Category: KPOP NEWS

It’s official: Park Seo Joon is now part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

On September 3, PSJ made headlines after he was spotted at the Incheon International Airport, boarding a plane to LA. His agency Awesome Entertainment later released a statement, confirming not only his flight but also his new project which kept fans and the K-drama community speculating for a while now.

Fans can now rest knowing that PSJ’s casting in “Captain Marvel 2” is now official

“It’s true that Park Seo Joon departed for Los Angeles earlier this afternoon after confirming his casting in the new Marvel Studios film,” the statement read. It also addressed the possibility of dropping spoilers about PSJ’s role in “The Marvels,” the sequel of MCU’s “Captain Marvel” starring Brie Larson.

“We know very well that you are all very curious about what production he will star in, what his character will be, where he will film, for how long, and more. However, we will not publicize more specific details until a later time,” the statement continued. It concluded with a request for fans to “cheer on Park Seo Joon.” This way, the actor will be able to “wrap up his filming successfully and return safely.”

Park Seo Joon’s role in “The Marvels”

Will we see some Fight for My Way or Itaewon Class realness? Or Hwarang?

Along with the K-community, we are also waiting for confirmation on Park Seo Joon’s role in “The Marvels.” There are speculations though that he will most likely portray a version of the comic book character Amadeus Chau. In the comics, (!POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT!) Amadeus is a young genius who eventually becomes the new Hulk.

This isn’t the first time PSJ stars in an international film. In 2019, he made a cameo appearance in the Oscar-winning film “Parasite,” which starred his Wooga Squad friend Choi Woo Shik.

The Marvels stars Brie Larson as Carol Danvers, Teyonah Parris as Monica Rambeau, and Iman Vellani as Kamala Khan. The Nia DaCosta film is currently being filmed in Los Angeles and is scheduled for release on November 11, 2022.

More on Hollywood and MCU news: GOT7 Mark Confirmed for MCU’s “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” Soundtrack

Featured image: Park Seo Joon cameos in Parasite. Photo: Madman Films/YouTube

Following the release of GOT7 member Jay B’s first mini-album SOMO: FUME, this news surely comes as a new treat for AHGASEs: GOT7’s Mark Tuan has joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe!

The GOT7 rapper is confirmed to be one of the artists who contributed a song to the MCU movie “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings”. Marvel has shared the official tracklist for the “Shang-Chi” soundtrack, which includes Mark’s collaboration with Korean singer-songwriter BIBI. Their song “Never Gonna Come Down” is the ninth track on the album.

AHGASEs have suspected Mark is involved with the latest Marvel movie. It started when the GOT7 visual attended the “Shang-Chi” world premiere at the TCL Chinese Theater in Los Angeles on August 16. Mark later posted photos with the caption “NGCD” which mystified his fans.

Mark Tuan and BIBI perform alongside fellow South Korean artists in the soundtrack “Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings: The Album“. We see familiar faces in the OST, such as hip-hop artist  Zion.T. and Anderson .Paak, who has Korean heritage. Check out the full tracklist and the artists below:

1. “Always Rising” – NIKI, Rich Brian, Warren Hue
2. “Diamond + and Pearls” – DPR LIVE, DPR IAN, peace.
3. “In The Dark” – Swae Lee, Jhené Aiko
4. “Lazy Susan” – 21 Savage, Rich Brian, Masiwei, Warren Hue
5. “Nomad” – Zion.T, Gen Hoshino
6. “Fire in the Sky” – Anderson .Paak
7. “Lose Control” – JJ Lin
8. “Every Summertime” – NIKI
9. “Never Gonna Come Down” – Mark Tuan, BIBI
10. “Foolish” – Rich Brian, Warren Hue, Guapdad 4000
11. “Clocked Out!” – Audrey Nuna, NIKI
12. “Act Up” – Rich Brian, Earthgang
13. “Baba Says” – Various Artists
14. “Run It” – DJ Snake, Rick Ross, Rich Brian
15. “Swan Song” – Saweetie, NIKI
16. “War With Heaven” – keshi
17. “Hot Soup” – 88rising, Simu Liu
18. “Warriors” – Warren Hue, Seori

The official motion picture soundtrack is exclusively produced by 88rising, the pioneering music platform for Asian artists around the world. It is released under Marvel Music / Hollywood Records and Interscope Records.

“Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings” stars “Kim’s Convenience” actor Simu Liu as the titular comic book hero. In the film, Shang-Chi’s seemingly normal life is upended when his past comes back to haunt him.

“Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings” premiered in theaters on September 3. The soundtrack was released on the same day.

Solar, Moonbyul, Wheein, and Hwasa have just unveiled the first teaser for their upcoming compilation album. Not surprisingly, the new LP has the perfect title.

The official MAMAMOO Twitter account shared a teaser, revealing the title of the girl group’s new album. The image confirms that the LP will be titled I SAY MAMAMOO: THE BEST. In the same tweet, we can see the group’s new logo.

