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Look: Lee Joon Ki at “Arthdal Chronicles 2” Script Reading

tvN has shared photos from the script reading of Arthdal Chronicles: The Sword of Aramoon, the highly-anticipated sequel of the 2019 hit fantasy drama series Arthdal Chronicles. 

Arthdal Chronicles follows the story of warring kingdoms and ancient tribes in the fictional land of Arth during the ancient civilization during the Bronze Age. Its first season had a total of 18 episodes but was released in three parts. 

Song Joong Ki played the twins Eun Seom and Sa Ya in the first season, with Kim Ji Won acting as Tanya. 

However, in the second season, Lee Joon Gi and Shin Se Kyung will be taking over as the older versions of the original characters of Joong Ki and Ji Won, respectively. 

In the photos shared by tvN, only Joon Gi was present in the table reading as Se Kyung had COVID-19 at the time. 

 

Joon Gi was joined by Jang Dong Gun and Kim Ok Bin, who will be reprising their roles as Ta Gon and Tae Al Ha from the first season. 

The upcoming season will reportedly take place roughly a decade after the ending of the first season, wherein Ta Gon remains to be the ruler of the Arthdal Kingdom. 

“The Sword of Aramoon will depict the unavoidable battle between the hero Ta Gon and Eun Seom, who has become a mighty adversary, as well as the entertaining stories that stem from the diverse array of relationships between the characters,” the producers said about the sequel.

“Please look forward to a fierce and desperate war, as well as finding out who will claim Arthdal and become the hero of a new legend in the final act,” they added, as quoted by Soompi. 

Writers Kim Young Hyun and Park Sang Yeon, who both worked in the first season, have returned to write the second season. Meanwhile, Kim Kwang Sik of the movie The Great Battle will be directing. 

Season two of Arthdal Chronicles will premiere in September and will have a total of 12 episodes.

Featured image: tvN’s Twitter

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Fans Enraged After GOT7’s Jackson Wang Got Attacked by Stranger

Fans of Jackson Wang, member of K-pop boy group GOT7, are calling for better security after the Hong Kong rapper-singer was manhandled by a stranger during his recent visit in Thailand. 

The artist, who is currently embarking on his Magic Man world tour, was recently in Thailand for an event. 

Based on the videos circulating on social media, a massive crowd of fans gathered to see Jackson. As he was leaving the event, the idol stopped by his car to greet and wave to his supporters but an unknown female came rushing to approach him and was seen almost embracing him and dragging him out of the car. 

The security staff then pulled the unknown female away from Jackson, and the artist was evidently left in shock by the turn of events, before he tried to process what happened. 

The incident quickly sparked outrage online, with fans expressing their disappointment in the security guards and lamenting the lack of protection for Jackson. 

“How come she was able to get close to him,” one tweet read, while another fans said that the guards “could have done a better job” protecting Jackson. “What if that person was coming to harm him? That is so beyond scary, and seeing the look on Jackson’s face and checking himself.” 

https://twitter.com/DPRjiaer/status/1682747333971255297

 

Some fans also condemned the behavior of the unknown woman, and reminded their fellow fans the importance of giving boundaries to the artists, as these artists are also human beings. 

“Being a celebrity doesn’t make you less human. Just more vulnerable. They should be treated like people,” another said. Another wrote, “Did the person think Jackson will be happy when she does this? Crazy!” 

 

As of writing, Jackson or his management has yet to release a statement about the incident. It also remains unclear what happened to the unknown female stranger. 

Aside from Jackson, another K-pop idol – Jang Wonyoung of girl group IVE was also approached by an unknown child during their recent visit to Madrid.

Since the group’s departure from JYP Entertainment in January 2021, the GOT7 members have signed with different agencies and pursued solo activities. Jackson has been busy releasing albums and touring under his agency Team Wang Records. 

His sophomore album Magic Man was released in September 2022. 

 

In April, he released “Cheetah” and hinted at Magic Man 2, a likely sequel to his 2022 studio album Magic Man. “Magic Man 2, my true self, genuine and unfiltered,” he wrote. But details about his next album have yet to be announced.

