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Girls’ Generation Reunion on Yoo Quiz on The Block: 5 Things Revealed

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

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MONSTA X Confirms New Single “Only One” For September

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
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BTS In The Soop Confirmed For Season 2 This October

It’s time to return for more happy, quiet moments in the forest: The seven boys of BTS are going back to the soop (숲; the Korean word for forestfor In The Soop 2.

The official In The Soop Twitter account shared the news with a teaser poster. Although the release date was not revealed, it is confirmed that In The Soop BTS ver. Season 2 will air in October 2021.

ARMYs were delighted when BTS In The Soop 2 was officially announced. Many fans admitted that they have been looking forward to it since the previous one concluded. While it is a reality show, most ARMYs were just thrilled with the idea of seeing RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook enjoying the time they have for themselves, away from their busy schedules and usual worries of the world.

The first season of In The Soop followed the idol group as they spent several days in a beautiful remote lakehouse in Gangwon-do Chuncheon.

The reality series gave the Bangtan Boys some time to recharge, unwind, and enjoy their time together, with nature as their setting. It consists of eight episodes that were an instant hit with ARMYs worldwide. Here we witnessed Jungkook prepare jjapaguri, V trying to unlock the door with his “passcodes” Lajibolala and Rock Bison, and Jimin clear the dishes and even play ping-pong in his hanbok. It was the same BTS reality show where we saw RM paint, Jin fish, and Suga panic to get his music equipment. Most moments with J-Hope, on the other hand, are shared sweetly with each member as he took the time to bond with them. Particularly heartwarming is when, on his drive with Taebear, they ate sandwiches packed by Taehyung’s eomma.

In The Soop was such a success that it spawned another reality show featuring the group’s HYBE labelmates SEVENTEEN. In The Soop SEVENTEEN ver. is currently being broadcast on JTBC and Weverse.

While we wait for the official broadcast date of BTS In The Soop Season 2, let’s watch the official teaser featuring our favorite Bangtan Boys.

Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

Featured image: BTS In The Soop confirmed for S2. Photo: INTHESOOP_TV/Twitter

 

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SEVENTEEN Jun and THE8 Returning to China, SVT To Promote With 11 Members Until December

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
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Former 2NE1 Member Sandara Park Signs With ABYSS

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
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ICYMI: Jungkook Welcomes Birthday on VLIVE, Composes Song on the Spot

“Happy birthday to me!”

Around an hour before his birthday, Jungkook just surprised ARMYs with a VLIVE broadcast. Being the soondoongie that he is, he had a mini-concert and asked ARMys to send him comments which he then turned into an insta-song.

J-Hope, his Hobi Hyung, also made a special appearance and brought him his birthday cake.

He then sang a few more songs and connected with ARMY before capping his birthday concert, thanking everyone for the 축하해/happy birthday.

As of writing, Jungkook’s birthday Vlive has been played at least 21 million times and “liked” with at least 2.4 billion hearts. #HappyBirthdayJungkook is also trending on Twitter, with more than 1 million tweets in less than 3 hours after midnight (KST) of September 1.

Watch the replay of Jungkook’s birthday broadcast on VLIVE here and check out how ARMYs worldwide are celebrating Jungkook Day from North America to Europe and across Asia.

Featured image: Jungkook welcomed his 24th birthday with ARMY on VLIVE. Photo: BTS/VLIVE
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Blackpink Lisa Drops Stunning Visual Teaser, Title Poster For “Lalisa” Single Album

It’s Lisa’s turn to go solo.

The BLACKPINK maknae is releasing her first single album “Lalisa” in September and the first visual teaser just dropped. Lalisa Manoban also shared the stunning title poster for her solo debut.

Back in mid-August, the official BLACKPINK Twitter account hinted at Lisa’s solo debut. It came with a blurry poster featuring the Thai rapper but her face was not visible. Nonetheless, BLINKs were convinced that Lisa’s visuals will be top-tier once again.

And Lisa did not disappoint.

The teaser poster for “Lalisa” featured the BLACKPINK main dancer in long pigtails and a flashy red outfit. She wears the same hair and outfit in the new visual teaser that hints at the storm she is about to stir up.

