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Stalker of Apink’s Eunji Sentenced to Prison

A notorious stalker of Apink member Eunji has finally been sentenced to prison, South Korean media outlets reported on January 18. 

Through an official statement, Apink’s agency, IST Entertainment gave an update about the legal matter. In a translated post, IST Entertainment said that they filed a complaint against the said stalker who has been harassing Eunji since 2020.

According to reports, judge Lee Yong-Je, who handled the case, sentenced the 59-year old stalker, hereby referred to as Cho, to one year in prison and two years of probation for violating the Act of Punishment of Crime of Stalking.

Moreover, the Seoul Central District Court also ordered Cho to pay a fine of 100,000 Korean Won. Furthermore, Cho also has to fulfill 120 hours of community service and complete a 40-hour lecture program about prevention of repeated crimes related to stalking.

IST Entertainment then reassured the fans that they will continue to monitor the rights of their artists and take legal measures involving defamation, invasion of privacy, and other cases, without leniency.

Instances of Eunji being stalked by Cho

Other media outlets also reported that the court revealed that Cho started stalking Eunji in March of 2020. At the time, Cho sent a package to the singer’s home with a message that read: “Will you please accept me as your butler and partner?”

Two months later, this instance was followed by Cho tailing the Apink vocalist to her hair and makeup shop.

Then in April and July of 2021, the stalker was found waiting for Eunji around her apartment. In the same year, Cho received their first warning from the police. To which they made a promise that Cho will not approach Eunji again.

However, Cho continued to send messages to the idol through their phone and the DearU bubble chat room service. Eventually, Eunji had to discontinue using the platform due to Cho’s intense stalking.

The court, explaining their decision, stated that Cho’s acts were beyond the level of support a fan would send to a celebrity.  Moreover, judge Lee also pointed out that despite the victim’s shock, anxiety and fear regarding the situation, the stalker showed no signs of remorse.

As of writing, Eunji has yet to release her personal statement about the matter. 

Featured image: IST Entertainment releases new company profile photos of Eunji. Credit: Facebook/Apink

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Watch: APINK Radiates Joy in ‘Pink Christmas’ Music Video

APINK returns with new music to celebrate the holidays!

On Monday, December 11, South Korean girl group APINK dropped the official music video for their Yuletide season single Pink Christmas.” The three-minute clip featured Eunji, Namjoo, Hayoung, Bomi and Chorong radiating a cheerful aura while celebrating the holidays together.

Notably, the jazz ballad track also showcased the members’ warm vocals as they expressed the heart-fluttering anticipation for Christmas. Moreover, Eunji and Namjoo were revealed to have participated in writing the lyrics of the said song. 

Prior to the music video release, APINK treated fans with their lovely visuals on the concept photos shared on their group’s social media accounts. In the pictures, the members showed off their alluring charms and lit up the atmosphere in their elegant red outfits.

APINK through the years

Known as one of vocal powerhouses in K-Pop, APINK made their official debut in 2011 under the entertainment agency IST Entertainment

Since then, the girl group received love both in the local and global scenes for their iconic hit tracks including “Mr. Chu,” “No No No,” “Dumhdurum,” among many others.

On their 12th year this 2023, APINK made their first official comeback as a five-member group after the departure of idol-actress Son Na Eun. In April, the quintet then proved their timeless prowess as their mini EP SELF dominated domestic music charts including Melon, Genie, and Bugs. Furthermore, the release debunked speculations of the group disbanding as members Chorong, Bomi, Namjoo, and Hayoung left the agency at the time. 

As a gift for Pink Panda, the group’s fandom, APINK quickly returned with “Pink Christmas to blissfully commemorate the end of the year.

As of writing, the track is now available for streaming on multiple platforms including Melon, Spotify, Apple Music, and others.

Featured image: APINK releases their holiday single ‘Pink Christmas.’ Credit: Twitter/IST Entertainment

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Former APINK Member Yookyung Confirms Upcoming Wedding

Yookyung is getting married! The former APINK member has confirmed that she is tying the knot this weekend. In addition to that, Hong Yoo Kyung wrote a sweet letter for fans and shared gorgeous images from her wedding photoshoot!

Former APINK Member Yookyung Shares Heartwarming Letter and Wedding Photoshoot Images

On October 12, Hong Yoo Kyung shared the news with her followers on Instagram. The former APINK member posted a heartfelt letter addressed to her fans.

“I have something important to share with you all who’ve always supported me, which is why I’m writing this message. It’s been a fairly short time, but I’ve met someone who’s constantly given me unwavering assurance and made me want to spend the rest of my life with him. Because of this, I’ll be marrying this coming Saturday,” she wrote.

 

Yookyung added, “I understand this may be sudden. I’m nervous thinking it might catch you offguard. Still, I want to share this joyful news with a sense of gratitude for everyone who has watched over me and cherished me until now.”

“I’d appreciate it if you could continue to bless my new beginning and watch over me with love,” she continued. “We’ll live a beautiful life while being considerate of each other for the rest of our lives. Thank you.”

 

APINK member Eunji quickly commented on the post and congratulated Hong Yoo Kyung. “Let’s meet up more often after you get married. So pretty,” she wrote.

Hong Yoo Kyung debuted as a member of APINK in 2011. However, she later left the girl group in 2013 to focus on her studies. Since then, Yookyung has been staying out of the limelight. Nevertheless, she still manages to stay in touch with the other APINK members who are also expected to attend the wedding on Saturday.

Congratulations to Hong Yoo Kyung and her soon-to-be husband!

