Tag: red velvet

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Red Velvet’s Seulgi Renews Contract With SM Entertainment

Seulgi in the teasers for Red Velvet's 'ReVe Festival 2022 – Birthday' album. Credit: Facebook/Red Velvet

South Korean singer Seulgi of girl group Red Velvet will remain an artist of SM Entertainment. 

Korean media STARNEWS first reported on Monday, August 21 that the idol renewed her exclusive contract with the agency. But it was only on Tuesday, August 22, that a representative of SM Entertainment confirmed the news. 

 

However, the agency didn’t disclose when the contract was signed and what are its terms. Aside from Seulgi, It also remains unclear whether other Red Velvet members also renewed their contracts with the agency. 

It was in August 2014 when Red Velvet initially made its debut as a four-piece act. In March 2015, Yeri was added to the group during their first full-length album Ice Cream Cake. 

Additionally, fans are speculating that this is Seulgi’s second renewal with the label. SM Entertainment never confirmed it but it was concluded by fans that Red Velvet renewed their contract in 2021. This is because standard contracts for idols are only seven years long. 

Seulgi’s activities as an artist

Red Velvet is known for their tracks “Red Flavor,” “Psycho,” “Power Up,”  “Queendom” and “Feel My Rhythm.” The act recently embarked on their R to V concert world tour. 

 

Aside from full group activities, Seulgi also got involved in sub-unit and solo ventures. She is part of the group’s first sub-unit Red Velvet: Irene & Seulgi, which debuted in July 2020 with Monster. 

Meanwhile, she made her solo debut in October 2022 with the release of 28 Reasons. 

 

Apart from Red Velvet though, Seulgi is also a member of SM Entertainment’s supergroup GOT The Beat. This sub-unit is the inaugural combination of the project group Girls on Top.

Changes in SM Entertainment

Interestingly, Seulgi’s contract renewal is one of the recent good updates with SM Entertainment. 

For 2023, the agency has been embroiled in controversy, with several artists leaving its label. 

In June, EXO members Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin moved to terminate their exclusive contracts with SM Entertainment. Thankfully, the legal battle reached an “amicable compromise” and the three members remain with the group and agency. 

In July, Super Junior members Donghae, Eunhyuk, and Kyuhyun left the agency. Despite their departure from the agency as individuals, the three will continue participating as members of Super Junior. 

Most recently, in early August, SNSD’s Sunny left SM Entertainment after 16 years.

Featured image: Seulgi in the teasers for Red Velvet’s ‘ReVe Festival 2022 – Birthday’ album. Credit: Facebook/Red Velvet

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These Are the Planned Albums, Concerts for SM Entertainment Acts for the Rest of 2023

SHINee releases album 'HARD' in June. Credit: Facebook/SHINee

2023 is looking to be an interesting year for SM Entertainment as they unveiled their plans for the coming months. 

On Wednesday, August 2, the agency unveiled its earnings release report for the second quarter of 2023.

The said report includes updates of their consolidated business results for the past quarter, as well as event line-up previews for the coming months. 

According to the report, SM Entertainment logged 35.7 billion won in operating profit for the second quarter of 2023. Their net income also increased by 11.6%, reporting 28.3% billion won. 

Meanwhile, their quarterly revenue improved by 30% to 239.8 billion won. 

The increase in revenue is attributed to the resumption of offline concerts globally and more merchandise sold through pop-up stores related to album releases. 

Relative to the increase, SM Entertainment specifically mentioned aespa’s EP My World, which sold over two million copies. 

Additionally, groups NCT DREAM, TVXQ!, and Red Velvet held the most offline concerts worldwide, with 17, 12 and 11, respectively. 

What to expect for the rest of 2023 in terms of albums 

As for their upcoming music releases, eight SM Entertainment acts are slated to make a comeback in the third quarter. Meanwhile, 11 acts are scheduled the fourth quarter. 

Although the agency clarified that the lineup might change, here’s a rundown of what fans can possibly expect: 

3rd quarter:

For August, U-Know Yunho of TVXQ is confirmed to be releasing his third solo mini-album Reality Show on the 7th.

Meanwhile, Hyo, or Hyoyeon from Girls’ Generation, will be releasing a single.  Also for August, NCT might release an album and aespa with an English single.

Details for said releases have yet to be disclosed, but NCT will be having their first full-group concert NCT NATION: To the World on August 26, while aespa teased a release titled “Better Things.”

For September, Super Junior’s Yesung, SHINee’s Key, and EXO’s D.O. will be releasing their solo mini-albums. 

RIIZE, SM Entertainment’s first boy group in seven years, is also expected to make their official debut in September with a single. 

