Categories
K-DRAMA KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

EXO’s Xiumin And MONSTA X’s Hyungwon Star In ‘CEO-Dol Mart’ Teaser

TVING has unveiled an exclusive sneak peek of its highly-anticipated drama “CEO-dol Mart” starring EXO’s Xiumin and MONSTA X’s Hyungwon. The captivating series delves into the unexpected journey of Thunder Boys, an idol group whose dreams are shattered when an unforeseen incident compels them to disband abruptly. Stripped of their aspirations and careers in the blink of an eye, the members of Thunder Boys find themselves in an unlikely role—co-owners of a struggling supermarket.

TVING Shares First ‘CEO-Dol Mart’ Featuring EXO’s Xiumin and MONSTA X’s Hyungwon

The drama’s latest teaser transports viewers back to Thunder Boys’ humble beginnings during their rookie days, as a music show MC excitedly introduces the fresh-faced group. Fast forward five years, and Thunder Boys’ leader Choi Ho Rang (Lee Shin Young) receives an astonishing revelation from a police officer. He is now the proprietor of a supermarket known as “Boram Mart.” What’s more, his supermarket partners are none other than his former bandmates. This includes Shin Tae Ho (EXO’s Xiumin), Jo Yi Joon (MONSTA X’s Hyungwon), Eun Young Min (Choi Won Myeong), and Yoon Sang Woo (Lee Sae On).

Amidst the bewildering situation, each member responds to their names in unison, confirming their ownership. When the perplexed police officer questions their identities, Shin Tae Ho and Choi Ho Rang exchange glances before proudly declaring, “Thunder Boys.”

“CEO-dol Mart” promises to deliver a heartwarming and humorous tale of resilience and camaraderie as these former idols navigate the challenges of running a supermarket together.

TVING had previously released the poster for “CEO-Dol Mart”. Alongside the Thunder Boys, the poster also features the experienced part-timer Oh Ye Rim (played by Choi Jung Woon). As they navigate this new venture, the Thunder Boys members will also uncover their hidden talents while working at the supermarket, adding depth and excitement to the series. “CEO-dol Mart” is set to be a must-watch drama filled with unexpected twists and heartwarming moments.

“CEO-dol Mart” has not yet been given an official release date. However, the new supermarket drama is set to premiere on TVING.

Categories
K-DRAMA KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

EXO’s Xiumin, MONSTA X’s Hyungwon Join New Supermarket Drama

Get ready to dive into the excitement of the upcoming supermarket drama “CEO-dol Mart” (working title), which promises an intriguing storyline and a talented ensemble cast. The upcoming supermarket drama will feature EXO’s Xiumin and MONSTA X’s Hyungwon!

New Supermarket Drama ‘CEO-dol Mart’ Drops First Poster

On the 5th of September, “CEO-dol Mart” unveiled an eye-catching group poster, featuring the lead actors, including Lee Shin Young, EXO’s Xiumin, MONSTA X’s Hyungwon, Choi Jung Woon, Choi Won Myeong, and Lee Sae On.

The series unfolds the captivating narrative that follows the aftermath of Thunder Boys, an idol group, disbanding due to an unexpected incident. These former idols embark on an unexpected journey as they take over the reins of a struggling supermarket.

The newly released poster introduces the five Thunder Boys members: the leader Choi Ho Rang (played by Lee Shin Young), the main dancer Shin Tae Ho (portrayed by Xiumin), the rapper Jo Yi Joon (brought to life by Hyungwon), the vocalist Eun Young Min (played by Choi Won Myeong), and the charismatic youngest member Yoon Sang Woo (portrayed by Lee Sae On). Despite reaching the pinnacle of their careers, they are forced to disband abruptly due to an unforeseen accident. Five years later, they discover the astonishing truth that, on paper, they are the owners of a supermarket.

This captivating storyline follows the journey of these former idols as they transition from living aimlessly to becoming supermarket owners, igniting a remarkable adventure. Alongside the Thunder Boys, the poster also features the experienced part-timer Oh Ye Rim (played by Choi Jung Woon), who brings her wealth of supermarket experience to the table, showcasing remarkable leadership skills. As they navigate this new venture, the Thunder Boys members will also uncover their hidden talents while working at the supermarket, adding depth and excitement to the series. “CEO-dol Mart” is set to be a must-watch drama filled with unexpected twists and heartwarming moments.

