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ITZY’s Lia Breaks Silence in Handwritten Letter for Fans After Hiatus Announcement

Lia is officially on hiatus. JYP Entertainment has made an official announcement confirming that the ITZY member will not join the rest of the group in upcoming activities. Soon after the statement was released, Lia broke her silence by sharing a handwritten letter addressed to MIDZYs.

On September 18, JYP Entertainment issued a statement confirming that Lia “underwent consultation and examination as she is experiencing extreme tension and anxiety about carrying out her scheduled activities.” The agency stated that the ITZY member “received medical advice that she needs rest and treatment.” They further confirmed that “Lia will not participate in scheduled activities starting today and will take a break for the time being to focus on her treatment.”

Lia Pens Heartfelt Letter For MIDZYs Following Hiatus Announcement

Since then, Lia posted a heartfelt message for her fans. In the letter posted on ITZY’s official Instagram account, she expressed her concern for MIDZYs.

“Since MIDZY worries about me more than anyone else even when I am a little sick, I was worried that you would be heartbroken and sad when you heard the news.” she wrote. “But at the same time, because MIDZY knows and believes in me more than anyone else, I was able to muster the courage, knowing you would understand and wait for me.”

Lia then reflected on her career before pointing out that she needs time for herself. “Of course, those times must also be filled with our memories and happy moments we spent together. Although they were such precious times, I came to realize that I’ve been gradually losing myself while running up to this point,” she wrote.

“To that end, I felt like I needed to take some time off to love and fill myself first,” Lia continued. “As I always say, I sincerely hope that MIDZY will be happy. I will work to return in good health in order to repay how much MIDZY wait and worry for me.

Not surprisingly, fans were fully supportive of Lia’s decision. With that in mind, MIDZYs are wishing the ITZY member well and look forward to her return.

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Ryujin Shares Why She Thought She Would NOT Debut With ITZY

Ryujin might be an established idol right now but there was a time when she thought she would not debut with ITZY. Shin Ryu-jin admitted that she believed JYP Entertainment might not include her in the group line-up. However, it wasn’t because she didn’t have what it takes to be an idol. She explained that it had a lot to do with the agency’s point system!

Ryujin Opens Up About Concerns That She Would NOT Debut With ITZY

On September 10, ITZY members Ryujin and Lia were guests on the YouTube channel series ‘Psick Show’. During the interview, the idols were asked about the training process at JYP Entertainment. For instance, the hosts wondered if the agency gave the trainees any special lessons on good character. Interestingly, Ryujin confirmed that she had to take those lessons.

“That’s true. We have lessons [on good character] every two weeks,” she said. “There is a penalty point system in every curriculum during the trainee period. The point system considers things like our singing score, dance score, and our character score.”

Ryujin further explained that she didn’t do well in her lessons and scored badly.

Actually, I wasn’t amazing. I was ranked in the middle. My character score was also [in the middle]. I was a person who freely expressed my opinion, so my character score was not very good,” she said.

Lia then added that both she and Ryujin had a lot to work on because they had a lot of penalty points.

“I always thought to myself ‘I’m going to get fired this month’. I thought this because I had a lot of penalty points. If you eat something in the practice room, it’s a penalty point,” Lia said.

Ryujin agreed with her fellow ITZY member. “We both got a lot of penalty points for that,” she said. “We got caught eating something in the practice room. Food is prohibited in the vocal room.”

Luckily for Ryujin and Lia, those lessons are now far behind them. Since their debut in 2019, ITZY has made a name for themselves as an established girl group.

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ITZY’s Lia Bows Out of Latest Schedules Due to Health Reasons

Lia is still dealing with some health issues. The ITZY member was unable to join the rest of the girl group during their latest schedules which included an appearance at a music show. Not surprisingly, MIDZYs are getting concerned about the “Always Be Your Star” singer.

Lia Absent For ITZY’s Most Recent Scheduled Activities

On September 2, JYP Entertainment issued a statement regarding Lia’s health status. According to the agency, the ITZY member will not join Yeji, Ryujin, Chaeryeong, and Yuna in the group’s latest schedules. This would include an appearance at MBC’s “Music Core” and the in-person and video fan sign/fan call events scheduled for the day. However, the company assured that they are considering Lia’s health as a major priority.

