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APINK Members Chorong, Bomi, Namjoo, and Hayoung Leave IST Entertainment

The members of APINK have made a decision about their future. Chorong, Bomi, Namjoo, and Hayoung have decided to leave IST Entertainment. Meanwhile, Eunji has chosen to stay with the agency to continue her solo promotions.

IST Entertainment Shares Updates On APINK’s Contract Renewal

IST Entertainment shared an official statement regarding APINK’s future. The statement confirmed that Chorong, Bomi, Namjoo, and Hayoung chose not to renew their contract.

“Ahead of the end of Apink’s exclusive contracts with our agency, we and the members put our heads together and carefully discussed the matter,” the statement read.

“It was ultimately determined that for the sake of each member’s new growth in the future, Park Chorong, Yoon Bomi, Kim Namjoo, and Oh Hayoung will end their beautiful 12-year journey with us, which began with their debut, at the end of April,” it continues.

APINK’s Eunji Renews Contract With IST Entertainment

The agency confirmed that Eunji renewed her contract and will continue to pursue solo activities.

“We recently renewed our contract with Jung Eun Ji, and we will be continuing our relationship,” it reads. “In addition to her activities as a singer, Jung Eun Ji also plans to greet you soon with a new acting project, and we plan to consistently support her so that she can stand out in a wide array of fields.”

IST Entertainment Clarifies APINK Disbandment Speculations

The statement further explained that APINK will not disband and will continue to pursue group activities.

“Regardless of their contracts, all of the Apink members are firm in their love of the group and their determination to continue their group activities, so they have promised to carry on with their group activities without disbandment,” it reads. “Our agency will cooperate with Apink after discussions regarding their future activities, and we plan to work together with them so that they can stay together as a group.”

IST Entertainment recently confirmed that the VICTON maknae line has chosen not to renew their contracts. Hanse, Byungchan, and Subin each shared their handwritten letters confirming their exit from the agency. Meanwhile, Seungwoo, Seungsik, and Sejun will complete their contracts with the agency. The hyung line’s contracts were moved to accommodate their military enlistment.

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aespa To Attend 76th Cannes Film Festival

aespa is heading for Cannes! Karina, Giselle, Winter, and Ningning will attend the 76th Cannes Film Festival next month. The girl group will be the first K-pop act to attend the prestigious annual event.

SM Entertainment Confirms Aespa’s Cannes Film Festival Appearance

SM Entertainment shared aespa’s upcoming appearance at Cannes Film Festival 2023. “aespa will be attending the Cannes Film Festival,” they announced.

The announcement confirmed that aespa will attend the event as the global ambassador of Chopard. The luxury Swiss jewelry brand has officially sponsored the Cannes Film Festival since 1997. This makes aespa the first K-pop group to attend the prestigious film festival officially.

Korean Musicians Confirmed To Attend Cannes Film Festival 2023

Karina, Giselle, Winter, and Ningning are not the only South Korean musicians who will attend the 76th Cannes Film Festival. f(x)’s Krystal will attend in support of her film ‘Cobweb’ which will screen Out of Competition. Rapper BIBI is also set to attend for ‘Hopeless’, Kim Chang Hoon’s feature film debut which will be screening in the Un Certain Regard section.

Will Jennie Attend ‘The Idol’ Premiere At The 76th Cannes Film Festival?

It has been confirmed that the HBO TV series ‘The Idol’ will premiere at Cannes this year. BLACKPINK’s Jennie, who appears in the show, is expected to make an appearance. However, the ‘Solo’ singer’s attendance has not yet been officially announced. She is currently touring with Jisoo, Rosé, and Lisa for the BORN PINK World Tour after headlining COACHELLA 2023. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

aespa recently confirmed their next comeback with their third EP ‘MY WORLD’. The pre-release track “Welcome to MY World” will drop on May 2 followed by the album’s release on May 8, 2023. Karina, Giselle, Winter, and Ningning will then attend the 76th Cannes Film Festival which takes place in Cannes on May 16 to 27, 2023.

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NCT Dream’s Chenle To Sit Out Upcoming ‘The Dream Show 2’ Dates

Chenle is taking a short break to focus on his health. The NCT Dream main vocalist will not participate in the group’s upcoming ‘The Dream Show 2: In A Dream’ dates. Zhong Chenle is reportedly fighting off cold symptoms and will not perform in Singapore and Manila.

SM Entertainment Confirms Chenle Missing Upcoming NCT Dream Show Dates In Manila and Singapore

SM Entertainment shared the news through NCT’s official fan community. The agency confirmed that Chenle will take a break and will not participate in NCT Dream’s upcoming dates.

