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Meet the 20 Contestants in Hybe X Geffen Records’ ‘The Debut: Dream Academy’

HYBE Labels and Geffen Records announce the participants for 'The Debut: Dream Academy.' Credit: Twitter/Dream Academy

K-pop entertainment company HYBE Labels partnered with Universal Music Group subsidiary Geffen Records to create a global girl group through The Debut: Dream Academy show. 

On Tuesday, August 29, the agency revealed the 20 candidates from all over the world who will be competing in the upcoming reality program. 

 

What we know about ‘The Debut: Dream Academy’

These 20 candidates were chosen from over 120,000 applicants from 13 cities across the globe. Also, these young women are aged between 14 to 21. 

Moreover, these candidates come from South Korea, Japan, United States, Australia, Brazil, Philippines, Argentina, Belarus, Sweden, and Slovakia. 

 

HYBE has also been releasing individual photos and profiles of the participants. As well as feature films showing the whole group. 

 

The audition program will air on Youtube and the Japanese streaming platform Abema starting on September 1. Over the course of 12-weeks, these 20 participants will undergo a series of survival missions.

Interestingly, fans can also help determine which of the candidates will make it to the US-based international group through online voting. 

 

The finale will air live on November 17, wherein they will announce the final lineup and the girl group’s name. 

Aside from the audition program, a Netflix docuseries chronicling the creation of this upcoming global girl group will also be in the works. It will be helmed by award-winning filmmaker Nadia Hallgren. And it is expected to be released sometime in 2024. 

HYBE goes global 

The entertainment company behind K-pop superstar BTS teamed up with the US label back in November 2021. 

“I have wanted to form an international group based on K-pop methodology for a while,” HYBE Chairman Bang Si-Hyuk told the press. 

For his part, Geffen A&M Records CEO John Janick also shared that they’re looking forward to this venture.  “Each candidate is incredibly talented, dedicated, and driven, making this an exciting moment for music fans around the world,” he added. 

Aside from The Debut: Dream Academy, one of the subsidiaries of HYBE Label is also holding a survival program for a girl group. Titled R U Next, the winning participants from the program will debut under BELIFT LAB. 

Moreover, several HYBE Label subsidiaries are holding global online auditions. 

BIGHIT Music’s audition program is only open to male applicants born between 2005 and 2013. It will close on September 22. Meanwhile, auditions for KOZ Entertainment will run until November 18. Only individuals born after 2006 can apply. 

Next is the most recently announced audition for PLEDIS Entertainment. Only individuals born after 2005 can audition, and it will run only until September 17.

Featured image: HYBE Labels and Geffen Records announce the participants for ‘The Debut: Dream Academy.’ Credit: Twitter/Dream Academy

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Mnet Announces New Gay Dating Reality Show ‘Dizzying Blind Date’

K-pop sensation Holland is set to appear on a groundbreaking dating show! Known for starring in BL (boys’ love) dramas and releasing toe-tapping singles like “Number Boy,” which featured Roommates of Poongduck 304 actor and ZEROBASE1 member Kim Jiwoong, Holland is now stepping into the world of reality TV. 

Holland is doing it with the Mnet show 아찔한 소개팅Z, translated as Dizzying Blind DateZ. A short preview for it has already created significant buzz, showcasing Holland and other queer men, Some eagle-eyed Twitter users recognized a few of the contestants.

The preview gave a glimpse of the participants answering intriguing questions about their ideal type. Descriptions ranged from “handsome face” to “soccer player-type of face.” The preview also showed preferences like “180cm height” and “cute.” Adding to all the excitement, the show will also feature gay actor, host, and restaurateur Hong Seok Cheon. Such a lineup promises audiences a dating show full of entertaining and candid reactions.

More on Holland

Holland‘s participation in the show was confirmed through his own SNS post, further amplifying the anticipation. His coming-out is part of South Korean history now. He penned a heartfelt letter to his family, telling them of his experiences. Luckily, they embraced and supported him. 

His advocacy and passion for music led him to debut as a singer. Holland’s main goal was to address LGBTQIA+ issues in his music. Despite being rejected by several agencies, Holland‘s determination saw him produce his debut single independently, funded by his savings from part-time jobs.

