Tag: IVE

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

IVE Jang Won Young To Co-Host 2024 Asia Artist Awards

The 2024 Asia Artist Awards (AAA) has officially revealed its host lineup, adding to the excitement for this year’s event. Not surprisingly, IVE member Jang Won Young will be back along with ZEROBASEONE’s Sung Han Bin!

Jang Wonyoung and Sung Hanbin Confirmed for 2024 Asia Artist Awards

On September 30, the AAA organizing committee confirmed that the prestigious ceremony will take place on December 27, 2024. The announcement also revealed that IVE’s Jang Won Young and ZEROBASEONE’s Sung Han Bin will once again serve as the main hosts for the show, continuing their partnership from the previous year.

This will mark Jang Won Young’s fourth consecutive year hosting the AAA, showcasing her growing role in the industry not only as a performer but also as a celebrated MC. Sung Han Bin will be returning for his second year as a host, bringing his rising popularity as a member of ZEROBASEONE to the forefront. Both stars are coming off of a successful year, with Jang Won Young winning the Asia Celebrity Award at the 2023 AAA, while her group IVE claimed the prestigious Best Artist award. Meanwhile, ZEROBASEONE took home the Best Musician and Best New Artist awards, solidifying their status as one of the most promising new K-pop acts.

Last year’s AAA, held on December 14, 2023, at the Philippine Arena, was a major milestone for the event, which was co-hosted by Star News, TONZ Entertainment, and PULP Live World. Jang Won Young and Sung Han Bin shared hosting duties with Kang Daniel, further enhancing the star-studded atmosphere of the night.

As anticipation builds for the 2024 ceremony, fans are eagerly awaiting the announcement of the performer lineup. The AAA has become a major event in both the K-pop and Asian entertainment industries, celebrating the achievements of artists across music, television, and film. Stay tuned for more updates on this year’s show!

Categories
K-POP STYLE KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

IVE Rei Confirmed as Opening Project’s First Muse

Rei has recently been announced as the new face of a casual fashion brand, adding another achievement to her growing list of accomplishments. The IVE member has been confirmed as Opening Project’s first muse, a role that highlights her rising influence in the fashion industry.

IVE Member Rei Revealed as Opening Project’s First Muse

In the latest photoshoot for the brand, Rei effortlessly displays a range of poses while showcasing the brand’s 24FW collection. This collection, which is characterized by a sporty mood and utility details, is elevated by Rei’s distinctive hip sensibility. The result is a series of dynamic and eye-catching shots that perfectly capture the essence of the collection.

“‘Open up your P’ is a collection that invites you to embrace Rei‘s endearing charm and unique character. Through a range of items designed for everyday wear, this collection encourages you to express yourself freely and joyfully. Experience the perfect blend of individuality and trendiness at Opening Project,” the brand wrote in the caption of their Instagram post.

One of the standout aspects of the photoshoot is Rei’s hairstyle, where she flaunts “Pucca buns,” a playful look with her hair tied up in two buns. She further enhances this playful style by pairing a basic sweatshirt with a lace skirt, blending casual and chic elements seamlessly. Additionally, Rei exudes confidence in casual items like hoodies and striped collar t-shirts, demonstrating her versatility and unique sense of style.

On set, Rei was praised for her cheerful and positive energy, which brightened the atmosphere and contributed to the vibrant spirit of the shoot.

Meanwhile, Rei’s group, IVE, is gearing up for the release of their new Japanese mini-album ‘ALIVE’ on August 28th. They will also be concluding their first world tour “IVE THE 1ST WORLD TOUR ‘SHOW WHAT I HAVE'” with highly anticipated encore performances at the Tokyo Dome on September 4th and 5th.

Categories
K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

IVE Rei Apologizes for Racially Insensitive Remarks

Rei addresses backlash over comments made about a “tanning” Hello Kitty doll during a livestream

IVE member Rei recently found herself at the center of controversy after making comments during a livestream that some netizens found racially insensitive. The incident occurred on July 31, when Rei showed fans her Hello Kitty doll, referring to it as a “tanning Kitty.” She explained that she had dressed the doll in clothes with a “hip hop” vibe and pretended it was rapping.

The remarks sparked backlash online, with some viewers interpreting her comments as associating the “tanning Kitty” with racial stereotypes. While some fans argued that Rei’s comments were unintentionally offensive, others believed she was being insensitive.

In response to the criticism, Rei took to a fan messaging app to issue an apology and clarify her intentions. She expressed regret for any hurt her comments may have caused, writing, “While I was monitoring my live stream, I found out that the remarks I made during the last live because I wanted to show off my favorite doll to Dive (IVE’s fanclub) were inappropriate, which was not my intention.” Rei also acknowledged the global reach of her remarks, stating, “I also want to acknowledge that I made the wrong remarks on Dive’s live show around the world and sincerely apologize to Dive who I’ve hurt because of this.”