“I say MAMAMOO” is a reference to the group’s official greeting and it’s the best way to introduce their music. It’s a great title for an album that compiles the best of MAMAMOO’s discography.

In addition to beloved tracks, the upcoming album is expected to feature two new songs from Solar, Moonbyul, Wheein, and Hwasa. We’ll find out the official tracklist in the coming weeks.

MOOMOOs are clearly loving the news and are already getting ready for MAMAMOO’s next comeback.

The September comeback will be the first since Solar, Moonbyul, and Hwasa renewed their contracts with RBW Entertainment. Wheein did not renew her contract though, and instead, signed with new label THE L1VE, founded by VIXX’s Ravi. Although she is no longer with RBW, the vocalist will continue to promote with MAMAMOO.

MAMAMOO recently thrilled fans with their online concert WAW on August 28, and now they are getting ready for a comeback. Being a MOOMOO surely means always being spoiled with new content!

MAMAMOO’s new album I SAY MAMAMOO: THE BEST will be released on September 15, 2021, at 6 pm KST.

Featured photo: MAMAMOO concept photo for their online concert, WAW. Photo: RBW_MAMAMOO/Twitter

So, the day SONEs all around the world waited for crazy anticipation finally happened. Taeyeon, Yuri, Hyoyeon, Sunny, Yoona, Tiffany, Sooyoung, and Seohyun blessed us on September 1 had tVN’s You Quiz on the Block premiering their episode featuring a reunion of all eight Girl’s Generation members in one interview. But not only were we blessed with the reunion; the interview also blessed us with some new information never heard before in interviews the girls gave for the past 14 years. Here are some things that happened and were revealed to us in the 121st episode of You Quiz on the Block, featuring Sonyeo Shide.

1. The Schedules Were Crazy 

When the girls reminisced about their legendary 14-year career, most of them can still clearly remember the crazy schedules they had, considering they were the Nation’s Girl Group. Sunny recounted how they took a 12-hour flight to Australia and perform there before taking a midnight flight back to Seoul and go directly to a music show  Yuri for her part narrated their trip across three continents, from Korea to Paris to the US, while Hyoyeon talked about performing for a year-end music program in Tokyo then taking a jet back to Seoul to perform on a year-end music show as well, so they did not have any time for even outfit changes.  

2. Taeyeon the Diet Rebel

With stunningly consistent and stable vocal abilities even during her days an SM Entertainment trainee, there was little doubt Taeyeon would debut in Girl’s Generation, or in any girl group. But then, that still didn’t stop SM and its managers from subjecting the Kid Leader to strict and rigid rules applied to all trainees, including strict diets to achieve an idol-level body image. Taeyeon herself admitted that she was considered chubbier than the other trainees (is that even possible?), and so everything she had to eat was monitored. She got so frustrated that she snuck out of their trainee quarters and went hope to be away from her strict managers and obviously, to enjoy some good ‘ole home cooking. Seohyun seconded this, claiming that all of them were guilty of hiding chocolates and eating them when the managers were not watching them.

3. The Impromptu Performances!

Obviously, since there was no time to do a review of SNSD’s discography like we SONEs demand, there were some segments in the show that allowed the members to reminisce some of their songs and their equally legendary dances. While talking about that iconic Music Core performance of Genie in a helipad, Yuri got up on her feet and danced the iconic leg beauty dance (that move where the girls kick imaginary dirt while stretching their legs in the process) and the iconic Kissing You live stages that Yoona performed complete with lollipop waving, where Hyoyeon, Yuri, and Sunny, could not resist but join her before the chorus ended. The National MC, who has a distinct preference for songs released in the previous decade, couldn’t help but sing along with the teenybopper song, repeatedly saying he “likes the song so much” 

4. A Hard Knock Life as Year-End Rookies

As the most in-demand female group in the early 2010s, SNSD needed to be present in each and every special year-end program presented by the various TV stations. As they were still relative rookies after only being in the business for 3 to 4 years, they had to satisfy SONEs with their regular appearances while performing hits of their sunbaenims like Fin.K.L, S.E.S., and of course, BoA. Maknae Seohyun recalled that in a lot of year-end performances, it is assumed that they have stocked knowledge of 1st gen k-pop choreography from their trainee years, so they are usually taught their special stage choreos hours before the performance. Tiffany testifies to this when they had only two hours to nail the moves to Lee Hyori’s U-Go-Girl. This reminds me how impressed Tiffany’s unnies in Sister Slam Dunk were when she memorized the dance to their song Shut Up after only a couple of repetitions.

5. A Possible Girls’ Generation Reunion Song?

Of course, the show couldn’t end without Yoo Jaesuk and Jo Seho asking the girls if there are plans for an OT8 comeback. As with their previous reactions when they have been asked this question in other interviews, the girls were coy and played it safe by saying they are always open to the possibility. But then, Sunny just had to give us that glimmer of hope by saying, “I guess we’ll have to do it now since Yoo Jae Suk said so.”    

And a million SONE hearts fluttered. 

