Tag: BELIFT LAB

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ILLIT Planning to Change Fandom Name Following Announcement Backlash

The journey of naming a fandom is a delicate balance between creativity, resonance, and uniqueness. For ILLIT, this journey took a surprising turn as the group announced, then promptly decided upon changing, their fandom name due to intense backlash.

ILLIT Announces, Then Changes Fandom Name

ILLIT initially unveiled “LILLY” as the official name for their devoted fanbase during a Weverse live broadcast. Explaining the choice, member Wonhee articulated the significance of the name, symbolizing an enduring bond of “unchanging love” between the group and their fans.

However, what was intended as a moment of celebration quickly turned into a whirlwind of controversy as fans voiced their concerns about the similarity of “LILLY” to existing names within the K-pop fandom landscape. The potential for confusion and overlap with other fandoms raised valid points, sparking intense backlash and prompting a swift response from ILLIT’s agency, BELIFT LAB.

Acknowledging the feedback and concerns raised by fans, BELIFT LAB announced their decision to reconsider the official fandom name. This demonstrates a commendable commitment to listening to the voices of their supporters and ensuring that the fandom’s identity reflects both the group’s vision and the fans’ distinctiveness.

The decision to change the fandom name reflects BELIFT LAB’s responsiveness and adaptability in navigating the complexities of fan engagement in the ever-evolving K-pop industry. By prioritizing clarity, distinction, and inclusivity, ILLIT and their agency aim to cultivate a fandom identity that resonates deeply with fans while avoiding potential confusion or conflicts with existing fandoms.

As ILLIT embarks on this journey of reevaluation and rebranding, fans eagerly await the unveiling of a new fandom name that encapsulates the spirit of unity, passion, and unwavering support that defines their relationship with the group. In this process of evolution, both ILLIT and their fans continue to demonstrate the power of collaboration and communication in shaping the vibrant tapestry of the K-pop community.

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HYBE’s Girl Group I’LL-IT To Release Debut Album ‘Super Real Me’

I'LL-IT shares photo of the group ahead of its debut. Credit: Twitter/I'LL-IT

Get ready to meet the newest addition to the HYBE family! On Monday, February 26, I’LL-IT, the latest girl group under HYBE LABELS announced that they will be dropping their debut album Super Real Me on March 25.

In addition, BELIFT LAB, HYBE’s subsidiary, also revealed the girl group’s official logo through a 28-second Youtube video. 

Composed of members Yunah, Minju, Moka, Wonhee and Iroha, the group shared their thoughts on finally debuting through the agency. “We are very glad and excited to make the debut we’ve been longing for. Thank you to the fans who have waited patiently for us,” the members expressed.

Moreover, the members also shared that they have grown through the process of recording music and filming music videos. Additionally, the I’LL-IT members asked their fans to give them a lot of interest for their much-anticipated debut.

Additional details about Super Real Me such as its tracklist and title song are yet to be revealed.

Aside from ‘Super Real Me,’ what we know about I’LL-IT

For those who don’t know,  I’LL-IT is a product of the idol survival program R U Next?, which aired from June to September 2023. According to the agency, the group’s name is a combination of the words “I’ll” and “it,” which means that you have the potential to become anything. 

Initially, six contestants were chosen to be part of the debut line up. However, Youngseo, who placed second in the show, left the agency in January 2024 prior to the group’s debut. As per HYBE’s notice, both the company and the artist decided to terminate the exclusive contract. With this, I’LL-IT will continue with five members.

Notably, I’LL-IT will be the latest addition to the growing roster of girl groups under HYBE, following fromis_9, Le Sserafim and NewJeans. Although all under HYBE Label, I’LL-IT is set to be the first girl group and the second artist of the subsidiary BELIFT LAB. Furthermore, the quintet will be the first juniors of K-pop boy group ENHYPEN.

While waiting for the release of Super Real Me, fans can catch the latest I’LL-IT content through the group’s own Youtube variety shows I’LL-IT Ready and I’LL LIKE IT!

Featured image: I’LL-IT shares photo of the group ahead of its debut. Credit: Twitter/I’LL-IT

 

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Look: ENHYPEN Announces 2024 ‘Fate Plus’ Encore US Stops

ENHYPEN poses for their 'Orange Blood' album. Credit: Twitter/ENHYPEN

Attention, ENGENEs! K-pop boy group ENHYPEN is set to take the stage once again as they announce additional stops for their highly-anticipated 2024 FATE PLUS encore concert tour. 

On February 7, BELIFT LAB unveiled the schedule for the US leg of the group’s FATE PLUS stops. Initially, the encore concert was only set for a two-night residency at the KSPO Dome in Seoul on February 24 and 25. However, since tickets for both nights quickly sold out, the agency added another show for February 23. 