Holland – NUMBER BOY [Music Video]

Dizzying Blind DateZ will air on Mnet, with comedian Lee Eunji serving as its regular MC. The show drew inspiration from the 2006 program Dizzy Blind Date. But this iteration is quite different as it focuses on contestants vying for a man’s affections. With Holland at the forefront, it promises to be a perfect blend of entertainment and romance. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Will Holland find love on this show? There’s only one way to find out—tune in when it airs! Source: Twitter/@MnetKR.

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DAZED Korea Features Gay Couple for the First Time Ever

In a groundbreaking move, DAZED Korea, one of the nation’s leading magazines, chose to feature a gay couple for the first time ever. This decision highlights the magazine’s commitment to inclusivity and also reflects the changing tides in Korean media representation.

The couple in question, Jun Seong and Seong Ho, captured the hearts of many during their time on His Man 2. Also known as His Love or Man’s Romance, this show holds the distinction of being the first LGBTQIA+ dating reality series in South Korea. Amidst the emotional roller-coaster that was the first season, two couples stood out: Min Sung and Hyun Jin, and our duo, Jun Seong and Seong Ho.

Reflecting on their experience, Jun Seong shared, “It’s all the same as before, but I was confused because I didn’t think His Man 2 would do well. So far, it’s just that the airing ended, and I feel relieved.” For his part, Seong Ho shared, “I’m also lighthearted. There are parts that you can feel. After filming like this, it was surprising that I felt awkward while filming. I think it’s a bit exciting when the broadcast is over. Because while the program aired, the two of us couldn’t go on a date. I like it now.”

When asked about their happiest moments during the show, Jun Seong opened up about the mental challenges of appearing on a reality show, stating, “It was good, but it was hard.” Seong Ho recalled their first date, “When I was on our first date with Jun Seong hyung, we sat on a bench and talked while watching the sunset. I was happy.”

HELLO, JUNSEONG X SEONGHO #이준성 #leejunsung #신성호 #shinsungho #준성호 #junsungho #남의연애2 #gayzip

DAZED Korea: More than a spread

Shifting from the realm of television to the glossy pages of a magazine, Jun Seong and Seong Ho, affectionately termed “JunSeongHo”, have now been spotlighted by DAZED Korea. They are set to grace the September edition with a pictorial and they’ll also be featured on the magazine’s official website.

The pictorial is a visual treat. Both boys shine brilliantly in their solo shots, which isn’t surprising given the attention the show’s cast received for their striking looks. (Even the guys from the first season had excellent visuals.) More than just a visual spectacle, the photos offer a candid glimpse into their relationship, showcasing moments that are nothing short of adorable.

This feature by DAZED Korea is more than just a magazine spread. It signifies a step forward in representation, especially in a conservative country where LGBTQIA+ narratives are still finding their footing. Jun Seong hopes for a better world, and so does Seong Ho. “I hope that those who are considering coming out get a little more courage from seeing us, and I hope that those who are having a hard time coming out will see us and resolve some of the conflicts in their hearts.”

DAZED Korea’s decision to feature Jun Seong and Seong Ho is not just a win for the magazine or the couple, but for representation as a whole. It’s a reminder that we should celebrate and see love in all its forms. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: One small step for JunSeongHo, one giant leap for representation in South Korea. Source: DAZED Korea.

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‘Bro and Marble PD’ on Working With SEVENTEEN’s Hoshi and Joshua

In entertainment, the fusion of travel and gaming has always been a winning combination. Bro and Marble, an original series on the OTT platform Tving, is no exception. The show, reminiscent of the classic board game Monopoly, sees celebrities pair up, roll dice, and move across a virtual board. The catch? The cities they land on can be bought with real Dubai currency, Dirham (AED). The stakes are high, with real travel opportunities and penalties like being stranded on a deserted island until a double is rolled.

Hoshi and Joshua brought youthful energy 

With actor-singer Lee Seung Gi anchoring the show as the banker, other celebrities like Yoo Yeon Seok, Lee Dong Hwi, Ji Seok Jin, Cho Kyu Hyun, and, most notably, SEVENTEEN stars Joshua and Hoshi, made the show even more fun. In a recent interview, Lee Hong Hee, the show’s PD, shared his insights on this variety show. “Every time the cast rolled the dice, even the production team was on edge,” he said.

SEVENTEEN’s Joshua Successfully Steals from God Bros 😂 | Bro&Marble in Dubai 🎲

The unpredictability of the game, where every move was determined by the roll of a dice, presented real-world challenges for Lee Hong Hee’s team. For instance, securing locations in Dubai, an Islamic country with astronomical costs and strict filming permissions, required careful planning. But the team relied heavily on luck, preparing for high-probability actions and waiting for the right moment. 

