Tag: HYBE

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

HYBE Reportedly Looking To Acquire SM Entertainment Again

Recent industry rumors have ignited speculation about HYBE Labels, the powerhouse behind BTS and other global K-pop acts, considering another move to acquire SM Entertainment. These rumors have surfaced amid reports suggesting that Kakao, the multimedia giant, may explore selling SM Entertainment, a claim Kakao has officially denied. The K-pop landscape has been buzzing with discussions surrounding potential acquisitions and their potential impact on the industry.

HYBE Labels Possibly Makes A New Move to Acquire SM Entertainment

The speculation gains context from last year’s headline-grabbing attempt by HYBE Labels to acquire SM Entertainment. The proposed deal, had it materialized, could have reshaped the K-pop landscape significantly. However, the deal fell through for various reasons, leading to a return to the drawing board for both companies.

Recent reports indicate that HYBE Labels might be considering a renewed effort to acquire SM Entertainment, potentially in collaboration with founder and former chairman Lee Soo Man. While Kakao has officially denied the rumors of selling SME, industry insiders are closely monitoring the situation, given the ongoing speculations.

Insiders suggest that other companies are also exploring the possibility of acquiring SM Entertainment, even after the reported breakdown of the deal with HYBE Labels last year. Rumors abound that HYBE chairman Bang Si Hyuk is personally approaching private equity funds with a proposal to acquire SM Entertainment. The involvement of key figures and the potential collaboration with Lee Soo Man adds layers to the unfolding narrative.

Further rumors suggest that Lee Soo Man, after selling a portion of his stake in SM Entertainment to HYBE, may seek to return to the label. This potential move raises questions about the dynamics between the founder and the company’s future direction. Additionally, companies like NCSOFT, F&F (a fashion company), and MGM (an American entertainment group) are reportedly exploring the prospect of acquiring SME.

The K-pop industry, known for its dynamism and strategic partnerships, remains in a state of flux as these rumors circulate. The potential acquisition of SM Entertainment by HYBE Labels or other entities could have far-reaching implications for the global music scene. As the situation develops, stakeholders and fans alike eagerly await official announcements that will shape the future of these entertainment powerhouses.

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

HYBE Opens In-House Healthcare Center for Artists, Employees

HYBE, the entertainment agency behind BTS, SEVENTEEN, and others, has taken a groundbreaking step by establishing a healthcare center for its artists and staff. On January 25, the company announced the opening of this center within its 19-story office building in Yongsan, central Seoul. This initiative isn’t HYBE’s first effort to ensure the well-being of its people. HYBE has had a clinic since 2022, where an in-house nurse offered basic medication and consultations. Now, the company has kicked things up a notch.

The newly expanded healthcare center at HYBE now includes an additional nurse and an in-house doctor. HYBE artists and staff have access to a range of services, including prescription medications and emergency care. The facility has several specialized treatment rooms, one of which is specifically designated for trauma care. It also has a recovery room equipped for physical and heat therapy, an intravenous therapy room designed for fatigue recovery, and consultation rooms.

Dr. Kim Jun-ok, the new in-house doctor at the center, brings a unique skill set to HYBE. He’s a mental health professional who’s qualified to provide psychiatric treatment. He can also handle primary care for external and internal ailments. Best of all, he’s a musician with an extensive background in composition theory and orchestral conducting. This combination of medical and musical knowledge enables him to understand the unique challenges faced by those in the entertainment industry, whether they’re artists or part of the staff. His insight will be invaluable in providing top-tier care.

@thequeendarlah

HYBE Makes History: Unveils In-House Mini Hospital for Employees and artists Health!😱🤩✨️ #HallyuTalkPH #TiktoktainmentPH #EntertainmentPH

♬ Lo-fi hip hop – NAO-K

HYBE could establish a new benchmark

The healthcare center is open to all HYBE staff, trainees, and artists. It’s the first of its kind in the industry, representing a proactive response to the health-related hiatuses taken by K-pop artists, including those from HYBE and other agencies.