Featured image: Girls’ Generation’s reunion on Yoo Quiz on the Block. Photo: youquizontheblock/Instagram

MONSTA X is ready for another comeback this year! Minhyuk, Kihyun, Hyungwon, Joohoney, and I.M. have announced the new single “Only One” set for release in September. This is the group’s first official comeback after Shownu’s enlistment in July.

The official MONSTA X Twitter account confirmed the news by sharing the “Only One” teaser poster. The poster simply features the group’s logo and the song’s title. However, it also has a line, “Wish you the best with somebody new, but they’ll never love ya like I do.” MONBEBEs believe this is a lyric in the song.

Fans were quick to point out that the line could be from Joohoney’s verse in “Only One”. The MONSTA X main rapper had previously posted a photo on his official Instagram account with the caption, “Love ya.” With that in mind, it’s possible that the upcoming single was produced by Lee Jooheon just like the group’s previous title track “Gambler”.

Recently, MONSTA X dropped hints at a comeback. On August 27, the group dropped a cryptic tweet that said, “They say hindsight’s 2020.” MONBEBEs immediately believed that this was a tease at new music coming soon. In hindsight, there’s a possibility that the line is also a lyric in “Only One”.

The upcoming comeback will be the first for MONSTA X since Shownu’s enlistment. Son Hyunwoo began his military service on July 22. However, fans believe he had recorded enough content so MONBEBEs will not miss him. This could mean that the MONSTA X leader’s vocals will still be featured in “Only One” and he could appear in the music video.

MONSTA X returns with the new single “Only One” on September 10, 2021.

Featured image: MONSTA X Kiss or Death Teaser. Photo: MonstaX/Twitter

Pledis Entertainment confirmed that SEVENTEEN’s Chinese members are returning to China this month. The good news is that JUN and THE8 will finally get a chance to reunite with their families. However, this also means that the idol group will have to continue promoting with only 11 members.

Their agency shared the official statement on the official SEVENTEEN Twitter account, along with an update on the group’s promotions for the rest of the year.

“Our company provides full support for both the group and individual activities of SEVENTEEN,” the statement reads. “We plan the Korean and international activities of our members by exploring a wide range of opportunities for the members to take part in, striving to ensure that the artist can enjoy their full potential as close to our fans as possible.”

It is then confirmed that JUN and THE8 will need to return to China to focus on their activities there. The “My I” singers have reportedly postponed several activities that are due this year.

“They will resume their work in China that had been postponed by COVID-19, and spend time with their families after having been forced to stay apart from them for a considerable amount of time due to the pandemic,” the statement declares.

It is also pointed out that Wen Junhui and Xu Minghao will need to stay in China until December, giving consideration to the current situation and importance to the health and wellness of everyone involved.

Pledis further announced that the 11 members group will continue to promote their activities as SEVENTEEN, while JUN and THE 8 will focus on their activities in China until December. If the talks about SEVENTEEN’s comeback in October are true, promotions will have to continue with the OT13 in two countries.

Wen Junhui and Xu Minghao have been unable to return to China last year due to COVID-19. Instead, JUN and THE8 returned to South Korea with the rest of SEVENTEEN after the rest of their Ode To You world tour was canceled. Hopefully, the two will be able to get enough rest and quality time with their families in between activities.

Featured image: The OT13 of SEVENTEEN. Photo: pledis_17/Twitter

ABYSS Company just confirmed that Sandara Park, also fondly called Dara, is the newest artist on their roster. The former 2NE1 member is now set to pursue bigger projects with her new management.

On August 31, the official ABYSS Company Twitter account teased fresh talent joining the company. The tweet simply read, “New Artist is Coming From ABYSS,” leading to several speculations. Some fans thought it would be a member of the recently-disbanded GFRIEND while some believed it would be a male artist.

ABYSS then made an official announcement about their new artist, welcoming Sandara Park into the company. The tweet featured four new photos of Dara which are now officially used on the ABYSS website.

In addition to the tweet, a gorgeous teaser was released to announce Sandara is now part of the ABYSS roster. It shows small glimpses at the 2NE1 visual, before eventually revealing Dara’s face.

ABYSS is undoubtedly thrilled to have Sandara on board. “We are happy to be part of the new beginning of Sandara Park, who has been loved both domestically and abroad for a long time,” the agency said in a statement.

So why did Sandara choose ABYSS above all companies? The 2NE1 sub rapper reportedly wanted to reunite with the manager who recruited her and ensured her debut with the group.

Dara was a member of K-pop girl group 2NE1, along with CL, Park Bom, and Minzy. The idol group debuted in 2009 but eventually disbanded in 2016.

In May 2021, YG Entertainment confirmed that Dara did not renew her contract with the company. Since then, Dara had been working as a solo artist appearing in variety shows and musicals.

ABYSS also represents GOT7’s BamBam and former Wonder Girls member Sunmi. BamBam released his solo EP “RiBBon” on June 15, while Sunmi released his third EP “⅙” on August 6.

Sandara Park signs with Abyss Company. Photo: ABYSS COMPANY/YouTube