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Mashiro and Yeseo Stun in New MADEIN Profile Images

MADEIN has officially introduced its lineup! 143 Entertainment has finally unveiled the MADEIN profile images! This comes after Mashiro and Yeseo confirmed their transition from Kep1er to the new group.

143 Entertainment Drops Stunning MADEIN Profile Images

On July 29, 143 Entertainment unveiled the first MADEIN profile images on the group’s official social media channels. The photos showcase the seven-member lineup, consisting of Mashiro (born 1999), Yeseo (born 2005), MiU (born 2003), Suhye (born 2004), Gaeun (born 2005), Serina (born 2006), and Nagomi (born 2007).

The new photos were dropped only a few days after it was confirmed that Mashiro and Yeseo would join the new girl group. Earlier in July, it was announced that the two idols would be part of MADEIN after concluding their group activities with Kep1er. Meanwhile the remaining seven members of Kep1er will continue promoting with the group.

Mashiro, who previously promoted as a member of Kep1er and was a trainee under JYP Entertainment, brings her seasoned talent and leadership to the group. Yeseo, also a former Kep1er member, is celebrated for her exceptional vocal skills, generating high expectations and excitement among fans.

Meet the Rest of MADEIN

MiU, Suhye, and Gaeun, who previously belonged to LIMELIGHT, contribute a blend of strong visuals, vocal prowess, and performance talent, significantly enhancing the group’s synergy and stage presence. Serina and Nagomi, both of whom participated in “Produce 101 Japan The Girls,” add a unique flair with their fresh charms, further enriching the group’s dynamic and appeal.

With such a diverse and talented lineup, MADEIN is poised to make a significant impact in the K-pop industry. Fans are eagerly anticipating their debut, excited to see how these seven members will come together to create music and performances that captivate audiences worldwide.

For now, MADEIN’s official debut date has not yet been announced. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

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ADOR Address CEO Min Hee Jin Covering Up Workplace Sexual Harassment Allegations

ADOR has responded to allegations that CEO Min Hee Jin covered up a workplace sexual harassment incident. These accusations emerged after leaked KakaoTalk messages became public. On July 29, a legal representative from Shin & Kim Law Firm, speaking on behalf of ADOR, directly addressed the situation, emphasizing that the case had already been resolved.

The company defends Min Hee Jin against claims of covering up a harassment case, citing a previous no-charges decision

The representative stated, “The HYBE HR Committee concluded the sexual harassment case with a ‘no charges’ decision on March 16. Since HYBE directly manages legal, HR, and PR matters through a shared service system, we find it perplexing that this issue is being revisited. This sudden reinterpretation to attack CEO Min Hee Jin is unfair.”

The controversy involves an employee who accused an executive of workplace harassment in March. On July 25, the online media outlet Dispatch reported that Min Hee Jin allegedly defended the executive or encouraged counterclaims against the employee, identified as “B.” However, ADOR and their legal team have denied these claims, asserting that she acted impartially and worked to mediate the conflict.

Shin & Kim also clarified that a gathering involving the employee took place after February 1 to help them adjust to the job. They emphasized that the meeting proceeded without issues and that the employee willingly attended.

The law firm further explained that the employee’s departure from the company was unrelated to the harassment incident. They noted that issues arose during the employee’s probation evaluation, which led to a mutual decision for them to leave the company.

In response to the cover-up allegations, Shin & Kim stated, “CEO Min Hee Jin fulfilled her responsibilities by issuing warnings to prevent similar issues in the future and proposing improvements for better HR procedures and transparency to HYBE.”

The law firm also criticized the media for publishing private KakaoTalk conversations, calling it an illegal invasion of privacy. They warned that if such reports continue, ADOR may pursue legal action.

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BXB Jihoon Cast as Lead in “Sunny Ten” Musical

BX Jihoon takes center stage as the lead in a musical filled with 90s nostalgia and comedy

BXB Jihoon, who gained widespread recognition for his powerful vocals and captivating performances, takes the lead role in the upcoming musical Sunny Ten. Jihoon first gained popularity as the main vocalist of BXB, where his emotional delivery and impressive range made him a standout in K-pop. His success grew with the group’s hit songs and engaging live performances, establishing him as one of the most promising idols in the industry.

The musical Sunny Ten follows the story of Junho, a TV producer whose projects constantly fail, and his attempts to win over Hyeyoung, a workaholic animation writer. With a backdrop of 90s and 2000s hit songs, the production mixes comedy, romance, and nostalgia, offering a unique experience for the audience.

