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K-pop Group 100% Confirms Disbandment in October

The boy group’s agency TOP Media issued a statement regarding 100%’s current status.

“Our sincere thanks to the fans who have loved and supported the members of 100%,” the statement read. “TOP Media’s exclusive contracts with 100% members Rockhyun, Jonghwan, Chanyong, and Hyukjin expire on October 9, 2021. After deep discussions with the members, we have decided to end 100%’s activities.”

The statement went on to express gratitude to the boy group.

“We sincerely thank the members, who have worked with us at TOP Media for a long time, and we will continue to cheer on their futures,” it continued. “We ask fans for their warm interest and support for Rockhyun, Jonghwan, Chanyong, and Hyukjin’s new starts.”

The 100% members also issued a statement of their own.

“This is our last farewell as 100%. It’s really difficult to leave a place where you’ve stayed for so long. It’s been a long time, but now that it’s passed, it also feels quite short,” they wrote.

Rockhyun, Jonghwan, Chanyong, and Hyukjin also thanked PERFECTIONs for their undying support.

“As 100% members and as each other’s colleagues, the past nine years were a very valuable time for us. We thank PERFECTION for loving us even when we were lacking. Our twenties were fun and happy because we spent it with you. In the future, we wish each other nothing but happiness and we will soon greet you with new images,” they wrote.

It has been a joyful journey for the members of 100% but it was also marked with hardships. Although they started out with seven members, the boy group ultimately ended up with just Rockhyun, Jonghwan, Chanyong, and Hyukjin. In 2014, Sanghoon decided to take time off the group while Changbum departed in 2016. The most painful parting was with leader Minwoo, who passed away in 2018.

Although they will no longer be promoting as a group, the members of 100% are expected to pursue their own solo careers. With that in mind, PERFECTIONs will continue to be ready to support Rockhyun, Jonghwan, Chanyong, and Hyukjin in the future.

100% will officially disband when their contracts expire on October 9, 2021.

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SEVENTEEN’s Jeonghan Drops Surprise Solo Single “Dream”

In addition to SEVENTEEN's "Attacca" album, Jeonghan also released his new single, "Dream." Photo: SEVENTEEN/YouTube

SEVENTEEN’s official social media accounts surprised fans with Dream, the new solo single from Jeonghan. The simple video features an image of a bed left unmade as a background for Yoon Jeonghan’s sweet vocals.

That’s not the only surprise Jeonghan had in store for CARATs. The SEVENTEEN vocalist also recorded a Japanese version of Dream which was shared on the group’s YouTube channel as well.

Dream is a true solo effort for Jeonghan, who wrote and composed the song. It’s possible that he had also written the Japanese lyrics since he had been studying Japanese for some time now. It’s a mellow tune that’s guaranteed to put CARATs at ease and looking forward to the next SEVENTEEN comeback.

Jeonghan has been finding new ways to reach CARATS and his fans, who are called JJONGJJONGIEs. The second eldest SEVENTEEN member had previously opened his own Instagram account to share never-before-seen photos of himself and his fellow members. It certainly looks like we’ll be seeing more of Yoon Jeonghan as a true artist in the near future.

SEVENTEEN is set for a comeback in October 2021. Although Jeonghan will be busy along with the other members, Jun and THE8 are currently in China and will have their own promotional activities.

Featured image: In addition to SEVENTEEN’s “Attacca” album, Jeonghan also released his new single, “Dream.” Photo: SEVENTEEN/YouTube
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What Exactly is BLACKPINK’s Lisa Doing in Paris?

Blackpink Lisa for Paris Fashion Week 2021. Photo: jc.babin/Twitter

Finally, after days of anticipation, with everybody asking, will she or won’t she, Lisa finally took that flight to Paris and joined (well, sort of) her three BLACKPINK sisters Jisoo, Rosé, and Jennie to revel in Paris Fashion Week celebrations. 

As we have reported earlier on Blackpink in Paris Fashion Week 2021, Jisoo and Rosé were first to book their appearances in the shows of the fashion houses they endorse. Jisoo was first to make a splash as she attended the Christian Dior Spring-Summer 2022 Paris Show at 2:30, local time, last Tuesday, September 28. BLACKPINK’s visual wowed everybody as she posed for photos wearing a white mini dress with black embroidered Greek statues and motifs, which according to Vogue, is from the Dior Resort 2022 collection. Talk about effortless chic!

But before the fashion show, Jisoo also explored the House archives of Dior. At Dior Heritage, Jisoo had her picture taken holding the original Lady Dior bag that was carried by Princess Diana. Dior’s social media accounts also posted a photo of Jisoo at the Eiffel Tower, all decked in Dior. “I love you Paris,” the K-pop idol is heard saying in Korean in the video. 

