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BIGBANG’s Taeyang Reveals Inspiration For ‘Down to Earth’ Album

Taeyang is opening up about how ‘Down to Earth’ came to be. The BIGBANG vocalist is sharing the inspiration behind his latest album. Dong Youngbae also dropped the romantic teaser for the documentary following the album’s production.

Taeyang Discusses The Inspirations Behind His Latest EP ‘Down To Earth’

Taeyang recently spoke to Vogue Singapore where he spoke about the influences that led to ‘Down to Earth’. The ‘Wedding Dress’ singer pointed out that music from his childhood was a major inspiration.

“I am trying to express the music of the era I was most influenced by. Music in Korea from the ’80s to the ’90s is what I consider to be the golden era of Korean music,” he said.

Dong Youngbae also confirmed that he spent several years working on the EP. Even his military service influenced the album in its own way.

“I was mostly focused on my daily activities at the time and wasn’t able to listen to music nor gain any inspiration. Outside of my army duties, I was also going through some tough situations,” Taeyang said.

Despite all the trouble, he found inspiration in nature.

“I started to feel solace and comfort through the beautiful sunsets. As this became something I looked forward to daily, I started to reflect and look at my life from a different perspective, and began running every day when the sun was setting,” Taeyang said.

“I felt that my situation in life was similar to the setting sun because the sunset doesn’t greet the morning, it greets the night. I saw myself in the sunset because I was facing a dark situation in my life too,” he added.

The most important inspiration in ‘Down to Earth’ is undoubtedly Taeyang’s better half. Actress Min Hyo Rin makes an appearance in the teaser for the documentary covering the album’s production. In the teaser, Taeyang serenades his lovely wife by singing the EP’s title track “Seed”. Min Hyorin also gets emotional as she listens to her husband’s song.

The ‘Down to Earth’ documentary will be released on May 12, 2023.

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MONSTA X’s Joohoney Drops ‘LIGHTS’ Tracklist

Joohoney is sharing more details about his upcoming solo album. The MONSTA X rapper dropped the official tracklist for ‘LIGHTS’, his first solo album.

MONSTA X’s Joohoney Drops Moody Tracklist Teaser for Solo Debut ‘LIGHTS’

The official MONSTA X Twitter account shared a new teaser for Joohoney’s upcoming album. The poster features the tracklist for ‘LIGHTS’ as well as a cool image of Lee Jooheon.

‘LIGHTS’ will consist of six new songs “HYPE ENERGY,” “Voice,” “FREEDOM,” “Evolution,” “Monologue (ft. G-Soul),” and “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” All titles listed in the tracklist are written, composed, and arranged by Lee Joheon himself. The lead single has not yet been specified.

MONBEBEs initially believed that ‘LIGHTS’ will be a full album. Nevertheless, an EP is a welcome content from Joohoney. After all, the album is getting a physical release, unlike the MONSTA X rapper’s previous mixtapes.

Lee Jooheon will share more details about the comeback this week. Fans are already looking forward to the concept photos and teaser video for the lead single. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

Joohoney isn’t the only MONSTA X member who is preparing for a comeback. An earlier report confirmed fellow rapper I.M. will be releasing a new album in June. This will be Im Changkyun’s first comeback since leaving Starship Entertainment and signing with Sony Music Korea.

In related news, it was also confirmed that leader Shownu and lead dancer Hyungwon will debut as MONSTA X’s first unit group. This will be the group’s first official subunit. They will debut sometime in the summer.

The MONSTA X subunit will be Shownu’s first official activity since being discharged from military service in April this year. Son Hyunwoo enlisted for mandatory military service and July 22, 2021, and served as a public service worker for 18 months. He was officially discharged on April 21, 2023.

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BTS’ J-Hope Sends Sweet Message for Parents While in Military Service

J-Hope might be serving his country right now but he is always looking out for Mom and Dad. The BTS main dancer unveiled some cute artwork for Parents Day. The artwork also includes a sweet message for his mother and father.

J-Hope Shares Adorable Drawing and Heartfelt Message for Parents’ Day

The Camp is a special website where people can stay updated with loved ones serving in the Korean military. On May 7, the website shared a photo of J-Hope showing off an adorable drawing for Parents’ Day. The illustration also features a sweet message for Jung Hoseok’s parents.

“Mom, Dad, I’m greeting you in celebration of Parents’ Day,” he wrote. “Thank you for giving birth to and raising me. I love you. Your son, Hoseok.”

It’s a sweet message that would make J-Hope’s mother and father truly proud. In addition to that, the illustration is extra special as it was drawn by the “On The Street” rapper just for Mom and Dad.

Although J-Hope was able to share a heartfelt message to his parents, it looks like he is having trouble contacting his fellow BTS member. Jin previously posted a message under the rapper’s latest update on Weverse.