Rei emphasized her commitment to being more mindful in the future, noting that she would consider the impact of her words more carefully. She concluded her apology by addressing her language barrier, saying, “I am not good at English, so I am sorry to deliver it in Korean.”

The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of cultural sensitivity, particularly for public figures with a diverse, international audience. As Rei navigates the aftermath, she aims to use this experience as a learning opportunity to improve her communication with fans.

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

IVE Drops ‘Summer Festa’ MV for 2024 Pepsi Campaign

IVE is back with an exciting new collaboration! This time, the girl group is participating in the 2024 Pepsi campaign for their latest release!

IVE Kicks Off 2024 Pepsi Campaign with ‘SUMMER FESTA’ MV

On June 28 at 6 p.m. KST, IVE unveiled their single “SUMMER FESTA” as part of the 2024 Pepsi Campaign, along with a vibrant music video that perfectly captures the essence of the season.

“SUMMER FESTA” is a refreshing disco-pop track that features funky guitar riffs and a groovy bassline, making it an ideal anthem for the summer months. The song exudes a lively and upbeat vibe, designed to get listeners dancing and celebrating the joy of the season.

Lyrically, “SUMMER FESTA” underscores IVE’s core themes of confidence, self-assurance, and independence in love. The track encourages listeners to act honestly and follow their hearts, with empowering lines such as “Act honestly, follow your heart,” “Every moment is a delightful challenge,” and “I’ll seize the opportunities with my own hands.” These lyrics resonate with the group’s identity, portraying a message of embracing one’s true self and taking control of one’s destiny.

Summer Fun with IVE and Pepsi

The music video for “SUMMER FESTA” complements the song’s energetic and positive message. It showcases the members of IVE in a series of colorful and dynamic settings, embodying the spirit of summer festivals. The visuals are filled with bright, bold colors and playful choreography, capturing the carefree and joyful atmosphere that the song aims to convey. Each member of IVE shines in the video, displaying their charisma and charm while promoting a message of unity and fun.

This collaboration with Pepsi highlights IVE’s growing influence and appeal, as they continue to captivate audiences with their music and powerful messages. The release of “SUMMER FESTA” not only adds another hit to IVE’s discography but also enhances their presence in the global music scene.

Fans of IVE and new listeners alike are sure to enjoy “SUMMER FESTA,” with its infectious melody and uplifting lyrics providing the perfect soundtrack for the summer. This partnership with Pepsi further solidifies IVE’s position as a leading force in the K-pop industry, and their latest single is poised to become a seasonal favorite.

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

YouTuber Sojang Criminally Indicted Over Defaming IVE Wonyoung

The legal battle involving IVE member Wonyoung against the controversial YouTuber Sojang has reached a significant conclusion, with the outcome appearing favorable for Wonyoung.

IVE Member Wonyoung Gets 2ND Win Against YouTube Sojang

On May 14, it was reported that the creator behind the YouTube channel Sojang, identified as Park, has been indicted without detention by the Incheon District Prosecutors’ Office on charges of defamation and insult. Park was accused of defaming a total of seven public figures, including influencers and celebrities like Wonyoung.

The case began in October 2023 when Wonyoung and her agency, Starship Entertainment, filed a lawsuit against Park, seeking damages for the defamatory content. The lawsuit alleged that Park’s videos were malicious and damaging to Wonyoung’s reputation. In January 2024, the court partially ruled in favor of Wonyoung, ordering Park to pay ₩100 million KRW (approximately $75,200 USD) in damages. However, in February, it was reported that Park refused to pay the penalty and filed for a stay of execution of the ruling, attempting to delay the enforcement of the court’s decision.

Following this, an additional investigation by the prosecution took place, which reinforced the initial court ruling. The prosecution upheld the decision that Park must pay ₩100 million KRW (approximately $73,200 USD) in compensation to Wonyoung. The decision came after it was determined that Park had earned around ₩250 million KRW (approximately $183,000 USD) from the videos posted on the Sojang channel, which were deemed defamatory.

A Well-Deserved Victory

The conclusion of this legal battle marks a significant victory for Wonyoung and Starship Entertainment. The case highlights the increasing measures being taken against online defamation and the spread of malicious content about public figures. The court’s decision and the prosecution’s actions send a strong message about the seriousness of defamation and the legal consequences for those who engage in such activities.