Not to be outdone, Miss Rosé who arrived in Paris with Jisoo, also made sure her presence was felt when she stole the show at Saint Laurent Spring-Summer 2022 at 8:00 in the evening on the same day as the Dior event. Wearing a sheer black chiffon minidress with silk trim over a pair of black hot pants, BLACKPINK’s main vocal was again the toast of the fashion scene after making a much-publicized and historic appearance in the Met Gala, where she, along with CL, was the first female K-pop idol to grace the event. 

After attending the Saint Laurent show, Rosé did a couple of shoots for YSL Beauty before going back to Seoul and thus, missing the arrival of the next member to arrive in Paris.  

Since Solo artist Jennie is known as a brand ambassador for major fashion brand Chanel, fans thought it was inevitable for her to join the two in Paris. And that she did! In the afternoon of the 29th, Jennie arrived in Paris, dressed in Chanel from head to toe. Upon her arrival, she took to Instagram to present her proof of life, as she met her bandmate Jisoo and the two went out for dinner together the same evening. Both idols had cardigans on to warm themselves warm as the autumn weather in the city of lights was in full blast.

As of press time, Jennie has finished attending the Chanel Spring-Summer 2022 Paris that happened at 10:30 AM, local time. She was a vision in red, wearing a red bouclé crop top and mini skirt with pearls, making her look prim but with an edge. 

Finally, we have Lisa, With her arrival in France on October 4, Lisa began trending on Twitter as fans started talking about her leaving South Korea and joining the three other members in order to attend Paris Fashion Week. However, having all BLACKPINK members in Paris at the same time was not meant to happen because as mentioned earlier, Rose was already in Seoul on the 29th, while Jisoo left Paris on the 4th, the same day Lisa arrived. 

As to why Lisa is in Paris, there is still quite a lot of mystery pertaining to that. Celine, the French fashion brand where she is the global ambassador, does not have any shows for this season,   This led to people speculating that Lisa may have accepted an invite from another fashion house, Miu Miu, which will have an event today (October 5) and has been worn by the idol on her recent appearances. Also, reports have surfaced that BVLGARI, the jewelry brand Lisa is also an ambassador of, is staging events, including a showcase at the Paris Opera today, October 5. 

But then, YG Entertainment stepped in. 

On an Instagram post, Bulgari’s CEO, Jean-Christophe Babin posted Lisa’s picture with the caption: 

“Our great ambassador @lalalalisa_m is in Europe. Unfortunately, due to COVID, her agency prefers [that she] not [participate in] events or shows. That’s also the reason why insofar we could not shoot her together with @zendaya, @lilyaldridge and @vittoria for the @bulgari Brand Campaign 2021/22 and [why] we could not run a major event yet together.”


So, the mystery remains: What is Lisa doing in Paris? If YGE has barred her from joining events (which is so weird considering the three have already joined numerous events), why did they fly her there? Let’s hope we get further clarification the soonest.

Blackpink Lisa for Paris Fashion Week 2021. Photo: jc.babin/Instagram
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ENHYPEN Members Recover From COVID-19 In Time For October Comeback

ENHYPEN’s first full studio album, DIMENSION: DILEMMA, drops October 12, 2021.

ENHYPEN members Jungwon, Heeseung, Jay, Jake, Sunghoon, and Ni-ki have finally recovered from COVID-19, according to their label, Belift Lab. Except for Sunoo who was only advised to stay in self-quarantined, the rest of ENHYPEN tested positive with the corona virus.

 

“We would like to inform you that ENHYPEN members Jungwon, Heeseung, Jay, Jake, Sunghoon, and Ni-ki have been determined to have fully recovered from COVID-19, have been discharged from their treatment facilities, and are no longer in quarantine as of Thursday, September 16,” the statement read.

It added, “All the members are resting with a clean bill of health. Sunoo also underwent re-testing in order to exit self-quarantine and was found to be negative.”

The label thanked fans for their “deep support” for ENHYPEN and dropped even more good news.

“We would also like to inform you that ENHYPEN’s first studio album will be released in October. We will provide a separate notice with details,” the statement read.

ENHYPEN celebrated their recovery by sharing new photos of the boy group together.

BELIFT LAB has since shared the first teaser for ENHYPEN’s full album DIMENSION: DILEMMA. The label’s official YouTube channel dropped a visualizer for the LP’s first track Intro: Whiteout.

