Category: KPOP NEWS

It looks like Big Bang is finally getting a real Fantastic Baby! Horin’s agency, PLUM A&C, has confirmed that Taeyang and Min Hyorin are currently expecting their first child.

A new report from Hankook Ilbo shared the news, stating that Hyorin is already in the third trimester of her pregnancy. The report points out that the Sunny actress and her husband Dong Youngbae are joyfully waiting for their first child’s birth.

Hyorin’s pregnancy was reportedly noticed by local Hannam residents as the couple was seen walking around the neighborhood. However, there were no previous reports about the pregnancy.

Just a few hours after the report was dropped, Hyorin’s agency PLUM A&C decided to share an official statement.

“It’s true that Min Hyo Rin is currently expecting. They are currently waiting for the baby with happy hearts,” the statement reads. It was also revealed that the “Twenty” actress wanted to go through the pregnancy quietly so the agency didn’t share any further comments.

Taeyang and Hyorin met in 2013 and have been in a relationship ever since. The couple tied the knot in February 2018.

In related news, Taeyang’s YG Entertainment labelmate Bobby has just welcomed his first child. The iKON rapper had previously announced in August that he is getting married and that he and his fiancee are already expecting a baby in September.

After three years of marriage, Taeyang and Min Hyorin are now expecting their first chid. Photo: KBS KBS WORLD TV/YouTube

As part of Dodgers’ Korean Heritage Night, K-pop star AleXa will sing The Star-Spangled Banner at the September 29 Dodgers vs Padres game. Check out the cute poster AleXa posted on her official Twitter account:

This is truly great news for A.I TROOPERs who are eager to see AleXa’s performance at the baseball game.

AleXa who was born in the US and moved to South Korea to pursue a career in K-pop. The idea that she will be singing at a major baseball game means that the soloist is now one of the most notable idols in the industry.

On July 1, AleXa released a new single album ReviveR with the title track “Xtra”. She later released a rock version of the song which served as a collaboration with the rock band Rolling Quartz.

But when can fans expect new music from AleXa? The solo artist has not yet confirmed whether she is currently working on her next comeback. However, A.I TROOPERs are hoping that AleXa will finally release a new album before the end of the year. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

Featured image: AleXa to sing Star-Spangled Banner at the LA Dodgers vs San Diego Padres game, happening on September 29, 2021 at the Los Angeles Dodgers Stadium. Photo: AleXa_ZB/Twitter

STRAY KIDS was one of the main performers at KCON:TACT HI 5 – Live From The USA. However, the idol group had to perform with seven members as rapper Han bowed out of activities due to poor health.

On September 19, JYP Entertainment posted an official statement regarding Han’s health on the STRAY KIDS official Twitter account.

“Today, during rehearsals for KCON: TACT HI 5, Stray Kids member Han suddenly felt his health take a turn for the worse and it has been determined that he will not attend the scheduled event,” the statement read.

JYPE also assured fans that Han Jisung will get enough rest so he can continue promoting with the rest of STRAY KIDS soon.

“Since this was a decision made on behalf of the artist’s health, we ask for your understanding despite this sudden announcement. We will do our best to help our artist regain full health as fast as possible,” the statement read.

STAYS were understandably excited about KCON but they were also quick to wish for Han’s speedy recovery.

It’s unfortunate that Han had to miss out on the activities at KCON: TACT HI 5. Despite missing a member, Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Felix, Seungmin, and I.N. still managed to turn in a great performance at the fan convention.

Han’s recovery is even more important since STRAY KIDS are set for their next Japanese comeback in October. Here’s hoping that the 3RACHA member will feel better by then.

STRAY KIDS will release the Japanese single “Scars” along with “Thunderous (JPN ver)” on October 13, 2021.

Featured image: VIDEO CALL EVENT Photo: Stray Kids/Twitter

ITZY is taking its stage across the pond: Yeji, Lia, Ryujin, Chaeryeong, and Yuna have been confirmed to perform on “The Kelly Clarkson Show” this September!

The official ITZY Twitter account tweeted a poster featuring the idol group, revealing that Yeji, Lia, Ryujin, Chaeryeong, and Yuna will appear in the September 27, 2021 episode of “The Kelly Clarkson Show.”

It’s awesome news considering that ITZY did a comeback on Friday, September 24. The performance will reach the international general public and hopefully turn more people into MIDZYs. Although it is not yet confirmed, there is a huge chance that the girl group will perform their new single LOCO from the upcoming album Crazy in Love.

The idea of an American promotion is truly exciting for fans and MIDZYs clearly can’t wait to see ITZY’s performance. In addition to that, MIDZYs are already looking forward to meeting new fans of the girl group this week.

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ITZY is set to be the fourth major K-pop act to perform on The Kelly Clarkson Show. Previous idols groups who have appeared on the show include MONSTA X, SEVENTEEN, and ITZY’s labelmate TWICE. It’s proof that ITZY is truly one of the artists to watch out for this year.

ITZY released its first full album Crazy in Love on September 24, 2021, debuting the MV of track “LOCO” on the same day.

Stay tuned as they perform on “The Kelly Clarkson Show” on September 27, 2021!

