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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.

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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.

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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 IVEAn 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.

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MONSTA X YouTube Channel Gets Hacked … By SpaceX?

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.

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

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

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IVE Opens up on Collaborating With Saweetie for ‘All Night’

K-pop girl group IVE and American rapper Saweetie teamed up for the recently released single “All Night.” And the act from Starship Entertainment had nothing but praises for their experience working in the collaboration. 

On January 19, the single “All Night” was released. For those unaware, the crossover between IVE and Saweetie was a remake of Icona Pop’s 2013 hit single of the same title.

In the official music video, IVE members Yujin, Wonyoung, Rei, Liz, Gaeul and Leeseo were seen throwing an office party while dressed in sweet and chic clothes. Then, Saweetie made her appearance in an elegant outfit and soon joined the group’s fun.

Aside from it being a collaborative track with Saweetie, All Night” also serves as IVE’s first-ever full English single. Compared to other K-pop releases, said track also took a different style as it did not feature any individual lines for the members.

IVE on their first collaboration

When asked about the collaboration with Saweetie, the IVE members shared that they had fun filming the music video and working with the American rapper. 

In an interview with Teen Vogue, Yujin revealed that she was initially unaware of Icona Pop’s original version of the song. Additionally, the group’s leader said that she thought the song was familiar but she could not point out exactly where she heard it.

Meanwhile, Leeseo said that they were thankful and honored to have the American rapper take part on “All Night.”  She then explained that Saweetie’s voice and rap part in the song added a perfect touch to the track.

One of the members, Wonyoung, also shared that she “freaked out” upon learning that they will be working with Saweetie. “I really love her song. So I was excited and thrilled to work with her,” she said. 

Aside from that, Wonyoung also shared about their interaction with the rapper once the filming ended. According to the 19-year-old idol, they were so happy to see her and that they got individual selfies with Saweetie after the shoot.

“It’s our first time doing a collaboration with another artist. And we were so happy to hear it was with Saweetie. We were so enthusiastic about working with her,” Wonyoung added.

Aside from the release of All Night,” the “Baddie” singers are also busy preparing for the continuation of their first world tour Show What I Have. In 2024, IVE is set to conquer the stages across Asia, South America, Europe, and many more.

Featured image: Saweetie and IVE pose together after filming the music video of ‘All Night.’ Credit: Twitter/IVE

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Starship Entertainment Shares Update On Legal Proceedings After IVE’s Jang Won Young Wins Civil Lawsuit Against YouTuber

In a significant legal victory, Jang Wonyoung of IVE, along with her agency Starship Entertainment, emerged triumphant in a lawsuit against YouTuber Sojang for damages. The ruling, delivered by the 210th Civil Division of the Seoul Central District Court, favored the plaintiffs, with Chief Judge Park Jiwon presiding over the case.

IVE’s Jang WonYoung Wins Civil Lawsuit Against YouTuber

Last month, the court ordered YouTuber Sojang to pay 100 million KRW (approximately $74,532.87 USD) in damages to Jang Wonyoung and Starship Entertainment. The calculation included an annual interest rate of 12% until the full repayment is made. The court’s decision not only held Sojang accountable for damages but also mandated the coverage of court costs incurred during the legal proceedings.

Following this legal triumph, Starship Entertainment released an official statement on January 17, updating the public on the progress of legal proceedings against YouTuber Sojang. The statement emphasized that the lawsuit for damages was filed by Jang Wonyoung in October of the previous year.

How Starship Aims to Protect its Artists

Jang Wonyoung’s legal representation argued that the content posted on Sojang’s YouTube channel consistently comprised false information and insults, reaching the level of personal attacks. The evidence presented during the proceedings underscored the fabricated nature of the videos that targeted not only Jang Wonyoung but also other artists affiliated with Starship Entertainment, including IVE.

“We are constantly operating a monitoring system to protect the rights of our artists including their reputation, privacy, and their human rights, and we plan to take all possible legal actions without leniency for the current and future cases of defamation or other additional damages caused to the artists,” the statement read.

The court’s ruling and subsequent statements from Starship Entertainment shed light on the agency’s commitment to protecting its artists from false narratives and defamatory content. Beyond the financial compensation awarded, the legal victory holds broader implications for the entertainment industry, reinforcing the importance of accountability and responsible online behavior.

This legal precedent serves as a reminder that artists and their agencies are increasingly proactive in safeguarding their reputations in the digital realm. The successful resolution of this case not only vindicates Jang Wonyoung and Starship Entertainment but also underscores the importance of truth and integrity in online content creation.

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IVE’s Rei Gushes About Sharing a Meal With RED VELVET’s Joy

Rei has proven to be a truly successful REVELUV! The IVE member shared some details about sharing a meal with RED VELVET’s Joy after an adorable social media interaction.

IVE’s Rei Shares Details About Sharing a Meal With RED VELVET Member Joy

IVE’s Rei, a dedicated fan of RED VELVET’s Joy, recently shared delightful news with fans about a special encounter with her idol. Rei, who has expressed her admiration for Joy in various ways, is known for being a devoted follower of the RED VELVET member.

Joy, the only non-member followed by Rei on Instagram, recently left a heartwarming comment on Rei’s Instagram post, where she pledged to buy Rei 1004 strawberries. The sweet promise from Joy created excitement among fans, and it also appears that she fulfilled her commitment.