The fact that HYBE expanded its healthcare center could establish a new benchmark for artist welfare in the industry. This move highlights the importance of healthcare in a sector often criticized for overlooking mental and physical health. It could encourage other agencies to implement similar initiatives, leading to a shift in how the industry prioritizes the overall well-being of its artists and staff.

Moreover, having on-site healthcare centers may lead to a decrease in the length and number of breaks taken for health reasons. Easy access to quality healthcare means early detection and treatment of health problems, leading to quicker recoveries and less time away from the stage. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: HYBE’s new in-house healthcare center may just be the beginning. Sources: Daum, HYBE.

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

2AM Announces January 2024 Comeback with Bang Si Hyuk Involvement

2AM is set to make a full-group January 2024 comeback, creating much excitement among fans. This return is made in collaboration with HYBE Chairman Bang Si Hyuk, who has played a significant role in shaping the group’s trajectory and has been referred to as the “father figure” of 2AM.

2AM to Reunite with Bang Si Hyuk on January 2024 Comeback

Bang Si Hyuk’s involvement in 2AM’s musical journey dates back to their debut, where he has contributed to producing many of their hit songs, such as “Can’t Let You Go Even If I Die” and “You Wouldn’t Answer My Calls.” His collaboration with 2AM titled “Should Have Known” for their 2021 comeback with ‘Ballad 21 F/W’ was met with great success, marking the group’s first full-group return in seven years.

The anticipation for 2AM’s January 2024 comeback is heightened by Bang Si Hyuk’s reputation as a prolific producer, known for bringing out the best in artists and crafting emotionally resonant music. Fans are eager to see how the collaboration will result in a new musical chapter for 2AM.

To offer a sneak peek into their upcoming music, 2AM is scheduled to reveal their new song for the first time during the “2023 MBC Music Festival” on December 31. This high-profile performance, set to air at 8:30 PM KST, is expected to showcase 2AM’s emotive vocals and set the stage for their much-anticipated comeback in January 2024.

Having debuted in 2008 with the single “This Song,” 2AM quickly gained recognition and love for their ballad genre, also becoming the first ballad idol group. Over the years, their hits like “Can’t Let You Go Even If I Die,” “You Wouldn’t Answer My Calls,” “Confession of a Friend,” “How to Break Up Well,” and “I Was Wrong” have solidified their position in the industry.

Since their full-group comeback in 2021, 2AM has remained active, releasing official and project songs, including “Close but Far,” “Should Have Known,” “Love, That’s It,” and “I Hate Everything but You.” The group’s enduring popularity and the promise of new music also make their January 2024 comeback a highly anticipated event in the K-pop landscape.

Categories
K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

HYBE Artists Win Big at Mama Awards 2023

NewJeans poses for their 2024 Season's Greetings. Credit: Twitter/NewJeans

HYBE-affiliated artists dominated the 2023 MAMA Awards, with K-pop groups BTS, SEVENTEEN, and NewJeans taking home the big prizes for the prestigious two-day event held in Japan. 

For those unfamiliar, the MAMA Awards, which is organized by CJ ENM, primarily celebrate outstanding achievements in the music industry, and put the spotlight on K-pop talents. 

During the ceremonies on November 28 and 29 at the Tokyo Dome, rookie girl group NewJeans took home two coveted Daesang” (grand prizes). These are for Artist of the Year and Song of the Year with their hit single “Ditto.” 

Meanwhile, SEVENTEEN secured the Album of the Year award for their April release, FML. Notably, this is the 13-member group’s first Daesang for MAMA Awards in their career.

In a groundbreaking milestone, the global sensation BTS claimed the Worldwide Icon of the Year award, marking their sixth consecutive win in this category. With their recent wins, the septet made history as the first artist to amass 50 MAMA trophies.

Despite the absence of BTS members at the event, Jungkook, the group’s youngest member, expressed gratitude in a pre-recorded video message. “We are immensely grateful for our ARMYs’ steadfast love,” he said. “Although we are not all here today, we will reunite as a stronger one soon. Until then, stay healthy and joyful at every moment.” 

Given these, all three Daesang recipients—BTS, SEVENTEEN, and NewJeans—emerge from HYBE, the entertainment conglomerate encompassing diverse sub-labels. To note, BTS is under Big Hit Music, SEVENTEEN is under Pledis Entertainment, and NewJeans under ADOR. 

