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T.O.P Confirms BIGBANG Exit, Teases First Solo Project

T.O.P has confirmed that he is no longer a member of BIGBANG. The rapper addressed his departure from the supergroup and revealed he left back in 2022. In addition to that, Choi Seunghyun is currently working on his first solo project since leaving BIG BANG.

T.O.P Officially Announces His Departure From BIGBANG, Continues Teasing Solo Debut

T.O.P recently shared a post on his official Instagram account. The post features a video of the rapper playing the keyboards while the photo confirms he is “still working on my albums.”

It seemed like a typical T.O.P post until one fan asked an important question in the comments. “TOP DID YOU LEAVE BIGBANG?” they wrote. Interestingly, Choi Seunghyun replied to the comment with a firm confirmation.

“I’ve already withdrawn,” he wrote. In a second reply, T.O.P explained that this isn’t a fresh update.

“I’ve already told you guys that I’m leaving and I’m now facing a new chapter in my life since last year,” he wrote.

Although T.O.P insists this isn’t a recent update, fans were shocked by his confirmation. Back in February 2022, YG Entertainment announced that Choi Seunghyun had terminated his exclusive contract with the agency. However, T.O.P was still expected to join BIGBANG in their group activities.

In April 2022, T.O.P reunited with G-Dragon, Taeyang, and Daesung for “Still Life”, BIGBANG’s first comeback in four years. It was also the group’s first project as a quartet since former member Seungri retired from the industry. It would also become T.O.P’s last project with BIG BANG.

For now, YG Entertainment has not made an official announcement about T.O.P’s departure from BIGBANG. Likewise, Choi Seunghyun has not yet shared further details about his first solo effort.

Moreover, BIG BANG has not yet confirmed their plans for their next comeback. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

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Lee Hyori Regrets Releasing ’10 Minutes’ 20 Years Ago

Lee Hyori admits that she regrets one of the biggest hits in her successful career. The “Bad Girls” singer revealed that she feels guilty about releasing “10 Minutes” back in 2003.

Lee Hyori Feels Guilty About ’10 Minutes’ 20 Years After Its Release

In a recent episode of “Dancing Queens on the Road”, Lee Hyori revealed she did some research for an upcoming performance. The former Fin.K.L member confirmed she was going to perform “10 Minutes” and needed a refresher. However, Hyori says she ended up realizing that the lyrics sounded wrong.

“I looked up old videos of ’10 Minutes’ because I had to perform it, and the lyrics are about trying to seduce a man with a girlfriend in 10 minutes,” she said.

Hyori then added, “They’re so mean.”

Lee Hyori admitted that this wasn’t an issue for her when she was younger. However, her outlook on the matter has clearly changed.

“I didn’t think about it in the past, but I feel so guilty trying to sing the song again in my mid-40s,” she said. “I have to express it with confidence, but it makes me feel like I should apologize.”

Hyori added, “I think to myself, ‘Can I do this?’ Why would you seduce a man with a girlfriend?”

“10 Minutes” was released on August 13, 2003. It was Lee Hyori’s debut single from her debut solo album ‘Stylish … E’ which won the Album Bonsang at the 2003 Golden Disc Awards. The song was a commercial hit in South Korea and it started several musical and fashion trends in 2003. Local media dubbed the song’s popularity as the “Hyori Syndrome”.

These days, Lee Hyori clearly has moved on from her man-stealing songs. She has settled down with Roller Coaster guitarist Lee Sang Soon since 2013. In addition to that, she is part of one of the most anticipated shows right now.

“Dancing Queens on the Road” follows Lee Hyori, BoA, Uhm Jung Hwa, Kim Wan Sun, Hwasa, and Hong Hyun Hee as they travel around the country on a concert tour.

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SEVENTEEN’s S. Coups Resumes Japan Activities

S. Coups is officially back to work. The SEVENTEEN leader has resumed group activities after taking a short break due to some health issues.

PLEDIS Entertainment Announces S. Coups’ Absence From Fan Meeting

On May 27, PLEDIS Entertainment issued a statement confirming that S. Coups will not participate in a fan meeting scheduled on that day. The agency revealed that Choi Seungcheol was not feeling well.

“As he is not feeling well, SEVENTEEN’s S. Coups will inevitably be absent from the Tokyo performance of SEVENTEEN 2023 JAPAN FANMEETING ‘LOVE’ on May 27,” the statement read.

“We apologize to fans and ask for your understanding,” it continues. “We will do our best to support S. Coups so he may recover his health as soon as possible.”

SEVENTEEN Quickly Reunites With Group Leader

Luckily, it looks like the SEVENTEEN leader quickly recovered from his illness. The group’s maknae Dino shared two selfies on Twitter confirming Choi Seungcheol resumed group activities the following day.