“We made the decision for [Lia] to not participate because we considered our artist’s health our top priority. We ask for the generous understanding of the fans,” the statement read.

This isn’t the first time that Lia had to bow out for ITZY’s schedules due to health issues this year. In August, she was unable to join her bandmates on stage at the World Scout Jamboree “K-Pop Super Live.” The group performed with the remaining four members at the concert that took place at the Seoul World Cup Stadium.

In related news, Lia recently stunned audiences when she participated in “The King of Mask Singer”. After performing Park Hwayobi’s ballad “A night like this” and The Black Skirts’ “Antifreeze,” it was revealed that “Aloha” was actually ITZY’s main vocalist. When asked about the group’s stable singing, Lia admitted that it wasn’t always that way.

“To be honest, when we first debuted, my voice shook a lot when I sang live because my style of singing includes a lot of air. So that was a big concern for me,” she said. “But after practicing a lot, I think I’m now better at singing those songs when I’m dancing.

ITZY recently released their new album ‘KILL MY DOUBT’ with the title track “Cake.”

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Jyp Entertainment Takes Legal Action for Malicious Posts Against Itzy

JYP Entertainment has taken legal action against online users who published malicious posts and comments against their artist, K-pop girl group ITZY. 

In a statement on Monday, August 14, the agency said that they have “secured evidence on all actions that insult and defame the honor and image of our artists.”

They added that the securing of evidence was done through an internal and external monitoring system. 

 

According to the label, the acts they’ve flagged include malicious slander, and circulation of false information. It also includes sexual harassment, illegal filming, and the creation and circulation of fake content. 

JYP Entertainment then declared that they’ve coordinated with a specialized law firm to continue with the legal proceedings. 

Additionally, the agency said that they will actively monitor and act against possible threats to ITZY

 

“We will continue to take strong civil and criminal action for all actions that are defamatory and disrupt healthy activities of the artists and that there will be no leniency or settlement in that process,” they said. 

Moreover, JYP Entertainment also asked fans to send tips to their work email in case they have evidence on said violations. 

“We will do our best in order for no harm to be done to not only the artists but also to all the fans who love ITZY,” the agency ended their statement.

Idols’ safety and security

JYP Entertainment is the latest agency to crack down on harmful attacks against their artists. 

Recently, WakeOne Entertainment filed criminal charges against individuals who threatened the personal security of ZEROBASEONE members. 

Meanwhile, SM Entertainment also filed a complaint against an online user who sent death threats to aespa’s Winter. The agency also heightened the security of the group as they’re currently on their concert tour in the United States.  

Another is Starship Entertainment, who also sued YouTubers who published false content regarding their artists, specifically IVE. 

In terms of these legal battles about idol’s safety, Bae Suzy had the most recent win. The court fined a man who posted libelous comments against the idol-actress in 2015. 

Featured image: ITZY shares behind-the-scene photo from filming ‘Cake.’ Credit: Facebook/ITZY

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Look: Twice’s Misamo Are Stunning in Teasers for “Do Not Touch”

MiSaMo of K-pop girl group TWICE are serving looks ahead of their much-anticipated sub-unit debut! 

JYP Entertainment released on Wednesday, July 12, a group teaser for “Do Not Touch,” the title track for the MiSaMo’s first Japanese mini-album Masterpiece. 

In the video, members Mina, Sana, and Momo flaunted their top-tier visuals – first with the group shot of them in dreamy and colorful ensembles and in close-up shots of them posing in black-and-white. 

Mina, Sana, and Momo are the Japanese members of TWICE. MiSaMo will be the first sub-unit of the group to make an official debut.

Aside from the group teaser, the label has also been releasing individual teasers of the members. 

Masterpiece, which will be out on July 26, features a total of seven tracks, including “Do Not Touch,” “Behind The Curtain,” “Marshmallow,” “Funny Valentine,” “It’s Not Easy For You,” “Rewind You,” and “Bouquet.

 

Momo contributed to the lyrics of “Funny Valentine,” Mina in the track “It’s not easy for you,” while Sana helped in writing Rewind You.