Having the right people on Bro and Marble was also important. SEVENTEEN‘s Hoshi and Joshua, in particular, brought some youthful energy to the show. The idols’ inclusion was strategic, considering the size of their fanbase. Their vibrant presence and significant contributions made them stand out among the seasoned entertainers.

SEVENTEEN’s Joshua, Hoshi and Yoo Yeon Seok Tricks & Antics 😜 | Bro&Marble in Dubai 🎲

Lee Hong Hee talks season two

“SEVENTEEN‘s original content is really fun. Their individual character building is excellent too. As a Director who watches it, they have plenty of good content that you can learn from. I was thinking if there are idols who wouldn’t be intimidated by the hyungs, and I realized that SEVENTEEN was suitable. I chose two members who had outstanding performance and presence,” Lee said. 

The camaraderie among the cast was evident, not just on-screen but off-screen as well. Lee fondly revealed that their group chat remains active, with the cast members sharing their reactions to the episodes as they air. Moreover, response to the show has been overwhelmingly positive, domestically and internationally. When asked about the possibility of a second season, Lee was hopeful. 

SEVENTEEN’s Hoshi & Joshua Performs ‘VERY NICE’ ASMR Version 🤣 | Bro&Marble In Dubai

“If season two is produced, I’d keep the members as it is. The atmosphere within the members is good to the point it’s regrettable to end it like this. It’ll be difficult because everyone is so busy, but I can’t imagine doing season two without these members.”

Will Lee Hong Hee be able to do season two with the same cast, including SEVENTEEN’s Hoshi and Joshua? Stay tuned for updates! – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Lee Hong Hee enjoyed working with Hoshi and Joshua so much that he wants to do a second season with them. Source: Naver/Tving.

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Sandara Park and More K-Pop Stars Wear Traditional Filipino Clothing in ‘Idol Truck’

Several K-pop stars went to the Philippines for 'Idol Truck.' Credit: Instagram/DARA

Sandara Park might be a global K-pop star, but her popularity knows no bounds in the Philippines. And her fame in the country was again proven in the variety show Idol Truck. 

For starters, Sandara was already a household name in the Philippines before she was even launched as a member of girl group 2NE1. 

Her showbiz career started in 2004 after joining the talent competition show Star Circle Quest. Despite finishing as a runner-up, Sandara pursued an acting career in the Philippines. She also starred in numerous Filipino films and TV projects. 

 

Eventually, she moved back to South Korea and debuted under YG Entertainment in 2009. 

Even though she’s been primarily based in South Korea, Sandara continues to visit the Philippines and even showcased how fluent she is in Tagalog. 

 

Filipinos’ love for Sandara 

For Idol Truck, Sandara and other Korean celebrities are tasked to sell products from small and medium-sized businesses in the area they visit. 

Joining Sandara in the team Philippines were WINNER’s Jinu, NU’EST’s Aron and JR, and DINDIN. 

Even before they left South Korea, Sandara was already assuring her teammates that they only had to trust her for their mission. She even joked that she was the third most popular person in the Philippines, following former president Rodrigo Duterte and athlete Manny Pacquiao.  

 

In the episode, the Korean stars were shocked that many Filipino fans were already waiting for Sandara when they arrived at the airport. 

The show was filmed in Clark, Pampanga in June. Videos of the celebrities visiting local fast food chains, cafes, and markets also circulated on social media. 

 

But what many Filipino fans find endearing is that the Korean stars also wore Filipino traditional clothing. 

 

Many of the comments under Instagram’s post wrote their admiration for the group and how much they enjoyed the show. 

Featured image: Several K-pop stars went to the Philippines for ‘Idol Truck.’ Credit: Instagram/DARA

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Watch: Zerobaseone’s Kim Ji Woong to Star in Own Variety Show

Kim Ji Woong in the concept photos for ZEROBASEONE's 'Youth In The Shade' album. Credit: Facebook/ZB1

Kim Ji Woong of rookie group ZEROBASEONE will be starring in his own variety show, just a month after his official debut! 

In Boy Detective Kim Ji Woong, the ZEROBASEONE member will act as a detective whose mission is to investigate the current trends.

The rookie idol will participate in a series of challenges to solve topics ranging from popular locations to trivial questions and patterns. 