“Have you not been able to call? Because you have been reading the room. Have you received the letters that I have sent well?” Jin wrote under a fan’s comment. He also joked about keeping an eye on his dongsaeng.

“Are you hurt anywhere? Have you shaved your friends’ hair? Is the food that is served there good? There’s a long time to go until you get a vacation,” Kim Seokjin wrote. “I’m spending my military life looking at you.”

J-Hope enlisted for mandatory military service on April 18, about four months after Jin’s enlistment. He is then expected to be discharged by October 17, 2024.

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GOT7’s BamBam Shares Heartfelt Message as Jinyoung Enlists for Military Service

BamBam has sweet things to say to Jinyoung now that his hyung has enlisted for military service. The GOT7 rapper posted a heartfelt message for the “Yumi’s Cells” star who began his enlistment this week.

BamBam References JJ Project in Sweet Message for Jinyoung’s Military Enlistment

Jinyoung had already announced his military enlistment date and AHGASEs have been counting down the days since then. BamBam is clearly one of the people who was waiting for the date and he tweeted about his hyung‘s enlistment on May 8, 2023.

“Jinyoung, I wish you a healthy service,” he wrote. BamBam also assured the “Dive” singer that the GOT7 members and their fans are patiently waiting for his return.

“I’m not sure if you will see this tweet, but we GOT7 and AHGASEs will be waiting for JJ Project with patience,” he added.

BamBam’s reference to JJ Project comes at a fitting time. The duo, which also features GOT7 leader Jay B, was officially announced by JYP Entertainment on May 8, 2012. In addition to that, Jay B previously enlisted for military service sometime in February 2023. This means that Jay B and Jinyoung will be discharged within months of each other.

BH Entertainment Shares New Photo of Jinyoung’s Buzzcut

Jinyoung’s agency BH Entertainment announced on Instagram that the “Devil Judge” actor has officially enlisted. The company shared a new photo of Park Jinyoung with his new haircut.

“Actor Park Jinyoung enlisted today,” the caption read. “We ask for your support and encouragement until the day he greets fans again with improvement.”

Jinyoung was recently honored at the 59th Baeksang Arts Awards. He won the TikTok Popularity Award with IU and Best New Actor for his performance in “Christmas Carol”. During his speech, Park Jin-young mentioned his military enlistment and GOT7’s return.

“I will come back healthily after the military service and will greet you again with great works, also with GOT7’s album and my solo album. Thank you,” Jinyoung said.

Jinyoung will be discharged from military service on November 7, 2024.

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OMEGA X Officially Terminates SPIRE Entertainment Exclusive Contract

OMEGA X is officially cutting ties with SPIRE Entertainment. After a long legal battle, the 11-member idol group has finally terminated their exclusive contract with the agency.

OMEGA X Officially Cuts Ties With SPIRE Entertainment

The official OMEGA X Instagram account shared the update.

“OMEGA X and SPIRE Entertainment reached an amicable and mutual agreement to terminate our exclusive contract after careful and lengthy discussions,” the statement read.

It was also confirmed that the group has chosen to settle the legal battle.

“As a result, [we] decided to end all disputes with our former agency SPIRE Entertainment,” it said. It is also noted that they “agreed to work for the development of K-pop in our respective positions.”

Most importantly, the group thanked their supporters.

“We sincerely thank all the people who have cared about and believed in OMEGA X,” the statement read. “OMEGA X plans to continue our activities with the manager who shared joys and sorrows with us for a long time even from before our debut.”

Back in November 2022, the group announced that they would be filing a lawsuit to terminate their contract with SPIRE Entertainment. They also filed criminal charges against the agency’s chairman. The charges came after the chairman’s wife and former CEO reportedly hit the members in public.

By January 2023, the group was granted an injunction suspending the validity of their exclusive contract with SPIRE Entertainment. However, more allegations about the agency’s mistreatment of the idols continued to surface in the wake of the CEO’s resignation. Hopefully, the group will finally be able to move forward into the future.

The group debuted in June 2021 with the EP ‘Vamos’. The 11 members are Jaehan, Hwichan, Sebin, Hangyeom, Taedong, Xen, Jehyun, Kevin, Junghoon, Hyuk, and Yechan. The group has not yet signed with a new agency. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

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ATEEZ’s Wooyoung Confirms Temporary Hiatus Due to Ankle Injury

Wooyoung is taking a break to focus on his health. The ATEEZ main dancer is going on temporary hiatus due to an ankle injury. This means Jung Woo-young will not be able to join the rest of the group in their upcoming activities.

Wooyoung Announces Temporary Hiatus Due To Ankle Injury

KQ Entertainment issued a statement explaining Wooyoung’s health condition.