Jihoon’s role as Junho will highlight his strong vocals, natural comedic timing, and stage presence. Fans are excited to see how he brings his acting skills to this role, given his experience in music and drama. Beyond his work with BXB, Jihoon has appeared in popular dramas like The Queen’s Classroom and Melody of Love, alongside film and voice acting roles. His journey from trainee to established artist shows his versatility and consistent growth, making this role a key milestone in his career.

The musical opens at the Hama Theater in mid-August, giving audiences the chance to see Jihoon in action. His portrayal of a clumsy yet lovable character promises to captivate viewers, adding to the buzz surrounding Sunny Ten.

In related news, BXB’s released their latest single, “Black Cat Nero,” a dynamic reinterpretation of the classic K-pop hit by Turbo, originally from the late 90s. The track blends nostalgic elements with a modern twist, featuring powerful vocals, edgy rap verses, and an energetic beat that brings a fresh vibe to the song.

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NewJeans Condolence Wreaths Protest Organized by “Bunnies”

Fans supporting ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin organize a NewJeans condolence wreaths protest, ignoring internal and external criticism

NewJeans’ fans, known as “Bunnies,” plan to protest at HYBE’s headquarters by sending condolence wreaths, a gesture traditionally used for funerals. The protest, scheduled from July 30 to August 1, reflects tensions between fans loyal to ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin and HYBE over ongoing conflicts. Despite knowing this event clashes with a LE SSERAFIM member’s birthday celebration at the same location, organizers decided to proceed, drawing significant criticism.

Members of the NewJeans gallery on DC Inside, an online community supportive of Min Hee Jin, initiated the protest. They announced the event on July 27, two weeks after LE SSERAFIM’s fans revealed plans for Kim Chae Won’s birthday festivities at HYBE, which include a “wrapping bus” and other celebratory activities.

The public argues that sending condolence wreaths during a birthday event creates a disturbing contrast, but organizers dismissed these concerns. LE SSERAFIM’s fans requested a change in the protest date, but NewJeans fans refused, pointing out that BTS’s fandom, ARMY, held a similar protest during a NewJeans member’s birthday. This is just among the controversies that pile up in relation to Min Hee Jin and HYBE.

Protest supporters believe their demonstration doesn’t directly involve LE SSERAFIM and should not interfere with the birthday event. However, many K-pop fans fear this protest could harm NewJeans’ reputation and create unnecessary conflicts. Additionally, tensions within HYBE remain high as Min Hee Jin faces separate legal battles with Source Music CEO So Sung Jin, who has accused her of embezzlement and filed a lawsuit demanding 500 million KRW (approximately 361,724 USD) in damages.

As the protest approaches, the K-pop community continues to monitor how both fandoms handle these overlapping events. The outcome could set a precedent for future fan demonstrations and their impact on K-pop artists.

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(G)I-DLE Sends Apology and Donation to Korean Red Cross After Backlash on Stage Outfits

(G)I-DLE responds to the controversy over their stage costumes by apologizing and donating to flood recovery efforts

(G)I-DLE recently found themselves at the center of controversy after their outfits on KBS2’s Music Bank sparked backlash. The group wore lifeguard-themed costumes featuring the unauthorized use of the Red Cross symbol, which is strictly regulated by the Korean Red Cross. The use of this emblem without permission is prohibited and can result in significant fines under Korean law.

Criticism extended beyond the use of the symbol, as the group’s outfits were also deemed inappropriate for “sexualizing” the lifeguard profession. In response, Cube Entertainment issued an apology on social media, acknowledging the issue and stating that they had contacted the Korean Red Cross to apologize. They also committed to preventing such issues in the future.

Going further than just words, (G)I-DLE members Miyeon, Minnie, Soyeon, Yuqi, and Shuhua each donated 10 million KRW, totaling 50 million KRW (~36,172 USD), to support flood recovery efforts. The group expressed their understanding of the Red Cross emblem’s significance and hoped their donation would aid in the recovery of those affected by recent heavy rains.

Kim Chul Soo, President of the Korean Red Cross, thanked the group, noting that their support would provide comfort and strength to flood victims. The Korean Red Cross, which has been actively engaged in relief efforts since early July, continues to support disaster recovery across the country.

In related news, (G)I-DLE’s latest track, Klaxon, is the song of their seventh mini-album, I SWAY, released in July 2024. The song brings a mix of retro and summer vibes, drawing inspiration from 90s Californian aesthetics. With a catchy melody and a lively “honk honk” hook, the music video showcases the members cruising through heavy traffic in vibrant outfits while performing energetic choreography. The song’s playful yet nostalgic feel is complemented by leader Soyeon’s involvement in writing and co-producing the track.

