Tag: SM Entertainment

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SM Entertainment Announces Upcoming Reality Show NCT Universe: LASTART

In an exciting announcement, SM Entertainment revealed its plans to launch a reality show titled NCT Universe: LASTART, through which they will handpick new members for their highly popular boy group, NCT.

The show, set to commence on July 27, aims to provide a transparent and captivating glimpse into the process of selecting members for the upcoming NCT NEW TEAM.

The name LASTART is a clever combination of “LAST” and “START.” It symbolizes the conclusion of NCT‘s infinite expansion concept while signifying the beginning of a fresh chapter with the new team. The press release from SM Entertainment to Herald Pop shed light on the show’s premise and objectives.

Viewers will have the chance to witness the intricate procedures involved in member composition, rigorous training, intensive practice sessions, and, ultimately, the formation of the final team. The show is set to captivate global audiences, as it will be broadcasted on multiple platforms, including ENA and TVING in Korea, Nippon TV in Japan, and KOCOWA+ in North, Central, and South America.

As anticipation builds for NCT Universe: LASTART, fans worldwide eagerly await the unveiling of talented new members who will contribute to the continued success and evolution of the esteemed NCT family.

Featured Photo Credit: NCT Official Twitter Account

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Watch: SM Entertainment Reveals New SM Rookies Yushi, Sion

Meet Yushi and Sion, the newest trainees that joined SM Entertainment’s pre-debut team called SM Rookies. 

On Wednesday, June 28, the agency released two videos featuring Yushi and Sion. The almost one-minute clips teased fans on the visuals and skills of both aspiring idols. 

Although SM Entertainment didn’t provide any additional details about the two, Yushi and Sion’s introduction came a month after the agency unveiled its plans about a new NCT unit and the debut of several SM Rookies. 

In May, SM Entertainment CEO Jang Cheo-hyuk shared that the new NCT sub-unit will be the group’s last. Currently, NCT has 20 members that are scattered along several sub-units: NCT 127, NCT DREAM, WayV, and NCT U. NCT127 also has its own sub-unit, which is DoJaeJung. 

At the time, Jang said that SM Entertainment will soon introduce two new members – one Korean and one Japanese – that will become part of NCT’s new unit. Other members of the said sub-unit will be selected from a pre-debut reality show. 

It was also then when the CEO mentioned that Shohei, who was introduced as part of SM Rookies, won’t be joining NCT’s new unit due to health reasons. He will pursue individual activities, instead.

Meanwhile, former NCT members Shotaro and Sungchan are confirmed to debut as a new boy group under SM Entertainment later in 2023, alongside SM Rookies Eunseok and Seunghan. The lineup for the new boy group will also include members of Korean and American nationalities. 

Stay tuned for more updates on which SM Entertainment group Yushi and Sion are debuting.

Featured Image from SMTOWN’s YouTube account

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EXO-CBX Members Reach Agreement With SM Entertainment

The ongoing legal battle is finally over. EXO-CBX members Xiumin, Baekhyun, and Chen have come to an agreement with SM Entertainment. The members of EXO also issued a joint statement with their agency.

EXO-CBX Members and SM Entertainment Issue Joint Statement

SM Entertainment released a joint statement with the three EXO-CBX members. It confirms that the agency and the idols have resolved their differences and agreed to continue forward as EXO with their contracts.

“Recently, the agency and the agency’s artists continued to publicly raise issues with our different stances. Regarding this, the agency and the three artists sincerely apologize for causing concern to the many people who support EXO,” the statement read.

“Afterwards, the agency and three artists had ample time in which we candidly discussed all the issues,” it continued. “Through this, we resolved the differences caused by misunderstandings, and we are pleased to inform you that we have reached a mutually amicable agreement.”

In the statement, it was confirmed that the EXO-CBX members have discussed the contracts thoroughly with the agency. Moreover, they “will carry out a process of mutually equal discussion as well as corrections” and “promised to strengthen our future relationship further.”

SM Apologizes For Third Party Involvement Claims

SM Entertainment also addressed the “third party” misunderstanding.

“The agency initially received a tip-off that a third party was approaching the three artists with unjust intention, and we stated that this was the main cause of the dispute,” the statement read.

“However, through this discussion, we learned that there was a misunderstanding about the involvement of a third party,” it continued. “We would like to take this opportunity to apologize to those involved for causing concern with our announcement.”

Finally, SM Entertainment stated that the incident gave them the chance to “think about the personal concerns of artists.” They also confirmed it would influence “the direction of our agency’s growth following the launch of SM 3.0.”