“NCT’s Chenle will inevitably be absent from the upcoming NCT DREAM TOUR ‘THE DREAM SHOW 2: In A DREAM’ scheduled for Manila on April 29 and 30 as well as Singapore on May 1 due to his poor health condition with cold symptoms,” the statement read.

The agency assured NCTZENs that the main vocalist will return for NCT Dream’s May dates as soon as he has recuperated.

“The decision was made for the recovery of Chenle’s health, so we ask for the generous understanding of fans,” the statement read. “Chenle plans to participate in the Macau concert scheduled for May 13 and 14 after taking enough rest.”

This isn’t the first time that Chenle missed group activities due to health issues. In March 2022, he suffered an ankle injury ahead of NCT Dream’s comeback. Chenle only participated in selected promotions where he did not have to undergo rigorous activities. He joined group activities a few weeks after the comeback in late March.

NCT Dream kicked off The Dream Show 2: In A Dream in support of their second studio album ‘Glitch Mode’ and the lead single of the same name. The group’s first date for the tour was at the Jamsil Olympic Stadium in September 2022. NCT Dream is currently in the Asian leg of the tour. They recently announced encore stops in Seoul from June 2 to 3, 2023.

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BIGBANG’s Taeyang Dishes On BLACKPINK Lisa’s YG Audition

Taeyang says he always knew Lisa is going to be a star. The BIGBANG vocalist revealed that he was present when the BLACKPINK maknae auditioned for YG Entertainment. He then confirmed that his “Shooong!” collaborator was destined for greatness.

Taeyang Shares Details on Lisa’s Audition for YG Entertainment

Taeyang was recently a guest on SBS Power FM’s “Cultwo Show” where he promoted his latest album ‘Down To Earth’. During the interview, Dong Youngbae was praised for the success of “Shoong! (feat. LISA of BLACKPINK)”. The vocalist humbly thanked the host and credited Lalisa Manoban as well.

“Thankfully, I achieved good results by collaborating with Lisa, thank you for helping me,“ he said.

He then admitted that he was present when a young Lisa auditioned for their agency YG Entertainment.

“I didn’t intend to be there. When I was working in the studio, I heard that someone from Thailand came to audition,” Taeyang shared. “After finishing working, I went down and observed the audition.”

“I don’t remember exactly, but she was an elementary or middle school student back then. She came from Thailand alone, so I felt a little bitter,” he added. “I remember the song she sang, ‘Baby,’ by Justin Bieber. As soon as I heard Lisa sing I knew right away that this young lady would be big in the industry in the future.”

The BIGBANG singer continued by expressing his joy that he got to collaborate with Lisa on his new album.

“I feel excited somehow because that girl is doing amazing, she really has a name in the industry,” Taeyang said. “I’m not just talking about her fame in Korea I mean globally. I’m glad to witness her success and see her succeed.”

Lisa and the rest of BLACKPINK recently headlined COACHELLA 2023 over two weekends. The group is also on the road for the BORN PINK World Tour which announced encore shows in North America.

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VERIVERY’s Dongheon Confirms Military Enlistment in 2023

As the oldest in the group, Lee Dong Heon will be the first member of VERIVERY to enlist for military service

Dongheon has finally confirmed his plans for military enlistment. The VERIVERY leader announced his intention to enlist for mandatory military service later this year.

Jellyfish Entertainment Confirms Dongheon’s Military Enlistment Plans

VERIVERY’s agency Jellyfish Entertainment shared the news with Xsportsnews.

“VERIVERY’s Dongheon will enlist in the military this year,” the company stated.

The agency continued that Lee Dong Heon’s enlistment date has not yet been confirmed. Nevertheless, they will share an update as soon as possible.

“We ask for your understanding that we are unable to provide you with an exact date of enlistment because we have not yet received the draft notice. He will faithfully carry out his national duty in accordance with his future date of enlistment,” they confirmed.

Dongheon will be the first member of VERIVERY to enlist for mandatory military service. He is the eldest member of the group and is already expected to enlist this year. Other members Hoyoung, Minchan, Gyehyeon, Yeonho, Yongseung and Kangmin are not yet due for enlistment.

Lee Dong Heon is the leader and main rapper of VERIVERY. He trained for five years before debuting with the group in January 2019. For now, his enlistment date has not yet been revealed. However, the rapper will enlist before the end of the year. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

VERIVERY debuted as a seven-member group in January 2019 with the EP ‘Veri-Us’ and its lead single “Ring Ring Ring”. The idols produced their own music video for the track. VERIVERY is currently a self-producing group that works on their own albums and music videos.

