Tag: Modhaus

Categories
KPOP ALBUMS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

tripleS’s New 24-Member Comeback Teaser Receives Swift Backlash

tripleS

The lineup of tripleS is now complete. The rookie girl group, which originally debuted in February 2023, now has 24 members, all of whom will participate in tripleS’s first full group comeback this May. Known for their sub-units Acid Angel from Asia, +(KR)ystal Eyes, LOVElution, and EVOLution, the girl group’s activities are influenced by the fans through a novel approach pioneered by their agency MODHAUS.

The trouble with tripleS

MODHAUS—led by its founder and CEO Jaden Jeong, who also happens to be tripleS’s creative director and music producer—made it so fans could be part of the group’s creative process by voting on everything that has to do with tripleS. This includes things like stage names and unit formations, which are normally decided on by a group’s agency or staff. When fans buy NFT photocards called “Objekts,” they earn “COMO” tokens, which allow them to place their votes.

tripleS recently announced a 24-member comeback under the name ASSEMBLE24, set for May. The announcement was accompanied by a photo featuring all the members. When fans saw it, they theorized that the girls were arranged in order according to who sold the most Objekts. Although MODHAUS hasn’t confirmed or denied this, fans compared the members’ positions in the photo to the Objekt sales data. They found that the members who were front and center in the photo had sold more than the girls placed at the back.

This discovery sparked discussions within the fandom. Some believed it wasn’t fair, while others considered it downright toxic. Concerns were raised about the impact the arrangement could have on the members, especially on tripleS’s maknae, SeoAh, who is only 13 years old. Moreover, there are those who say they’re having a hard time getting into tripleS because they feel overwhelmed by the number of members.

The broader issues

Fans weren’t the only ones bothered by the group’s ranking system. Member Xinyu took to the fan communication platform Fromm, where she described the system as “cruel.” She likened it to her traumatic experiences on the Mnet survival show Girls Planet 999. Xinyu suggested that a randomized system might be better. However, soon after posting these comments, she issued a retraction and an apology, then deleted all her posts. Fans speculated that the group’s management might have pressured her to do so.

MODHAUS has yet to address the controversy surrounding Xinyu’s remarks or the broader issues related to the group’s management practices. Fans hope that Xinyu wasn’t punished for her honesty and that the agency will take steps to improve how members are treated. However, it seems like the agency may already be making changes. A quick check of tripleS’s social media shows new concept photos where the members aren’t arranged according to Objekt sales. Additionally, the track list for the group’s album has been released.

These issues notwithstanding, the album ASSEMBLE24 will be released as planned on May 8 at 6:00 PM. The 10-track collection will be bannered by the title track “Girls Never Die.” – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: This is tripleS’s latest photo featuring all 24 members. Notice how they’re arranged. This time, it’s not according to Objekt sales. Source: X/@triplescosmos.

Categories
K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Listen: LOONA and ARTMS’ HaSeul Releases ‘Plastic Candy’

HaSeul releases new digital single 'Plastic Candy.' Credit: Twitter/ARTMS

LOONA and ARTMS member HaSeul has treated fans with new music through the release of her digital single “Plastic Candy.” 

On Thursday, HaSeul released “Plastic Candy” on digital platforms before performing it at her concert Music Studio 81.8Hz. 

Prior to the release of the track, ARTMS released a behind-the-scenes video of the idol recording the song. 

“I was very nervous when recording it,” she said. “This song is full of dreaminess. If you think about the lyrics, you will find this more interesting.” 

Notably, “Plastic Candy” is HaSeul’s first solo music in nearly seven years. In 2016, she released her two-track self-titled single album as part of LOONA’s pre-debut project. 

Meanwhile, the Music Studio 81.8Hz is also the idol’s first solo show since signing with Modhaus. Set from October 26 to 29, the four-night show will also feature one of her ARTMS bandmates – Heejin, Kim Lip, Jinsoul, and Choerry – on each night of the concert.

HaSeul as a MODHAUS artist

In June, HaSeul signed with MODHAUS and joined the agency’s ARTMS project. 

Notably, Modhaus was founded by LOONA’s former creative director Jaden Jeong. And the ARTMS project featured the activities of LOONA members Heejin, Kim Lip, Jinsoul, Choerry, and Haseul. 

Her transfer to Modhaus follows the suspension of her exclusive contract with BlockBerry Creative. All 12 members of LOONA have left BlockBerry, after winning a string of lawsuits to suspend their contracts. 

Under MODHAUS, Odd Eye Circle, the sub-unit composed of Choerry, Jinsoul, and Kim Lip, released their album Version Up in June. Meanwhile, Heejin is also set to make her solo debut on October 31. 

As for the other LOONA members, Chuu made her solo debut in October with the EP Howl. Meanwhile, members HyunJin, YeoJin, Vivi, Go Won, and HyeJu have formed the group LOOSSEMBLE (LOONA Assemble) under the agency CTDENM. 

On several accounts, the members have expressed their desire to have a LOONA reunion and even showed support for each other’s activities. 

