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KQ Entertainment May Sue Unauthorized Visitors to Company Premises

Recently, a TikToker known as @iam.from.korea embarked on a quest to “find someone like ATEEZ’s Choi San.” This was part of a challenge issued to him by one of his followers. He eventually decided to try his luck at the office of the group’s agency, KQ Entertainment. Upon his arrival at the company’s premises, he spoke to their receptionist, telling her he was looking to interview San. He joked that his goal was to “just look for hot guys.” Despite his best efforts, his request was declined, so he left.

@iam.from.korea

Can we please collab..?😭😭🥹🥹🙏🙏@ATEEZ_Official #korea #koreanguy

♬ original sound – IamfromKorea – IamfromKorea

At first, fans were amused by the incident. However, they quickly realized it highlighted some vulnerabilities in the agency’s security protocols. Other K-pop companies, like HYBE Corporation, are much more secure. Its stringent security measures have even made it somewhat difficult for its own artists to get into the building. Two years ago, SEVENTEEN’s Jeonghan criticized HYBE’s facial recognition system during an appearance on the variety show Knowing Bros. He recounted, “We’re really strict about security. You need to take off your mask, check your body temperature, and have your face recognized to open the door. But it didn’t open!”

Jeonghan eventually managed to enter the building, only to face further hurdles. The same facial recognition system controlled access to the practice rooms. He expressed frustration with HYBE’s complex security measures, saying, “I just don’t understand why we have to go through so many face recognitions! I’ve complained about this a number of times, but it’s still the same.”

@ahgacarat1004

this story basically got deleted on vlive but now they just spilled it on national tv 😂 #seventeen

♬ HOT – SEVENTEEN

Fans were horrified that KQ Entertainment didn’t seem to be as strict and wondered why the company didn’t put any real security measures in place.

KQ Entertainment issued a statement

Following the success of his first video, which garnered 483.9K views, @iam.from.korea released a second, in which he even made a fake business card to appear more professional. He returned to the KQ Entertainment building and discussed a potential marketing strategy with a staff member, teasing a third installment of his adventure.

@iam.from.korea

Replying to @IamfromKorea @ATEEZ_Official please collab🥲🥲 #korea #koreanguy #kpop

♬ original sound – IamfromKorea – IamfromKorea

However, the next came not from him but from KQ Entertainment itself. The company issued a statement in both Korean and English via X (formerly Twitter) in which they addressed his antics.

“Recently, there has been a recurring issue of individuals visiting our company without prior consultation,” the agency’s statement read. “Such acts are not only disruptive to our operations but also pose potential risks to our artists and employees. Any unauthorized visits to our premises are considered a serious matter. If such incidents occur again in the future, we will take legal action for reasons including obstruction of work. Please refrain from visiting the company without prior arrangement or discussion.”

Fans are reassured to hear that KQ Entertainment is taking the matter seriously, prioritizing the safety and security of their artists and employees. The company’s firm stance serves as a warning to anyone thinking about making more unauthorized visits to the building. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: KQ Entertainment’s address is really easy to find. But that doesn’t mean you can just show up at the building unannounced. Source: Facebook/@creatrip.global.

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xikers Announces March 2024 Comeback

Excitement is building in the K-pop scene as xikers, the dynamic rookie boy group under KQ Entertainment, is set to make a much-anticipated comeback. The official announcement on February 5, released at midnight KST, has sent fans into a frenzy, eagerly anticipating the group’s return, scheduled to be a March 2024 comeback.

KQ Entertainment Announces xikers’ March 2024 Comeback

The March 2024 comeback follows xikers’ successful second mini-album, ‘House of Tricky: How To Play,’ which captivated audiences when it dropped in August 2023. The group made an impactful debut with their EP ‘House of Tricky: Doorbell Ringing’ in March of the same year. Their distinctive name, pronounced as “psy-kers,” symbolizes a fusion of the letter “x,” representing horizontal coordinates, and “hikers,” denoting the members’ journey through time and space.

xikers, comprised of ten talented members, stands as the second group under KQ Entertainment, a company renowned for managing the popular boy band ATEEZ. The group made waves with their debut album, selling over 100,000 copies within the first week. This impressive feat positioned them as the fifth best-selling rookie boy band album in Korea. Furthermore, xikers achieved the remarkable feat of entering Billboard’s main chart just two weeks after the album’s release, showcasing their rapid rise in the industry.

Fans are eagerly awaiting details about the specific comeback date and the concept xikers will explore in their upcoming release. The group’s unique blend of talent, captivating performances, and innovative concepts have already solidified their presence in the competitive K-pop landscape.

