion they aim to create in the industry. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Their explosive energy is evident in their teasers. Source: Twitter/@POW_grid.

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