The sub-unit has also released on June 15 the music video for their pre-release track “Marshmallow.” 

In the making video for “Marshmallow,” the members have expressed their feelings for their upcoming unit debut. 

“This is our first time working as a unit, and we’re all really nervous and excited. We’ve been working really hard, so we hope our dearest ONCE will like it,” Mina said

Sana added that they filmed a lot of content as she hoped that the MiSaMo unit is something that the fans have been waiting for. 

 TWICE is a nine-member girl group under JYP Entertainment that made their debut on October 2015. They are known for songs “The Feels,” “TT,” “I Can’t Stop Me,” and “Feel Special.”

They are currently embarking on their READY TO BE concert tour, wherein they made history as the first K-pop girl group to sell out at a stadium in North America. 

Meanwhile, member Jihyo is also set to make her solo debut in August with “Killin’ Me Good.”

Featured image: TWICE Japan’s Twitter

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JYP Entertainment and Republic Records to Launch Joint K-pop Girl Group Project “A2K”

JYP Entertainment and Republic Records, a renowned American music label, have announced their collaborative project “A2K,” set to debut on JYP’s official YouTube channel starting on July 13. This joint venture aims to create a K-pop girl group under the K-pop idol training system, marking the first collaboration between the two labels.

The project will document the selection process of candidates from various nationalities through auditions held in five major cities across the United States. JYP Entertainment will share clips on YouTube, offering viewers a glimpse into the diverse talents vying for a spot in the group.

After the initial selection, the candidates will undergo a rigorous boot camp in Los Angeles, where they will be evaluated based on four essential qualities of a K-pop star: singing, dancing, entertaining, and displaying an upright character. 

Only those who pass the Los Angeles boot camp evaluation will proceed to the JYP Entertainment headquarters in Seoul.

 

Once in Seoul, the candidates will undergo intensive K-pop idol training and face three different competition rounds. These rounds will determine the final members who will have the opportunity to debut as part of the girl group.

The selected finalists will have the unique opportunity to work in both Korea and the United States, benefiting from the combined expertise and support of JYP Entertainment and Republic Records.

Park Jinyoung, the producer of JYP, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “A2K is the biggest project for JYP and myself. We want to discover true artists and performers who will become leaders in the music industry. Our goal is to provide them with the necessary training and guidance.”

Monte Lipman, CEO of Republic Records, praised Park Jinyoung’s contributions to the music industry and emphasized the potential for global success.

He stated, “Park Jinyoung, a K-pop icon, continues revolutionizing the music industry and popular culture. With JYP’s values and musical expertise, artists discovered through this collaboration can become global superstars in the international music market.”

Fans and music enthusiasts can anticipate an exciting journey as “A2K” unfolds, witnessing the creation of a new K-pop girl group with the combined efforts of JYP Entertainment and Republic Records.

Featured Photo Credit: Popbase Official Twitter

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STRAY KIDS Announces June Comeback Date With ‘5-STAR’ Trailer

STRAY KIDS just confirmed a June comeback. The eight-member group dropped the awesome trailer for their upcoming album ‘5-STAR’.

STRAY KIDS Drops Edgy ‘5-STAR’ Trailer for June Comeback

JYP Entertainment‘s official YouTube channel dropped the cool ‘5-STAR’ trailer highlighting STRAY KIDS’ funky new concept. The trailer opens with Felix getting candy from a vending machine before stumbling upon a slogan that simply reads, “I Am Ground.”

Things get more interesting from there as the other members get their own spotlight. The trailer concludes with Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, and I.N. in edgy outfits. It announces that STRAY KIDS’ comeback is on June 2, 2023.

‘5-STAR’ is the group’s third studio album following the release of ‘Go Live’ in 2020 and ‘Noeasy’ in 2021. The tracklist is still a mystery but “I Am Ground” is clearly a major clue. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

STRAY KIDS Confirmed To Headline Lollapalooza in Paris

The June comeback is a welcome one for STAYs who have been waiting for new music from the idols since last year. It also coincides with STRAY KIDS being chosen to headline Lollapalooza in Paris in July. They will be the first K-pop group to serve as a headliner in a French music festival.