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STRAY KIDS Makes Billboard 200 History with ‘ATE’

Stray Kids has just made Billboard 200 history with their latest release! The boy group’s latest album ‘ATE’ has debuted at Number 1 on the charts, making it their fifth album to achieve the feat!

Stray Kids’ ‘ATE’ Makes Billboard 200 History

On July 28, local time, Billboard announced that Stray Kids’ new mini album “ATE” had debuted at No. 1 on its Top 200 Albums chart. This achievement marks their fifth consecutive album to top the chart, following the success of “ODDINARY,” “MAXIDENT,” “★★★★★ (5-STAR),” and “ROCK-STAR.”

Stray Kids is now the first group in Billboard 200 history to have their first five charting albums debut at No. 1. They are only the second artist ever to achieve this remarkable feat, following American rapper DMX, who accomplished it over two decades ago. This milestone underscores Stray Kids’ exceptional impact and consistency in the music industry.

According to Luminate (formerly Nielsen Music), “ATE” earned a total of 232,000 equivalent album units during the week ending on July 25. The album’s total score comprised 218,000 traditional album sales, making it the second-biggest sales week of any album in 2024, surpassed only by Taylor Swift’s “The Tortured Poets Department.” Additionally, “ATE” garnered 13,000 streaming equivalent album (SEA) units, translating to 19.05 million on-demand audio streams over the course of the week. The album also accumulated 1,000 track equivalent album (TEA) units in its first week.

In the meantime, Stray Kids is set to support their release with the ‘dominATE’ World Tour which will kick off with four shows at the KSPO Dome in Seoul starting August 24 to September 1, 2024. The other dates and locations have not yet been announced.

This historic debut further cements Stray Kids’ status as one of the most influential and successful acts in the global music scene. Congratulations to Stray Kids on their incredible achievement and for continuing to break barriers in the music industry!

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Jeon Somi Drops Summer Special Single ‘Ice Cream’ Teaser

Mark your calendars for Jeon Somi’s highly anticipated comeback! The “Fast Forward” singer has just dropped the first teaser for her summer special single “Ice Cream”!

Jeon Somi Confirms August Comeback with Summer Special Single ‘Ice Cream’

On July 29, her agency THEBLACKLABEL officially announced that Jeon Somi will release a new song and music video on August 2 at 1 p.m. KST. A few hours later, the soloist released the first teaser for “Ice Cream”, a summer special single that’s expected to be as refreshing as the season.

The exciting release will mark her return after a year since she dropped her first EP “GAME PLAN” in August of the previous year. Fans have eagerly awaited her new music, and the announcement has already generated a buzz of excitement.

Jeon Somi’s comeback is set to be a significant event in the K-pop calendar, as she is known for her distinctive style and captivating performances. The new song and its accompanying music video are also expected to showcase her growth as an artist and deliver the high-energy, catchy music that she is known for. With her unique voice and vibrant stage presence, Somi’s return is also sure to make waves in the music industry.

Jeon Somi Still Keeping a Busy 2024 Schedule

In addition to her musical endeavors, Jeon Somi has recently garnered praise for her adept hosting skills. She took on the role of special mentor and MC for the live broadcast of the final episode of the survival show “I-LAND2.” Her performance on the show was met with acclaim, as she guided the contestants and engaged the audience with her charismatic and professional demeanor. Thie experience also highlighted her versatility and talent beyond singing and dancing, proving her capabilities as a well-rounded entertainer.

“Ice Cream” will be released on August 2, 2024 at 1PM KST.

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ZEROBASEONE Drops ‘CINEMA PARADISE’ Poster and Spoiler Film

ZEROBASEONE is gearing up for an exciting summer comeback! The boy group has just dropped the “CINEMA PARADISE” poster and spoiler film!

ZEROBASEONE Hypes up Comeback with ‘CINEMA PARADISE’ Poster and Spoiler Film

On July 28 (local time) at KCON LA, the group previewed their return with the release of a teaser and spoiler film titled “CINEMA PARADISE.” The highly anticipated comeback is set to take place in August, much to the delight of their fans.

The teasers showcase the ZEROBASEONE members at a theater, watching a screen that reads, “starring ZEROBASEONE” and “with special appearance,” hinting at more surprises and reveals to come. The cinematic approach has built considerable excitement and curiosity among their audience, setting the stage for a memorable comeback.

In addition to their August comeback, ZEROBASEONE is preparing for another major milestone. WAKEONE Entertainment has announced the dates and locations for the 2024 ZEROBASEONE The First Tour “TIMELESS WORLD.” The tour will kick off with a three-day concert in Seoul from September 20 to 22, marking the beginning of a thrilling journey for both the group and their fans.