“CEO-dol Mart” has not yet been given an official release date. However, the new supermarket drama is set to premiere on TVING.

Categories
K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Look: Exo’s D.O Drops Teaser for Solo Album ‘Expectation’

Save the date, EXO-Ls because soloist D.O. is back! EXO’s D.O. released on Friday, September 1, the teaser for his upcoming second solo mini album Expectation. 

In the teaser, the vocalist is seen sitting in front of a desk and deep in thought. Additionally, EXO’s official social media accounts also changed their icons to signify the start of a new era. 

 

According to reports, Expectation will consist of seven emotional tracks that will showcase D.O’s excellent vocal abilities.

 

Other details about Expectation have yet to be unveiled as of writing, but D.O. has already hinted about his second solo album. 

In a previous interview, the singer revealed that he finished the album preparations including the recording, filming for music videos, and jacket photos in May 2022. 

“I wanted to start preparing early so I have completed them before getting involved in other shoots. The album will consist of acoustic-like songs that I love so much.”, he said.

Additionally, D.O. promised that once the album is released, he’ll conduct an event where he can meet his fans. 

D.O. as a soloist

Following the news, EXO-Ls couldn’t help but to express their excitement as it’s been awhile since D.O. had a solo music release. Some are also anticipating the genre of his tracks since the vocalist is known to be one of the leading singers in the industry. 

On social media, fans of EXO are already calling it a “masterpiece” and “album of the year.” 

 

D.O. released his first solo album Empathy in July 2021. It topped the iTunes Top Album charts in 60 regions around the world. On top of that, the album excelled locally as well as it ranked No. 1 on South Korea’s daily album charts including Hanteo Chart, Synnara Record, and HOTTRACKS

The singer’s first album had a total of eight tracks including the Korean and English versions of its title track “Rose”, which he personally wrote lyrics for. Aside from “Rose,” D.O. also wrote the track I’m Fine.

 

Also, Empathy has two bonus songs: the English version of “Rose,” and “Si Fueras Mia,” the Spanish version of another B-side track, “It’s Love.

With the success of Empathy, it’s not surprising that fans can no longer wait to see what D.O. has to show as a soloist after two years.

Aside from his upcoming solo album Expectation, the artist also recently finished promoting EXO’s seventh full-length album EXIST and his film The Moon

As an actor, D.O. goes by his real name Doh Kyung-soo. His first major acting role was in the 2014 drama It’s Okay, That’s Love where he played Han Gang Woo. Since then, he has appeared in Hello Monster, My Annoying Brother,Room No. 7, and Swing Kids, among others.

Featured image: D.O. poses in the teaser of EXO’s ‘Cream Soda’ music video. Credit: Facebook/EXO

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

EXO Fans React to Dangerous Chanyeol Stunt in ‘Travel The World On A Ladder’

EXO fans have expressed deep concern for Chanyeol. EXO-Ls are lashing out at the production team of the idol group’s new show “Travel the World on a Ladder.” According to fans, the producers placed Chanyeol in a potentially dangerous situation.

Chanyeol Left Blindfolded and Alone On Fenceless Rooftop Terrace for New EXO Show

In one segment of the survival game played by the EXO members, they were blindfolded and transported to undisclosed locations. Alarmingly, Chanyeol was the first to be led to his destination, which was a rooftop terrace lacking protective fencing or barriers.

The inherent danger of blindfolding someone on an unprotected rooftop raised immediate concerns among fans. What added to their distress was the apparent absence of any staff members to supervise Chanyeol. Instead of a camera person, the footage appeared to be captured by a drone.

Chanyeol’s visible discomfort and unease upon realizing his precarious location only heightened fans’ worries. Additionally, it appeared that he had not been informed in advance about the nature of the location, leaving him visibly concerned.

Was Chanyeol Safe in The Latest Episode of “Travel The World On A Ladder”?

The safety of idols is paramount to fans. Moreover, this incident has sparked a fervent discussion regarding the responsibilities of production teams. Fans pointed out that they should be ensuring the well-being of the artists during such shows.