It is unclear why S. Coups was not able to join the rest of the group on May 27. However, Japanese CARATs were happy to see him reunited with the other SEVENTEEN members so soon.

There is a good reason why fans are concerned about S. Coups. Back in November 2019, the Hip-Hop Team leader announced that he is taking a break from the group. Choi Seungcheol was in hiatus for several months, eventually reuniting with his members on March 2020. However, SEVENTEEN was still unable to go on tour due to COVID-19.

SEVENTEEN is currently promoting their tenth mini album ‘FML’ and the singles “F*ck My Life” and “Super”. The group are also touring Japan for the “LOVE” fan meetings.

S. Coups, Jeonghan, Joshua, Jun, Hoshi, Wonwoo, Woozi, DK, Mingyu, THE8, Seungkwan, Vernon, and Dino recently celebrated an awesome milestone. SEVENTEEN celebrated the fifth anniversary of their Japanese debut on May 30, 2023.

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EXO-SC Chanyeol and Sehun on Their Decade-Long Career

Chanyeol and Sehun are looking back at their long career. The EXO-SC members discussed the secret behind their successful career that has lasted over a decade. Park Chanyeol and Oh Sehun also revealed how they truly feel about working together as a subunit.

EXO-SC Members Chanyeol and Sehun Answer Burning Questions About Their Career and Subunit

Chanyeol and Sehun recently completed the EXO-SC ‘Back-To-Back’ fan concerts. During a recent stop in Manila, the EXO members spoke with the press to answer some burning questions.

At one point, the idols were asked about the key to a long-lasting career. Both Chanyeol and Sehun agreed that it is important to just have fun.

“If we considered this as a job, we might have worn out a long time ago,” they said. “But because of the relationships between the members, I think we’re a family and very close friends, that’s why we’re having so much fun.”

The idols also shared some interesting secrets about themselves. Chanyeol shared his personal pre-stage preparations.

“Before taking the stage, I always warm up my voice and stretch, and most importantly, I pray before performing,” he said.

Meanwhile, Sehun admitted that he truly admires his hyung. When asked if there was anything that Chanyeol possessed that he wanted for himself, the EXO maknae‘s answer was simple.

“I want to have everything of him,” Sehun confessed. For his part, Chanyeol joked that he didn’t want anything that his dongsaeng possesses. However, he later admitted he admires Sehun’s manliness.

But what did the members of EXO-SC think when it was announced they would be a subunit? Sehun said he initially thought it was a joke.

“At first, I think, it wasn’t serious, but it really was real,” he said. Sehun then confessed he wants to continue working with his hyung on their subunit.

“Of course, I’m looking forward to doing more activities with Chanyeol in the future,” he said.

EXO is currently preparing for their next comeback without Kai, who recently enlisted for military service.

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BTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Bang Si Hyuk Reveals Why BTS Began Releasing English Songs

Bang Si Hyuk is finally revealing the truth behind one of K-pop’s great mysteries. The HYBE chairman shared the real reason why BTS started releasing English-language songs in 2020.

The Real Reason Why BTS Began Releasing English-Language Songs Revealed By Bang Si Hyuk

Bang Si Hyuk was interviewed by Rolling Stone as part of the magazine’s cover story on BTS. In the interview, the BIG HIT MUSIC founder discussed how HYBE decided that the supergroup should release an English song. The company then worked with UK songwriting duo David Stewart and Jessica Agombar for “Dynamite”.

So why did HYBE decide that it was time for BTS to record a song in the English language? Bang Si Hyuk revealed that COVID-19 was the main cause.

“‘Dynamite’ would not have been released if BTS had been on tour as scheduled,” Bang said. “The project was chosen to shift the mood as a response to the pandemic situation.”

Back in 2020, BTS was slated to support the ‘Map of the Soul’ album series with a concert series. The ‘Map of the Soul Tour’ was scheduled to begin in April of that year. However, it was postponed indefinitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

For Bang Si Hyuk, “Dynamite” was the perfect song to comfort ARMYs who were disappointed by the tour cancellation and COVID-19’s global impact. Moreover, Bang believed BTS’ message would be best conveyed in English.

“I thought it matched BTS, and that the song’s trendy vibes would be better expressed if sung in English,” he said.

Hitman Bang was certainly right about that. “Dynamite” debuted at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. It became BTS’ first chart-topper and they became the first all-South Korean act to earn a number-one single in the US.

The global success of “Dynamite” would then lead to a second English-language single for BTS. “Butter” was released in May 2021 and it also debuted at number one on the Hot 100.