“Thanks to fans’ support, we would like to plan the future of SM 3.0 that is more developed and mature,” the statement added. “Under the changed and developed new values of SM 3.0, we will further strengthen and solidify mutual cooperation and respect with our artists.”

Earlier this month, Baekhyun, Xiumin, and Chen notified SM Entertainment regarding the termination of their exclusive contracts. The agency responded by claiming that a third party influenced the termination. Since then, both parties have issued statements responding to each other through the EXO-CBX members’ legal representative.

EXO will release their seventh full album EXIST on July 10, 2023.

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(G)I-DLE’s Yuqi Reveals Why She Chose CUBE Over SM Entertainment

Yuqi has opened up about some important decisions she made in her career. The (G)I-DLE member revealed that she turned down SM Entertainment to debut in CUBE Entertainment’s girl group.

Here’s Why Yuqi Decided Against Signing With SM Entertainment

Yuqi was recently a guest on the MBC talk show Radio Star. During the show, the hosts pointed out that Song Yu Qi had always been a huge K-pop fan.

She confirmed, “In middle school, I was in a dance team. We even held a K-Pop festival.”

The (G)I-DLE main rapper then revealed that her initial goal was to become a trainee for SM Entertainment.

“I am a very big fan of Super Junior. So it was always my dream to go to SM Entertainment,” Yuqi said. “I auditioned for SM Entertainment’s global auditions in Beijing four times.”

She added, “After the fourth time, I saw that CUBE Entertainment was also having auditions the week afterwards, so I went ahead and auditioned for CUBE too. But then, I got a call back from both companies.”

It’s not surprising that both agencies wanted Yuqi to sign with them. However, it also meant that the Chinese idol had a huge decision to make.

“It was a huge struggle, choosing which company to go to,” she admitted. “SM was always my dream, after all. But then at that time, 4minute was making it big at CUBE.”

Yuqi continued, “So then I thought, ‘Well, it’s true that I’m cute and pretty and my visuals fit SM, but my voice is so CUBE. It is husky and more fitting for a girl crush concept’.”

So what made Yuqi decide to sign a contract with CUBE Entertainment? It was a simple offer.

“At the time, the director at Cube promised me, ‘Yuqi, if you sign with us, you will be able to debut by next year’. That was why I chose Cube,” she admitted.

It’s a relatable reason and we can’t blame Yuqi for making the decision. After all, most trainees have to wait several years before they could debut. Luckily for Song Yu Qi, she debuted as one of the talented members of (G)I-DLE.

(G)I-DLE is currently promoting their sixth EP I Feel. The group will begin their I AM FREE-TY World Tour in Seoul on June 17, 2023.

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EXO Confirmed For New Reality Show Without Kai

EXO is ready for a new project. The remaining active members will begin filming for a new reality show. This will be their first group effort after Kai’s military enlistment and EXO-CBX’s ongoing dispute with SM Entertainment.

SM Entertainment Confirms EXO Will Begin Filming As A Group For New Reality Show

On June 8, SM Entertainment announced that EXO is planning to film a group reality show in Korea. The details of the project have not been revealed. However, it was confirmed that the remaining seven members will participate.

On the same day, Xiumin, Suho, Baekhyun, Chen, Chanyeol, D.O., and Sehun were spotted at the Gimpo Airport. It is believed that the EXO members will begin filming for the reality show soon.

The upcoming show will be EXO’s first group project after Kai enlisted for mandatory military service in May 2023. It might be one of the projects Kim Jongin was referring to when he tearfully announced his military enlistment.

Prior to his enlistment, Kai held a free fan meeting that was also broadcast on EXO’s YouTube channel. Kim Jong-in famously celebrated with EXO-Ls after successfully convincing SM Entertainment to organize the fan meet.

The announcement of the upcoming project also confirms that the EXO-CBX members will continue promoting with the rest of the group. Earlier this month, Xiumin, Baekhyun, and Chen notified SM Entertainment about the termination of their exclusive contracts. In response, the agency claimed that the idols were being influenced by a third party.

Since then, the EXO-CBX members and SM Entertainment have been going back and forth with statements regarding the matter. However, it is agreed that Xiumin, Baekhyun, and Chen will continue as members of EXO.

EXO is also set to a comeback later in the year. However, the comeback date and details have not yet been announced. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

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EXO’s Baekhyun, Xiumin and Chen Demand SM’s Settlement Reports

Baekhyun, Xiumin, and Chen continue to face off against SM Entertainment. The EXO members are now demanding that the agency fulfill their promise to provide settlement reports.

EXO Members Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin Still Waiting For Settlement Reports From SM Entertainment

On June 5,  the EXO-CBX members‘ legal representative announced that they have filed a complaint to the Fair Trade Commission. The complaint is against SM Entertainment for “abuse of superior bargaining position.”