With the HYBE family sweeping the 2023 MAMA Awards, it underscores their collective dominance and influence in the dynamic realm of Asian music.

MAMA Awards 2023 Winners

Meanwhile, the rest of the winners are: 

  • Best Male Group: SEVENTEEN 
  • Best Female Group:  NewJeans
  • Best Male Artist: BTS’ Jimin 
  • Best Female Artist: BLACKPINK’s Jisoo
  • Best Dance Performance (Male Group): SEVENTEEN
  • Best Dance Performance (Female Group): NewJeans 
  • Best Dance Performance (Male Solo): BTS’ Jungkook
  • Best Dance Performance (Female Solo): BLACKPINK’s Jisoo
  • Best Vocal Performance (Group): AKMU
  • Best Vocal Performance (Solo): Parc Jae Jung 
  • Favorite Dance Performance (Male Group): TREASURE
  • Favorite Dance Performance (Female Group):  LE SSERAFIM
  • Favorite Global Performer (Male Group): ATEEZ
  • Favorite Global Performer (Female Group): (G)I-DLE
  • Best New Male Artist:  ZEROBASEONE
  • Best New Female Artist: TripleS
  • Best Music Video: BLACKPINK’s Jisoo (“Flower“)
  • Best OST: BTS (“The Planet“)
  • Best Rap & Hip Hop Performance: Agust D (“People Pt.2” feat. IU)
  • Best Collaboration:  BTS’ Jungkook (“Seven” feat. Latto)
  • Favorite New Artist – RIIZE, ZEROBASEONE
  • Favorite International Artist: Yoshiki
  • Favorite Asian Girl Group: Kep1er
  • Favorite Asian Boy Group: INI 
  • Inspiring Achievement: TVXQ
  • Galaxy Neo Flip Artist: TREASURE

Featured image: NewJeans poses for their 2024 Season’s Greetings. Credit: Twitter/NewJeans

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

SEVENTEEN’s Hoshi Reveals Hilarious Reason for Renewing HYBE Contract

Hoshi from SEVENTEEN has captured the spotlight for a relatable and comical reason behind his decision to renew his contract with HYBE Labels. The SEVENTEEN BSS member admitted he was mainly motivated by good food when it was time to decide on renewing his HYBE contract!

SEVENTEEN’s Hoshi Reveals The Real Reason for Renewing HYBE Contract

During a recent appearance on the YouTube show ‘Salon Drip’, hosted by Jang Do Yeon, Hoshi candidly shared he was impressed with the HYBE building.

“I am so thankful that we are a part of HYBE now,” he said. “The company building is so tall, it’s so cool inside when the weather is warm, it’s warm inside when the weather is cold, we can enter with face recognition, they give us transportation wherever we go… it used to be during our debut days that we were always dying of heat when the weather was warm, we were freezing to death when the weather was cold, and we were always cramped with so many people in a small space.”

When asked what is the best thing about being with HYBE, Hoshi pointed out that SEVENTEEN members can now enjoy good food regularly.

“To be honest, there are so many great things about HYBE… but I guess for me, the essentials are important,” he said. “So I ordered ramyeon at the company cafeteria. I was expecting the regular ramyeon, but what I got was ramyeon was topped with abalone and octopus.”

This was clearly an eye-opener for Hoshi. “Right at that moment, I knew that I had to renew with the company,” he declared.

Is SEVENTEEN Signed with HYBE?

While SEVENTEEN is still signed with PLEDIS Entertainment, HYBE Corporation acquired the majority of shares in the label on May 25, 2020, with PLEDIS remaining an independent entity. As a result, technically, SEVENTEEN is signed to both PLEDIS Entertainment and HYBE. In July 2021, all SEVENTEEN members, including Hoshi, renewed their HYBE contract.

Hoshi’s humorous anecdote about escalating meal costs offers a glimpse into the more relatable aspects of being a successful K-pop idol. His decision to continue his journey with HYBE reinforces the strong bond between the members of SEVENTEEN and their commitment to continue creating music together under the label’s banner.