Featured image: ENHYPEN’s first full studio album, DIMENSION: DILEMMA, drops October 12, 2021. Photo: HYBE LABELS/YouTube
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What We Know About SEVENTEEN’s October Comeback So Far

SEVENTEEN's comeback album, Attacca, drops October 22, 2021 at midnight ET. Photo: HYBE LABELS/YouTube

And just like that, SEVENTEEN confirmed their comeback! Imagine that, only four months since the group’s latest release, Your Choice, we will be seeing our beloved thirteen again!

Really, how sure are you?

On September 22, the group’s social media accounts released not one, not two, but three teaser posts a full month before their scheduled comeback. The first post was in black, with the caption, 

SEVENTEEN 9th Mini Album ‘Attacca’

2021.10.22 1PM (KST)

2021.10.22 0AM (ET)

#세븐틴 #SEVENTEEN

#Attacca

Followed by a teaser treated in a red filter, featuring all 13 members of the boyband in an empty indoor swimming pool as they walk into the distance, their back against the camera.

https://twitter.com/pledis_17/status/1442866696214220800

The last teaser post was in black again, with the group’s name in a white, italicized font, with the same caption about the group’s 9th mini-album entitled Attacca.


Attacca? What is that supposed to mean? 

Attacca does sound like something coming from a Romance language.  However, “attack” in Portuguese and Spanish only use one ‘t’ for ataca and the spelling in French includes a “q.” That leaves Italian, which indeed has attacca as a music term. It could be used at the start of the next section (movement) or by a conductor to mean that the musician will have to start playing immediately without any pauses. It is a distinctly Italian term and is used by musicians all over the world in its original form without translating it. After all, it may sound awkward to hear “attack the music” in English. 

Otherwise, outside of music, attacca in Italian also means to attack, to stick, to attach, to hang, to affix, to plug, to fasten, or to tie, among other meanings. 

Will this be a dark concept? 

It seems. All three teasers look dark and harken back to other more intense releases from the group like Hit, Home, and perhaps their most dramatic release, Fear.  

But how about Jun and The8?

Pledis Entertainment had previously shared that SEVENTEEN will be promoting this upcoming release as an 11-member group, and will also do so for the rest of the year. The8 and Jun will be coming home to China to be with family and hold solo activities in their native country. So, does this mean that the two will not be in the album?

No, the album is already finished and the materials have already been furnished. As seen in the teaser post, both Chinese members are present. This means that they are in the album, it’s just that they will not be able to promote the EP with the rest of the group until December. 

Stay tuned for further news on this exciting comeback!

SEVENTEEN’s comeback album, Attacca, drops on October 22, 2021 midnight ET.

SEVENTEEN’s comeback album, Attacca, drops October 22, 2021 at midnight ET. Photo: HYBE LABELS/YouTube
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BTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

How to Get Tickets for “BTS Permission to Dance On Stage – LA” Concert

BTS to perform live again with Permission to Dance on Stage concert in LA's SoFi Stadium. Photo: bts_bighit/Twitter

After two years of waiting, the BTS concert ARMYs have been waiting for is finally here.

Following their “Love Yourself: Speak Yourself” world tour finale at the Seoul Olympic Main Stadium in 2019 and the cancellation of their Map of the Soul tour, BTS members RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook can finally dance on stage once again. On their YouTube channel—BANGTAN TV—the K-pop superstars announced their upcoming BTS concert at the SoFi Stadium in LA, happening on November 27 & 28; and December 1 & 2, 2021.

BTS ARMY’s support coupled with the fact that this concert took two years to happen means anticipating that BTS concert tickets will get sold out within minutes, as usual. Or faster than usual, which is also in minutes.

While the brand-new SoFi Stadium in LA has a 70,000 to more than 100,000 seating capacity and there are actually four concert dates (November 27 and 28, December 1 and 2, 2021), again, we are talking about a massive fanbase finally getting to watch the Bangtan Boys after two years.

Where can you buy BTS concert tickets?

Follow these steps to get BTS’s Permission to Dance On Stage – LA:

1. Sign up for ARMY membership on Weverse: Join BTS ARMY by October 2, 6 pm PST to get exclusive access.

2. Apply for BTS concert – ARMY member pre-sale by October 2, 6 pm PST.
You will receive this confirmation if your registration on Weverse was successful:


3. Register for Ticketmaster Verified Fan by October 2, 6 pm PST.
You will receive this confirmation if your registration on Ticketmaster for BTS’s concert in LA was successful:


4. Get ARMY member pre-sale tickets on Ticketmaster on October 7, 3-10 pm PST.

How much are the tickets for BTS’s concert at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles?

As of press time, neither Big Hit Entertainment/Hybe Corporation nor Ticketmaster has published the ticket prices. Stay tuned for updates.