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APINK Assures PANDAs With Handwritten Letters About Group’s Future

The members of APINK are always thinking about their fans. Chorong, Bomi, Eunji, Namjoo, and Hayoung each wrote sweet letters to assure PANDAs about the group’s future.

The past few days have been a whirlwind for PANDAs as Chorong, Bomi, Namjoo, and Hayoung left IST Entertainment. The APINK members soon signed with Choi Creative Lab while Eunji chose to stay with their original agency.

APINK Members Pen Assuring Letters to PANDAs

Despite the change of agency, the members made it clear that APINK will continue to work together as a group. The idols shared handwritten letters on the group’s fan cafe, each assuring PANDAs about the future.

“Our PANDAs, don’t fall sick, have your meals on time and wait just a while more! In future, we’ll still be Apink! In future, I’ll still be Apink’s leader Chorongie!” Chorong wrote.

“Although it’s a little scary and feels surreal to bid farewell to the staff who have been with us for the past long 12 years, I hope you’ll still support the new side of us when we go to a new place and adjust slowly!” Bomi wrote. “Our PANDAS will also walk together with us, right? Let’s spend even more time together and be even, even happier in future!

“You know that we’re good at keeping promises right? That’s why. Don’t worry and you just have to be a PANDA in future will do,” Eunji wrote. “There won’t be any upsetting matters. The members will go live in a bit! We’ll talk more then!”

“Our PANDAs must have been shocked right..? Sorry for causing you to worry!” Namjoo wrote. “But I really, honestly wanted to quickly tell you that the fact that us ‘Apink’ will not change.”

Finally, maknae Hayoung wrote a hopeful message. “We will show you more sides of us, instead of using words so let’s make even more memories! Together!! Thank you, and I love you.”

APINK recently dropped their tenth EP ‘SELF’ and will continue to promote their new single “D N D”.

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Eunji Assures Fans After APINK Members Sign With New Agency

Eunji wants fans to know that APINK will stay together. The “Work Later, Drink Now” star assured PANDAs that the group will continue working together. Jung Eun-ji made the promise after Chorong, Bomi, Namjoo, and Hayoung signed up with a new agency.

APINK’s Chorong, Bomi, Namjoo, and Hayoung Sign With New Company

Choi Creative Lab issued a statement confirming that four APINK members have signed with the agency.

“We notify that Apink members Chorong, Bomi, Namjoo, and Hayoung have signed exclusive contracts with the agency, effective beginning in May of 2023,” the statement reads. “At Choi Creative Lab, we plan on supporting the four members of Apink in both their team and individual promotions to the best of our capabilities.

“We will provide for our artists with warm and magnanimous leadership as to foster their growth, and also make many happy memories together,” it continued.

The news comes almost immediately after IST Entertainment announced that Chorong, Bomi, Namjoo, and Hayoung have not renewed their contracts with the company. Eunji, who has been doing solo promotions, chose to stay with the agency.

Eunji Promises APINK Will Continue Group Activities

Jung Eun-ji expressed her joy for the other APINK members after they found a new company. The “Reply 1997” star shared an update on Weverse about the group’s future.

“Nothing has changed!! You don’t have to take it too seriously,” she wrote to PANDAs. “We’ll still be Apink in the future.”

APINK recently dropped their tenth EP ‘SELF’ and will continue to promote their new single “D N D”.

In related news, IST Entertainment recently announced that the VICTON maknae line has chosen not to renew their contracts with the company. Hanse, Byungchan, and Subin each shared their handwritten letters confirming their exit from the agency. Meanwhile, Seungwoo, Seungsik, and Sejun will complete their contracts with the agency. The hyung line’s contracts were moved to accommodate their military enlistment.

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APINK Members Chorong, Bomi, Namjoo, and Hayoung Leave IST Entertainment

The members of APINK have made a decision about their future. Chorong, Bomi, Namjoo, and Hayoung have decided to leave IST Entertainment. Meanwhile, Eunji has chosen to stay with the agency to continue her solo promotions.

IST Entertainment Shares Updates On APINK’s Contract Renewal

IST Entertainment shared an official statement regarding APINK’s future. The statement confirmed that Chorong, Bomi, Namjoo, and Hayoung chose not to renew their contract.

“Ahead of the end of Apink’s exclusive contracts with our agency, we and the members put our heads together and carefully discussed the matter,” the statement read.

“It was ultimately determined that for the sake of each member’s new growth in the future, Park Chorong, Yoon Bomi, Kim Namjoo, and Oh Hayoung will end their beautiful 12-year journey with us, which began with their debut, at the end of April,” it continues.

APINK’s Eunji Renews Contract With IST Entertainment

The agency confirmed that Eunji renewed her contract and will continue to pursue solo activities.

“We recently renewed our contract with Jung Eun Ji, and we will be continuing our relationship,” it reads. “In addition to her activities as a singer, Jung Eun Ji also plans to greet you soon with a new acting project, and we plan to consistently support her so that she can stand out in a wide array of fields.”

IST Entertainment Clarifies APINK Disbandment Speculations

The statement further explained that APINK will not disband and will continue to pursue group activities.

“Regardless of their contracts, all of the Apink members are firm in their love of the group and their determination to continue their group activities, so they have promised to carry on with their group activities without disbandment,” it reads. “Our agency will cooperate with Apink after discussions regarding their future activities, and we plan to work together with them so that they can stay together as a group.”

IST Entertainment recently confirmed that the VICTON maknae line has chosen not to renew their contracts. Hanse, Byungchan, and Subin each shared their handwritten letters confirming their exit from the agency. Meanwhile, Seungwoo, Seungsik, and Sejun will complete their contracts with the agency. The hyung line’s contracts were moved to accommodate their military enlistment.

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