SEVENTEEN recently released the new single “God of Music” from the album ‘SEVENTEENTH HEAVEN’.

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

HYBE And MBC Finally Resolve Four-Year Conflict

It has been a long time but HYBE and MBC have finally resolved their four-year conflict. The renowned record label and the broadcasting company have settled their differences in a recent meeting.

Four-Year Conflict Between HYBE and MBC Finally Resolved

On October 30, HYBE Label’s chairman Bang Si Hyuk made a visit to MBC for an open and candid discussion with MBC president Ahn Hyeong Joon. The meeting was made possible after Ahn extended an invitation as a gesture of regret. During this meeting, Ahn expressed his regret for MBC’s past wrong and outdated practices that had caused harm and hurt to HYBE’s artists.

Ahn also issued a statement regarding their meeting. “We firmly agree that there’s a need to establish a relationship between artists and broadcasting companies that befits the respectable status of K-pop,” he said. “Additionally, we also agreed to improve the long-standing flawed production culture between broadcasting and entertainment companies and to create an environment for content production with mutual respect and consideration.”

Bang’s statement reflected his appreciation for the gesture. “I’d like to express my deep gratitude to MBC for their sincere apology and their commitment to improving the rights of K-pop artists,” he said. “I hope this meeting will serve as a starting point for a new era where a healthy content production environment is established across the entire domestic entertainment industry, transcending the boundaries of our two companies.”

HYBE’s Plans for the Future

During the meeting, Bang Si Hyuk underscored the paramount importance of prioritizing artists’ rights to ensure the sustainable growth of K-pop. He highlighted specific areas requiring improvement, such as the practice where artists have to endure prolonged waiting times to interact with the production team even after a program has concluded. HYBE further revealed that both parties expressed their intention to engage in further discussions aimed at establishing a healthy content production environment and striving for tangible outcomes in the near future.

The four-year conflict between HYBE and MBC originated in 2019 when BTS performed at a significant year-end music show in the United States, resulting in their inability to participate in MBC’s annual year-end event, “MBC Music Festival,” on the same day. Consequently, all artists affiliated with HYBE have been restricted from appearing on MBC’s “Music Core” since that incident. This protracted dispute has been a source of contention in the K-pop industry, and the recent meeting signifies a potential turning point in resolving these issues and fostering a more collaborative and artist-friendly environment.

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

SEVENTEEN’s Hoshi Shares Cute Interaction with NewJeans

The famed HYBE building certainly has its perks. SEVENTEEN’s Hoshi recently gave fans an intriguing look behind the scenes at HYBE, including details about the company’s artist-only elevator that led to a cute interaction with a younger group.

Hoshi Reveals How HYBE Building Led to Cute Interaction With NewJeans

In a recent episode of “Salon Drip”, Hoshi began discussing the various perks and features at HYBE, such as the impressive standards for ramen at the company. Host Jang Do Yeon asked about the elevators in their office, specifically mentioning the existence of an artist-exclusive elevator.

Hoshi explained that HYBE has just one elevator designated for artists, even though the company houses numerous renowned stars. This often results in a bit of a wait, given the demand.

The SEVENTEEN member delved further into the layout of the building, sharing that there is a separate floor dedicated to artist parking. When artists reach the elevator, it only stops at certain floors, including the artist lounge and recording areas. Due to the limited options and the sheer number of idols using the elevator, it can sometimes mean a substantial wait to get to the main parking area.

Hoshi humorously recounted an unexpected encounter he had due to these elevator logistics. On one occasion, while waiting for the elevator, the doors opened to reveal the members of NewJeans inside. Despite Hoshi’s confident reputation, he described himself as an “introvert” and admitted to feeling quite shy in this situation. Even when the NewJeans members reassured him that it was alright, he decided to wait rather than joining them in the elevator.

Adding a dash of humor to his story, Hoshi playfully pleaded with HYBE’s founder Bang Si Hyuk for an additional elevator to ease the wait times. This amusing anecdote provides fans with a delightful peek into the everyday experiences of K-Pop idols working under one of the industry’s most prominent entertainment companies, HYBE.

