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Debate Over Jini Leaving NMIXX Reignites Amidst Her Solo Debut

Jini made her official debut as a soloist on Wednesday, October 11, with the mini album An Iron Hand In a Velvet Glove. However, netizens are still left wondering about her sudden departure from K-pop girl group NMIXX.

On the same day of the album launch, Jini held a media showcase to celebrate her fresh start. There, the singer was suddenly questioned about her reason for leaving her former group, NMIXX

The show’s MC, Park Seul Gi, immediately spoke on her behalf. “It’s difficult to go into detail as it’s a personal matter. Right now, we’re here to introduce the album,” she said.

A clip of the incident immediately circulated on social media, leaving fans concerned with the artist’s seemingly anxious reaction and trembling voice. 

Despite her difficulty to speak about the matter, Jini carefully clarified: “It’s hard to discuss this due to personal reasons, but I’m determined to debut as a solo artist this time.”

This is the first time that the young idol briefly commented about her departure from NMIXX. As per JYP Entertainment’s statement, Jini terminated her exclusive contract due to personal circumstances. At the time, the singer also didn’t provide additional details about her career move. 

However, her departure came as a shock to NSWERS, NMIXX’s fans, especially that Jini was known as one of the members who trained the longest. Moreover, she left not even a year after NMIXX made their official debut. 

Focusing on Jini and her new beginning

After parting ways with NMIXX and JYP Entertainment in December 2022, Jini found a new home under the entertainment company, ATOC.

After signing with the agency, Jini focused on preparing for her first mini album An Iron Hand In a Velvet Glove. Said album consisted of a total of five songs, including the English title track “C’mon,” featuring American rapper Amine and three other B-sides.

During the media showcase, Jini shared her thoughts about the title song. “When I first heard the demo, I was so fond of the English version that I suggested it to the company,” she explained as to why she opted for the track.

In addition, the singer also took the opportunity to express her appreciation to her devoted fans. “First of all, I would like to say thank you so much for waiting. I want to tell you that I hope to make many memories together for a long time,” she said

With a positive mindset, Jini mentioned her ambitions for the future. “I want to show a more positive side of myself in the future, alongside never-seen-before sides of myself. Please look forward to it,”  she declared.

Featured image: Jini poses for her solo debut album ‘An Iron Hand in a Velvet Glove.’ Credit: Twitter/JINI

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TWICE to Celebrate 8th Anniversary With Pop-up Store, Fan Meeting

ONCEs, mark your calendars! The 8th anniversary of K-pop group TWICE is just around the corner and the girl group has prepared fun activities to celebrate it in style!

On October 6, JYP Entertainment announced through social media that the agency will operate the “TWICE Records” pop-up store in Seoul. The said event will allow ONCEs, the group’s fanbase, to take pictures at a photobooth, check out exclusive merchandise, and participate in other exciting activities.

Moreover, “TWICE Records” will have a week-long operation which will begin on October 18 and last until October 24.

Aside from that, the “Set Me Free” singers will also hold an exclusive fan meeting event titled “2023 TWICE Fan Meeting: Once Again.” Additionally, the fan meeting will have two shows – 1 PM and 7PM – on October 21 at the Olympic Hall in Seoul. 

As the tickets for the event were immediately sold out upon its release, JYPE announced that the final performance at 7PM will be accessible through a live stream on the platform Beyond LIVE. So that global fans will also be able to celebrate the group’ anniversary, as well.

In relation to the fan meeting, TWICE released a dress code notice for the fans. Revealed to be a 90s-themed event, the girl group is hoping to time-travel with ONCEs as they reminisce their journey since debut.

8 years with TWICE: the group’s milestones throughout their career

Before being one of the most popular K-Pop acts in the world, TWICE was first formed through the reality show SIXTEEN.

Composed of Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Sana, Mina, Jihyo, Dahyun, Chaeyoung, Momo, and Tzuyu, the nine-member girl group made their official debut in October 2015. Since then, TWICE has conquered the music industry with their colorful style and eye-catching performances.

The girl group has even won the “Song of the Year” for the Circle Charts Music Awards seven times. In particular, the recognition were for the tracks: “Cheer Up”, “TT”, “Knock Knock”, “Heart Shaker”, “What is Love?”, “Dance the Night Away” and “Scientist.” 

Now in their eight year, TWICE has achieved greater heights in their career. For instance, they are the first female K-pop group in history to headline and sell out shows in the iconic Sofi Stadium through their fifth world tour Ready To Be.

Currently, the girls are expanding their global influence as they continue the Ready To Be tour in numerous countries. Among their concert stops include North America, Europe, Southeast Asia, among others.