ZEROBASEONE’s First Tour

Following the Seoul concerts, ZEROBASEONE will take their performances to various international stages, ensuring a wide-reaching experience for their global fanbase. The tour will make stops in several key cities across Asia, including Singapore, Bangkok, Manila, Jakarta, Macau, Aichi, and Kanagawa. This extensive tour schedule highlights the group’s commitment to connecting with their fans across different regions and showcases their growing popularity on the international stage.

The combination of a summer comeback and an international tour marks a significant period for ZEROBASEONE, promising numerous exciting events and performances. Fans are eagerly anticipating the new music and live shows, ready to support the group through this dynamic phase of their career. With the “CINEMA PARADISE” teaser setting the tone for what’s to come, ZEROBASEONE is poised to make a strong impact in the K-pop scene this summer and beyond.

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Mnet Announces ‘PLANET B’ Boy Group Audition Program

Mnet will be launching a new boy group in 2025! The network has just announced the ambitious project “PLANET B”!

Mnet Unveils New Boy Group Audition Program ‘PLANET B’

On July 29, it was announced that Mnet is gearing up to create a groundbreaking global boy group set to make waves in the international music scene by 2025.

“PLANET B” serves as a prequel to a debut survival program aimed at forming a new global boy group. This innovative show will chronicle the journey of discovering numerous hidden talents from around the world, regardless of their nationality.

Contestants selected through “PLANET B” will earn the opportunity to compete on Mnet’s large-scale boy group survival program, scheduled to take place in 2025. This unique approach aims to provide a platform for aspiring K-pop artists to showcase their potential even before the official survival show begins.

The production team behind the new program shared their vision for the project.

“We plan to turn the audition participant recruitment process, which is normally carried out in private until the broadcast, into a prequel program. Through this project, the next generation of K-pop hopefuls can showcase their potential to their hearts’ content before the official debut survival show. We will greet viewers with a fresh idea and challenge by delivering immersive entertainment through which viewers can also help discover hidden talents,” they said.

A New Boy Group in 2025

This innovative format will allow viewers to be actively involved in the talent discovery process, providing an engaging and interactive experience. The prequel program will not only introduce the contestants but also give them a platform to demonstrate their skills and personalities, building anticipation for the main survival show.

Male contestants born before January 1, 2012, can apply through the official website starting on August 10 at 10 a.m. KST. This open call aims to attract a diverse range of applicants, ensuring that the new boy group represents a global array of talents and backgrounds.

“PLANET B” promises to be a pioneering project that will reshape the way K-pop groups are formed, offering an exciting and inclusive path to stardom for aspiring artists worldwide. Fans can look forward to an immersive and captivating journey as they witness the birth of the next global boy group sensation.

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SM Entertainment’s Alleged Approach to Gu Je Yeok for Marketing Strategy

Lee Jin Ho reveals that SM Entertainment allegedly contacted the controversial YouTuber Gu Je Yeok for a viral marketing campaign

YouTube reporter Lee Jin Ho recently claimed that SM Entertainment approached the controversial YouTuber Gu Je Yeok for a viral marketing campaign. The allegations come after SM Entertainment was accused of using viral marketing tactics against HYBE and manipulating public opinion. SM clarified that its marketing was intended to protect management rights and communicate the company’s stance to shareholders.

Although SM Entertainment stated they declined a proposal to involve YouTube cyber “wreckers,” Lee Jin Ho revealed that specific YouTubers, including Gu Je Yeok, were already chosen for the campaign. Gu Je Yeok, known for his threats against Mukbang YouTuber Tzuyang, confirmed that he received such a proposal. After the offer, he released a video with sensitive content about a person not on good terms with SM, which was quickly taken down due to backlash.

Korean netizens reacted with mixed opinions, with some questioning Lee Jin Ho’s credibility, citing his history of supporting HYBE and criticizing GFriend during their disbandment. Others focused on the fact that SM Entertainment was caught using viral marketing, while some worried that the situation might lead to misunderstandings about HYBE’s involvement.

Korean netizens left comments like:

“Lee Jin Ho is at it again, haha. He tries to make HYBE look good, but I remember him beating down GFriend. From then on, his credibility has been zero. It’s so obvious whose side he’s on.”

“The fact is that SM got caught doing viral marketing, right? But looking at the comments, it seems like people might misunderstand and think that HYBE got caught doing it. That’s just baseless speculation without any evidence, isn’t it?”

“Isn’t Lee Jin Ho a well-known HYBE supporter? He even criticized GFRIEND when they disbanded.”

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