After their three-night encore concerts in Seoul, South Korea, ENHYPEN is taking their tour to the United States. From April to May, the group will be gracing five cities, including notable stops in California, Illinois, and New York. 

Furthermore, the announcement about the encore stops came after the group’s successful conclusion of their initial FATE concert tour. To note, the “Bite Me” hitmakers wrapped up their 21st show at the New Clark City Stadium in Tarlac, Philippines on February 3. 

In this concert tour, the group visited 13 cities in the world for the last six months. In a press release, BELIFT LAB said that a total of 327,000 fans attended the group’s concert. According to reports, 85,000 of those were from the US leg of the concert. Now that the septet is returning to the United States, more of their fans have the chance to see them perform live. 

Fans call for the agency to give ENHYPEN time to rest

While concert announcements are usually met with excitement, some fans of the group are worried about ENHYPEN’s schedule. On social media, several ENGENEs are asking BELIFT LAB to give the group ample time to rest. 

Some pointed out that the act has been on tour for three years in a row. Others also raised that some members have been getting sick on tour. Aside from these concert stops, fans also pointed out that the group have been busy doing comeback activities in between. 

Several ENGENEs emphasized that the timing of the encore concert was “unreasonable” and “exploitative.” Meanwhile, others called for BELIFT LAB to put the members’ health and well-being their priority. 

As of writing, BELIFT LAB has yet to react to the fans’ clamor. 

Featured image: ENHYPEN poses for their ‘Orange Blood’ album. Credit: Twitter/ENHYPEN

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I’LL-IT Set for Five-Member Debut Following Youngseo’s Departure

BELIFT LAB’s upcoming K-pop girl group I’LL-IT will debut as a quintet following the departure of popular trainee Youngseo. The group, formed on the JTBC survival show R U Next?, was originally supposed to have six members. So when BELIFT LAB announced that Youngseo had left the agency and would no longer debut with I’LL-IT, fans were shocked and saddened.

Youngseo, who came in second on R U Next?, was known for her strong stage presence. During the show, she impressed the judges and those watching at home with her performances. Her rendition of (G)I-DLE’s “TOMBOY” in one of the early rounds was particularly memorable. A highlight of her journey was when she made it into the HIGH LEVEL (H) category, reflecting her immense talent.

During the finale, Youngseo made it into the final lineup of I’LL-IT alongside Iroha, Minju, Moka, Wonhee, and Yunah. Viewers had been looking forward to seeing her debut. Unfortunately, the recent announcement by BELIFT LAB revealed that she and the agency agreed to terminate her contract. However, the agency is keeping a tight lid on the exact reason for the popular trainee’s departure, leading to confusion and speculation among fans.

R U Next? 영서 YOUNGSEO l 1R rehearsal FanCam (Short ver)

I’LL-IT fell victim to the ‘six-member curse’

This development has brought attention to the so-called “six-member curse” in K-pop, particularly among HYBE‘s girl groups. Those meant to debut with six members faced controversies soon after their debut, leading to unexpected lineup changes. An example is LE SSERAFIM, which was forced to reorganize as a five-member group when Kim Garam left following her bullying scandal.

Although Youngseo‘s departure threw fans for a loop, many still support her. They flooded social media with positive messages and heartfelt letters for her. Fans have also expressed excitement and support for I’LL-IT‘s debut as a five-member group, promising the same level of enthusiasm and love for the new lineup.

I’LL-IT‘s debut is a much-awaited event in the K-pop industry. Despite this sudden change, the group is still expected to make a significant impact once they burst onto the scene. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Youngseo is no longer part of the group, but no one except BELIFT LAB knows the real reason she left. Source: X/@ILLIT_official.

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Look: ENHYPEN to Return With ‘Orange Blood’

ENHYPEN shares a behind-the-scene photo from a magazine shoot. Credit: Facebook/ENHYPEN

Save the date, ENGENEs! K-pop boy group ENHYPEN is set to make their highly-anticipated comeback on November 17 with the release of Orange Blood. 

On Monday, October 16, agency BELIFT LAB confirmed that the septet is gearing up for their new extended play. This will serve as ENHYPEN’s return in just five months. 

In line with the announcement, HYBE LABELS also posted a 25-second logo trailer for Orange Blood. To note, HYBE acquired the full rights of BELIFT LAB in August. 

As for the logo trailer, it opens with a scene of a solar eclipse. Then, the phrase “You and I are connected through blood” flashed on the screen. Next, a montage of scenic videos appeared before the “Orange Blood” logo appeared. 

Additionally, ENHYPEN has also released the promotional schedule for Bad Blood. According to the calendar, the group will release a mood film on top of the usual concept trailers, photos, previews, and track list. Moreover, there will also be an activity called “Orange Blood EN-Connect” night set for November 18. Although details about it weren’t provided. 