 

On December 8, 2023, Rei excitedly informed fans through Dear U. Bubble about the delightful experience of dining with Joy. The IVE member also expressed her admiration for Joy as a sunbaenim, highlighting the positive and supportive nature of their relationship.

“Joy unnie recently bought me delicious food. We also talked a lot. I feel like I can become a more positive person when I’m with her,” Rei wrote.

“She’s a precious unnie and sunbae. Just like what I feel when I see unnie, I want to become an amazing artist who can give happy energy to DIVEs and more people,” she continued. “I think that it is such an enjoyable and happy thing that I keep having new dreams as I promote, after achieving my dream of becoming an idol.”

Fans React to Rei and Joy Sharing a Meal

Fans were quick to celebrate the genuine and pure friendship between Rei and Joy, showcasing the camaraderie that transcends group boundaries in the K-pop industry. The thoughtful gesture of sharing a meal and the supportive dynamics between the two idols also resonated positively with fans.

Joy’s influence on Rei’s career and personal life was praised by fans, emphasizing the positive impact senior idols can have on their junior counterparts. The interaction between Rei and Joy also reflects the supportive and encouraging atmosphere within the K-pop community, fostering meaningful connections and friendships.

As fans continue to witness the genuine relationships and camaraderie between idols, it adds another layer of appreciation for the tight-knit bonds within the industry. Rei’s joyous encounter with her idol also showcases the warmth and friendship that can develop among artists, transcending the boundaries of different groups and generations within the vibrant K-pop landscape.

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Sunmi Says ‘Love Dive’ Was Offered To Her Before Being Given to IVE

There is little doubt that “Love Dive” was a huge hit for IVE. The song has won numerous accolades for the girl group and is considered one of their signature songs. However, there was a time when the track was almost performed by a different artist. Sunmi revealed that the single was originally offered to her but the “Gashina” singer decided to turn it down!

“Love Dive” Was Almost a Sunmi Song

During an appearance on KBS Radio’s “Park Myung Soo’s Radio Show,” Sunmi shared some insights about her involvement with the hit song by the group IVE. Amazingly, the soloist disclosed that “Love Dive” was initially proposed to her, suggesting that she was considered for the song’s release. However, the track ultimately found its home with the group IVE and became a massive hit in the K-pop music scene.

“It’s such a great song, and when I first heard it, I thought that if my girl group friends perform it, it would do really well. I felt that it might be too obvious if I did it,” Sunmi said. “However, the IVE members did such an excellent job, and they received a lot of love for it.”

When asked if she was upset that IVE had “stolen” the song from her, Sunmi stated that she was not bothered at all and was happy to know “Love Dive” was a huge hit for the girl group.

“Not at all,” she said. “I’ve been in the industry for 17 years, and I don’t feel bad about others doing well.”

“Love Dive” as One of the Biggest K-Pop Songs in History

“Love Dive” was released as the lead single of IVE’s single album on April 5, 2022. The song belongs to the dark pop and electropop genres and features elements such as percussion sounds, rhythmic bass, synth, and a mix of trap, accompanied by lyrics that reinterpret the concept of Cupid in the modern era, shining on the stage.

The song “Love Dive” gained widespread acclaim, with various publications naming it one of the best K-pop tracks of 2022. Critics praised the song’s overall production quality and the vocal performance of the group IVE. Moreover, commercially, it enjoyed remarkable success in South Korea, securing the top spot on the Gaon Digital Chart for four consecutive weeks and ranking as one of the best-performing singles of the year.

The song received numerous awards and accolades, including the MAMA Award for Song of the Year, the Melon Music Award for Song of the Year, and Song of the Year honors at events like the Asia Artist Awards and the Golden Disc Awards.

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IVE’s Yujin Finally Addresses Possible Move to Acting

IVE boasts a stunning lineup of visuals, with members Yujin and Wonyoung frequently catching the attention of fans and non-fans alike. Many have been curious about their potential forays into acting due to their striking appearances. So what are the chances that the idols will eventually move to acting? IVE leader Yujin finally addressed the possibility!

IVE’s Yujin Addresses Possible Move to Acting

During a recent conversation with renowned producer Na Young Seok that was streamed on his YouTube channel, the host revealed that people often inquire about IVE’s interest in acting. Na PD, who is known for his work on various variety shows, disclosed that several K-Drama writers are keeping a keen eye on the IVE members, intrigued by the idea of them exploring acting roles. Given that idols often dabble in acting through music videos or short skits, Na PD asked if these experiences had ignited their interest in pursuing an acting career.

“There are many K-Drama writers around me,” he said. “They always ask me, if IVE isn’t going to try acting. Really. For real, many ask me. You know Writer Woojung right? When she meets her fellow writers sometimes, they always ask her to ask you guys.”

However, Yujin was quick to clarify that, at the moment, their primary focus is on their activities as idols. She emphasized their commitment to their music and stage performances.

“Acting? Please wait a little bit! IVE is currently promoting!” the IVE leader said.

Na PD commended Yujin’s response as “very leader-like.” As the leader of IVE, Yujin’s foremost responsibility is to safeguard her group and fellow members. Her astute reply served to reassure fans about IVE’s dedication to their current path as idols while keeping the door open for potential future opportunities.

Yujin’s diplomatic and thoughtful approach reflected her commitment to her group’s ongoing journey in the world of K-Pop, leaving fans both reassured about IVE’s activities and excited about any potential developments down the road.

IVE is currently promoting their latest mini-album ‘I’VE MINE’ with the singles “Either Way”, “Off The Record”, and “Baddie”.

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