It’s not just the fans who are excited for this “reunion” concert. BTS members RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook have always expressed how much they have missed seeing ARMYs in their concerts.

In the meantime, let’s enjoy their performance for BTS (방탄소년단) BTS ROOM LIVE:

And the last song they have performed on stage to date, Mikrokosmos at Love Yourself: Speak Yourself (The Final) concert in Seoul 2019:

BTS to perform live again with Permission to Dance on Stage concert in LA. Photo: bts_bighit/Twitter
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PENTAGON’s Jinho To Be Discharged From Military Service

Mnet's Road to Kingdom was a memorable enlistment send off for Jinho. Photo: Mnet K-POP/YouTube

Jinho is coming home soon!

PENTAGON’s agency—CUBE ENTERTAINMENT—shared an update on the group’s official Twitter account regarding Jinho’s return from mandatory service:

“Jinho, who joined the army as an active-duty soldier in 2020, will be discharged from the military on November 14 without returning to the unit after his last vacation in accordance with the Ministry of National Defence’s guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” the statement read.

“We extend our sincere gratitude to the fans who have been patiently waiting for a long time,” it continued. “Please continue to support his activities after his military discharge.”

Jo Jinho enlisted into military service on May 11, 2020. Before his enlistment, the PENTAGON vocalist shared “I’m Here”, a self-composed song dedicated to UNIVERSEs and his fellow group members. As the oldest member of the boy band, he is the first member to complete military service. Fellow member Hui is currently enlisted and is expected to be discharged in late 2022.

UNIVERSEs were thrilled to get the update about Jinho’s military discharge and began celebrating all over social media.

https://twitter.com/Wooseokie_1998/status/1443131157722374149

https://twitter.com/impossibluerose/status/1443067193210638336

But does this mean that Jinho will immediately begin promoting with the rest of PENTAGON? That’s the big questions that fans have been asking since the news was dropped. UNIVERSEs are undoubtedly eager to see Jo Jinho again before the end of the year. However, we will need to wait for another official update from CUBE ENT.

Welcome back Jinho, we can’t wait to see you again soon!

Featured image: Mnet’s Road to Kingdom was a memorable enlistment send off for Jinho. Photo: Mnet K-POP/YouTube
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MAMAMOO’s Hwasa Preparing For Next Solo Comeback

Hwasa's solo concept photo for MAMAMOO's "WAW" online concert. Photo: RBW_MAMAMOO/Twitter

There’s simply no time to rest for Hwasa.

Following MAMAMOO’s best of album launch earlier in September, the singer-rapper is reportedly gearing up for her next solo comeback. Several reports have suggested that Hwasa is currently working on new music, which has been confirmed by a source from MAMAMOO’s agency, RBW Entertainment.

“Hwasa is steadily working on her solo album. But the exact timing of the release has not been decided, and we will share an announcement in the future once it is decided on,” the source said.

This is exciting news for MOOMOOs who have been waiting for new music from Hwasa. Fans were thrilled to know that we’ll finally be getting a follow-up to the opulence that is Maria.

https://twitter.com/_moonbyulida_/status/1443023012844900358

https://twitter.com/DearBichoMalo/status/1443036323451973636

Some fans also pointed out that Hwasa’s next comeback also means another reunion with her fellow Refund Sisters member Jessi.

For now, it is unclear when Hwasa will be dropping her new album. However, MOOMOOs are convinced that the comeback will be a lot sooner than we think. There are speculations that the MAMAMOO maknae will release her next album before 2021 ends.

Hwasa has been busy with both music and Korean variety. MAMAMOO has just released their compilation album I SAY MAMAMOO: THE BEST which featured new versions of their songs. The LP also included a sweet title track “mumumumuch” that is dedicated to the girl group’s beloved MOOMOOs.

Hwasa has also been busy with reality show Home Alone (I Live Alone), where she is part of its regular cast.

Featured image: Hwasa’s solo concept photo for MAMAMOO’s “WAW” online concert. Photo: RBW_MAMAMOO/Twitter
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Jisoo and Rosé Invade Paris Fashion Week; Will Jennie and Lisa Follow?

BLACKPINK members Jisoo and Rose take a selfie at the iconic Eiffel Tower ahead of their schedule for Paris Fashion Week 2021. Photo: sooyaaa__/Instagram

The month of September has been all about our beloved lovesick girls BLACKPINK. First, on Sept. 10, Lisa finally made her highly-anticipated solo debut with her single Lalisa, breaking records left and right like it’s nobody’s business. Just days after, September 15 to be exact, our main vocal Rosé made headlines by being the first member of the group to appear at the Met Gala and being one of the first two female K-pop idols to grace the ceremony overall (with 2NE1’s CL). But even before the two girls gave us much-needed BLACKPINK developments, it was actually Jennie that ushered in the month with some eye-popping photos of her in the Calvin Klein Fall 2021 campaign, wearing nothing but her Calvins… underwear.  How’s that for the group reminding us they’re in everyone’s area? 