Featured image: Jackson Wang’s Twitter

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GOT7’s Jay B Part Ways With Cdnza Records

Singer-songwriter JAY B of K-pop boy group GOT7 is no longer under CDNZA Records. 

The agency announced on Saturday, July 22, that their exclusive contract with JAY B has ended in April. 

CDNZA Records explained that the development was a “mutual agreement” between both parties and that it was done with “much thought and discussion.” They also apologized to the fans for the sudden announcement. 

https://twitter.com/cdnzarecords/status/1682691975710142464

JAY B moved to CDNZA Records in July 2022 as the agency’s first and only artist. Prior to that, JAY B signed with H1GHR Music in May 2021, following GOT7’s departure from JYP Entertainment in January 2021. 

As of writing, JAY B has yet to announce which agency he is moving to as he’s currently serving in the military. He enlisted in the military in February, following the release of his special CD Seasonal Hiatus. 

JAY B, or Lim Jae-bom, is the leader of GOT7. He initially made his debut in 2012 as a member of the duo JJ Project. In January 2014, he, together with Jinyoung, became members of boy group GOT7. The group is known for hits “Hard Carry,”  “NA NA NA,” “Just Right,” “NOT BY THE MOON,” and “You Calling My Name.” 

JAY B made his official debut as a solo artist in May 2021 through the album Switch It Up. 

 

Although the members are now part of different labels, GOT7 assured their fans that they are not disbanding and they have plans to continue working as a group. Currently, most of the G0T7 members are pursuing solo careers, while some members – such as JAY B and Jinyoung – are in the military.

Featured image: CDNZA Records’ Twitter

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Monsta X’s Joohoney Starts Military Service

Joohoney, or Lee Joo-heon, of K-pop boy group MONSTA X has officially started his mandatory military service on Monday, July 24. 

While the exact time and location of his enlistment were kept private, the group’s official social media accounts also shared photos of MONSTA X members Hyungwon, Kihyun, Shownu, and I.M accompanying Joohoney in his enlistment.

“Going full of energy, I’ll come back healthy and safe,” the caption read. 

 

The idol first announced his plans about enlisting in early July, penning a message to their fans. 

Joohoney assured their supporters that he’ll stay safe during his service and will return as a better person, adding that he looks forward to reuniting with both his members and Monbebes, their fans.  “I’m not leaving forever, so please don’t worry about me,” Joohoney wrote then. 

Prior to his enlistment on Monday, Joohoney also took to Instagram on Sunday, July 23, to share photos of his new buzz cut for military training. The singer shared several photos of himself posing with fellow MONSTA X member Hyungwon, as well as a snap of his discarded hair arranged in the shape of a heart. 

Joohoney is expected to complete his basic military training first before being deployed as an active-duty soldier. He will serve for 18 months and is expected to be discharged in January 2025. 

Joohoney is the third member of MONSTA X to enlist in the military, following Shownu and Minhyuk. Shownu, who served as a public service worker, was discharged from the military in April, while Minhyuk enlisted in the same month as an active-duty soldier. 

Composed of Shownu, Minhyuk, Hyungwon, Joohoney, Kihyun, and I.M, MONSTA X made their debut in May 2015. The group is known for their hits “Love Killa,” “Hero,” “Shoot Out,” “Dramarama,” “Gambler,” and “Beautiful Liar.” Their last full comeback was in January with the mini-album Reason. 

With members enlisting in military services, MONSTA X has focused on solo and sub-unit activities: I.M made his solo comeback in June with the mini-album Overdrive, while members Shownu and Hyungwon are set to make their sub-unit debut on July 25 with The Unseen. 

Even Joohoney also made his solo debut as an artist prior to his enlistment. He released the album  Lights in May. 

Featured image: MONSTA X’s Twitter

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Mnet and YG’s Black Label Join Forces for “I-LAND 2”

The Mnet survival show I-LAND is back for a second season. Its first season was a joint venture between Mnet’s parent company, CJ ENM, and HYBE, led by its founder Bang Si Hyuk. It formed the fourth-generation boy group ENHYPEN from 23 trainees.

Mnet, the South Korean entertainment broadcaster, is joining forces with YG Entertainment’s The Black Label for the second season of the global survival show I-LAND. The announcement came on Monday, revealing that Teddy Park, the executive producer of The Black Label, will be stepping in as the master producer for I-LAND 2.