Wonyoung’s legal victory also underscores the importance of protecting the reputations and mental well-being of celebrities, who often face intense scrutiny and baseless attacks online. The resolution of this case may also serve as a deterrent to others who might consider spreading false or harmful information about public figures.

For Wonyoung and her agency, this outcome not only brings a sense of justice but also reinforces their commitment to standing against cyberbullying and defamation. It is also hoped that this case will encourage other victims of online harassment to seek legal recourse and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Wonyoung Reacts to Surprising Invasive Query About IVE

Jang Wonyoung has a tendency to go viral for the smallest things. However, the young idol is now being praised for her strong reaction to an invasive query about IVE.

IVE React to Invasive Query About Their Dorm

IVE’s recent comeback with their title track “HEYA” has reignited excitement within the music scene, marking their triumphant return to the spotlight. As part of their promotional activities, the members of IVE sat down with WIRED to answer some of the internet’s most searched questions, offering fans a deeper insight into their identities and aspirations.

During the interview, the members of IVE eagerly shared details about their names, unique qualities, and the inspiration behind their latest music. Their enthusiasm and candidness endeared them even further to their fans, who eagerly lapped up every word.

However, amidst the lighthearted and informative exchange, there were certain questions that gave the members pause. One such query revolved around the topic of “IVE Dorm,” likely fueled by its mention in a recent MBC reality show. Instantly, a sense of caution washed over the group as they grappled with how to respond.

IVE Members Suprised by Dorm Question

Member Yujin’s immediate reaction reflected a sense of concern, recognizing the potential implications of divulging information about their living arrangements. “How can we answer it?” she pondered aloud, acutely aware of the delicate balance between maintaining privacy and engaging with fans.

Wonyoung echoed Yujin’s sentiment, expressing her discomfort with the inquiry and calling on netizens to reconsider their curiosity. “Why are you Googling our dorm?” she demanded. Rather than succumbing to pressure and offering glimpses into their personal lives, Yujin firmly declared the topic as “top secret,” with Wonyoung playfully but decisively reinforcing the sentiment.

The group’s unwavering stance on maintaining boundaries with their fans garnered praise and admiration from netizens. While IVE values their close relationship with their devoted fanbase, known affectionately as DIVEs, they are unafraid to draw the line when it comes to matters of privacy and personal space.

In a world where the lines between celebrity and fan interaction are increasingly blurred, IVE’s resolute commitment to protecting their privacy serves as a refreshing reminder of the importance of setting boundaries. By respectfully declining to divulge details about their living arrangements, IVE not only asserts their autonomy but also fosters a culture of mutual respect and understanding between artists and fans.

As IVE continues to navigate the complexities of fame and fandom, their steadfast dedication to maintaining healthy boundaries stands as a testament to their integrity and maturity as artists. In a landscape often fraught with intrusion and scrutiny, IVE’s approach offers a valuable lesson in asserting control over one’s personal narrative while fostering a supportive and respectful relationship with fans.

Categories
KPOP ALBUMS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

IVE’s First Group OST ‘Will’ Is for ‘Pokémon Horizons’

IVE has ventured into new territory with “Will,” their new Japanese single. It’s also their first group OST for the anime Pokémon Horizons. The release of this song coincides with the anime’s new arc, “Terastal Debut,” which began airing on April 12.

Pokémon Horizons features new creatures from the recent Scarlet and Violet video games, including Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly. The shiny form of legendary Pokémon Rayquaza has also appeared on the show. New human characters like Friede, Liko, and Roy take center stage in this season of the anime.

Pokemon Horizons Terastal Debut Trailer

Immense joy

Japanese member Rei expressed immense joy over this project. “When I was little, I’d be in front of the TV on the days the anime aired, looking forward to learning what kind of adventure we’d be getting that day. I’d be happy if I could share all the memories I made from watching the anime back then with you all. Please look forward to seeing IVE alongside Pokémon.”

Gaeul, another member of IVE, recalled, “There was a huge Pokémon card game craze back when I was in elementary school. I played that a lot with my cousins and collected cute menko in all kinds of colors. I sang this song with all my might to fill it with the kind of cheerfulness and energy that’s so unique to the Pokémon anime, so please look forward to it!”

Pokémon Horizons OP 3 4K – Will by IVE | Terastal Debut

A dream come true for IVE

The group’s center Wonyoung spoke about her love for Pikachu. Meanwhile, Liz waxed nostalgic about playing the video games and collecting Pokémon cards with her brother.

“I’ve loved Pikachu since childhood and I wanted to live with Pokémon in real life, so I’m happy to get to sing the opening theme. We’ll be singing a cheerful song that’ll make you happy as you watch the show!” Wonyoung said.