“Recently, Wooyoung obtained an ankle injury and has been focusing on recovery,” the statement read. “Despite this, he has been performing on stage while sitting in a chair due to his strong will to fulfill his promise to the fans.”

Unfortunately, the ATEEZ member will need to take more time to focus on his recovery.

“As the pain has continued, it was decided that he would need a thorough examination and treatment at a medical institution,” the statement continued. “After a long discussion with Wooyoung and all the other ATEEZ members, the decision has been made to suspend Wooyoung’s schedule for a period of time so that he can undergo treatment accordingly.”

“As a result, Wooyoung will not be able to join the following schedules: ‘THE DANCE DAY LIVE 2023’ and ‘KCON 2023 JAPAN,’” it confirms.

“We ask for your understanding, as this decision has been made in consideration of Wooyoung’s health,” the statement adds. “We apologize for the sudden news and will do our absolute best to ensure Wooyoung’s quick recovery, as his health is our biggest priority.”

ATEEZ recently performed two encore shows in Seoul where ATINYs found a hint about the group’s next comeback. There were special banners with QR codes posted outside the venue. When scanned, it reveals a mysterious ‘WANTED’ poster featuring the ATEEZ members.

The group also shared an update on their world tour. It was confirmed that ‘THE FELLOWSHIP: BREAK THE WALL’ will include dates in Taipei, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore, and Manila.

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INFINITE Reveal New Logo and Social Media Accounts as Sunggyu’s New Company Acquires Group’s Trademark Rights

INFINITE is taking control of the group’s future. The second-generation boy group has teased their new logo and debuted new social media accounts. Additionally, leader Sunggyu’s newly established company now holds the group’s trademark rights.

INFINITE Debuts New Logo and Social Media Accounts

On May 6, a new Twitter account revealed INFINITE’s yellow logo. It also revealed the group’s new official accounts for Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

At first, people were uncertain of the posts. However, it was soon confirmed that these were the new official accounts for INFINITE.

Sunggyu’s New Company Acquires INFINITE’s Trademark Rights

The announcement comes soon after fans discovered that leader Sunggyu has established Infinite Company. Sunggyu has been in the process of transferring group-related copyrights from their former agency to the new company.

Infinite Company now holds the trademark rights for the group’s name, their fandom’s name, and even the title of their concerts. This opens endless possibilities for the boy group as they continue to pursue activities in the future.

INFINITE debuted in June 2010 with the EP ‘First Invasion’ and the lead single “Come Back Again”. They became Woollim Entertainment’s first idol group and labelmates Epik High helped with their popularity.

INFINITE started out as a seven-member group. In August 2017, Hoya chose not to renew his contract with Woollim Entertainment and left the group as well as the agency.

In 2019, Dongwoo, Woohyun, Sungyeol, L, and Sungjong began promoting with five members when Sunggyu enlisted for military service. By August 2022, all members had completed their military service. All six members also chose not to renew their contracts with Woollim Entertainment but will continue to participate in group activities.

For now, INFINITE has not yet announced plans for a comeback with all six members. However, INSPIRITs are already looking forward to the group’s official return. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

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Coldplay’s Chris Martin Reveals How BTS’ Jin Inspires His Life

The friendship between Chris Martin and Jin continues to be a strong one. The Coldplay singer has just revealed how the BTS member serves as an inspiration in his life.

Chris Martin Opens Up About His Friendship With BTS’ Jin

The official Coldplay Twitter account recently shared a clip of Chris Martin talking about working with Jin. The clip, which is from the film “Coldplay – Music Of The Spheres: Live at River Plate”, features the singer admitting he just loves Jin.

“When we were planning the Buenos Aires shows, it just happened to coincide with Jin having to go into the army in South Korea,” Martin said. “We did it because I really love that guy, the way he moves forward without hesitation when he thinks it’s right.”

“It’s inspiring in my life,” he added. “I love that man. I love the stuff, the story of it, the weirdness of that relationship and how it’s become so natural.”

“It sort of inspires me across my life to lean into something that might be unusual if it feels right,” Martin continued.

The friendship between Jin and Chris Martin started when BTS and Coldplay collaborated on the song “My Universe” in 2021. Martin and his band also co-wrote Jin’s single “The Astronaut” which was released before the BTS member enlisted for military service.

Coldplay gave Kim Seokjin the chance to perform “The Astronaut” live during one of their concerts. Jin appeared as a special guest during the group’s concert at the Estadio River Plate Stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The concert also coincided with the single’s release date and the performance was the first time fans got to hear the song live.

Kim Seokjin enlisted for mandatory military service on December 13, 2022. He will serve as an active-duty soldier for 18 months and will be discharged on June 12, 2024. “Coldplay – Music of the Spheres: Live at River Plate” was released on April 19, 2023.