The first look is a nod to Lisa’s roots but the BLACKPINK main rapper is also eager to show off her glam side. The title poster for “Lalisa” is all about sleek black hair and blinged-up nails.

All the teasers for “Lalisa” are clearly a huge hit with BLINKs. YG Entertainment has just confirmed that Lisa’s single album has already reached 700,000 pre-orders since pre-orders began on August 26. The number is expected to go even higher as the album’s release date draws closer. For now, “Lalisa” holds the record for the highest number of pre-orders for a single album by a solo female artist.

Lisa is the third member of BLACKPINK to work on a solo effort. Jennie released her “SOLO” single back in November 2018 while Rosé dropped the emotional solo album “R” in March this year. Jisoo has not shared plans of releasing her own music but is busy with acting projects.

Lisa’s solo single album “Lalisa” will be available on CD, KiT, and vinyl. The album drops on September 10, 2021.

Featured image: Blackpink Lisa’s first solo album, Lalisa, drops on September 10, 2021 midnight EST. Photo: BLACKPINK/Facebook
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New Teaser Drop for Girls’ Generation’s Guesting on Yoo Quiz on the Block

Finally!

After four years and a month after their 14th year anniversary, our beloved OG girl group Girls’ Generation (also known as SNSD, short for Sonyeo Sidae or in Korean, 소녀시대) comes back on broadcast as a full group. On September 1, Taeyeon, Sunny, Tiffany, Hyoyeon, Yuri, Sooyoung, Yoona, and Seohyun will all appear on National MC Yoo Jae Suk’s Yoo Quiz on the Block (유 퀴즈 온 더 블럭).

Watch this teaser posted a few hours ago!

https://youtu.be/PGXz-TyCzoc

Even though the girls are active on social media and their respective careers, fans both old and recent are excited about this reunion. The eight members of Girls’ Generation are, too!

Stay tuned as we all wait for this much-anticipated SNSD reunion on Yoo Quiz on the Block! For now, let us all enjoy the preview:

Featured image: Teaser for Girls’ Generation’s reunion on Yoo Quiz on the Block. Photo: youquizontheblock/Instagram
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Joy Goes Dating, ReVeLuvs Rejoice

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve most probably heard the news that Red Velvet’s representative actress and “face of the group”, Joy, has R&B singer Crush. What’s fantastic about this was that once rumors started circulating that the two former collaborators have explored the possibility of furthering their relationship, their agencies, SM Entertainment and PNation wasted no time in confirming the news. And much to the surprise of Korean entertainment onlookers, the public response has been positive!

What? No saesangs threatening to set SM Entertainment on fire? No petitions to the Blue House for the removal of Joy from RV? Are ReVeLuvs gunning for the Nobel prize for most matured fandom? The degree of acceptance and even love for the newly dating couple is something not a lot of us are used to, or even have experienced in the past.

Thus, this begs the question, why are the fans manifesting a great deal of calm and even approval to Joy and Crush? Of course, K-netz have a gazillion opinions ranging from logical hot takes to grand “Next Level by aespa” theories. Let’s check out the more outstanding ones:

1. Crush is not an idol.

When an idol dates another idol, two fandoms usually go to war with each other – the fandom of the boy group who has a lot of displaced anger at both their oppa who is “abandoning” them by prioritizing this girl than them, his loyal supporters and the girl (and obviously, her fans) for taking away their oppa from them and the fandom of the girl group who will naturally defend their girl from haters. This is not happening in the case of Crush, who has mostly male fans, and Joy, whose fans won’t be up against overly possessive female fans. Now, if say, Joy transforms her reel relationship with her We Got Married “husband” BTOB’s Sungjae into a real one, ReVeLuvs and Melody might get into a full-blown confrontation. Also, this ties to point #2, which is…

2. Joy enjoys a balanced (i.e., equal number of female and male) fandom.
Because Joy has successfully dabbled in an acting career, she has widened the demographics of her fanbase. Now, it appears that she has a healthy male fanbase, a majority which are Red Velvet fans, as well as a growing number of female fans composed of 20-something women to ahjummas who have grown to like her in The Liar and His Lover and Tempted, and are anticipating Only One Person. Thus, despite constant criticism of Joy (or more precisely, her acting) being a wet blanket in the TV dramas she has starred in, most people (even the causal TV viewer) have identified her in different acting roles (and thus having different personalities) are not overly possessive when it comes to her. Maybe, if it was visual Irene getting caught in a dating “scandal”, then men might definitely react.

