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xikers Get New Look in ‘House of Tricky: Watch Out’ Teaser Photos

xikers is building anticipation for their upcoming album release ‘House of Tricky: Watch Out’ by unveiling the latest set of concept photos in the “Hiker” version.

xikers Hype Up Summer Comeback with ‘House of Tricky: Watch Out’ Teaser Photos

Following the previous “X” and “Watch Out” photo sets, this new teaser showcases the group in a fresh and eye-catching style. Posing in a mysterious, desolate landscape, the members of xikers exude a sense of intrigue and adventure, keeping fans excited about the evolving concept for their comeback. The group later dropped an exciting preview.

The group’s knack for creating captivating visual themes is evident in this latest teaser, which adds to the growing buzz surrounding their September release. xikers has been steadily carving out a niche in the K-pop world, and their consistent creativity and dedication are paying off.

Earlier this year, xikers made a strong impact with their third mini album ‘House of Tricky: Trial and Error’ and its dynamic title track, “We Don’t Stop.” The successful comeback in March demonstrated the group’s ability to capture attention with their unique style and powerful performances. Now, as they gear up for their next mini album, xikers is clearly on a roll, showing no signs of slowing down.

‘House of Tricky: Watch Out’ also marks their fourth mini album and is set to be released on September 6 at 1 PM KST. With each teaser and concept photo, xikers continues to build excitement and curiosity among fans and newcomers alike. They are also establishing themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the competitive K-pop landscape.

With ‘House of Tricky: Watch Out’ slated for release on September 6 at 1 PM KST, the group continue to roll out teasers and concept photos. With that, xikers also continue to generate buzz and intrigue, solidifying their presence as a formidable contender in the competitive K-pop scene.

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‘ATE’ Becomes 4th STRAY KIDS Album to Sell Over 3M Copies

It looks like ‘ATE’ is turning out to be a massive success for Stray Kids. The EP is now the fourth Stray Kids album to sell over three million copies, a feat that was achieved in less than a month!

‘ATE’ Is Next Stray Kids Album to Sell 3 Million Copies

Stray Kids have once again proven their dominance in the K-pop industry by becoming triple-million sellers for the fourth consecutive time. According to Circle Chart (formerly known as Gaon Chart), as of August 15, Stray Kids’ latest mini album ‘ATE’ officially surpassed 3 million sales, solidifying their status as one of the most successful acts in K-pop today.

Released on July 19, ‘ATE’ quickly made waves in the music industry, debuting at No. 1 on both Circle’s monthly and weekly album charts. Remarkably, it took less than a month for the album to reach the 3 million mark, a testament to Stray Kids’ immense popularity and the loyalty of their fanbase, known as STAY. ‘ATE’  is now Stray Kids’ fourth consecutive album to surpass 3 million copies, following the massive successes of ‘MAXIDENT’, ‘★★★★★ (5-STAR)’, and ‘ROCK-STAR’.

The achievements of ‘ATE’ extend beyond South Korea. Billboard previously announced that the album debuted at No. 1 on its prestigious Top 200 Albums chart, making it Stray Kids’ fifth consecutive album to achieve this feat. This accomplishment places them in an elite category, as they are now the first group in Billboard 200 history to have their first five charting albums debut at No. 1. This extraordinary record underscores Stray Kids’ growing influence on the global music stage and their ability to consistently deliver chart-topping hits.

The success of ‘ATE’ reflects the group’s relentless work ethic, innovative music, and deep connection with their fans. With this milestone, Stray Kids continue to break new ground in the music industry, both in South Korea and internationally. Their ability to achieve such remarkable sales and chart performances with each release is a clear indication that Stray Kids are here to stay, continuously pushing the boundaries of what a K-pop group can achieve.

Congratulations to Stray Kids on this impressive achievement, and to their fans who have played an integral role in supporting their journey to the top!

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EXO Baekhyun Drops ‘Hello, World’ Scheduler

Mark your calendars: EXO’s Baekhyun is making his highly anticipated return! Following the announcement of his September comeback, the “Bambi” singer has unveiled the ‘Hello, World’ scheduler.

Baekhyun Drops ‘Hello, World’ Scheduler

On August 12 at midnight KST, Baekhyun officially shared the date and details for his upcoming solo comeback. Fans were thrilled as the EXO member revealed the ‘Hello, World’ scheduler, offering a glimpse into what lies ahead for his next release.