SM Entertainment soon responded with a statement on their decision.

“We have decided to provide copies of the settlement reports with the consent and understanding of EXO members on the premise that the three artists and legal representative do not use them for unjust purposes,” it read. The agency also stated that they “will do our best to not interfere with EXO’s activities.”

Chen, Baekyun, and Xiumin have since confirmed that they are still waiting for the reports. A new statement revealed that SM Entertainment has failed to provide the settlement reports.

“Today (June 5) at 8 a.m. (KST), SM shared a press release stating that they will provide copies of settlement reports, and in accordance, our legal representative shared the artists’ signed copy of a confidentiality agreement to SM,” the new statement read.

“However, even by the current time of 6 p.m. (KST) today when work hours are over, SM has not provided any settlement reports stating ‘the settlement reports are not ready yet’,” it continued.

For now, SM Entertainment has not yet responded to the EXO-CBX members‘ latest statement. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

On June 1, Baekhyun, Xiumin, and Chen notified SM Entertainment regarding the termination of their exclusive contracts. The agency responded by claiming that a third party influenced the termination. Since then, both parties have issued statements responding to each other through the EXO-CBX members’ legal representative.

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EXO’s Xiumin, Baekhyun and Chen Respond to SM’s Statement

Xiumin, Baekhyun, and Chen continue to fight back against SM Entertainment. The EXO members issued a new statement regarding the decision to terminate their exclusive contracts. Their legal representative responded to SM’s claims that a third party influenced the termination.

Xiumin, Baekyun, and Chen Issue New Statement In Response to SM Entertainment

Lee Jae Hak of the law firm LIN is the lawyer representing Baekhyun, Xiumin, and Chen. They issued a statement on behalf of Byun Baek Hyun, Kim Min Seok, and Kim Jong Dae in response to SM Entertainment’s recent claims.

The statement addresses five points starting with SM Entertainment’s “claim of an external influence’s intervention.”

“Our artists are definitely adults who can think for themselves and take responsibility for their own decisions, and they are individuals with independent thoughts and judgments,” it read.

“They have felt some doubts for a decade, and they mustered up fearful and difficult courage with the thought that the questions they couldn’t dare bring up as rookies should at least be brought up now.”

“Our artists asked and listened to many people around them about what is right and what they need to do to find wise solutions. Of those people around them, there are family and acquaintances, seniors and juniors of the music industry, colleagues, and even staff who have worked together with the artists.”

The statement also addresses SM Entertainment’s claims that Xiumin, Baekhyun, and Chen tried to sign contracts with other companies.

“SM is claiming that our artists have signed or attempted to sign dual contracts, but the three individuals Baekhyun, Chen, and Xiumin have not signed or attempted to sign other exclusive contracts besides their current exclusive contracts signed with SM. SM must refrain from making false claims,” it read.

Xiumin, Baekhyun, and Chen Criticize SM For Mishandling Contract Termination

The statement continued by criticizing the way SM Entertainment had handled the situation.

“SM not even providing settlement data, and their legal representative and other celebrities advising them about the injustice of this situation. This inevitably raises the question of who should be criticizing the wrongdoing of who in this situation.”

“We would like to state again that the essence and truth of this case is that the artists and their legal representative have consistently requested the provision of settlement data, but SM eventually refused, which has led to contract termination.”

In the end, the statement confirms that Byun Baek Hyun, Kim Min Seok, and Kim Jong Dae plan to continue EXO group activities. The singers have proposed ideas on how they can keep promoting with EXO after leaving SM Entertainment.

On June 1, Xiumin, Baekhyun, and Chen notified SM Entertainment regarding the termination of their exclusive contracts. The statement was delivered by their legal representative. SM has since refuted the EXO members’ basis for contract termination.

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Shotaro Pens Heartfelt Letter To Assure Fans After NCT Exit

Shotaro has broken his silence following his departure from NCT. The Japanese idol wrote a heartfelt letter addressed to fans assuring him about his future.

SM Entertainment previously issued a statement regarding Sungchan and Shotaro’s status in NCT. The company revealed that the idols, who joined the group in 2020, will join a new group within the agency. This is a new development considering that the two were expected to join the next NCT unit.

Shotaro Thanks Fans For Support Since NCT Departure

Nevertheless, Shotaro is already looking toward the future. The former NCT member took to his Instagram account to share a handwritten letter. It is addressed to fans who have been concerned about Shotaro’s career.

“First of all, I wanted to thank all the fans for cheering me on thus far,” he wrote. “What gave me the biggest strength while promoting as NCT was the existence of you, the fans, itself.”