 

In the teaser, Ji Woong shared that he’s interested to do extreme activities such as bungee jumping and rock climbing. “I can do it all,” he declared. 

Boy Detective Kim Ji Woong will premiere on August 30. New episodes will air every Wednesday. 

Additionally, the upcoming web variety show is under CJ ENM’s Studio Horak Horak. Said studio is also in charge of the Fearless Kura show headlined by LE SSERAFIM’s Sakura

Busy month for ZEROBASEONE 

ZEROBASEONE or ZB1 is a nine-member group formed via Boys Planet. 

Aside from Ji Woong, the other members are Sung Han-bin, Zhang Hao, Seok Matthew, and Kim Tae-rae. Ricky, Kim Gyu-vin, Park Gun-wook, and Han Yu-jin are also part of the lineup.

ZB1 made their debut on July 10 with the release of their mini-album YOUTH IN THE SHADE.  Shortly after, YOUTH IN THE SHADE set the record for being the best-selling debut album in K-pop history. Over 1,240,700 copies were sold in just 24 hours of sales. 

ZB1 project group that will promote under WakeOne Entertainment, a CJ ENM subsidiary, for around two and a half years. 

Featured image: Kim Ji Woong in the concept photos for ZEROBASEONE’s ‘Youth In The Shade’ album. Credit: Facebook/ZB1

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First Look: Im Siwan and Jung Hae In’s Travel Show ‘Actors on a Journey’

Jung Hae In shares a photo of him hanging out with Im Siwan. Credit: Instagram/Jung Hae In

Celebrity friends Im Siwan and Jung Hae In will give a glimpse of their adorable friendship in the travel variety show Actors on a Journey! 

JTBC Entertainment released the teaser for the series, wherein the two actors will travel all over Scotland. 

In the clip, the two are seen constantly making each other laugh. The teaser ends with the two racing each other after Siwan ran away from Hae In. 

 

Actors on a Journey is the first time that the two actor friends are starring in a variety series together. 

Following the teaser, fans are anticipating how Siwan and Hae In interact given that they’re both born in 1988. Fans also pointed out that the two have different MBTI types and travel preferences. 

Additionally, both stars are also known to be whiskey lovers. The show was reportedly filmed in Scotland as its a place known for having the greatest amount of whiskey produced. Filming for the show wrapped up in May. 

Actors on a Journey will premiere on August 23. 

Im Siwan is known for his roles in Run On, Summer Strike, and Misaeng, among others. He is confirmed to star in the second season of Squid Game. Meanwhile, Jung Hae In starred in Snowdrop, D.P., and While You Were Sleeping. 

Featured image: Jung Hae In shares a photo of him hanging out with Im Siwan. Credit: Instagram/Jung Hae In

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Monsta X’s Kihyun to Enlist in Military on August 22

Kihyun in concept photo teasers for MONSTA X's mini-album 'Reason.' Credit: Facebook/MONSTA X

Kihyun of K-pop boy group MONSTA X has announced that he will be starting his mandatory military service on August 22. 

The idol personally shared the news on Tuesday, August 1 through a handwritten letter posted on MONSTA X’s official fan cafe.

“Even though MONBEBE will worry first despite anticipating [the news] because I already mentioned it numerous times, I feel rather relieved because I feel like I’m doing homework that I’ve pushed off,” he said, as translated by Soompi. 

The main vocalist added that he’s grateful for the support, and that he will continue working hard before he has to leave.

Additionally, Kihyun also pointed out how aside from him, the rest of the MONSTA X members will also be away doing their military services. And in turn, he reminded their fans to stay strong and be healthy until they come back.

Kihyun will be the fourth member of MONSTA X to enlist in the military following members Shownu, Minhyuk and Joohoney.

Also read: MONSTA X’S Joohoney Starts Military Service

Shownu was discharged from the military in April, while Minhyuk enlisted in the same month. Meanwhile, Joohoney started his service in July.

Currently,  MONSTA X has focused mainly on solo and sub-unit activities as members have started enlisting.  I.M made his solo comeback in June with the mini-album Overdrive, while members Shownu and Hyungwon made their sub-unit debut with The Unseen. 

Composed of Shownu, Minhyuk, Hyungwon, Joohoney, Kihyun, and I.M, MONSTA X made their debut in May 2015. Their last full comeback was in January with the mini-album Reason.