Not surprisingly, EXO-Ls were greatly concerned about Chanyeol being left in a dangerous situation. Some blamed SM Entertainment for the lack of safety. However, others pointed out that it was all the production team’s fault.

For now, Chanyeol and his other group members are safe despite all the danger in the “Travel The World On a Ladder” episode. Hopefully, the production team will be more careful with the EXO members in the upcoming episodes.

EXO’s seventh studio album, titled “Exist,” saw its release on July 10, 2023. Notably, this album marked a significant departure for the group as it was the first one to be promoted with only seven members. The absence of member Kai, currently fulfilling his mandatory military service, and member Lay, engaged in solo endeavors in China, brought about this new dynamic within the group’s promotional activities.

Categories
K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Exo’s Chen to Hold Belated Wedding Ceremony in October

Chen of K-pop group EXO will be holding a wedding ceremony with his wife in October, three years after first announcing their marriage. 

SM Entertainment confirmed the news to Korean media on Wednesday, August 16. 

According to the agency, the wedding ceremony has been delayed due to circumstances, such as Chen’s military enlistment and his wife’s childbirth. 

Additionally, the label didn’t provide an exact date for the ceremony. However, they added that the couple is currently “quietly preparing” for it. 

In January 2020, Chen first announced that he’s marrying his non-celebrity girlfriend, who was also expecting their first child. Chen and his wife welcomed their first child in April 2020. In January 2022, Chen’s wife gave birth to their second daughter while the idol was in the military. 

Chens activities as EXO 

When Chen first announced his relationship, the news was met with mixed reaction from the fans. Some even demanded that the idol leave EXO and even sent protest trucks outside of the agency. 

Despite these sparse negative reactions, Chen still continues his activities as an EXO member. 

The group recently made their comeback with their seventh full-length album EXIST.  EXO is also airing the fourth season of their hit variety show Travel the World on a Ladder. 

As for his solo activities, he released his third mini-album Last Scene in November 2022. 

 

Currently, he’s gearing up to release his first Japanese album Polaris, which will be out on August 17. Chen will also embark on his first solo Japanese tour starting August 19. 

In June, Chen with EXO members Baekhyun and Xiumin had a legal battle with agency SM Entertainment. 

Featured image: Chen poses for EXO’s ‘Cream Soda’ teasers. Credit: Facebook/EXO

Categories
K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

SM Entertainment Denies Knowing of Exo Baekhyun’s Plans for Own Agency

Following EXO’s Baekhyun’s recent revelations, SM Entertainment released a statement of their own to address the idol’s claims. 

On Tuesday, August 8, Baekhyun responded to a series of rumors surrounding his career through a live broadcast on Instagram.

What Baekhyun said

In the livestream, the vocalist opened up about his recent legal dispute with SM Entertainment. He said that he’ve “always wanted to inquire about accounting.” And that there were incidents during Lee Soo Man’s absence that “piqued [his] curiosity.” 

Aside from Baekhyun, EXO members Chen and Xiumin moved to terminate their exclusive contracts with SM Entertainment in June. The EXO-CBX sub-unit cited unclear handling of earnings and slave contracts as their motivation. 

However, both parties have reached a settlement after an almost three-week legal battle. 

Additionally, Baekhyun pointed out that they reached an “amicable compromise.” He also emphasized that he now has a “good relationship” with SM Entertainment.  

 

Moreover, Baekhyun also revealed that he started the company One Signature with his friend Kasper. The idol explained that it aims to produce good choreographers and dancers. 

The singer also mentioned that SM Entertainment is aware of his plans and encouraging his new venture. 

SM Entertainment reacts

Yet, the agency claimed that they’ve never heard anything about Baekhyun’s plans. And that they only found out about it through the reports. 

“Although we are flustered by the [sudden news], we trust that [Baekhyun] will keep the promises he made during our mutual agreement,” the agency said in a press release

 

Furthermore, SM Entertainment also clarified that the existing contracts of Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin have not expired. In fact, the agency said that Baekhyun’s existing agency with them runs until January 2024. 

The label also asserted that EXO will continue their group activities and Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin can also pursue solo activities. 

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

Currently, EXO is airing the fourth season of their hit variety show Travel the World on a Ladder.