In 2020, VERIVERY participated in Mnet’s reality television competition “Road to Kingdom”. They released the song “Beautiful-X” for the show’s finale where they placed fifth overall.

VERIVERY is currently set to perform in G-KPop Concert 2023 in Seoul’s Gangnam-gu district on May 5, 2023.

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Woozi Discusses Writing Process and Producing Music For SEVENTEEN

Woozi is opening up about his writing process and the importance of producing music for his group. The SEVENTEEN vocalist also discussed what it is like dealing with fellow members. Lee Jihoon revealed what Hoshi and Vernon are like as artists from a producer’s point of view.

Woozi Opens Up About Producing SEVENTEEN’s Songs

SEVENTEEN members Hoshi, Woozi, and Vernon recently featured in a stunning pictorial for Vogue Korea. In the accompanying interview, Lee Jihoon admitted he has an odd writing process.

“I have bad handwriting, so I write memos on my phone or computer instead of taking analog notes,” he said. “[I wonder], ‘What state was I in at the time to have written this?’ It doesn’t feel like me. I’m glad to leave [notes] like this. It’s like scribbling about me.”

Woozi also confessed that writing on his own is comforting for him.

“It’s embarrassing and embarrassing to say, but it’s definitely there. I am comforted by the lyrics I wrote. People will laugh when they see it, but it is a very moving moment for me. In fact, it often happens,” he said with a laugh.

Woozi Describes SEVENTEEN’s Vernon and Hoshi as Artists

The leader of SEVENTEEN’s Vocal Team also revealed that each member has their own distinct quality as an artist. He discussed Vernon and Hoshi in particular, confirming that he believes they are unique in their own way.

“Vernon is like a rock. No matter what part he is assigned, I believe that he will pull it off. He is sturdy, reliable, and makes me feel relieved,” Lee Jihoon said.

Of Kwon Soonyoung, Woozi said, “Hoshi is intense. As a producer, he keeps raising the expectations for the player. But Hoshi shows how he goes a step further than that. That is how much he is overflowing with passion. I admire him.”

SEVENTEEN is currently promoting their latest EP ‘FML’ and its two lead singles “F*ck My Life” and “Super”.

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BRAVE GIRLS Signs With Warner Music Korea As Full Group

BRAVE GIRLS is moving forward rather bravely. Minyoung, Yujeong, Eunji, and Yuna have signed with a new label and will return as a full group. In addition to that, the idols are set to debut under a new name.

BRAVE GIRLS Sign With New Agency As A Full Group

Warner Music Korea issued an official statement about BRAVE GIRLS joining the label.

“We have come to an agreement with the members while prioritizing full-group activities,” it reads. The label also confirmed that Minyoung, Yujeong, Eunji, and Yuna are discussing a new group name for their future promotions.

For now, BRAVE GIRLS did not reveal their new group name. In the meantime, Minyoung is hyping up the group’s upcoming return in a post on her Instagram account.

“We are preparing with the aim of greeting [fans] in the soon-approaching 2023 summer, and we will greet everyone with even better music and new sides of us. I am so grateful to the many fans who were sad and waited for news of us following the report of our disbandment,” she wrote.

BRAVE GIRLS debuted in April 2011 with the single album ‘The Difference’. Since their debut, the group has undergone numerous line-up changes before settling on the four current members. In 2021, the group gained a huge spike in popularity after their 2017 hit “Rollin'” went viral.

In February 2023, Minyoung, Yujeong, Eunji, and Yuna chose not to renew their exclusive contracts with Brave Entertainment. The agency then announced that the group has officially disbanded. However, the members will pursue their careers as a new group as they signed with Warner Music Korea.

The new group name for BRAVE GIRLS has not been announced. Likewise, Warner Music Korea did not reveal when the group will drop new music but fans believe they are preparing for a summer release. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

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Rosé Discusses BLACKPINK Headlining Coachella 2023 and Performing Solo

Rosé is speaking out about BLACKPINK’s latest milestone as the headliners for COACHELLA 2023. The group’s main vocalist also discussed what she learned after releasing her solo album ‘R’.

Rosé Reveals Initial Reaction To BLACKPINK Being Chosen As COACHELLA 2023 Headliners

Roseanne Park recently collaborated with GQ Korea in a stunning pictorial. In the accompanying interview, the BLACKPINK member shared her initial reaction to the group being chosen to headline COACHELLA 2023.

“It really feels like a dream. When I first heard the news, I was speechless. I was so shocked. To us, it was a movie-like moment,” Rosé said.

She added that “this has been a longtime dream. I couldn’t even dare imagine being headliner. I was just happy to participate in Coachella and stand on stage.”