Featured image: Kihyun in concept photo teasers for MONSTA X’s mini-album ‘Reason.’ Credit: Facebook/MONSTA X

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Epik High’s Tablo Gets Real About Daughter Haru Collecting K-Pop Photocards, Albums

Epik High's Tablo poses for a photo with daughter Haru. Credit: Instagram/Haru

It seems like even veteran singer Tablo of Epik High can’t escape the K-pop collecting culture as he revealed that he almost got broke buying albums and photocards for his daughter Haru! 

Tablo was the guest in the July 28 episode of Jae Friends, a web show hosted by soloist Kim Jaejoong. In there, the two stars talked about how Hallyu wave grew over the years. 

 

The two started talking about how they first met, recalling how they both debuted in 2005. Tablo was with Epik High, while Jaejoong was under TVXQ, before he left the group and its agency SM Entertainment in 2009. 

 

Their conversation then transitioned to how K-pop is right now, wherein Tablo revealed that he knows a lot of recent songs. 

However, the rapper-songwriter couldn’t help but whine over one aspect: how expensive K-pop  is. 

Tablo on Haru’s fangirling 

The Epik High singer then joked that he almost went broke because he has spent a lot on buying K-pop merchandise for his daughter Haru. 

“To be honest, I need to get something from this industry. The amount of money I’m spending on K-pop,” he said. 

Jaejoong then asked Tablo what K-pop groups Haru is a fan of. To which, he replied that she’s following BTS, Stray Kids, and SEVENTEEN. 

“She likes so many idol groups. Seriously, I’m not kidding. I have like a bunch of CDs. The employee selling the albums, that person could recognize who I am,” he shared. 

 

Additionally, Tablo pointed out the number of versions that albums have right now and their cost. He even teasingly blamed Jaejoong and TVXQ for making it a trend. 

“You guys have started that. You guys were the first one. But the stone you guys slightly rolled, it now became a huge rock. There are 20 versions just for one album,” he said. 

 

Meanwhile, Jaejoong was surprised at Tablo’s remarks, saying that fans could listen to the music on streaming platforms instead. “Is it necessary to buy a CD?” he asked. 

Tablo then quipped that it’s because he has to buy the photocards included in the album. “It’s also from you guys. Everything’s all because of you guys. With the amount of albums I’ve bought until now, I almost went bankrupt,” he said.  

The exchange quickly went viral on social media, with many fans agreeing to Tablo’s sentiments. Some also found it cute how supportive he is of Haru’s hobby, and shared that they’re curious about her K-pop merchandise collection. 

 

But in response to a tweet, Tablo jokingly implied that the merchandise might be for himself. “Funny that people think the photocards collection is for Haru,” he wrote. 

 

Haru is the 13- year-old daughter of Tablo with his wife Kang Hye Jung. Tablo previously appeared in the variety show The Return of Superman when Haru was still younger, but they left the show in 2014. 

Featured image: Epik High’s Tablo poses for a photo with daughter Haru. Credit: Instagram/Haru Lee

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Exo’s ‘Travel the World on a Ladder 4’ to Premiere in August 11

Mark your calendars, EXO-Ls because K-pop boy group EXO is returning with a new season of their hit variety show Travel the World on a Ladder! 

Travel the World on a Ladder is a reality-variety series wherein EXO members make their travel decisions based on the results of a ladder game. 

 

Its first season, which aired in 2018, starred EXO-CBX members Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin. The second and third season featured the whole group. 

This upcoming fourth installment will see members Suho, Xiumin, D.O., Baekhyun, Chanyeol, Chen, and Sehun. Kai won’t be part of it since he enlisted in the military in May. 

SM C&C Studio also released individual photos of the members posing with an airsoft gun in a field. Although details about the show have yet to be released, fans are already anticipating the adorable ruckus the EXO members will create while playing this outdoor game. 

The first two episodes will premiere on August 11 on Wave. There will be a total of twelve episodes, with two episodes airing every Friday until September 15. 

The ‘Travel the World on a Ladder 4’ release comes after EXO wrapped up the promotional activities for their seventh full-length album EXIST. 

EXIST, which served as EXO’s first album as a full-group in two years, has a total of nine songs, with “Cream Soda” as its title track. 

Originally a 12-piece act, EXO debuted under SM Entertainment in April 2012. Chinese members Kris, Tao, and Luhan have left the group, while Lay left SM Entertainment in April 2022. 

EXO is known for songs “Growl,” “Monster,” “Love Shot,” “Overdose,” and “Tempo.” 

Featured image from EXO’s Twitter

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