Featured image: EXO’s Baekhyun in the teaser images for ‘Let Me In.’ Credit: Facebook/EXO

Categories
K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

These Are the Planned Albums, Concerts for SM Entertainment Acts for the Rest of 2023

2023 is looking to be an interesting year for SM Entertainment as they unveiled their plans for the coming months. 

On Wednesday, August 2, the agency unveiled its earnings release report for the second quarter of 2023.

The said report includes updates of their consolidated business results for the past quarter, as well as event line-up previews for the coming months. 

According to the report, SM Entertainment logged 35.7 billion won in operating profit for the second quarter of 2023. Their net income also increased by 11.6%, reporting 28.3% billion won. 

Meanwhile, their quarterly revenue improved by 30% to 239.8 billion won. 

The increase in revenue is attributed to the resumption of offline concerts globally and more merchandise sold through pop-up stores related to album releases. 

Relative to the increase, SM Entertainment specifically mentioned aespa’s EP My World, which sold over two million copies. 

Additionally, groups NCT DREAM, TVXQ!, and Red Velvet held the most offline concerts worldwide, with 17, 12 and 11, respectively. 

What to expect for the rest of 2023 in terms of albums 

As for their upcoming music releases, eight SM Entertainment acts are slated to make a comeback in the third quarter. Meanwhile, 11 acts are scheduled the fourth quarter. 

Although the agency clarified that the lineup might change, here’s a rundown of what fans can possibly expect: 

3rd quarter:

For August, U-Know Yunho of TVXQ is confirmed to be releasing his third solo mini-album Reality Show on the 7th.

Meanwhile, Hyo, or Hyoyeon from Girls’ Generation, will be releasing a single.  Also for August, NCT might release an album and aespa with an English single.

Details for said releases have yet to be disclosed, but NCT will be having their first full-group concert NCT NATION: To the World on August 26, while aespa teased a release titled Better Things.”

For September, Super Junior’s Yesung, SHINee’s Key, and EXO’s D.O. will be releasing their solo mini-albums. 

RIIZE, SM Entertainment’s first boy group in seven years, is also expected to make their official debut in September with a single. 

4th quarter:

Although there are no specific months yet, SHINee’s Minho and Super Junior’s Ryeowook will be releasing a single in the fourth quarter.

Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon and SHINee’s Taemin will also be making their solo comebacks with mini-albums. 

Moreover, TVXQ! and Red Velvet might release full albums, while it’s undecided whether NCT127 will release a full-length album or a single. RIIZE is also expected to make a comeback in the fourth quarter with a single. 

As for international releases, WayV will have a full-length album in Chinese, while aespa might release an English single or mini-album. 

NCT Tokyo is also planned to make their debut in the fourth quarter with a Japanese single. Although the preview noted that the artist’s name is still tentative.

NCT Tokyo will reportedly have six members, with four being chosen from the reality survival show NCT Universe: The Lastart. It is also said to be the final sub-unit of NCT. 

What to expect for the rest of 2023 in terms of concerts 

 

Meanwhile, six acts will be having concert shows for the next months.

Taeyeon is currently embarking on the Asia leg of her The ODD Of Love show, which will run until late August. Additionally, aespa is doing the America and Europe stops of their Syk: Hyper Line shows until September. 

From August to September, Chen will have his Polaris tour in Japan. After their Seoul shows, NCT will bring their NCT NATION: To the World concert to Japan in September. 

SHINee will stage their World VI [Perfect Illumination] shows in Japan between September to October, while Yesung will kick off his solo concert tour in Seoul in October.

On top of that, the agency will also bring their SMTOWN LIVE concert to Jakarta in September. TVXQ!, Super Junior, Red Velvet, NCT 127, NCT Dream, WayV, aespa, and RIIZE will be performing. 

Stay tuned here for more updates about these upcoming releases and concerts. Which of these are you most looking forward to?  

Featured image: SHINee releases album ‘HARD’ in June. Credit: Facebook/SHINee

Categories
K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Exo’s D.O Reveals Details About His Second Solo Album

Brace yourselves, EXO-Ls: D.O. of K-pop group EXO just confirmed that he’s about to release his second solo album! 