BLACKPINK recently headlined the main stage on COACHELLA 2023 for two weekends. The members each got to perform a solo stage and Park Chaeyoung performed a song from her solo album ‘R’.

Rosé Shares Personal Growth As A Solo Artist

Rosé also admitted that she learned a lot from working on a solo album and performing without Jisoo, Jennie, and Lisa.

“To be honest, I myself didn’t know in the past. But now I definitely know. Would it be because I’m still learning?” she asked.

She further explained, “There’s definitely an image and complete version I have to show as BLACKPINK. Images that are more powerful and energetic. But when I’m solo, it’s a bit different. It’s mixed with a bit of boredom and there’s overall a lot of soft images.”

“In the past, I’d say ‘Rosé is Rosé,’ but not anymore. I’m gradually learning that I have to absorb and express a variety of images. It’s fun,” she concluded.

BLACKPINK is currently on the road for the BORN PINK World Tour. The group recently confirmed encore shows in selected cities in North America. The new dates will be in August this year.

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RED VELVET’s Joy Takes Temporary Hiatus In Upcoming ‘R To V’ Shows in Asia

Joy needs to take a break from upcoming activities. The RED VELVET lead rapper will go on a temporary hiatus. This means Park Soo Young will not participate in the group’s upcoming ‘R to V’ shows in Asia.

SM Entertainment Confirms Joy’s Temporary Hiatus Due To Health Issues

SM Entertainment shared a statement regarding Joy’s health condition and temporary hiatus.

“Joy recently visited a hospital due to her poor health condition, and after consultation and examination, the medical staff advised that she needs treatment and rest,” it reads. “Accordingly, Joy plans to take a break from participating in her scheduled activities for the time being and focus on recovering her health condition.”

The agency also apologized to REVELUVs for causing concern and asked for their understanding. They also made it clear that the decision was made “for the sake of Joy’s health.”

“We will do our best so that Joy can greet fans in good health again, and we will inform you as soon as Joy’s resumption of activities is decided,” the statement concludes.

Promoters Announce Joy’s Absence In Upcoming RED VELVET Shows

RED VELVET is currently on their fourth concert tour ‘R to V’ with numerous confirmed dates in major cities across Asia. However, Thai promoter SM True issued a statement confirming that Joy will not participate in the upcoming dates.

“Please be informed that JOY will not be able to participate in the ‘Red Velvet 4th Concert: R to V’ in BANGKOK due to her health condition,” it reads. “Therefore, 4 members will participate in ‘Red Velvet 4th Concert: R to V’ in BANGKOK concerts as scheduled.”

The Philippines promoter Pulp Live World also issued a similar statement regarding upcoming dates in the country.

Joy will not participate in the group’s upcoming scheduled shows. RED VELVET has confirmed dates in Japan, Manila, Bangkok, and Jakarta on May 3, 4, 7, 13, 14, and 20, respectively.

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KINGDOM’s Arthur Takes Temporary Hiatus Due To Health Issues

Arthur is officially taking a break for his health. The KINGDOM main dancer will go on temporary hiatus to recuperate from his current health issues. Unfortunately, Jang Yunho will not participate in the group’s upcoming fan sign events for the rest of the month.

GF Entertainment Announces Arthur’s Temporary Hiatus Due To Health Issues

KINGDOM’s agency GF Entertainment issued a statement confirming Arthur’s temporary hiatus. The statement was posted on the group’s official fan cafe.

“Arthur’s health recently took a turn for the worse, and he complained of experiencing abnormal symptoms,” the statement read. “As a result, we resolved that our artist’s health was our top priority, and we decided to adjust our schedule so that Arthur could rest for the time being.”

“While Arthur himself was very determined to continue with his scheduled activities while recovering, in order to ensure his speedy recovery, KINGDOM will temporarily be carrying out their schedule with only six members of the group, excluding Arthur,” it continues.

The agency assured fans they will post an update on Arthur’s recovery. They also promised to make an announcement about when he will rejoin the group activities. For now, details about Arthur’s health condition were not revealed. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

This isn’t the first time Jang Yunho has taken a break due to health issues. In March 2022, the KINGDOM main dancer and fellow member Mujin tested positive for COVID-19. The two members needed to isolate themselves from the rest of the group, leading to KINGDOM having to postpone their comeback. The release of the group’s fourth EP ‘History of Kingdom: Part IV. Dann’ was moved from March 17 to March 31, 2022.

KINGDOM is currently promoting their sixth EP ‘History of Kingdom: Part VI. Mujin’ and the lead single “Dystopia”. Arthur will not participate in their upcoming fan sign events for the rest of the month.

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