Teddy Park, a 44-year-old music executive, has a reputation for working with some of the biggest names in K-pop, including BIGBANG, BLACKPINK, Jeon Somi, and 2NE1. His involvement in I-LAND 2 is a big step towards the debut of a global girl group in 2024. Mnet expressed optimism about the partnership, stating they aim to break the mold and establish a new landscape for K-pop.

Earlier this year, BELIFT LAB launched a new survival show called R U Next? on JTBC, which will determine the lineup of its new girl group. This left fans wondering about I-LAND’s future. But the announcement of the collaboration with Teddy and THEBLACKLABEL reignited their excitement for the show’s second season.

The I-LAND 2 application process

The auditions for the next-generation girl group will begin on August 7 and conclude on September 6, 2023. Online applications for I-LAND 2 are open from July 10 to August 6 KST. It’s open to any girl born before January 1, 2011, who can travel internationally. The application process involves filling out a form available in English, Japanese, Korean, and Mandarin. Applicants must also submit three videos: a self-introduction, a rap or vocal performance, and a dance routine.

The new girl group from I-LAND 2 will promote under CJ ENM’s label WAKEONE, an agency under its entertainment division. WAKEONE has worked with other survival show-formed groups such as Girls Planet 999‘s Kep1er and Boys Planet‘s ZEROBASONE. This change in management suggests I-LAND 2 will offer a fresh and unique experience for viewers and participants alike.

The anticipation for I-LAND 2 is high, and the global auditions are expected to draw a significant number of participants. The new season will air in the first half of 2024. — K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Rumor has it a HYBE-Mnet conflict is behind this change. Source: YouTube/Mnet’s official YouTube channel.

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FIFTY FIFTY’s Song for Barbie Soundtrack Absent From Film

FIFTY FIFTY, the girl group embroiled in a contract dispute with their agency ATTRAKT, released a new track on the Barbie movie soundtrack. However, multiple sources have noticed that it wasn’t featured in the movie.

The song, titled “Barbie Dreams,” was released through Warner Music Korea as part of the original soundtrack for the movie. The album, which dropped the same day the movie hit theaters, features a star-studded lineup of artists, including Ava Max, GAYLE, HAIM, Khalid, Lizzo, PinkPantheress, Sam Smith, Tame Impala, and The Kid Laroi.

Although FIFTY FIFTY’s song made the tracklisting, it was conspicuously absent from the movie. It wasn’t in the end credits, either. Fans and industry insiders alike were perplexed. As of this writing, why the song was cut from the movie remains unclear.

The release of “Barbie Dreams” comes amid a legal battle between FIFTY FIFTY and their agency, ATTRAKT. The group filed an injunction against ATTRAKT to suspend their exclusive contract, and the legal battle is ongoing. Amidst this situation, the fact that FIFTY FIFTY even has a song on the Barbie soundtrack is worth celebrating.

The uncertain fate of “Barbie Dreams”

The Barbie movie, which has been the subject of intense hype, features an all-star cast including Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling. So far, it has received overwhelmingly positive reviews. Critics praised the production design, screenplay, and of course, the soundtrack.

However, the exclusion of FIFTY FIFTY‘s song from the film has added an unexpected twist to the narrative surrounding the Barbie movie and its soundtrack. As the dispute between FIFTY FIFTY and ATTRAKT continues, the fate of “Barbie Dreams” remains uncertain. Some fans hope the girls will get a chance to promote it, but it’s unknown whether that’s even possible.

Despite the controversy, the Barbie soundtrack has been well-received, with audiences praising the catchy tunes and diverse lineup of artists. As for FIFTY FIFTY, the release of “Barbie Dreams” amid their contract dispute represents a significant milestone for the group, even if the song failed to reach the silver screen. — K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Instead of an MV, FIFTY FIFTY uploaded a lyric video. Source: YouTube/FIFTY FIFTY’s official YouTube channel.