In an interview for the promotion of his movie The Moon, D.O, who goes by his real name Doh Kyungsoo in his acting ventures, opened up about being part of EXO, his acting career, and solo musical journey. 

On being a member of EXO and his solo music releases

The idol-actor looked back on EXO’s decade-old idol career, saying that it’s the “start of [his] life.” 

“I don’t really have friends of my age so I receive comfort and support from my members,” he explained. 

EXO released their seventh full-length album EXIST in July. It served as EXO’s first album as a full-group in two years. It has a total of nine songs, with Cream Soda” as its title track. 

As for his solo music career, D.O. surprised fans by saying that he’s just waiting for his second solo album to be released.

Additionally, he revealed that he has completed the recording, filming for music videos, and jacket photos in May 2022. 

“I wanted to start preparing early so I have completed them before getting involved in other shoots,” he shared. “The album will consist of acoustic-like songs that I love so much.”

However, additional details such as album name, title track, and release date weren’t disclosed. 

But D.O. promised that once the album is released, he’ll conduct an event where he can meet his fans. 

D.O. released his first solo album titled Empathy in July 2021. There, the vocalist wrote two songs: the title track “Rose” and “I’m Fine.”

The eight-track album also included two bonus songs: the English version of “Rose,” and “Si Fueras Mia,” the Spanish version of another B-side track, “It’s Love.

Prior to his solo album, D.O. also released solo songs “That’s Okay” and “Crying Out.”

 

Actor Kyungsoo

The EXO member’s first major acting role was in the 2014 drama It’s Okay, That’s Love where he played Han Gang Woo. 

Since then, his acting career has continued to flourish.

D.O. has appeared in Hello Monster, My Annoying Brother, Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds, Room No. 7, and Swing Kids. 

 

In 2018, he became the main lead for the Korean series 100 Days My Prince, alongside actress Nam Ji Hyun. 

His recent works include, Secret and The Moon. As for his next acting project, D.O. shared that he’s still thinking about it.

Featured image: D.O. in the teaser for EXO’s ‘Cream Soda’ music video. Credit: Facebook/EXO

Categories
K-DRAMA K-POP ARTISTS LATEST STORIES

Exo’s Suho Returns as an Actor in ‘Behind Your Touch’

Suho of K-pop group EXO will be making his acting comeback through the JTBC comedy-drama series Behind Your Touch. 

On Wednesday, July 27, JTBC shared still images of Suho’s character in the upcoming drama.

One photo showed him outside of a convenience store, while another featured him holding a cat. Another image also captured him staring into a distance. 

Behind Your Touch will follow Bong Ye Boon (portrayed by Han Ji Min), a veterinarian who has the supernatural ability to see the pasts of other people and animals. 

Han Ji Min will be joined by Lee Min Ki, who plays the ambitious detective Jang Yeol who plans to use Ye Boon’s special ability so he could be moved to the criminal investigation team in Seoul.

Suho will be portraying Kim Seon Woo, an outsider who moves to Ye Boon’s crime-free rural village Mujin. 

EXO also shared the character posters of Suho in the upcoming drama, teasing that the idol will act as the “mysterious part-timer Kim Seon Woo.” 

Suho on acting again

Behind Your Touch will serve as Suho’s first acting stint in almost five years, following the 2018 film Middle School Girl A and series Rich Man. 

As to what made him return to acting, Suho said that it’s because he’s a fan of director Kim Seok Yoon’s work and has always wanted to work with him. 

“The script was really fun to read, and I found the character of Sun Woo extremely appealing, so I thought to myself that I really wanted to try playing him no matter what,” he was quoted by Soompi

The idol-actor also teased fans they’ll enjoy how the drama mixes multiple genres such as thriller, comedy, and romance. “I think this drama will be an especially meaningful one for me, because I was able to work together with such wonderful people and create a great drama,” he said. 

Behind Your Touch will premiere on August 12. 

 

Meanwhile, aside from acting, Suho has also been busy with EXO’s activities. 

The group recently made their comeback with their seventh full-length album EXIST

EXO will also be airing the fourth season of their hit variety show Travel the World on a Ladder starting August 11.  

Featured image: JTBC Drama’s Instagram

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES VARIETY

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,” andTempo.” 

Featured image from EXO’s Twitter

Exit mobile version