As xikers prepares to embark on their next musical journey, anticipation is at an all-time high, with fans counting down the days until their much-anticipated return in March. The announcement has set the stage for what promises to be another chapter in xikers’ remarkable trajectory, leaving fans eager to witness the group’s evolution and the musical surprises they have in store for their dedicated audience.

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KQ Entertainment Shares Health Update on ATEEZ’s Jongho

KQ Entertainment recently provided a health update on Jongho’s knee injury. This time, the agency might have some good news about the ATEEZ member!

KQ Entertainment Finally Shares Positive Health Update on ATEEZ Member Jongho

In August 2023, the label announced Jongho’s hiatus due to a meniscus rupture, and as of October 12, they have finally shared the ATEEZ member’s progress. According to the statement, Jongho has undergone surgery and rehabilitation for his knee injury, and he’s currently in a condition where he can walk and participate in light exercise.

“Back in August, Jongho was diagnosed with a ‘meniscus rupture’, and has since undergone surgery and rehabilitation treatment. Currently, he is able to walk and engage in light exercise as part of his daily routine,” the statement read.

The company then shared some good news about Jongho’s condition. “After extensive discussions with the artist, we have decided to proceed with his activities in a flexible manner, so that he is not overloaded,” they wrote.

The label also confirmed that Jongho will be rejoining ATEEZ for ‘M! Countdown in France,’ marking the end of his hiatus. However, to prioritize his recovery, he will refrain from engaging in any strenuous choreography.

“Once again, we apologize for any concern this may have caused, and we assure you that we will continue to prioritize the artist’s recovery and complete healing,” they wrote.

Notably, Jongho has a history of health issues. He previously experienced both an ankle injury and a meniscus rupture. The agency clarified on August 20th that Jongho had, after his previous ankle injury, received a diagnosis of a meniscus rupture. However, he chose “conservative treatment” over surgery, driven by his determined desire to continue performing on stage.

ATEEZ will perform at the upcoming “M! Countdown in France” which will be held in the Paris La Défense Arena on Sunday, October 15, 2023.

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Fans Call Out Taiwanese Artist for Allegedly Plagiarizing ATEEZ

K-pop group ATEEZ draws attention online for allegedly being plagiarized once again. 

In the most recent accusation, fans called out a Taiwanese artist for his track’s drastic resemblance to “Guerilla” by ATEEZ.

On Saturday, September 30, ATINYs, the group’s fandom, were baffled when one fan brought to light that another artist was allegedly plagiarizing ATEEZ.

In a Twitter thread, the fan pointed out that the track “Kicking Your Face by Taiwanese rapper 3WICH, had an almost identical structure with the boy group’s song “Guerilla.

The rapper’s track was performed as part of the final episode of the music show Music Maker. According to the fan, even the stage design looked similar to the display of ATEEZAnchor Concert in Seoul.

Hearing the fans’ clamor, the show responded with a brief statement. “The program team is in process of clarification with the contestant. Any relevant information and updates will be released when we return to office,” they said.

Other instances that ATEEZ were allegedly plagiarized

Plagiarism is no longer a new thing to ATEEZ and ATINYs. Since their debut in 2018, the boy group has been embroiled in controversies with numerous artists allegedly stealing their acts. 

First in the list and presumably the most famous controversy would be the case of Vata and his “New Thing choreography. Notably, the track by ZICO gained global attention as part of the MNET show Street Man Fighter.”

However, fans were quick to notice that one part of Vata’s choreography was similar to ATEEZ’ signature step in their 2019 hit “Say My Name.” Despite the persistent public callout, Vata did not admit to the accusations.

Aside from the choreographer, some of the group’s tracks were allegedly also stolen by other artists.

In 2022, Soyeon of (G)-IDLE was criticized for the similarities of her self-written track “Sun”, to ATEEZ’ 2019 song, “Wave.” After receiving backlash, Soyeon immediately posted an apology

Moreover, there were also reports of the boy group’s album covers being plagiarized. 

In the past, ATINYs have called out singer MONOPOLY for the artist’s album titled HOLYMOLY. For this incident, fans pointed out that the cover of the said album had uncanny similarities with ATEEZTreasure Epilogue: Action to Answer album cover. Following the issue, MONOPOLY changed his cover later on.