This upcoming EP is particularly significant as it marks Baekhyun’s first album to be widely available in North America. In line with this milestone, Baekhyun’s USA Official Artist Store, aptly named ‘BAEKHYUN STORE,’ opened its doors on August 13th.

The ‘BAEKHYUN STORE’ is the go-to site for pre-ordering and purchasing the USA Exclusive versions of Baekhyun’s highly anticipated fourth mini album, “Hello, World.” To add to the excitement, the store features a mini-game with a delightful surprise at the end, making the shopping experience even more engaging for fans.

The release of a U.S. exclusive album signals Baekhyun’s first major step into the U.S. music scene as a solo artist. By making this album available in North America, Baekhyun is not only reaching out to his American fans but also solidifying his presence on a global scale. Following the release of “Hello, World,” fans can expect Baekhyun to have an active presence in North America, with potential appearances in global mass media.

In related news, fellow EXO member Chanyeol is also set for a solo comeback in late August. ‘Black Out’ is Chanyeol’s first solo EP since debuting with the group back in 2012. This also means that two members of EXO will be dropping new music just within a week.

Baekhyun will be making his grand return with his fourth mini album, “Hello, World,” on September 6 at 6 p.m. KST.

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EXO Chanyeol Solo Debut EP ‘Black Out’ Surpasses 26K Pre-Orders on Ktown4U

Chanyeol is already set for domination ahead of the release of his solo debut EP. The EXO member‘s upcoming EP ‘Black Out’ has already gained over 26,000 pre-orders on Ktown4U in the first 24 hours!

‘Black Out’ Surpasses 26K Ktown4U Pre-Orders in 24 Hours

On August 9, the EXO social media channels announced that Chanyeol will be dropping his first solo mini-album ‘Black Out’ on August 28, 2024. Soon after, the EP was made available on several online stores including Ktown4U.

Interestingly, it didn’t take long for the highly anticipated EP to dominate Ktown4u sales. It was revealed that the mini-album has surpassed 26,694 pre-orders in the first 24 hours alone. With that in mind, Chanyeol is expected to continue dominating with ‘Black Out’ later this month.

Chanyeol’s upcoming mini-album ‘Black Out’ marks a significant milestone in his career as it is his first solo project in 12 years since debuting with EXO in 2012. This mini-album, set to feature six tracks across various genres, showcases Chanyeol’s versatility as an artist. The title track, also named “Black Out,” is anticipated to be a standout, reflecting his growth and evolution as a musician.

In addition to his album release, Chanyeol is preparing to embark on an exciting solo tour, the ‘2024 Chanyeol Live Tour: Cityscape’. The tour will kick off with performances in Seoul at the Blue Square Mastercard Hall on September 6-7. From there, Chanyeol will continue to connect with his fans across Asia, visiting 10 different cities. This tour promises to be a unique opportunity for fans to experience Chanyeol’s music and stage presence up close.

Adding to the excitement, Chanyeol is also set to appear in the highly anticipated Netflix series “The Frog” which is scheduled to premiere on August 23, 2024. His role in the series is expected to further demonstrate his talents as an actor, broadening his already impressive repertoire in the entertainment industry. With both his music and acting projects on the horizon, 2024 is shaping up to be a landmark year for Chanyeol.

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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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NCT 127 Surpasses 1M 1st-Week Sales With ‘WALK’

NCT 127’s latest album ‘WALK’ has officially achieved “million-seller” status! The group has once again reached the milestone in 1st-week sales with their latest release!

‘WALK’ 1st-Week Sales Surpasses 1 Million

Last week, the group made a highly-anticipated comeback with their sixth studio album ‘WALK’ featuring the catchy title track of the same name.

According to Hanteo Chart, ‘WALK’ sold an impressive total of 1,095,344 copies in the first week of its release, from July 15 to 21.

The remarkable feat marks ‘WALK’ as NCT 127’s third album to surpass 1 million first-week sales, following the success of their previous studio albums ‘2 Baddies’ and ‘Fact Check’. The consistent achievement of reaching million-seller status underscores the group’s strong fanbase and their growing influence in the music industry.

Another Success for NCT 127

‘WALK’ has captivated fans with its dynamic sound and powerful performances, showcasing the group’s signature style and versatility. The album’s title track, “WALK,” has been particularly well-received, earning praise for its catchy melody and impressive choreography. The album’s success not only highlights NCT 127’s continued popularity but also their ability to evolve and deliver fresh, compelling music with each release.