Liz added, “I’ve enjoyed the anime ever since I was a child. I also played the games and collected cards, menko and plushies with my little brother, so I was honored when I learned we were singing the opening theme. It made me so excited and happy I can’t even put it into words. Since I was so excited about this song, I did my absolute best when recording it as well. I hope you guys are all excited for it as well, and would be really happy if you’d root for us a lot!”

Leeseo also shared her excitement. “I have fun collecting the stickers that come with Pokémon Pan pastry, and I put them all on my cell phone. It was a dream come true to learn we would be singing this song. I did my best on ‘Will,’ so it’d make me happy if lots of people liked it,” she said earnestly.

IVE THE 2nd EP ＜𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐒𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐂𝐇＞ HEYA MOTION #Shorts

A significant milestone

This OST marks a significant milestone for IVE as they continue to explore new avenues in their musical career. In addition to “Will,” IVE is set to release their second mini-album IVE Switch on April 29, featuring two title tracks. 

In the meantime, fans can look forward to experiencing “Will” not only as a standalone song but also as an integral part of the Pokémon Horizons viewing experience. It promises to add an extra layer of engagement to the beloved series. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: IVE and Pokemon—what an adorable combination! Source: X/@IVEstarship_JP.

Categories
K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Netizens React to Fan Selling Strands of Jang Wonyoung’s Hair

A recent event in China has captured widespread attention and sparked a flurry of reactions online. Last week, the Chinese media outlet NetEase posted a story about an unusual auction. An unnamed individual auctioned off three strands of hair belonging to IVE‘s Jang Wonyoung. Conducted on an online platform, the auction attracted over 1,200 viewers, showcasing the high level of interest in the item.

The unnamed individual claimed to have personally collected the hair during a concert. To address those doubting the item’s authenticity, he suggested that a DNA test would prove its legitimacy. Despite questions about his credibility, the auction went on as scheduled.

The bidding started at a staggering 99,999 CNY (approximately 18.47 million KRW or 13,862 USD). This illustrates the lengths some fans are willing to go to own a piece of their idol, in this case, quite literally. Subsequent bids drove the price up to an astonishing 103,662 CNY (approximately 19.15 million KRW or 14,373 USD).

Get ready with Jang WonYoung in Paris 💖💄

Jang Wonyoung deserves privacy and respect

As news of this auction spread, netizens expressed their disbelief and criticism. Comments ranged from shock—”Are they really selling that?”—to outright condemnation of the act as absurd, even if the hair genuinely belonged to Jang Wonyoung. The sale raised concerns not just about the ethics of selling personal items of celebrities but also about the implications for their privacy. Many found it disturbing that someone would sell another person’s hair, and equally strange that there was a market for such items.

Furthermore, this incident has prompted discussions about the boundaries of fan culture and the invasion of privacy of public figures. Some netizens condemned the auction as a gross invasion of the artist’s personal space, calling for respect and privacy for celebrities.

In other news, Jang Wonyoung and the other members of IVE—An Yujin, Gaeul, Leeseo, Liz, and Rei—are gearing up for their second fan meeting in South Korea. Titled MAGAZINE IVE, it’s set to take place at the Seoul Olympic Handball Gymnasium on March 9 at 6:00 PM and March 10 at 5:00 PM. Their agency, Starship Entertainment, recently released a set of concept photos for the fan meeting, heightening fans’ excitement. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: This news begs the question, ‘How did the unnamed individual get Wonyoung’s hair?’ Source: Vogue Korea.

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

MONSTA X YouTube Channel Gets Hacked … By SpaceX?

MONSTA X Kiss or Death Teaser. Photo: MonstaX/Twitter

The cyber attack on Starship Entertainment’s official YouTube channels sent shockwaves through the K-pop community on March 4, as fans and industry insiders alike grappled with the unprecedented breach of security. Although it looks like the channels have been changed into SpaceX accounts, this is actually the work of a hacker!

Several YouTube Channels Hijacked By SpaceX?

The targeted channels, which represent some of the agency’s most prominent artists including MONSTA X, IVE, and CRAVITY, were swiftly compromised, resulting in a flurry of activity as the agency scrambled to address the situation.

The severity of the hack became apparent as users discovered that the channels had been rebranded under the name “SpaceX,” with all existing videos unceremoniously purged from the platform. Instead, the hacker took advantage of the channels’ substantial reach by live streaming Space X launches, a move that further underscored the audacity and strategic nature of the attack.

Amidst the chaos, reports surfaced indicating that the hacker had reached out to Starship Entertainment with a list of demands in exchange for restoring access to the compromised channels and reinstating the deleted content. The agency now finds itself at a crossroads, faced with the daunting prospect of negotiating with the perpetrator in a bid to salvage its digital assets and protect the interests of its artists.