STRAY KIDS debuted in March 2018 with the EP ‘I Am Not’. The group started out with nine members until Woojin’s departure in 2019. Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, and I.N. are known as a self-producing group. Their latest release is the Japanese-language album ‘The Sound’ which dropped on February 22, 2023.

The third STRAY KIDS full album ‘5-STAR’ is currently available for pre-order. The lead single has not yet been announced. ‘5-STAR’ drops on June 2, 2023.

STRAY KIDS will perform as one of the headliners at Lollapalooza in Paris on July 21, 2023.

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Xdinary Heroes’ Jun Han Announces Temporary Hiatus

Jun Han is taking a break to focus on his health. The Xdinary Heroes guitarist has confirmed his temporary hiatus due to enteritis. Han Hyeong-jun will not be promoting with the rock group in their latest comeback.

JYP Entertainment Confirms JunHan’s Temporary Hiatus

JYP Entertainment issued a statement regarding Jun Han’s absence from upcoming Xdinary Heroes’ activities.

“While preparing for the group’s comeback, Jun Han experienced a peculiarity in his health and visited the hospital for a check-up, after which he was diagnosed with enteritis. Based on the advice of health experts that he needs rest and recuperation, it has been decided that JunHan will halt his promotions temporarily, as to prioritize his recovery,” the statement reads.

“As JunHan plans on focusing on his recovery for the time being, the band’s planned schedules will be temporarily carried out by 5-members including Gunil, Jungsu, Gaon, O.de, and Jooyeon,” it continues.

The agency apologizes to VILLAINs who are looking forward to the comeback. However, JYP Entertainment assures fans that the guitarist will get enough rest before returning to work.

“We promise to do our best so that JunHan can recover his health through plenty of rest,” the statement read.

JunHan is the second guitar player of Xdinary Heroes. Gaon will take over solo guitarist duties in the group’s latest comeback. It has not yet been revealed when Jun Han will reunite with the rest of the group. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

Xdinary Heroes consists of six members namely leader Gunil on drums, Jungsu on vocals and keyboards, Gaon on guitar, O.de on synthesizer, JunHan on guitar, and Jooyeon on bass. The group debuted in December 2021 with the single “Happy Death Day”. They released the first EP ‘Hello, World!’ in July 2022.

Xdinary Heroes released their third EP ‘Deadlock’ on April 26, 2023. The album features seven new tracks including the lead single “Freakin’ Bad”.

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TWICE’s Nayeon ‘Confused’ After Contract Renewal

Nayeon is feeling positive about her career. The TWICE lead singer spoke about the group’s contract renewal with JYP Entertainment. Im Na-yeon explained that things are looking up but it also had her “confused” for some time.

Nayeon Confirms Awesome Changes Since TWICE Renewed Contract With JYPE

In July 2022, TWICE survived the seven-year curse as all nine members renewed their contracts with JYP Entertainment. The girl group has been thriving since then. This is evident in Nayeon as she graces the cover of Harper’s Bazaar Korea’s May issue.

In an interview with the magazine, the “Pop!” singer revealed that there were several positive changes since the contract renewal.

“It feels like the house I live in has become warmer. It is more stable when the members come together more closely, understand each other, and go towards the same goal,” Nayeon said.

The TWICE vocalist added she was initially puzzled about her goals but ultimately decided to work towards them.

“Personally, I was also confusedI thought about what I wanted to do the most, and it was to match what I wanted to do as Twice and Nayeon. I am very satisfied now,” she said.

Nayeon is on a roll even before the contract renewal. In May 2022, she announced the release of her first solo EP “Im Nayeon”. The mini-album was the first album by a South Korean soloist to reach the top ten on the US Billboard 200.

TWICE is also on a roll since they renewed their contract with JYP Entertainment. Since July 2022, the group has released two mini-albums and the English single “Moonlight Sunrise”. They will release the Japanese single “Hare Hare” next month.

Nayeon shares the cover of Harper’s Bazaar Korea’s May issue with Girls’ Generation‘s Taeyeon and Newjeans‘ Hyein. TWICE’s next Japanese single “Hare Hare” will drop on May 31, 2023.

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