4th quarter:

Although there are no specific months yet, SHINee’s Minho and Super Junior’s Ryeowook will be releasing a single in the fourth quarter.

Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon and SHINee’s Taemin will also be making their solo comebacks with mini-albums. 

Moreover, TVXQ! and Red Velvet might release full albums, while it’s undecided whether NCT127 will release a full-length album or a single. RIIZE is also expected to make a comeback in the fourth quarter with a single. 

As for international releases, WayV will have a full-length album in Chinese, while aespa might release an English single or mini-album. 

NCT Tokyo is also planned to make their debut in the fourth quarter with a Japanese single. Although the preview noted that the artist’s name is still tentative.

NCT Tokyo will reportedly have six members, with four being chosen from the reality survival show NCT Universe: The Lastart. It is also said to be the final sub-unit of NCT. 

What to expect for the rest of 2023 in terms of concerts 

 

Meanwhile, six acts will be having concert shows for the next months.

Taeyeon is currently embarking on the Asia leg of her The ODD Of Love show, which will run until late August. Additionally, aespa is doing the America and Europe stops of their Syk: Hyper Line shows until September. 

From August to September, Chen will have his Polaris tour in Japan. After their Seoul shows, NCT will bring their NCT NATION: To the World concert to Japan in September. 

SHINee will stage their World VI [Perfect Illumination] shows in Japan between September to October, while Yesung will kick off his solo concert tour in Seoul in October.

On top of that, the agency will also bring their SMTOWN LIVE concert to Jakarta in September. TVXQ!, Super Junior, Red Velvet, NCT 127, NCT Dream, WayV, aespa, and RIIZE will be performing. 

Stay tuned here for more updates about these upcoming releases and concerts. Which of these are you most looking forward to?  

Featured image: SHINee releases album ‘HARD’ in June. Credit: Facebook/SHINee

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Smtown Live 2023 Is Coming to Jakarta in September

Rejoice, Indonesian K-pop fans because SM Entertainment is bringing their highly-anticipated company-wide concert SMTOWN LIVE 2023 to Jakarta! 

The agency announced on Wednesday, July 26, that the concert featuring artists from SM Entertainment will be held at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia on September 23. 

The one-night show will feature performances and appearances from eight acts, including TVXQ!, Super Junior, Red Velvet, NCT 127, NCT Dream, WayV, aespa, as well as SM Entertainment’s upcoming new boy group. 

The label added that the celebration is even more special as 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Indonesia. “With our upcoming show, we will reflect on the meaning of harmony while promoting more active cultural exchange between the two countries.”

The SMTOWN LIVE 2023 in Jakarta might serve as the first international schedule for SM’s new boy group. Although the agency remains tight-lipped about the upcoming act, a representative has earlier confirmed that said group is gearing up for a September debut. 

SM Entertainment’s CEO Jang Cheol Hyuk has also revealed that the new boy group will have former NCT members Sungchan and Shotaro and SM Rookies Eunseok and Seunghan as part of its lineup. The seven-piece act will also feature other members of Korean and American nationalities. 

First staged in 2008, SM TOWN LIVE is a concert tour held by SM Entertainment artists. It had stops in Japan, China, Singapore, Thailand, and the United States. 

The last SM TOWN LIVE 2023 concert in Jakarta will be the second time it’ll be held in Indonesia, with the first being in September 2012. 

Featured image: Red Velvet’s Facebook

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RED VELVET’s Yeri Opens Up About Her Mean Character in “BITCH X RICH”

Yeri is opening up about her most challenging acting project so far. The RED VELVET member spoke about playing a mean character in the new series BITCH X RICH. In addition to that, Kim Ye-rim discussed the differences between being an idol and an actress.

Yeri Reveals Why She Accepted The Role of A Mean Character in BITCH X RICH

Cosmopolitan Korea recently shared the stunning photos from Yeri’s photoshoot for the magazine’s July issue. In the accompanying interview, the RED VELVET maknae discussed her new show BITCH X RICH where she plays the cruel queen bee Baek Jenna.

When the interviewer commented on Yeri’s cruel acting in the murder mystery, the Dear Diary singer admitted that she wanted to take on a challenge.

“I tried this [drama] as I wanted to expand the spectrum of my acting,” Yeri said. “As it’s a character I haven’t done before, people were very surprised. I did my lines thinking most importantly about my tone, speed, and rhythm.”

“Rather than a kid who just plays around, I had to look like a princess,” she added with a laugh. “An authoritative character who speaks slowly and seeks power over people. Since she’s the complete opposite of me, I worried about how to portray that image.”

Yeri also discussed the differences between being onstage with RED VELVET and acting.

“As RED VELVET, I’ve promoted for a long time, have many hit songs, and am recognized wherever I go,” she said. “But with acting, I’m a complete rookie. But I really like that. Because I can learn a whole lot.”