As of writing, additional details about Orange Blood, such as the number of songs and its title track, have yet to be announced. 

Notably, Orange Blood will serve as a follow-up to the group’s EP Dark Blood. Released in May, the album carried the hit song “Bite Me” for its title track. 

Furthermore, Dark Blood set several personal records for the group. For instance, it’s the first album of the group to sell 1.1 million copies on the first day of its release. On top of that, it also recorded 1.32 million copies for its first tracking week. 

2023 highlights for ENHYPEN aside from ‘Orange Blood’ 

On top of their achievements with their music releases, 2023 is also shaping to be an impressive year for ENHYPEN on other aspects about their career. And what makes these milestones more memorable is that the group achieved them in less than three years into their debut. 

One of which is their recent 10th gold disk certification in Japan. According to the Japan Record Association, the group’s third Japanese single, “結-YOU-,” was certified Double Platinum.

Moreover, ENHYPEN is also making waves in the fashion industry. 

In June 2023, the “Drunk-Dazed” singers became brand ambassadors for the fashion luxury brand Prada. Then, the group also became ambassadors for the Seoul Fashion Week. 

In line with being brand ambassadors for Prada, ENHYPEN also appeared at the Milan Fashion Week. There, the group reportedly generated a 7 million USD in Media Impact Value.

Currently, ENHYPEN is also embarking on their second world concert tour, FATE. 

Featured image: ENHYPEN shares a behind-the-scene photo from a magazine shoot. Credit: Facebook/ENHYPEN

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Look: HYBE’s Girl Group I’LL-IT Reveals Profile Photos

BE:LIFT LAB releases individual profile photos for I'LL-IT members. Credit: Twitter/I'LL-IT

I’LL-IT, HYBE’s new girl group formed through the survival show “R U Next?”, finally reveals their first profile photos.

Posted on the group’s official social media account,  the six members showcased their unique and alluring charms. The photos came days after Yunah, Minju, Moka, Youngseo, Wonhee, and Iroh were announced to be in the debut lineup. 

The oldest member Yunah is seen flaunting her visuals with a mix-match coordination of a frill-decorated dress and a jacket.

Second is Minju, who also gave a glimpse of her distinct style wearing her knitwear outfit and headset.

On the other hand, Moka showed a hip and cute look in a white dress accentuated by a black beanie.

Next is Youngseo, who is characterized by a cat-like figure, chicly posing in her pink dress.

Meanwhile, Wonhee shows a different aura as exhibits her playful personality with her cute expressions in the photos.

Meanwhile, Iroha, the youngest member in the group, also shined with her stunning visuals. 

Dream to debut of I’LL-IT members

In R U Next, 22 female trainees were assessed through seven rounds, with only six officially debuting. Following the conclusion of the survival show, the ILL-IT members looked back on their journey.  

The oldest member Yunah mentioned that overwhelming emotions rushed over her when her name was called in the final episode of ‘R U Next?’.“I will prepare for my debut with the same mindset as when I first started as a trainee. I will continue to show growth even after debut,” she said with determination.

Meanwhile, Wonhee, who ranked first in the survival show, admitted that she found it difficult to become one of the final members. “I was surprised when my name was called, and it didn’t feel real. My trainee life isn’t long, but I’ll do my best to show you a cool side of me,” she exclaimed.

Additionally, Iroha, the group’s youngest member, mentioned that she always felt a mixture of joy, excitement, anxiety, and worry while doing ‘R U Next?’ Committed to giving her best as part of the debuting lineup, she thanked her fans and family. “I just think that I should work harder and become a cool idol in the future,” she said. 

As of writing, BE:LIFT LAB has yet to announce the details for ILL-IT’s official debut. However, fans can communicate with the girl group through their Weverse community. 

Interestingly, they’ll be the agency’s first girl group. In August BE:LIFE LAB, who manages boy group ENHYPEN, was acquired by HYBE.  

Meanwhile, in other news, HYBE has also launched another survival reality show The Debut: Dream Academy. This time, in partnership with Geffen Records, they’re aiming for a global girl group.

Featured image: BE:LIFT LAB releases individual profile photos for I’LL-IT members. Credit: Twitter/I’LL-IT

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Meet I’ll-It: Hybe’s Girl Group From ‘R U Next?’

The I'LL-IT members pose together after the finale of 'R U NEXT?' Credit: Twitter/I'LL-IT

Watch out for I’LL-IT! JBTC’s reality survival show R U Next? aired its final episode on Friday, September 1, and viewers are introduced to the members of HYBE’s upcoming girl group. 

For those unfamiliar, R U Next? began with 22 female trainees who were assessed through seven rounds. The mentors and judges evaluated the participants as they go through different vocal and dancing missions.

The top six contestants who have earned their spot for the official debut lineup were announced during the final episode.