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BLACKPINK’s Jennie Opens Up About Passing of Beloved Dog Kai

Jennie is finally opening up about a tragedy in her personal life. The BLACKPINK member shared her feeling about the recent passing of her beloved pet Kai. The “Solo” singer also revealed that her other dog Kuma and her mother are greatly affected by the loss.

Jennie Shares True Feelings About The Death Of Her Dog Kai

The dog Kuma was recently the special guest on “Kang Hyung Wook’s Dog Guest Show”. Jennie joined her pet in the episode and discussed several topics with the celebrity dog trainer.

At one point, Kang Hyung Wook asked if the BLACKPINK member had any questions about living with Kuma. Jennie then revealed that she was concerned about Kuma since the death of her first dog Kai.

“Actually…my first dog (Kai) recently died, and Kuma went through a lot,” she said. “I was wondering if there was anything I could do to comfort him.”

“Our family thought Kuma is very depressed…yet it feels like there’s nothing we can effectively do,” Jennie added. “He would mimic everything the other dog did.”

Kang Hyung Wook then assured Jennie that it would only be difficult for Kuma at first. However, the dog will eventually adjust to the change. The dog trainer then turned his attention to Jennie’s other family members.

“But it’s always a lot harder for people. Is your mom okay? It must be very hard for your mother…” he said.

“She is not okay,” Jennie admitted. “We stopped calling each other for a while and we just basically stopped talking.” She further explained that their interactions became too emotional to the point that they would simply cry at the slightest eye contact.

“It also took me a very long time to be able to talk about this openly,” Jennie confessed.

Luckily, Jennie is slowly opening up about her feelings about Kai, who she says was like a little brother to her.

https://twitter.com/BLINKSTATS/status/1662042918717206531

In related news, Jennie’s HBO series ‘The Idol’ premiered at the 76th Cannes Film Festival which she attended. The show will begin airing on the network on June 4, 2023.

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Rei To Resume IVE Promotions After Temporary Hiatus

Rei is finally ending her temporary hiatus. The IVE member will be reunited with An Yujin, Gaeul, Jang Wonyoung, Liz, and Leeseo for the group’s ongoing promotions.

Rei Finally Resumes Activities With IVE Following Temporary Hiatus In April

Starship Entertainment confirmed Rei’s return in an update posted on the group’s official fan cafe. The agency assured DIVEs that the main rapper is finally feeling better.

“Rei’s symptoms have recently improved greatly and she’s decided to re-join the team and resume activities,” the statement read. The company also confirmed they will continue to monitor Rei’s condition.

“While carrying out their future schedules, we will closely check the health statuses of IVE, including Rei, and do our best to care for our artists,” the statement continues.

“We ask for lots of support for Rei. Thank you,” it concludes.

IVE immediately posted a photo confirming that Rei has reunited with her fellow members. The picture features all six members of the group.

Starship Entertainment announced Rei’s temporary hiatus in April. The IVE rapper then assured her fans in a sweet letter that she shared on the group’s fan cafe.

“After I became a member of IVE, I diligently ran with the best five members hand in hand. Those who were always with me during happy and sad times were the members and DIVE. I have to halt for now but I am putting in the effort so that this time for myself isn’t meaningless,” she wrote.

Rei added, “I think about DIVE and the members every day. I want to know what you guys are doing, if you guys ate, or if there was anything interesting. Because you are all my most precious friends and family.”

IVE is currently promoting their first Japanese EP ‘Wave’ and its title track of the same name which was released on May 9, 2023.

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LOVELYZ Mijoo Postpones ‘Movie Star’ Promos Due To COVID-19

Mijoo will not be able to continue promoting her single album for the time being. The LOVELYZ main dancer has tested positive for COVID-19. This means her ongoing promotions for ‘Movie Star’ will be put on hold for the rest of the month.

Mijoo Tests Positive For COVID-19, Postpones Remaining May Promotions For ‘Movie Star’

Mijoo’s agency Antenna shared the update on her official Twitter account. The company revealed that Lee Seungah was feeling ill on May 26 and immediately had herself checked.

“On May 26 (Friday), Mijoo felt body ache symptoms, and after confirming a positive result on her self-test kit, we immediately visited the hospital where she was diagnosed with COVID-19,” the agency wrote.

Antenna confirmed that Mijoo will not be able to attend several schedules lined up for the rest of the month.

“As a result, Mijoo is unable to attend the live shows of ‘Music Bank’, which she was scheduled to appear in today, as well as ‘Music Core’ and ‘Inkigayo’. We also announce that the fan signings scheduled on May 27 and 28 for the release of [Mijoo’s] single album ‘Movie Star’ have been temporarily postponed,” the statement continued.