The members of NCT 127 expressed their gratitude towards their fans, known as NCTzens, for their unwavering support and enthusiasm. The group’s latest milestone is a testament to their hard work, talent, and the strong connection they share with their global fanbase.

In addition to the commercial success, ‘WALK’ has received positive reviews from critics, further solidifying NCT 127’s reputation as a leading act in the K-pop industry. The group’s ability to consistently produce hit albums and captivating performances has established them as trendsetters and innovators in the music scene.

As NCT 127 continues to promote ‘WALK’, fans can look forward to more exciting performances and content from the group. Congratulations to NCT 127 on this impressive achievement, and here’s to more milestones and successes in their future!

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BLACKPINK Jisoo ‘ME’ Album Surpasses 1B Streams on YouTube

Jisoo’s debut solo ‘ME’ album has reached a remarkable milestone, surpassing 1 billion streams on YouTube Music. It’s a major achievement for the BLACKPINK member as it becomes the first solo album from a female Korean artist to achieve the feat!

Jisoo’s ‘ME’ Album Reaches 1 Billion Streams on YouTube Music

As of July 21, the album’s title track “Flower” alone has recorded 952 million views, while the B-side track “All Eyes On Me” has garnered 48 million views. This achievement highlights Jisoo’s immense popularity and the strong support from her fans.

‘ME’ was released on March 31, 2023, featuring the lead single “Flower” and the B-side track “All Eyes on Me”. The album made a powerful debut, landing at number one on the Circle Album Chart with an impressive 1.03 million copies sold in its first week. This accomplishment broke the record for the best-selling album by a K-pop female soloist and made history as the first album by a female soloist to sell over a million copies. The success of “Flower” further cemented Jisoo’s solo career, as the track peaked at number two on the Circle Digital Chart and maintained a spot in the top ten for 12 consecutive weeks.

Jisoo’s solo achievements are a testament to her talent and the loyalty of BLACKPINK’s fanbase, known as BLINKs. Her ability to captivate audiences both as a group member and as a solo artist showcases her versatility and star power.

Big Plans for BLACKPINK

In addition to Jisoo’s solo success, BLACKPINK is set to commemorate their 8th debut anniversary next month with a special fan meeting. This event will give 88 lucky fans the chance to celebrate with the group in person, further strengthening the bond between BLACKPINK and their supporters. The upcoming celebration, coupled with Jisoo’s milestone, underscores the group’s continued influence and the individual members’ ability to shine both collectively and independently.

As BLACKPINK prepares to celebrate their anniversary, fans can look forward to more exciting events and achievements from the group and its members, continuing to shape the landscape of K-pop and global music.

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NMIXX Prepares for August Comeback with ‘Fe3O4: STICK OUT’ Teaser

Mark your calendars for NMIXX’s highly anticipated return! The girl group has just confirmed their August comeback with a magical ‘Fe3O4: STICK OUT’ teaser.

NMIXX Drops ‘Fe3O4: STICK OUT’ Teaser for August Comeback

On July 22 at midnight KST, the group surprised their fans with the exciting announcement of their comeback next month. NMIXX will be making a strong return with their third EP, titled ‘Fe3O4: STICK OUT‘, set for release on August 19 at 6 p.m. KST.

The announcement has generated a wave of excitement among fans, who eagerly await new music and performances from the talented group. ‘Fe3O4: STICK OUT’ promises to showcase NMIXX’s evolving musical style and unique artistic flair, continuing to build on the success of their previous releases.

A Busy August for Haewon

In addition to their comeback, NMIXX member Haewon has been confirmed as a co-host for the upcoming ‘Idol Star Athletics Championships’ (ISAC). She will join veteran host Jun Hyun Moo and fellow co-hosts Kang Daniel and Lee Chan Won. Supporting MCs DinDin and STAYC’s Sieun will also contribute to the event’s lively atmosphere within the stadium.

The filming for this year’s ‘ISAC’ will also commence in early August, promising to be particularly exciting with the introduction of new competitions, including street dance and golf. Street dance, in particular, is expected to be a major highlight, showcasing the exceptional dance skills of many idols. The fierce competition in street dance is also anticipated to deliver high-level performances, adding a fresh and dynamic element to the traditional athletic events.

With Haewon’s involvement in ‘ISAC’ and NMIXX’s upcoming EP, fans have much to look forward to in the coming months. The group’s return is also poised to make a significant impact, further solidifying their place in the K-pop industry and delighting fans with their new music and captivating performances.