Categories
K-POP ARTISTS KPOP ALBUMS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

SEVENTEEN Soars to New Heights with ‘SEVENTEENTH HEAVEN’

Melon shares photos from SEVENTEEN's filming for 'SEVENTEENTH HEAVEN.' Credit: Twitter/SVT Contents

K-pop boy group SEVENTEEN continues to establish themselves as one of the biggest names in the industry. With their 11th mini-album SEVENTEENTH HEAVEN, the group have taken the industry by storm by setting new records and achieving remarkable milestones. 

On Monday, October 23, SEVENTEEN made their highly-anticipated comeback with SEVENTEENTH HEAVEN. The eight-track album served as the group’s return after five months following the release of FML in May.

Although it’s only been months since the group released new music, their latest album still had a meteoric rise to the top of charts, solidifying the group’s status as one of the most influential acts in the industry. 

Records set by ‘SEVENTEENTH HEAVEN’ 

Prior to the album’s official release, SEVENTEENTH HEAVEN amassed an astounding 5.2 million pre-orders, setting a new benchmark for Korean acts. Said number also served as the group’s best personal record as their previous album, FML, only recorded 4.64 million copies in pre-orders. Furthermore, with this final total, SEVENTEEN now holds the record for the highest pre-order volume for an album in the history of K-pop. 

Meanwhile, the first-day album sales of  SEVENTEENTH HEAVEN are equally impressive as it reached 3.288 million units. This places them second only to their previous release, FML, which achieved 3.99 million first-day sales. In doing so, SEVENTEEN now holds the top two positions for the biggest first-day album sales debuts in the history of the Hanteo chart.

 

Additionally, the reach of SEVENTEENTH HEAVEN extended far beyond Korea’s borders. According to a report from Naver, the album achieved an all-kill status as it dominated the Japanese iTunes album chart across all genres. Moreover, it also maintained its reign at the top of Line Music’s real-time album chart. 

In China, the album sold a total of ¥400,000 digital sales revenue in just 18 hours after its release. 

‘God of Music’ dominates charts

Some of the standout achievements of SEVENTEENTH HEAVEN is also attributed to its title track, “God of Music.” Within 24 hours of its release, the track quickly dominated charts such as Genie, and Bugs. What makes this accomplishment even more remarkable is that SEVENTEEN became the first male group to top the Melon Top 100 for 2023, a milestone that speaks volumes about their growing influence and popularity.

Now that “God of Music” debuted at Melon’s Top 100, SEVENTEEN joins NewJeans, IVE, LE SSERAFIM, and G-IDLE as the only idol groups to have a song top the list for 2023. 

 

Outside of the Korean music charts, “God of Music” achieved top rankings on the iTunes “Top Song” chart in an impressive 29 countries and regions. The song’s appeal transcended linguistic and cultural boundaries, finding favor in places like Brazil, the Philippines, and Singapore.

In an interview with Vulture, member Vernon says that the track shows SEVENTEEN’s “true colors.” “We’re just a really fun and bright group in general,” he said. Meanwhile, Joshua added: “It shows our energy, it shows our happiness, it shows our teamwork, it shows our performance skill sets.”  

Other songs included in the album are “SOS,” “Diamond Days,” “Back 2 Back,” “Monster,” “Yawn,” and “Headliner.” 

Featured image: Melon shares photos from SEVENTEEN’s filming for ‘SEVENTEENTH HEAVEN.’ Credit: Twitter/SVT Contents

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

HYBE Boss Bang Si Hyuk Insists on Letting Trainees ‘EAT and DATE What They Wanted’

Dating continues to be a major issue in K-pop but Bang Si Hyuk is determined to change that. The HYBE boss recently addressed the idea of giving trainees more freedom. This includes allowing the teenagers to “DATE and EAT what they wanted” while preparing for their debut.

Many artists channel their emotions, beliefs, joys, and tribulations into their artwork, encapsulating them in songs that feel more genuine when drawn from personal experiences. In the realm of K-Pop, where love and romance are frequent lyrical themes, personal dating experiences can enrich an artist’s performance, infusing it with authenticity.