3. Crush started off as a Joy-stan.
The relationship did not just pop out of nowhere.

Joy and Crush first collaborated on a song called Mayday from his album homemade. Mayday became a moderate hit, chartering as high as #32 in the Gaon Digital Chart. Days after, both parties posted cute photos of them together on their social media accounts, which fans credited to them just promoting their song. A lot of people did notice that they looked nice cute good together. In behind-the-scenes footage and interviews, the two went on to gush about each other. Joy admitted to being a fan of the singer even before she was offered the project, while the R&B singer revealed that his Red Velvet collaborator has been his ideal type for some time.

And have you seen that music video for Mayday? Cutest. Thing. Ever. Thus, when dating rumors started swirling days ago, people somehow just had smiles on their faces upon hearing the speculations.

4. ReVeLuvs and K-pop fans welcome some good news.
In the midst of a fresh batch of depressing news, K-pop fans are faced with on their every waking day, from former EXO member Kris Wu’s woes to (G)-IDLE losing a member (or a forced resignation, perhaps?) because of a bullying scandal and NCT Lucas’ abuse rumors, k-pop followers are surely hankering for some feel-good developments. Thus, when it was revealed that Joy is dating Crush, her groupmates subjected her to some good-natured teasing and the PR Department of SM Entertainment surely celebrated this break from having to issue apology statements. Alas, with Wendy’s accident in 2019 and Irene’s attitude scandal last year, the successful Seulgi and Irene sub-unit (successfully launched just before the Irene scandal), solo releases of Wendy and Joy, and finally Joy’s rosy personal life may just be what ReVeLuvs need.

And it is on this note that we wish the new couple more happiness as they get to know each other more and for Red Velvet and the fandom to enjoy more good news in the months and years to come. Isn’t the contract renewal for the group coming up very soon? Stand by for further developments!

Featured image: Crush and Red Velvet’s Joy in Mayday. Photo: Crush/YouTube
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MONSTA X Posts Cryptic Tweet Teasing Next Comeback

MONSTA X is having a busy year.

The six-member boy group has been releasing new music and endorsing products since January. So are the idols now ready for their next project without their leader? MONSTA X has posted a cryptic tweet that teases the group’s latest project without Shownu.

In July, Shownu confirmed his enlistment into military duty. The MONSTA X leader revealed he will serve as a public service worker because of his medical history. Son Hyunwoo had eye surgery for a detached retina last year. The main dancer had also dislocated his shoulder in the past.

Shownu might be serving his country but he continues to be a part of MONSTA X’s ongoing promotions. Most of the current MONSTA X content, like the promotional single Kiss or Death, was recorded before his enlistment. However, the group could be working on their first project as a five-member band.

https://youtu.be/nPEmoaNCBNg

The official MONSTA X Twitter account is usually posting new photos of the idols or updates on their current promotion. However, a recent tweet proved to be different because it was written in English and seemed rather cryptic.

They say hindsight’s 20/20,” the tweet reads along with the eyes emoji and the MONSTA X hashtags. It doesn’t say much but Monbebes were mystified by the post.

Fans have many theories about the mysterious tweet. Some believed that it was a teaser for the next MONSTA X comeback before the end of the year. Others pointed out that it could be a new project that will look back on the group’s six-year career.

The expression “hindsight is 20/20” is attributed to humorist Richard Armour. It points out how something is easier to understand after it has happened. It is generally stated when someone realizes late how to act in a situation.

For now, MONSTA X has not yet clarified their cryptic tweet. However, Monbebes hope that if it is for a new project, it would still involve Shownu.

Featured image: MONSTA X – Kiss or Death Official Preview. Photo: UNIVERSE_OFFICIAL/YouTube
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