 

SNSD’s Sooyoung, the show’s MC, revealed Wonhee and Youngseo as the first two members of the group. The two placed first and second in the global vote rankings, respectively. 

Meanwhile, the four other members who were chosen by the agency and judges were Minju, Iroha, Moka, and Yunah.

 

In the finale episode, it was revealed that the six will then debut under the group I’LL-IT, which is a combination of the English words “I will” and “it.”

Netizens’ react on the final lineup 

While the debuting members received congratulatory messages from their fans, a lot of Korean netizens and international viewers have expressed their frustration regarding the show.

https://twitter.com/ilitgirls/status/1697610316287287673

 

Viewers heavily criticized the sudden changes in R U Next?’s voting process as the final episode generally disregarded international votes and relied more on label picks. 

 

Many were also disappointed that the ace-considered participants did not make it to the cut.

https://twitter.com/runextlovre/status/1697603923933274542

 

Next, netizens also raised their suspicions as to the group’s promotional activities. Just a day after the final lineup was announced, Vogue Korea already featured the debuting members, making viewers think the group was pre-selected.

https://twitter.com/rinswurld/status/1697995130668466546

 

What’s next for I’LL-IT

BE:LIFT LAB, a former joint venture between CJ ENM and HYBE Corporation, will manage I’LL IT. The agency is also home to the multinational boy group ENHYPEN, who were formed through the 2020 survival show I-Land

In early August, it was revealed that HYBE has gained full ownership of BE:LIFT LAB.

After the show’s finale, I’LL-IT immediately launched their official social media accounts. 

 

Fans can now catch the group’s latest announcements through Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Tiktok, and Weverse channels. Additionally, the group will have two X (former Twitter) accounts – one for group activities and another for members’ updates. 

 

I’LL-IT members have also penned messages for their fans. Most of them also recall their journey in R U NEXT? and how they feel to be part of the final lineup. 

 

BE:LIFT LAB has yet to announce details about I’LL-IT’s debut as of writing. 

Meanwhile, in other news, HYBE has also launched another survival reality show The Debut: Dream Academy. This time, in partnership with Geffen Records, they’re aiming for a global girl group.

Featured image: The I’LL-IT members pose together after the finale of ‘R U NEXT?’ Credit: Twitter/I’LL-IT

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Enhypen Getting Mobbed at Airport Causes Uproar Among Fans

Fans of K-pop boy group ENHYPEN took to social media to express their outrage at the act’s recent encounter at the Incheon Airport with fans. 

ENHYPEN recently performed at the KPOP LUX festival in Madrid, Spain, and returned to South Korea on Monday, July 24. However, the group was met with an enthusiastic throng of fans at the airport. 

 

In the videos circulating on social media, the crowd flocked the members right after they walked through the airport doors, with some fans even crossing barricades and coming dangerously close to the artists. 

The clips also showed that some of the ENHYPEN members were even getting pushed by the crowd, while others were almost getting separated from the group. Many netizens also pointed out how member Jake is visibly seen aiding Sunoo in navigating the crowd. 

ENGENEs, or fans of ENHYPEN, were immediately infuriated by the incident, calling for tighter security measures from both the group’s agency BELIFT LAB and the airport. 

Fans online also berated the crowd at the airport, saying that their lack of control in handling their excitement harmed the members.

“Jake got pushed, his jacket got grabbed. Even the reporter had to ask him if he was okay. Sunoo got separated from the group at some point. This is terrible. I genuinely feel so frustrated,” one tweet read.

Another wrote, “It’s been 3 years since ENHYPEN is getting mobbed at the airport by fan sites and fans in general, every time. They need to move and do something to protect their artists.” 

“If even the press had to ask the boys whether they’re okay or not there’s something very wrong with the way ‘fans’ are acting. this conversation is getting very tiring,” another fan said. 

https://twitter.com/Bl0bfishSpand3x/status/1683397684999122944

https://twitter.com/heedaze_/status/1683403688453320704

https://twitter.com/Bl0bfishSpand3x/status/1683398576448352256

 

As of writing, BELIFT LAB has yet to address the issue. But it can be recalled that the agency released in September 2020 a fan etiquette guideline after ENHYPEN was also mobbed at the airport following their event on Jeju Island. 

Composed of Jungwon, Heeseung, Jake, Jay, Sunghoon, Sunoo, and Ni-ki, ENHYPEN was formed through the reality talent program I-LAND. They made their debut in November 2020, and are known for songs “Drunk-Dazed,” “FEVER,” “Polaroid Love,” and “Future Perfect.” 

ENHYPEN is also set to embark on their second world tour titled FATE, which will kick off on July 29 and 30 at the KSPO Dome in Seoul, South Korea. It will also have stops in Japan and the United States. 

Featured image: ENHYPEN‘s Twitter

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