 ITZY’s Crazy in Love. Photo: ITZYofficial/Twitter

Wonho’s new single, Blue, is finally out and WENEEs are loving the second mini-album Blue Letter. But what’s with the obsession with the color blue? The former Monsta X member revealed that blue is an important color for him that is connected to his fans. In addition to that, Lee Hoseok has confirmed that he’s already hard at work on his next comeback.

Back in August, Wonho announced his second mini-album Blue Letter will be released in September. Like the previous two-part EP Love Synonym Pt.1: Right for Me and Love Synonym Pt.2: Right for Us, the new album has a blue theme.

So why is there so much blue? Wonho told NME that the color holds a special place in his heart since it reminds him of WENEEs.

“When I look at my fans, they remind me of the color blue. I can see the color blue when I see my fans. That’s how I started using the color blue [in my concepts]. It’s since become my signature color… and my fans love it too. Blue is also a color that’s able to best represent the emotions that I feel, so that’s why I keep using it,” Wonho said.

He further explained that blue is usually associated with being sad but Wonho was determined to change that.

“I wanted ‘blue’ to serve a double meaning of ‘feeling blue’ and… to flip the meaning of feeling blue to ‘feeling loved’, in context of the album,” he said.

This is especially true with Blue Letter, which Wonho says is a gift for WENEEs who are going through some hardships.

“It’s my message to those who are feeling lost, depressed or having a hard time,” he said. “I hope they get good vibes and positive energy from listening to my album and gain strength to overcome what they’re going through.”

If it sounds like WENEEs are a truly spoiled fandom, that’s because Wonho is determined to keep making his fans happy. The soloist stated that he is now working on new music for his supporters and even revealed some details about the next album.

“I’m actually already planning for my next album at the moment,” Wonho said. “I’m exploring a stronger, hip-hop sound, and I can’t wait for my fans to listen to it.”

There’s a good reason why Wonho is all about his fans. The former MONSTA X member had previously admitted that it was the support from his fans that helped him get through his own troubles. This is why he wants to give back all the love he has received during those dark times in his life.

Wonho’s second mini-album Blue Letter was released on September 14.

Blue teaser #1. Photo: WONHO Official/Twitter

AESPA is ready for a comeback and this time, they’re releasing a mini-album! Karina, Giselle, Winter, and Ningning have announced Savage, their first EP that’s dropping in October.

The official aespa Twitter account had previously teased the comeback with a visual teaser. MYs were mystified by the video which showed a floating Savage avatar and fans were hoping it meant another comeback this year.

Luckily, aespa made it official as it was confirmed that Savage will be the girl group’s first mini-album, to be released on October 5, 2021.

It will be the girl group’s first EP since they debuted with Black Mamba in November 2020.

aespa’s first physical album will have six songs, and SM Entertainment has confirmed that pre-orders for SAVAGE are now available.

That gives MYs a lot of time to prepare for the comeback and the fans are thrilled that Karina, Giselle, Winter, and Ningning will be back this October.

Aespa debuted on November 17, 2020 with their hit single Black Mamba. They followed it up with Next Level in May this year, and have dropped the Habstrakt Remix on September 14.

Aespa’s first physical album Savage and its title track of the same name will be out on October 5, 2021.

aespa 에스파 ‘Next Level (Habstrakt Remix)’ MV Teaser. Photo:SMTOWNGLOBAL/Twitter

IU is celebrating her 13th anniversary in the most generous way possible. The charismatic multi-hyphenate has donated over KRW850 million (US$70,000) worth of goods to several charities and organizations in South Korea. The donation will help underprivileged people especially children and teenagers.

IU’s agency EDAM Entertainment confirmed the news, revealing that Lee Jieun made the donation happen on her own. The Hotel Del Luna actress reportedly spoke with companies she has promoted, convincing them to aid in her cause. As a result, IU was able to collect several donations that will be given to numerous organizations.

The full list of IU’s 13th-anniversary donations is listed below.

• 2,000 coats and winter gear from BLACKYAK for children and teenagers in shelters ahead of the winter season
• 2,000 Banolim pizzas for children and teenagers in shelters
• 2,000 first aid kits from Kyungdong Pharmaceutical to health centers
• 1,000 pairs of New Balance sneakers to teenagers who are nearing the end of their allowed time at shelters
• 30,000 bottles of Jeju Samdasoo Water to health centers
• 300 Evezari blanket and bedding sets to health centers

This isn’t the first time that IU has gone all out on donating to the less fortunate. The singer-songwriter has consistently made donations throughout her long career. In May 2021 alone, The Nation’s Sweetheart donated KRW10,000,000 to Yangpyeong county to aid single-parent families and grandparents raising grandchildren. IU had donated a total of KRW500,000,000 to several organizations and charities aiding women and children.

IU debuted in 2008 at the age of 15 and has since gone on to become one of South Korea’s most successful celebrities. But all that success has never gone to her head and that’s why she’s still considered The Nation’s Sweetheart.

IU is celebrating her 13th anniversary since her debut on September 18, 2021.

IU 5th Album LILAC. Photo:_IUofficial/Twitter