Featured image: TWICE sharing a behind-the-scene photo from their ‘Ready to Be’ filming. Credit: Facebook/TWICE

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Xdinary Heroes Announces October Comeback Date With New EP ‘Livelock’

JYP Entertainment’s Xdinary Heroes is gearing up for an exciting comeback, and fans couldn’t be more thrilled. The group recently released teaser content for their upcoming 4th mini album titled ‘Livelock,’ and the official comeback date is set for October 11th.

Xdinary Heroes Confirm October Comeback Date with ‘Livelock’ Teaser

The teaser video offers a sneak peek into what fans can expect from the new album. It starts with a captivating scene featuring individuals in motion set against a suspenseful beat, instantly piquing the interest of music enthusiasts worldwide. The video showcases the six main members – Geonil, Jeongsu, Gaon, O.de, Jun Han – exuding confidence with their piercing gazes and engaging scenes of them playing musical instruments and creating electrifying sounds. In addition, the teaser hints at an album that embodies Xdinary Heroes’ unique musical style and concept, generating excitement and curiosity among fans.

Xdinary Heroes has a history of naming their albums using computer programming terms, such as ‘Hello, world!’ for their 1st mini album, ‘Overload’ for the 2nd album, and ‘Deadlock’ for the 3rd album. Each album has also allowed the group to express their musical journey in a distinctive way. Their new album, ‘Livelock,’ also continues this trend, with the IT term signifying ‘infinite repetition.’ Known for bringing fresh and stimulating experiences to the world of K-pop, fans eagerly anticipate the energy and creativity that Xdinary Heroes will bring to their comeback activities.

As the comeback date approaches, fans are counting down the days to immerse themselves in the exciting world of Xdinary Heroes and their latest musical offering. Stay tuned for more updates as the group prepares to make their mark once again.

Xdinary Heroes debuted with the single “Happy Death Day”. The song debuted at number 12 on the Billboard World Digital Song Sales. Their fourth EP ‘Deadlock’ was also released in April 2023 with the lead single “Freakin’ Bad”.

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Twice’s Nayeon Wins Lawsuit Against Mother’s Ex-lover; Jyp to Pursue Defamation Case

Nayeon of K-pop girl group TWICE has won a monetary lawsuit against her mother’s past lover. In response to the controversy, JYP Entertainment vows to  take action against the defamation that their artist has received. 

News about the court ruling in favor of Nayeon has been confirmed by her agency on Tuesday, September 19. 

According to reports by Korean media, the TWICE singer has been embroiled in a lawsuit against her mother’s ex-boyfriend since January 2022. Moreover, her mother’s ex claimed that Nayeon failed to pay the loan that he allegedly let them borrow before she made her debut as a K-pop idol. 

TWICE’s Nayeon vs Mr. A

Referred to as Mr. A, the ex-boyfriend of Nayeon’s mother, claimed a loan repayment of 600 million won. Based on the reports, the said amount was allegedly Mr. A’s expenses for their basic necessities. Such amount reportedly includes their monthly rent, loans, and even Nayeon’s tuition fees in a span of over 12 years— from 2004 to 2016.

During the trial, Mr. A narrated that the loan was done through the request of Nayeon‘s mother. “I lent necessary funds such as living expenses. They promised to pay back the money when Nayeon, who was a trainee, debuted as a singer. But Nayeon broke her promise.”

However, the claimant lost in the legal proceedings due to insufficient evidence. The court refused to acknowledge that the amount Nayeon and her mother received was “borrowed.”

Moreover, court readings stated that there is no evidence to recognize it as a loan. Thus, Nayeon and her mother are not obligated to repay it. “Given the number, period, amount, and circumstances of the money transactions, it is difficult to say that A and Nayeon agreed to return it,” the court continued

As per reports, Mr. A has not appealed after losing the first trial.

JYP Entertainment, fans react

As for the court’s ruling, JYP Entertainment assured fans that the decision has been “finalized and concluded.” “So we have nothing to say since it has no bearing on the artist’s entertainment pursuits,” the agency told Korean media. 

With the legal battle now over, JYP Entertainment assured the fans that they will take legal action for acts of defamation against their artists. 

“We will take firm legal action against the matter of defaming the artist’s reputation or insulting the artist through speculative writing going forward.” they said.

Following the news, netizens shared their different opinions on the controversy. Many are in agreement with the court’s ruling, saying that Mr. A just wanted to get money from Nayeon and her mother. While others think it’s a hater’s attempt to ruin Nayeon’s career.

The 27-year-old singer debuted in October 2015 as a member of TWICE. In July 2022, she released her solo album IM NAYEON with the hit title track “Pop!”

Featured image: Nayeon in a promotional photo for TWICE’s fan club membership. Credit: Facebook/TWICE

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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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