Other accusations include international artists stealing concepts from the eight-member band. With the long list of “copied” acts, some fans are now playfully calling ATEEZ as the most plagiarized K-Pop group.

https://twitter.com/odetobangteez/status/1708142048979869819

ATINYs frustration towards the repetitive plagiarism

With the repetitive alleged plagiarism towards the boy group, ATINYs have brought their frustration to social media by trending the hashtag #RespectATEEZ.

“Can people leave ATEEZ alone and stop stealing their music?! Plagiarism is never and will never be okay,” one fan said. Meanwhile, another fan stated: “You can’t outdo the doer.”

 

Other ATINYs also demanded the group’ agency, KQ Entertainment, to make the necessary actions. “Please come out and stop this once and for all, for our boys and for the music industry,” one fan wrote. 

https://twitter.com/miIkimars/status/1708151560554102902

As of writing, there is no official statement yet from the agency.

Featured image: ATEEZ shares a behind-the-scene photo from their web series ‘Wanteez.’ Credit: Facebook/ATEEZ

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ATEEZ Agency Shares Jongho Health Update

ATEEZ’s Jongho is embarking on a temporary hiatus as he prepares to undergo surgery for his health. This decision comes after a concerning turn of events during the group’s presence at KCON LA 2023 in Los Angeles.

KQ Entertainment Shares Update on Jongho’s Health

Last week, Jongho faced a sudden and severe bout of leg pain while in Los Angeles. This alarming development prompted him to swiftly return to Korea for a thorough evaluation and treatment. Since then, KQ Entertainment issued a statement providing an update on Jongho’s health issues.

“While Jongho was [already] undergoing conservative treatment and recovery for a meniscus rupture, it was determined that detailed examination and additional measures were necessary,” the statement read. “As a result, Jongho immediately stopped his overseas schedules and returned to Korea to receive treatment at a specialized medical institution.”

“After a thorough examination, Jongho was recommended to undergo surgery and receive intensive management for the existing injured area,” it read. “As a result, ATEEZ will continue with seven members for upcoming schedules while Jongho undergoes rehabilitation after the surgery.”

“We ask for your understanding regarding the decision to prioritize Jongho’s prompt recovery, and we will update you once he is ready to return to the group’s schedule,” it continues.

Notably, Jongho has a history of health issues. He previously experienced both an ankle injury and a meniscus rupture.

While Jongho focuses on his recovery, the remaining members of ATEEZ continue their world tour, “THE FELLOWSHIP: BREAK THE WALL.” The group is making their way to Mexico for the Latin American leg of the tour. Fans are undoubtedly wishing Jongho a swift and successful surgery and a speedy return to his activities with the group.

The agency clarified on August 20th that Jongho had, after his previous ankle injury, received a diagnosis of a meniscus rupture. However, he chose “conservative treatment” over surgery, driven by his determined desire to continue performing on stage.

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XIKERS’ Junghoon Announces Hiatus Due To Knee Injury

Junghoon will go on hiatus to focus on his health. The XIKERS lead vocalist is taking a break from group promotions due to a knee injury that requires surgery.

KQ Entertainment Announces Junghoon’s Hiatus

KQ Entertainment issued a statement regarding Junghoon’s health, confirming that the XIKERS member will go on hiatus. It was revealed that Kim Jung-hoon had suffered from knee pain before visiting a doctor.

“Junghoon recently experienced pain in his knee while carrying out his schedules, and visited a medical specialist for a thorough examination,” the statement read.

“Based on the examination results, Junghoon has been diagnosed with a torn anterior cruciate ligament,” it continues. “As the medical specialist advised that he needed to undergo surgery, the exact date and schedule of Junghoon’s surgery are currently under adjustment.”

The agency also confirmed that Junghoon’s surgery will be followed by necessary rehabilitation. This means the lead vocalist will not join the rest of XIKERS in their upcoming promotions.

“After undergoing surgery, it was advised that Junghoon undergo physical therapy for a limited period, and as a result, he plans on halting all of his promotions temporarily in order to focus on his treatment and physical therapy, as to recover as soon as possible,” the statement read.

KQ Entertainment assured fans that they are looking out for Junghoon’s well-being. They also confirmed that an update will be posted once he recovers.

We will continue to prioritize Junghoon’s treatment and recovery, and will do our best so that he can resume his schedules upon recovery,” the agency stated.

Junghoon was originally a member of KQ Entertainment’s trainee group KQ Fellaz 2 (ATEEZ was the original KQ Fellaz prior to debut). The group was later renamed XIKERS and they debuted with the EP ‘House of Tricky: Doorbell Ringing’. They are currently promoting the lead singles “Tricky House” and “Rockstar”.

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