Starship Entertainment Responds to Hacker

The stakes are undeniably high, as the loss of the channels’ extensive catalog of videos would also represent a significant setback for Starship Entertainment and its roster of talents. These videos not only serve as a vital platform for engaging with fans and promoting new releases but also represent a tangible record of the artists’ creative endeavors and achievements over the years.

In response to the crisis, Starship Entertainment has wasted no time in mobilizing its resources and collaborating closely with YouTube to initiate the recovery process. The agency’s swift and decisive action also underscores its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of its digital infrastructure and preserving the trust and confidence of its artists and supporters.

“Regarding the hacking of our artists’ official YouTube channels today, we are actively working with YouTube to resolve the issue and are currently in the recovery process. We will do our best to restore all content as quickly as possible. We apologize for any inconvenience caused by this unexpected disruption.”

As the recovery efforts unfold, the K-pop community remains on edge, anxiously awaiting updates and hoping for a swift resolution to the crisis. In the meantime, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the ever-present threat posed by cyber attacks in an increasingly interconnected and digitized world, underscoring the importance of robust security measures and proactive risk management strategies for businesses and organizations across all sectors.

Categories
K-POP ARTISTS KPOP ALBUMS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

SEVENTEEN, Stray Kids among K-pop Acts That Made It To IFPI’s Best-Selling Artists Worldwide in 2023

SEVENTEEN releases special video for 'April Shower.' Credit: Twitter/SEVENTEEN

2023 was indeed a huge year for K-pop and groups SEVENTEEN and Stray Kids were among those that dominated it. 

On Thursday, February 22, the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) released its annual rankings for the best-selling artists worldwide and several K-pop acts made it to the 2023 list!

According to Soompi, IFPI’s Global Recording Artist Chart “ranks aritsts based on physical sales, downloads, and streaming over the course of the past year.” 

Leading the K-pop acts is the “God of Music” hitmakers SEVENTEEN. Notably, the 13-member boy group ranked second overall in the worldwide rankings, just right after award-winning singer songwriter Taylor Swift. Moreover, this served group’s the third consecutive year in the top 10 of the chart. 

In 2023, SEVENTEEN bagged numerous awards for their recent albums FML and Seventeenth Heaven. Aside from that, the “Super” hitmakers made an unprecedented record of more than 10 million physical album sales, from January to September of 2023 alone.

Following SEVENTEEN is the 4th generation group Stray Kids, who achieved a number of milestones in 2023. To specify, the “LALALALA” singers scored a back-to-back No. 1 on the Billboard 200 Album Sales Chart for their full-length album 5-Star and their mini-album Rock Star.

Moreover, the five-member boy group TOMORROW X TOGETHER also made it to the list. Placing seventh in the overall list, TOMORROW X TOGETHER managed to be one of IFPI’s best-selling artists with the release of their album The Name Chapter: FREEFALL.

After the three boy groups, rookie monsters NewJeans made history as they became the first and only K-op girl group to make it to the Top 10 list. The quintet, who are best known for hits “Hype Boy”, “Attention”, “Super Shy”, ranked eight overall.

 

Fans rejoice as K-pop continues to dominate

With the K-pop acts securing their respective spots in the IFPI best-selling artists list for 2023, they now join international stars Drake, The Weeknd, Lana del Rey, and others in the Top 10.

After seeing the inclusion of the K-Pop names among the list of Western artists, the fans of SEVENTEEN, Stray Kids, TOMORROW X TOGETHER and NewJeans expressed their happiness over their idols’ achievements.

On social media, CARATs, STAYs, MOAs, and Bunnies (the groups’ fan bases, respectively), showed how proud they are of the artists.

One Carat referred to SEVENTEEN as “global superstars who are insanely famous. Meanwhile, a STAY congratulated Stray Kids and said that their music is so loved.

MOAs also applauded TOMORROW X TOGETHER’s jump to the seventeen spot after not being on the list for the 2022 Top 20 chart. Having high hopes that the “Chasing That Feeling” singers continue to soar, a fan stated that 2024 will even be better for the group.

https://twitter.com/meemznn/status/1760667732633100331

 

Lastly, Bunnies also shared their congratulatory messages for NewJeans and called them “queens” and “smash hitmakers.” 

In addition to these Top 10 placers, K-pop groups IVE and NCT Dream also secured the No. 12 and No. 15 spots, respectively. Congratulations! 

Featured image: SEVENTEEN releases special video for ‘April Shower.’ Credit: Twitter/SEVENTEEN

Exit mobile version