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BOYNEXTDOOR’s Woonhak Shines as New Inkigayo MC

Woonhak, the youngest member of the burgeoning K-pop sensation BOYNEXTDOOR, has taken on a new role that marks a significant milestone in his career. The talented artist has been appointed as a new MC for SBS’s renowned music show, Inkigayo, delighting fans and industry insiders alike. This development follows the departure of its current MCs, Kim Ji Eun and MONSTA X’s Hyungwon.

The news of Woonhak‘s appointment as an MC for Inkigayo was a pleasant surprise for his fans. He joins esteemed actress Park Ji Hu and TOMORROW X TOGETHER’s Yeonjun, who is returning to the show. His appointment makes him the youngest MC in Inkigayo history.

Inkigayo has a special place among South Korea’s most popular music shows, featuring electrifying performances from various K-pop artists every week. An MC’s role on the show is important, as they introduce performers and interact with the artists and audience. Woonhak‘s new position as an MC is an excellent opportunity to showcase his charms and forge deeper connections with fans.

Woonhak, Inkigayo’s golden maknae

However, Woonhak‘s debut as an Inkigayo MC was met with some negative comments from several fans who took issue with the show calling him the “golden maknae,” a title commonly associated with BTS‘s Jungkook. Fortunately, some of his fans stepped up to defend him.

Despite the criticism, he remains grateful and humbled by the experience. He posted on Weverse to thank Inkigayo‘s producers. He also name-checked his fellow MCs, members, and supporters.

Adding to the excitement, BOYNEXTDOOR recently confirmed plans for their first comeback. As per their agency, KOZ Entertainment, the group is preparing to release a new album in September. This much-anticipated comeback will be their first since their debut, and fans are eagerly awaiting more updates and teasers.

BOYNEXTDOOR‘s unique sound and style make them a group to watch. With Woonhak‘s successful debut as an MC for Inkigayo, the group’s presence in the K-pop scene continues to soar higher. As they make waves, fans can look forward to more exciting developments and groundbreaking material from this promising group. — K-pop News Writer

Featured Image: His agency celebrated his debut with photos. Source: Twitter/BOYNEXTDOOR’s official Twitter account.

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BTS’s Jungkook Dazzles in ‘Seven’ Dance Practice Video

BTS‘s Jungkook has captivated fans worldwide again with his dance practice video for “Seven.” The video, which showcases the exceptional teamwork between the South Korean star and his dancers, went viral, amassing millions of views and sparking widespread discussion among fans.

In the video, Jungkook and his dancers display a level of synergy rarely seen in K-pop. Their energy is palpable, and their movements are perfectly synchronized. This level of coordination and harmony is a testament to their dedication, hard work, talent, and admiration and respect for each other.

One of the dancers in the video, Brian Puspos, isn’t a newcomer to K-pop. He choreographed Jimin‘s solo song “Serendipity,” which appeared on the BTS albums Love Yourself: Her and Love Yourself: Answer. He also choreographed “My Time,” Jungkook’s solo song from Map of the Soul: 7. In 2017, Jungkook and Jimin performed Brian’s “Own It” choreography for a YouTube video. It has earned over 20 million views since then.

Brian’s portfolio extends beyond K-pop. He has worked with international artists like Chris Brown and Justin Bieber. He also teaches dance classes and performs in over 40 countries worldwide.

Brian thanks Jungkook

Brian expressed gratitude and admiration for Jungkook in a heartfelt Instagram post, thanking him for the experience of a lifetime. He wrote, “Thank you, JK, for this full circle experience. You’re a game-changer but, more importantly, a life-changer. I love your respect and care for everyone that shares the stage with you. I didn’t think we would align so much; it feels like we’ve been hanging out for years. Until next time! Enjoy all this love that you deserve!”


Fans have been quick to praise Jungkook and his crew for their performance. Many have admired Jungkook‘s dedication, humility, and teamwork. Others have noticed his growth and maturity since his debut, both as a performer and a person.

The dance practice video for “Seven” doesn’t just showcase Jungkook‘s skills. It’s also a testament to his humility and leadership. Despite being the star of the show, Jungkook never overshadows his crew. Instead, he seamlessly blends in with Brian and the rest to create a harmonious performance that’s emotionally resonant and both visually stunning. —K-pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jungkook also filmed a performance video for his single. Source: YouTube/BTS’s official YouTube channel.