“Also, since it’s a job where you work really closely with the director, assistant director, filming director, and lighting director, I like that you can work in a friendlier way,“ Yeri added.

“I really like working in that way. Even people I meet for the first time feel like family after filming and being together for two to three months,” she continued.

RED VELVET recently completed their R to V world tour and Yeri shared how she and the members felt about meeting REVELUVs from different countries.

“As this was our first world tour in awhile, it was a tour where you could feel everyone trying hard to enjoy themselves,” she said.

“It was fun that the fans’ vibes were different in each city, but the one thing in common was that I could hear them singing along to Korean lyrics in every performance,” Yeri continued. “I got goosebumps. I felt really thankful and it was so meaningful.”

Yeri’s full interview will be featured in Cosmopolitan Korea’s July 2023 issue.

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Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938 Star Kim Bum Reveals Favorite K-Pop Girl Group

Kim Bum admits he listens to K-pop. The “Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938” star just declared his love for a rookie girl group.

Kim Bum Confirms His Love For Popular Rookie Girl Group

Kim Sang-beom recently appeared as a guest on the show “The K-Star Next Door”. His “Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938” co-star Lee Dong Wook also sat for an interview with host Jonathan.

Lee Dong Wook and the host poked fun at Kim Sang-bum for several reasons, including the number of selfies he posts on social media. But when asked about his thoughts on his labelmates, the “Law School” chose to be honest.

Jonathan mentioned that Kim Sang-bum is the first actor to sign with Starship Entertainment through its sub-label KINGKONG by Starship. The host then asked what the “Padam Padam” star thought of Starship Entertainment’s rookie girl group IVE.

“I love IVE so much,” Kim Sang-bum admitted.

IVE debuted in December 2021 with the single EP ‘Eleven’. Since their debut, Gaeul, Yujin, Rei, Wonyoung, Liz and Leeseo have gained popularity with the 2022 single “Love Dive”. The idol group is currently promoting their Japanese single “Wave” without Rei who is on temporary hiatus.

IVE is not the only girl group that Kim Bum listens to. When asked for a song recommendation, he immediately suggested “Rewind” by TWICE.

For his part, Lee Dong Wook admitted he prefers a third-generation girl group. Lee’s song recommendation is “something cute and bright” and he suggested Red Velvet‘s “Sunny Afternoon”.

Kim Bum is not the only Starship Entertainment artist connected with “Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938”. The show’s original soundtrack song “Full Moon” is performed by MONSTA X’s main vocalist Kihyun.

“Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938” is the second season of the wildly successful 2020 series. It follows Lee Dong Wook’s Lee Yeon as he is transported to the year 1938 during the Japanese Occupation of Korea.

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RED VELVET Postpones Concerts After Wendy COVID-19 Diagnosis

RED VELVET is putting a stop to their upcoming show dates in Bangkok. The girl group postponed their forthcoming concerts in Thailand after Wendy tested positive for COVID-19.

RED VELVET’s Wendy Tests Positive For COVID-19

On May 10, SM Entertainment confirmed that Wendy tested positive for COVID-19. “Wendy felt unwell and underwent a rapid antigen test,” the agency announced. After the positive diagnosis, Shon Seung-wan halted all activities. She will not be able to host her SBS radio show “Wendy’s Young Street”.

Wendy has been in quarantine due to her condition and the rest of RED VELVET will be taking a break as well. Following the announcement, concert organizer SM True announced the indefinite postponement of the group’s upcoming ‘R to V’ concerts in Bangkok. The girl group was scheduled for two dates on May 13 and 14 at THUNDER DOME.

“Due to the artist’s health condition necessitating quarantine in accordance with the COVID-19 measures mandated by the South Korean government, as well as other factors and schedules that require further consideration and evaluation by all relevant parties involved, the concert has been postponed indefinitely,” the statement read.

“The company prioritizes the health and safety of the artists, audiences and staff, as a top concern,” it continues. “For a ticket refund, the company will promptly provide detailed information regarding the ticket refund process.”

RED VELVET Takes A Break As Wendy and Joy Recover From Health Issues

Wendy isn’t the only member of RED VELVET with health issues. Joy has been on temporary hiatus due to undisclosed health issues and the group has been promoting with four members. With Wendy unable to perform, it only makes sense that RED VELVET chose to postpone the shows.

For now, the new dates for the ‘R to V’ concerts in Bangkok have not yet been announced. However, REVELUVs are already hoping for an announcement in a fortnight. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

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RED VELVET’s Joy Takes Temporary Hiatus In Upcoming ‘R To V’ Shows in Asia

Joy needs to take a break from upcoming activities. The RED VELVET lead rapper will go on a temporary hiatus. This means Park Soo Young will not participate in the group’s upcoming ‘R to V’ shows in Asia.