“I was so happy, because you always gave me love and support for all my activities, including the music programs, contents, and performances!”

“Thank you for having watched me promote with such a warm gaze!” Shotaro added. “And, I want to let you know that I thank all my (NCT) members for treasuring me like family ever since I entered the group.”

“I respect the members who showed their best sides when working and in general, and I am so honored and grateful that I was able to promote in such a precious team as NCT.”

 

He continued, “I think I have gained the energy to become an artist in front of you all after learning so much from the NCT promotions. I will try my best.”

Shotaro added, “I will return ‘soon’ with even better sides of me, so please wait just a little bit more!!”

Sungchan Posts Final Update on NCT Bubble

Sungchan also shared a letter on NCT’s fan platform bubble.

“It was a tremendous honor to be with you for these three happy years and I consider it a precious memory. I sincerely thank my members and fans who gifted my lacking self so many memories,” he wrote.

“In the future, I will do my best and seek you out with a good image. Thank you always and I love you!” Sungchan concluded.

Sungchan and Shotaro will debut in a new boy group with SM Rookies Eunseok and Seunghan. The new group will also feature other members of Korean and American nationalities.

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SM Entertainment Announces New NCT Unit, SM Rookies Debut, and Upcoming Girl Group

SM Entertainment has revealed their plans for their upcoming groups. The company announced a new NCT unit and the debut of several SM Rookies. In addition to that, the agency confirmed a new girl group will be debuting this year.

SM Entertainment Shares Plans For New IP in 2023

The official SMTown YouTube channel uploaded a new video titled “SM 3.0: NEW IP 2023”. In the video, SM Entertainment CEO Jang Cheol Hyuk discusses the launch of a new IP this year.

Jang Cheol-hyuk revealed that NCT’s next subunit will be the final part of the group’s ongoing expansion. The new subunit will feature more Japanese members and two SM Rookies will be joining the unit. The other new members of the subunit will be chosen through a pre-debut reality show.

It was also confirmed that Shohei will not be joining the new NCT subunit due to health reasons. Shohei was previously revealed as part of SM Rookies. He will carry out individual activities instead.

Jang Cheol Hyuk also confirmed that former NCT members Sungchan and Shotaro will debut in a new boy group with SM Rookies Eunseok and Seunghan. The new group will also feature other members of Korean and American nationalities.

SM Entertainment had previously announced that Sungchan and Shotaro are leaving NCT to promote as members of a new boy group.

“As NCT members, SUNGCHAN and SHOTARO have presented wondrous performances,” the statement read.

“However, they will be closing their chapter with NCT and debuting in a new boy group that will launch in 2023,” it continued. “We express our deepest apologies and appreciation for the fans that have been supporting and eagerly waiting for the to debut as part of the new NCT group.”

Jung Sungchan and Osaki Shotaro debuted as part of NCT in October 2020 and were initially slated to join its next subunit.

The third announcement confirmed that a new girl group will debut later this year. Details about the new group were not provided. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

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Sungchan and Shotaro Leaving NCT For New Boy Group

Sungchan and Shotaro are moving to a new group. SM Entertainment officially announced that the two newest members of NCT are leaving to promote as part of the agency’s upcoming group.

Sungchan And Shotaro Officially Leaving NCT For New SM Entertainment Boy Group

SM Entertainment issued a statement regarding Sungchan and Shotaro’s status in NCT. The company revealed that the idols, who joined the group in 2020, will join a new group. This is a new development considering that the two were expected to join the next NCT unit.

“As NCT members, SUNGCHAN and SHOTARO have presented wondrous performances,” the statement read.

“However, they will be closing their chapter with NCT and debuting in a new boy group that will launch in 2023,” it continued. “We express our deepest apologies and appreciation for the fans that have been supporting and eagerly waiting for the to debut as part of the new NCT group.”

The statement also revealed new details about the next NCT subunit.

“NCT’s newest group will become the final group to be a part of NCT’s infinite expansion, so we aim to launch one with a distinct worldview that is truly representative of a regional identity,” it read. “In alignment with this, we will be increasing the number of Japanese members, unveiling new members and sharing their debut journey with the fans.”

Jung Sungchan and Osaki Shotaro debuted as part of NCT on October 12, 2020. They were featured as part of the group project NCT 2020 and participated in the album ‘NCT 2020 Resonance Pt. 1’. SM Entertainment initially planned for the two idols to become a part of a new NCT unit.

Sungchan and Shotaro’s departure comes shortly after Lucas’ exit from NCT. Earlier this month, Lucas Wong decided to leave NCT and the subunit WayV. Lucas will pursue a career as a solo artist represented by SM Entertainment.

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