Featured image: HaSeul releases new digital single ‘Plastic Candy.’ Credit: Twitter/ARTMS

Categories
K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Modhaus to Take Legal Action for Malicious Posts Against Kim Lip

Kim Lip in the teaser for LOONA's 'The Origin' album. Credit: Twitter/LOONA

South Korean record label and entertainment agency MODHAUS announced that they would take legal action against malicious posts directed at their ARTMS artist, former LOONA member Kim Lip. 

On Thursday, August 24, MODHAUS released a statement that they’re continuously monitoring posts containing defamation, harassment, and personal attacks against Kim Lip.

“MODHAUS does not tolerate any form of right infringement against our artist,” they wrote. “MODHAUS is considering taking legal actions in cooperation with legal experts to address the issue.” 

Interestingly, the agency didn’t go into detail of what prompted the statement. But the label wrote that “unfortunate incidents” arose as fans got access to a more active communication with the artists. 

Furthermore, MODHAUS expressed its commitment to ensure the safety of the artists and fans in the future. Additionally, they also encouraged fans to report cases of rights infringements against the artists to their Response Team. 

Kim Lip as a MODHAUS artist

Kim Lip made her debut in May 2017 when she was introduced as the sixth member of LOONA. At the time, she was also a member of the group’s second sub-unit ODD EYE CIRCLE before LOONA officially debuted as a 12-member act in August 2018. 

 

However, in November 2022, Kim Lip, together with nine other LOONA members, filed an injunction against their agency Blockberry Creative. 

Kim Lip, together with Heejin, Jinsoul, and Choerry, won their injunctions in January 2023. The four of them signed exclusive contracts with MODHAUS in March. 

Since then, the agency  launched the ARTMS project. It will reportedly refer to the activities of the former LOONA members under their agency. Haseul, who signed with MODHAUS in June, has also been added to the ARTMS project. 

In July, Odd Eye Circle, the sub-unit composed of Choerry, Jinsoul, and Kim Lip, released their album Version Up.

Fans’ reactions

Numerous fans thanked the agency for taking the necessary measures to protect their artist.

“I’m genuinely so glad you guys are doing this. thank you for protecting her!”, one fan wrote.

 

Others also commended MODHAUS for the speedy action as they responded even before the allegations spread.

https://twitter.com/whoiskimlip/status/1694674174193910027

 

More agencies take legal actions to protect artists

Just like MODHAUS, more agencies are taking legal actions to protect their artists.

In August, JYP Entertainment announced that the agency is taking legal actions for malicious posts and comments against their girl group, ITZY. 

WakeOne Entertainment, ZEROBASEONE’s agency also announced in July that they’ve taken legal actions against individuals who have been spreading hateful posts and threats against the nine-member rookie boy group. 

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

Meanwhile, SM Entertainment also filed a complaint against an online user who sent death threats to aespa’s Winter. The agency will also take a legal action against a fan who invaded NCT’s Jaehyun’s privacy. 

In addition, these agencies stated that they will regularly monitor and report posts that spread false information, hate, and insult towards their artists. 

Featured image: Kim Lip in the teaser for LOONA’s ‘The Origin’ album. Credit: Twitter/LOONA

Categories
K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Ex Loona Member Heejin to Make Solo Debut

Heejin poses for her agency photo under Modhaus. Credit/Twitter: ARTMS Project

The LOONA universe continues to expand as former member Heejin is confirmed to make her solo debut. 

Modhaus confirmed on Thursday, August 3 that Heejin is preparing a solo album.

However, the agency added they’ll have yet to determine the exact release date for Heejin’s album. Additional details such as number of tracks and album title weren’t also disclosed. 

 

Heejin made her debut in October 2016 with the release of her solo song “ViViD.” She was the first member that was introduced in the “Monthly Girls” project that marked the start of K-pop girl group LOONA. 

In 2017, Heejin became part of the ⅓ sub-unit, alongside HyunJin, Haseul, and Vivi. They were LOONA’s first sub-unit, before the group officially debuted as a 12-member act in August 2018. 

LOONA in the recent years

However, between 2021 and 2022, LOONA members, starting with Chuu, filed their injunctions against their agency BlockBerry Creative. 

In Heejin’s case, she filed her injunction in November 2022, citing breach of mutual trust. She filed it alongside members Haseul, Yeojin, Kim Lip, Jinsoul, Choerry, Yves, Go Won, and Olivia Hye. 

Heejin, together with Kim Lip, Jinsoul, and Choerry, won their injunctions in January 2023. The four of them signed exclusive contracts with Modhaus in March. 

Meanwhile, Modhaus has since launched the ARTMS project.

Said project will reportedly refer to the activities of the LOONA members under their agency. Haseul, who signed with Modhaus in June, has also been added to the ARTMS project. 

In July, Odd Eye Circle, the sub-unit composed of Choerry, Jinsoul, and Kim Lip, released their album Version Up.

Additionally, former LOONA members HyunJin, YeoJin, Vivi, Go Won, and HyeJu have formed the group LOOSSEMBLE (LOONA Assemble). They’re all under the agency CTDENM. 

Featured image: Heejin poses for her agency photo under Modhaus. Credit/Twitter: ARTMS Project

Exit mobile version