SM Entertainment Confirms Joy’s Temporary Hiatus Due To Health Issues

SM Entertainment shared a statement regarding Joy’s health condition and temporary hiatus.

“Joy recently visited a hospital due to her poor health condition, and after consultation and examination, the medical staff advised that she needs treatment and rest,” it reads. “Accordingly, Joy plans to take a break from participating in her scheduled activities for the time being and focus on recovering her health condition.”

The agency also apologized to REVELUVs for causing concern and asked for their understanding. They also made it clear that the decision was made “for the sake of Joy’s health.”

“We will do our best so that Joy can greet fans in good health again, and we will inform you as soon as Joy’s resumption of activities is decided,” the statement concludes.

Promoters Announce Joy’s Absence In Upcoming RED VELVET Shows

RED VELVET is currently on their fourth concert tour ‘R to V’ with numerous confirmed dates in major cities across Asia. However, Thai promoter SM True issued a statement confirming that Joy will not participate in the upcoming dates.

“Please be informed that JOY will not be able to participate in the ‘Red Velvet 4th Concert: R to V’ in BANGKOK due to her health condition,” it reads. “Therefore, 4 members will participate in ‘Red Velvet 4th Concert: R to V’ in BANGKOK concerts as scheduled.”

The Philippines promoter Pulp Live World also issued a similar statement regarding upcoming dates in the country.

Joy will not participate in the group’s upcoming scheduled shows. RED VELVET has confirmed dates in Japan, Manila, Bangkok, and Jakarta on May 3, 4, 7, 13, 14, and 20, respectively.

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Red Velvet’s Queendom: A Reveluv’s Honest Review

Red Velvet 레드벨벳 'Queendom' MV. Photo: SMTOWN/YouTube

Red Velvet, current queens of the K-pop world—SM Entertainment Chapter at least—has been dormant for 602 days. That’s more than a year and 7 months, which is equivalent to an eternity in the K-idolverse. During what seemed like forever, even non-Reveluvs have to admit that the group’s absence has left a noticeable hole in the K-pop release calendar, with their bids to succeed SISTAR as the queens of summer experiencing considerable success and their velvet releases in December or January also topping various charts.

But like the rest of the world who had plans before the pandemic struck, Red Velvet’s supposed 2020 return came to a ground halt when two days after the release of Psycho, their December 23 comeback, Wendy had an accident while rehearsing for their SBS Gayo Daejun performance. Imagine falling from a 2-meter platform, fracturing your pelvis and wrist on CHRISTMAS DAY! Months later, leader Irene figured in an “attitude” scandal where a make-up artist complained about her alleged primadonna attitude. So, it felt for a time that RV may go the f(x) route of French exits. 

That was, until August 16, when Red Velvet came back to our lives with Queendom. Expectations were high and they were met—in a qualified fashion. To be honest, I, along with the rest of the ReVe Festival attendees, expected a more aggressive track, as it is the trend. However, we have been presented with something more melodic and lighter. The title track, Queendom, does feel like a cross between a women’s empowerment theme and a bright summer track. Not that I’m complaining; in fact, I think it’s a welcome shift of pace for the ladies.

However, there is a part of me that feels like there’s something amiss. I had to listen to the b-tracks, as I have in the past Red Velvet releases, to check if what I am feeling as something missing can be found on them. Alas, compared to b-tracks in previous releases, the ones included in Queendom can be best described as “conservative”. No sensual perfection like Rookie’s Body Talk, no balancing Red Flavor with Zoo, no Wendy in a green fringe dress as seen in the Zimzalabim music video. What we get with all the songs are all solid, all safe, but no out-of-the-box quirkiness as heard in Rookie, Power Up, and even Umpah Umpah.  But make no mistake: The Ladida-do Ba-badida hook is still quite effective for everyone, whether you’re a fan or not.

Red Velvet is one group whose discography never fails because it just ages so well. During the times when the group goes on hiatus, and especially during their 20-month absence, their songs have great sustaining power. For the Queendom EP, there aren’t a lot of songs that sound like they’ll age well or have staying power. Some tracks like Hello, Sunset almost feel like fillers just to add to the track count. Sounds harsh, but I feel like as a while, Queendom is definitely a welcome move for the loyal Reveluv fandom, but unfortunately, it doesn’t substantially contribute to the group’s already strong musical catalog.

Out of the highest possible 5 stars, I’ll give Queendom a very enjoyable 3.5 stars.

Feature image: Red Velvet 레드벨벳 ‘Queendom’ MV. Photo: SMTOWN/YouTube
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