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MONSTA X’s I.M. Confirms June Solo Comeback

I.M. is getting ready for his next solo comeback. The MONSTA X maknae confirmed he is releasing a new album in June. This will be Im Changkyun’s first album since he signed with a new agency last November.

MONSTA X Rapper I.M. Confirms First Solo Comeback Since Starship Entertainment Departure

Sports Khan reports that I.M. is currently working on his next solo album. The new album will be the MONSTA X rapper’s first solo effort since signing with Sony Music Entertainment Korea last November.

I.M. left Starship Entertainment in August 2022 when he chose not to renew his exclusive contract with the agency. He is the only member of MONSTA X who decided not to stay with the company. However, Im Changkyun will continue to participate in future group activities.

Sony Music Korea recently unveiled I.M’s new official logo. In addition to that, the agency confirmed that the “God Damn” rapper will launch his official website on May 16, 2023.

In related news, I.M’s fellow MONSTA X rapper Joohoney announced his solo debut scheduled for May 2023. The new album will get a physical release, unlike Lee Jooheon’s previous mixtapes. The official release date has not yet been revealed.

MONSTA X will also launch its first unit group this year. It was previously reported that leader Shownu and lead dancer Hyungwon will debut as the group’s first subunit. This will be MONSTA X’s first official subunit since the group debuted in 2015.

The official name for MONSTA X’s first unit group has not been announced. However, Shownu and Hyungwon’s subunit is expected to debut this summer.

The group unit will mark Shownu’s first activity since his military discharge in April. Son Hyunwoo enlisted for mandatory military service in July 2021. He was discharged on April 21, 2023, just two weeks after fellow MONSTA X member Minhyuk began his military service.

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RM Shares Honest Feelings Ahead of BTS’ 10th Anniversary

RM is sharing his feelings with ARMYs as BTS draws closer to a major milestone. The BTS leader posted an honest message addressed to his fans. Interestingly, the message reveals how he feels about the group’s 10th anniversary.

RM Reveals Feelings About BTS’ 10th Anniversary

Kim Namjoon recently posted a lengthy update on Weverse. In his post, the BTS rapper greeted ARMYs before sharing his feelings about the 10th anniversary.

“Hello everyone. It’s been a long time. Hope you all are doing well. I’m getting along all right, just trying my best to live in the present,” RM wrote.

“These days I am discovering more about who I am,” he added. “There are times when there are an endless amount of words I want to say, but I forget them quickly. It’s been ten years since we came out to the world. How are you guys? Are you ok?”

“Sometimes, no, often times, I wonder. How you’re doing, your thoughts, hope and despair, what you believe in now, what you want to believe, what you are chasing, if you feel the seasons well,” RM continued. “As I’ve said several times before, it’s getting harder and harder to open my mouth. I don’t know. I guess I am learning to be more silent as I become an adult.”

“Many sad things become happy, and happy things become sad. I sometimes feel unfamiliar when I watch the videos and words I have said in the past. I can hardly remember anymore,” he added. “It’s strange that these things are becoming dull and sad, and empty. The confidence that I’ve had sometimes disappears. I guess this is just how I am right now.”

“I’m curious and afraid of what it will be like after I return. Time goes by so fast, and everything changes, even me,” RM wrote. “I don’t want to ask for all the love irresponsibly, and I don’t want to cling to you. Rather than wandering around looking for love, if I stay in love and I put in the effort, I want to believe that love will come to me naturally.”

RM Expresses Gratitude For ARMYs’ Ongoing Support for BTS

RM then pointed out that BTS’ 10th anniversary is coming and expressed his feelings of gratitude to his supporters.

“It’s our ten-year anniversary soon. It’s sad that there are things that are getting more and more difficult as the dust piles over time and our hearts. But in a way, maybe that’s just how it is with the weight of our hearts. That means that the pieces we’ve shared are that big,” he wrote. “I am humbled and give thanks every day. I will continue to reminisce about what was a part of me, and as always, I will be fine. Will have been pp (passive participle).”

It is noted that the last line “will have been pp (past participle)” implies he is good, he is doing good, and that he will be doing good.

RM concluded with a sweet message for ARMYs.

“Although you will have a lot of hard times, and it may be very painful, please be well! I will be curious sometimes and often! My words and my letters are the way I give you my love,” he wrote. “This is my current state now. Be careful of the rain and cold! By the time you forget about me again, I will find you again. Stay healthy!”

Kim Namjoon had previously confirmed he intended to enlist for military service at the same time as J-Hope. However, the BTS leader chose to delay his enlistment to finish a project.

“I was actually planning to enlist around the same time as J-Hope but I had to push it back because of this project,” he said.

BTS will celebrate their 10th anniversary since debut on June 12, 2023.

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