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Korean Netizens Marvel at Sakura’s Early Start in HKT48

K-pop is no stranger to young talent. But even by industry standards, the journey of LE SSERAFIM member Sakura is remarkable. Recently, Korean netizens expressed astonishment at the tender age at which she began her career with HKT48 in Japan.

Sakura was only 13 years old when she first stepped into the limelight as a member of HKT48, a regional offshoot of the famous Japanese idol group AKB48. Her time with HKT48 wasn’t a fleeting phase. She began as a trainee in 2011 and was a full-fledged member by 2012. Sakura made history as the first HKT48 member to rank in the AKB48 general election at No. 47.

Her first A-side participation with HKT48 came with its first single, “Suki! Suki! Skip!” and “Melon Juice.” In 2014, she was transferred to the newly formed Team KIV, promoted to vice-captain, and given a concurrent position in AKB48’s Team A. Sakura also became one of two centers for AKB48’s 38th single, “Kiboteki Refrain.”

In 2015, she played a lead role in AKB48‘s drama Majisuka Gakuen 4 and released a photobook. She achieved her first solo lead position on AKB48’s 43rd single with “Kimi wa Melody” in 2016.

Sakura and K-pop

In 2018, Sakura‘s career took a significant turn. She participated in the survival show Produce 48, a joint venture between AKB48 and the K-pop scene. Despite the fierce competition, Sakura stood out, eventually securing a spot in the project group IZ*ONE.

After IZ*ONE‘s disbandment in 2021, Sakura took another bold step. She moved to South Korea and joined the K-pop girl group LE SSERAFIM. This transition was met with widespread anticipation and excitement, as fans were eager to see how Sakura‘s unique blend of Japanese and Korean idol training would manifest in her performances.

Korean netizens’ recent discussions about Sakura‘s early start in the 48 Group brought her journey back into the spotlight. They admire her for joining the entertainment industry at a very young age and successfully transitioning from J-pop to K-pop.

Sakura‘s journey from the 48 Group to LE SSERAFIM is a testament to her talent, resilience, and adaptability. Her journey demonstrates that it’s possible to do great things, even when starting at a young age. As Korean netizens continue to discuss her early start, one thing is clear: her impact on the music scene is far from over. —K-pop News Writer

Featured Image: Sakura returned to SNS when she signed with HYBE. Source: Instagram/Sakura’s personal Instagram account.

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Netizens Rally Behind IVE’s Jang Wonyoung Amid Viral Video Controversy

K-pop idol Jang Wonyoung recently found herself in the eye of a social media storm. A video of the IVE center reacting to a child touching her in Madrid, Spain, went viral on social media, leading to baseless accusations of racism and colorism. However, her fans came to the singer’s defense.

In the video, a child can be seen approaching Wonyoung, waving and appearing to touch her hair. She reacts with surprise before security moves the child out of the way. The video has earned over five million views, with some calling her a colorist and racist.

https://twitter.com/taelvq/status/1682547503747551237

However, Korean netizens came to Wonyoung‘s defense, pointing out her tendency to get startled easily. Wonyoung herself previously opened up about her fears in an interview with Y Magazine. “I’m afraid of horror movies with ghosts, large insects, and the dark. I get scared or surprised easily, so people always ask why I get surprised so often.”

This information provides much-needed context to Wonyoung‘s reaction in the viral video. Her fans also argued that there was nothing wrong with her reaction to someone invading her personal space.

They shared similar experiences and emphasized that someone’s boundaries should be respected, no matter their age or profession.

Wonyoung and children

Meanwhile, one of Wonyoung’s fans shared a clip of the idol reacting kindly to children in the past.

It’s important to note that the children in question greeted her without invading her personal space. Those clips further supported the argument that how she reacted in Madrid was normal. After all, the child who approached her there took her by surprise.

Some have expressed hope that this incident will lead to a broader conversation about respect for people’s personal boundaries, even in the context of fan interactions with celebrities. As Wonyoung continues her journey with IVE, her loyal DIVEs are ready to stand by her in the face of any future controversies. —K-pop News Writer

Featured Image: Wonyoung posted several selcas to mark the end of IVE’s first world tour. Source: Instagram/Wonyoung’s personal Instagram account.

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