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EXO Reunites To Send Kai Off To Military Service

EXO are supporting the next member to enlist for mandatory military service. All eight Korean members of the idol group were on hand to give Kai a proper send-off for his military enlistment.

EXO Reunited For Kai’s Military Send-Off

The official EXO Twitter account shared a new photo featuring all eight Korean members. Kai is shown surrounded by his fellow members who look happy to show their support.

EXO’s Chinese member Lay is notably absent in the new photo. Lay Zhang had previously decided not to renew his contract with SM Entertainment. However, he will continue to participate in group activities.

SM Entertainment previously confirmed that Kai is required to enlist for military service due to a new law. This would mean that Kim Jongin will not be able to participate in EXO’s upcoming comeback later this year.

Kai immediately expressed his disappointment in not being able to participate in EXO’s next comeback. He went live on Instagram to share his frustration with EXO-Ls.

“There’s so much that I had prepared. What a pity. That’s what’s upsetting” Kai said tearfully. “There’s nothing that I could do about this. I’m sad that I can’t show you what I prepared but I can just show it after I return.”

He also confessed that he would miss his fans when he goes to the military.

“It’d be nice if I could see your faces before I go. I think I’m going to miss you so much. I’m already missing you right now though,” Kai admitted.

Interestingly, the EXO main dancer claimed he would “blackmail” his agency to allow him to meet with his fans before his military enlistment. SM Entertainment announced Kai’s special fan meeting which would be open to EXO-Ls before he enlists for military service.

“I succeeded,” he told his fans on Bubble. “All I had to do was frown a little.”

Kai will serve as a public service worker starting May 11, 2023.

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Lucas Officially Leaving NCT and WayV

The former WayV member shared his support for NCT U's latest single 'Baggy Jeans'

Lucas is officially halting all group activities. SM Entertainment confirmed that Lucas Wong is leaving NCT and WayV to pursue a solo career.

Lucas’ Exit From NCT and WayV Officially Announced By SM Entertainment

SM Entertainment issued a statement regarding Lucas’ departure from the two groups he is part of. The statement is written in Korean, English, and Chinese.

“After our deliberate discussion with Lucas, we made a mutual decision to part ways with the group NCT and WayV to pursue his individual endeavours,” it read.

“We ask for your understanding and continuous support as this was a decision taken after much consideration of both the members and all the fans who supported”, the statement continued. SM Entertainment also confirmed that Lucas will officially pursue a career as a solo artist.

“Lucas is planning on showing his performances through a wide variety of individual works from now on,” it added. “Once again, we sincerely appreciate lavished love and support from all the fans and ask for your continuous support and interest in the future.”

Is Lucas Still A SuperM Member?

Interestingly, the statement makes no mention of Lucas’ third group SuperM. The supergroup consists of seven of SM Entertainment’s most versatile talents. SuperM is currently not promoting as fellow member Kai of EXO has enlisted for mandatory military service.

Prior to his exit from NCT and WayV, Lucas had been in hiatus since August 2021. He was initially set to release a new single with fellow WayV member Hendery. However, it was postponed as Lucas faced controversy over a cheating scandal.

Although Lucas has apologized to fans for the negative publicity, he also decided to halt group activities.

For now, Lucas is still officially a member of SuperM. However, SM Entertainment could issue a new statement soon. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

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BEAT Interactive Addresses Social Media Accounts Impersonating A.C.E.’s Jun

BEAT Interactive is cracking down on fake fan accounts. The agency representing A.C.E. has issued a statement addressing social media accounts pretending to be the group’s leader Jun. The company will also take legal action against the fake Park Jun Hee account.

A.C.E.’s Agency Threatens Legal Action Against Fake Social Media Account Impersonating Jun

BEAT Interactive shared the statement regarding the fake social media account.

“Recently, we have been receiving reports regarding impersonating the accounts of Jun, a member of A.C.E.,” it reads.

“In response, we will report this as an abusive account and will take strong legal action against the users for impersonating the artist’s account if the deletion is not processed as soon as possible,” the statement continued.

The company also revealed that the impersonation account is “@hyun_jin121” and included a screenshot of the profile. Additionally, they urged CHOICEs to be vigilant and report any accounts impersonating the A.C.E. members.

“If you find any impersonation accounts, please report them to us via (info@beatkor.com),” the statement concluded.

Jun has not yet addressed the issue personally as he is currently serving in the military. Park Junhee enlisted for mandatory military service on February 7, 2022. He is currently serving as an active-duty soldier and will be discharged in August this year.

Jun is not the only member of A.C.E. who is currently serving in the military. The other four members of the idol group enlisted for mandatory military service between 2021 and 2022.

Donghun, Jun, Wow, Kim Byeongkwan and Chan will be discharged between late 2023 to early 2024. A.C.E. is expected to make a full group comeback once the final member Kang Yu Chan is discharged next year. However, BEAT Interactive has not yet released an official announcement about the comeback.

For now, the aforementioned Instagram account is the only one pretending to be A.C.E.’s Jun. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

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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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