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UNIS Gears up for Upcoming Comeback Next Month

According to media reports on July 12 KST, girl group UNIS is gearing up for a swift comeback next month.

UNIS plans to release new music on August 6, marking their return approximately 5 months after their debut with ‘WE UNIS’ in March.

UNIS comprises winners from the SBS girl group survival program ‘Universe Ticket’. The group members include Hyeonju, Nana, Gehlee Dangca, Kotoko, Yunha, Elisia, Yoona, and Seowon.

UNIS, an eight-member South Korean girl group under F&F Entertainment, was formed through the reality survival show Universe Ticket (2023-2024). Comprising Hyeonju, Nana, Gehlee, Kotoko, Yunha, Elisia, Yoona, and Seowon, the group’s name derives from “U&I Story” and “UNiverse Is Started,” symbolizing their journey to fulfill their dreams.

They made their debut on March 27, 2024, with the EP “We UNIS.” Each member brings unique experiences; for instance, Hyeonju was formerly known as Lucky in the group Good Day and participated in The Unit: Idol Rebooting Project. Seowon gained attention as a contestant on Miss Trot 2 before debuting as a soloist.

Inspired by TWICE, UNIS aims to spearhead the fifth-generation K-pop wave and garner international acclaim for their music and performances. They showcased their debut with performances of “Superwoman” and other tracks from their EP during their debut showcase on March 27, 2024.

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ENHYPEN Previews Tracks from Second Studio Album ‘ROMANCE: UNTOLD’

Earlier this month, ENHYPEN previewed their second full-length album, ROMANCE : UNTOLD, through a video uploaded to HYBE Labels’ YouTube channel. The video has a house party theme, and in it, the members display their charms to full effect as they dance, DJ, and sing along to each track in succession.

In ROMANCE : UNTOLD, ENHYPEN uses different genres of music to tell the story of a boy devoted to someone who makes him a better person. ENGENES’ excitement for this release is at an all-time high due to the members’ involvement in the creative process. According to the group’s agency, BELIFT LAB, every single member of ENHYPEN was credited as a composer, lyricist, or producer for ROMANCE : UNTOLD.

The first half of the album includes the mellow alternative R&B track “Moonstruck” and the soft synth-pop song “Your Eyes Only,” whose medium tempo and rhythmic melody make it a definite earworm. There’s also “Hundred Broken Hearts,” an old-school R&B track with youthful energy.

Fans of ENHYPEN’s leader Jungwon should pay close attention to “Hundred Broken Hearts,” as he composed the topline for it. Composing the topline for a song means creating the main vocal melody and, in some cases, also working on the lyrics for that melody. The topline is the part of a song typically sung by a group’s main vocalist. It’s often the most memorable and catchy part, making it crucial in defining the song’s appeal and identity.

ENHYPEN (엔하이픈) ROMANCE : UNTOLD Preview

ENHYPEN is more hands-on now

The back half of the album includes the dynamic funk/dance-pop track “Brought the Heat Back” and the sexy, sophisticated “Royalty.” There’s also “Paranormal,” a rock DnB song with a singalong melody. Rock DnB is a fusion genre that combines elements of rock music with the fast-paced, breakbeat-driven rhythms of drum and bass. While ENHYPEN has been known to experiment with different styles in their music, this marks the first time they’ll try rock DnB.

All seven members contributed to the lyrics of “Highway 1009,” which means lines like “Hold me tighter so I can stand again even on weary days” came right from the members’ hearts. Heeseung also helped compose and produce this one. Finally, the album’s title track, “XO (Only If You Say Yes)” is, of course, a standout. Unlike most of ENHYPEN’s previous title tracks, which are dark and energetic, this one features a sweet melody and impactful lyrics. It’s about a boy who would do absolutely anything for his special someone.

Jungwon, Heeseung, Jay, Jake, Sunghoon, Sunoo, and Ni-ki are becoming more and more hands-on with their music as time goes by, which is a sign of how far they’ve come since debuting four years ago via I-LAND. In a press release, BELIFT LAB stated, “As this is ENHYPEN’s first full-length album in about two years and nine months, the members and the production staff have put in great effort to achieve a high level of completion. Fans can look forward to ENHYPEN’s deeper musical color and authenticity as artists.”

ROMANCE : UNTOLD is set to drop on July 12. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: This photo is from the album’s third set of concept photos. Source: Weverse.

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