And before the month ends, BLACKPINK strikes again with more of the group’s fashion-related activities. All the members are reported to attend one of the fashion industry’s most awaited events: the Paris Fashion Week. It seems that BLINKs haven‘t been disappointed that the usually frugal (when it comes to giving their idols activities) YG is keeping the girls busy by giving the girls a packed schedule by letting them attend high-profile events even without a group comeback on the horizon yet!

It was only last week when news about BLACKPINK’s appearance at Paris Fashion Week started circulating when a number of Korean media outlets reported the group would be flying to the City of Love soon. Some sources claimed that Rosé and Jisoo were scheduled to leave for Paris via Incheon International Airport on Sept. 25, while Jennie and Lisa, who still have items in their Korean schedule, would be taking their flights at a later time. The rumors seemed to make sense with fans, especially since all the four girls are current global ambassadors for French fashion brands – with Dior having Jisoo, Celine having Lisa, Saint Laurent having Rosé, and Chanel having Jennie.

Also read: K-pop’s Massive Influence Threads High Fashion

Alas, the reports came true when indeed, Jisoo and Rosé departed Incheon and went to Paris on September 25. Blinks rejoiced when the two shared selfies of themselves in front of the Eiffel Tower on Instagram. 

After the IG updates, the two girls have gone to work, and by work, we mean appearing in the fashion shows of their respective brands. The Dior Collection show at Paris Fashion Week was scheduled to take place on September 28 at 2:30 PM, and Jisoo did not disappoint by attending the event wearing a black-and-white mini dress from the brand’s Resort 2022 collection. The group’s visual paired her attire with a tiny Lady Dior bag and open-toed platform heels, and with long straight hair, Jisoo gave high fashion vibes through and through. 

But the day didn’t end there, as the Yves Saint Laurent Collection show was held that evening at 8 PM. It was our On The Ground singer’s turn, and she continued her penchant for black YSL outfits by wearing a sheer mini dress with knee-high boots, which she glammed up with a gold chunky necklace with pearl detailing.

So now, you may ask, when are Jennie and Lisa joining Jisoo and Rosé? The Paris Fashion Week will be until October 6, so there are still a good number of days for the two left in Seoul to take that Paris-bound flight. The Chanel Collection show will take place on October 5 at 10:30 AM, while there are no scheduled shows for Celine. Would that mean only Jennie would be off to Paris while Lisa would continue her Lalisa promotions in Seoul? Stay tuned for developments in the coming days. 

BLACKPINK members Jisoo and Rose take a selfie at the iconic Eiffel Tower ahead of their schedule for Paris Fashion Week 2021. Photo: sooyaaa__/Instagram
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Former IZ*ONE Member Jo Yu Ri Drops Stunning Concept Poster For Solo Debut  “Glassy”

Former IZ*ONE member Jo Yu Ri's solo album, Glassy. Photo: JOYURI_offcl/Twitter

Jo Yu Ri is channelling her inner Cinderella! The former IZ*ONE member has just dropped a stunning concept poster for her debut solo album, Glassy.

The official Jo Yuri Twitter account shared the gorgeous concept poster for Glassy. It features Yuri in a dreamy blue dress holding a glass slipper.

It’s an ethereal look at Jo Yuri’s upcoming solo debut. New fans and WIZ*ONEs who have been supporting Yuri since she was a member of IZ*ONE simply can’t get enough of it.

https://twitter.com/wizoneiiizone/status/1441239848346525700

Hopefully, a video teaser will offer a taste of the new music she will be releasing this October.

Jo Yuri was one of the competitors on Produce 48 and was ranked #3, confirming her place as a member of IZ*ONE. She debuted with the 11 other members as IZ*ONE in October 2018. Unfortunately, the group officially disbanded in April this year.

Despite IZ*ONE’s disbandment, the members are determined to pursue their own careers. Jo Yuri is proof that these idols can continue making music for their fans.

Jo Yuri previously ​​released her first collaboration single Autumn Box, a duet with SG Wannabe’s Lee Suk Hoon.

Jo Yu Ri’s solo debut single album Glassy drops on October 7, 2021.

Former IZ*ONE member Jo Yu Ri’s solo album, Glassy. Photo: JOYURI_offcl/Twitter
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