“We will make another announcement later on regarding the fan signing as well as Mijoo’s return to activities. We ask for fans’ understanding,” it continues.

The agency also assured fans that Mijoo’s health is their top priority.

“As we comply with quarantine guidelines, we will prioritize the health and safety of our artist and support Mijoo so she may focus on treatment and recovery,” they wrote.

Mijoo debuted with LOVELYZ in November 2014. She decided not to renew her contract with Woollim Entertainment in November 2021 and signed with Antenna in the same month.

In addition to being an idol, Mijoo has also established herself as a successful actress. She appeared in shows like ‘The Gentlemen of Wolgyesu Tailor Shop’, ‘Dunia: Into a New World’, and ‘Sixth Sense’.

Mijoo made her solo debut with “Movie Star” on May 17, 2023.

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Jennie Opens Up About Working on ‘The Idol’ With Lily-Rose Depp

Jennie is opening up about her acting debut. The BLACKPINK member spoke about working on ‘The Idol’, sharing how “Euphoria” writer Sam Levinson directed her performance. Jennie Kim also revealed the advice she received from co-star Lily-Rose Depp.

Jennie Opens Up About Making Her Acting Debut In ‘The Idol’

Women’s Wear Daily interviewed Jennie Ruby Jane ahead of her red carpet appearance at the 76th Cannes Film Festival. During the interview, she admitted that being at the festival was overwhelming. Still, Jennie is proud to represent her new series at the event.

“It’s overwhelming, but I’m grateful and thankful. All of those things at the same time,” she said. “Especially as it’s the first step in my acting career, I was honored to be able to come.”

Jennie also revealed that she is a fan of Sam Levinson. “I’ve been admiring Sam’s work for a very long time,” she said. This made it easy to take direction from the “Euphoria” writer.

“I trusted Sam to be collaborative with all the scenes that we would be working on together, because it was about the industry. The fact that it was about the music industry fascinated me, and I thought I could bring something to the role,” Jennie said.

She then revealed that she didn’t have to prepare much for her acting debut.

“It was an opportunity to just be myself and be brave. I didn’t really train for it, or prep anything,” she said. “Sam wanted me to just be myself.”

Still, it wasn’t as easy as it sounds. “It definitely was a challenge, because I’ve never experienced anything like that before. It was like, breaking a wall for me,” Jennie said.

Jennie Reveals Lily-Rose Depp’s Advice on Her Acting Debut

Luckily, the “Solo” singer had the guidance of ‘The Idol’ co-star Lily-Rose Depp, who plays main character Jocelyn in the series.

“She really helped me a lot. Telling me about scenes, and it was very comforting to have her there,” Jennie said of Depp. She also revealed her fellow Chanel ambassador’s advice.

“She just taught me to express myself and be comfortable with myself, to not be scared,” Jennie shared.

‘The Idol’ premiered at the 76th Cannes Film Festival on May 22, 2023. The series will begin broadcasting on HBO on June 4, 2023.

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Cha Eun Woo In Talks To Star In Revenge Drama With Kim Nam Joo

Cha Eun Woo could soon be taking revenge, at least, in a new drama. The ASTRO member is currently in negotiations to join the cast of the upcoming series “Wonderful World”.

FANTAGIO Clarifies Cha Eun Woo’s Involvement In New Kim Nam Joo Drama ‘Wonderful World’

StarNews reported that Cha Eun Woo will take on the male lead role in the upcoming drama. However, ASTRO’s agency FANTAGIO has since clarified that the “Island” star’s involvement has not yet been confirmed.

“He is currently in talks for the drama with a favorable outlook, but nothing has been decided,” the statement read.

It’s already a promising update and great news for fans who have been hoping to see Eunwoo in a new drama. Hopefully, there will be new updates about the series soon.

“Wonderful World” is described as a suspenseful revenge drama about a woman who loses her young son in a tragedy. When the law forgives the person responsible for the child’s death, she decides to seek vengeance on her own.

According to reports, veteran actress Kim Nam Joo is already in talks to play the female lead. Kim Kang Woo is also in negotiations to play the husband. “Wonderful World” will be directed by Lee Seung Young who previously worked on “Tracer,” “Voice 2,” and “The Missing”.

Cha Eun Woo is reportedly in talks to play Kwon Sun Yool, a medical student who unexpectedly gets entangled with the female lead. Further details about the character have not yet been revealed.

If Cha Eun Woo accepts the role, it will be one of his first shows for the year. The ASTRO member previously played an exorcist priest in the 2022 series “Island”. He will also appear in the webtoon-based fantasy romance drama “A Good Day to Be a Dog” which begins filming in October. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

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