HYBE Boss Insists on Giving Trainees More Freedom in Their Personal Life

Bang Si Hyuk, chairman of HYBE Corporation, formerly known as Big Hit Entertainment, shares this perspective. In a recent interview with Bloomberg Live, he underscored the importance of trainees having well-rounded life experiences. The HYBE boss stated, “Let the trainees DATE and EAT what they wanted.”

HYBE’s approach is distinct in that they permit their idols to date, a practice that sets them apart from many other entertainment agencies. While it’s possible that some HYBE artists may be in relationships, none have publicly confirmed or announced romantic involvement.

This contrast becomes evident when compared to artists from other leading entertainment agencies, where public announcements of relationships are more common. HYBE’s approach suggests a preference for maintaining the personal lives of their artists as private matters, keeping them away from intense media scrutiny.

By fostering a holistic life experience for their trainees, HYBE may be cultivating well-rounded artists who draw from a wider range of emotions and experiences, ultimately enhancing their musical performances. The discretion around romantic relationships allows artists to maintain their privacy, ensuring that their art remains the central focus for their fans. HYBE’s unique approach prioritizes the emotional depth and authenticity of their artists’ work, enabling fans to connect with their music on a more profound level.

Categories
K-POP ARTISTS K-POP STYLE KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Look: LE SSERAFIM Is Louis Vuitton’s Brand Ambassador

LE SSERAFIM poses for their campaign for 'Louis Vuitton.' Credit: Sakura's Instagram

K-pop girl group LE SSERAFIM is about to make waves in the fashion industry as luxury house Louis Vuitton tapped them as their newest brand ambassador. 

On Friday, October 13, the brand unveiled a new campaign featuring all five LE SSERAFIM members: Kim Chaewon, Hong Eunchae, Sakura, Kazuha, and Huh Yunjin. 

In the debut campaign video, the quintet are seen flaunting the brand’s latest capsule collection while walking across the iconic bridge of the Hangang River. 

Aside from the short fashion film, Louis Vuitton also released individual and group photos of the group. 

According to L’Officiel, the capsule collection that the LE SSERAFIM members are modeling features exclusive redesigns of iconic Louis Vuitton pieces. 

Additionally, the collection will reportedly have a total of 16 bags that are exclusive to South Korea. Meanwhile, another eight designs will be rolled out worldwide to a later date. 

Prior to being named brand ambassador, LE SSERAFIM previously performed at Louis Vuitton’s Pre-Fall 2023 after-party show in April. 

In a press release, Nicolas Ghesquière, artistic director of women’s collection at Louis Vuitton, expressed his excitement in having the group onboard. 

“We met for the first time at my pre-fall show in Seoul and I really loved the energy they brought to the after party with their performance. They each have such a unique style that together feels very cool and authentic,” he said, 

Fans’ happiness for LE SSERAFIM 

Following the news, FEARNOTs couldn’t help but congratulate “Anti-Fragile” singers for the achievement. 

Since all of LE SSERAFIM were tapped as ambassadors, they became the first K-pop girl group to be tapped by Louis Vuitton. And the second overall, as they will be following in the footsteps of their HYBE Labels seniors BTS. To recall, all members of BTS served as Louis Vuitton ambassadors from 2021 to 2022. 

For their fans, the milestone is even more commendable as the group achieved it within a year and a half since their debut. Initially a six-member group, LE SSERAFIM made their debut under Source Music in May 2022. In July 2022, Kim Garam left the group. 

Given this recent development, LE SSERAFIM is joining the likes of other K-pop idols who are also under Louis Vuitton. Among in the list are Stray Kids’ Felix, BTS’ j-hope, Jackson Wang, and NewJeans’ Hyein. 

As for other K-pop idols serving as ambassadors for fashion brands, the list includes BTS’ V for Cartier, TWICE’s Dahyun for Michael Kors, TWICE’s Sana for Prada, SEVENTEEN’s DK for Bally.

Featured image: LE SSERAFIM poses for their campaign for ‘Louis Vuitton.’ Credit: Sakura’s Instagram

Exit mobile version