Tag: SM Entertainment

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SM Entertainment Artists to Have Own Channels on HYBE’s Weverse

SM Entertainment artists during the SMTOWN 2022 concert in Japan. Credit: Facebook/SMTOWN

It’s official: SM Entertainment artists are moving to HYBE-owned fan community platform Weverse. 

On Tuesday, September 5, Weverse announced that 13 SM Entertainment acts will launch their respective channels on their platform. Their respective channels will simultaneously open on September 12, 2pm KST. 

These artists include Kangta, BoA, TVXQ!, Super Junior, Girls’ Generation, SHINee, and EXO. Red Velvet, NCT 127, NCT DREAM, WayV, aespa, and RIIZE will also join the platform. 

“Everything from dedicated communities to official membership! Get connected with SM ARTISTS on Weverse,” they captioned the post. 

From Kwangya Club to Weverse

SM Entertainment first announced their plans of moving to the fan community app by HYBE in April. “Through the coexistence of our private messenger bubble and the fandom platform Weverse, we are materializing the fan-centered ‘SM 3.0,” the agency said then. 

At the time, SM Entertainment artists were using the private messenger service DearU bubble and Kwangya Club. However, Kwangya Club, which was launched in June 2022, will be closed by September 11. 

 

With this move , SM Entertainment artists are expected to have easier communication with their fans. This is because the platform is known for its community service and livestream options. Moreover, official merchandise of the agency will now be available through the Weverse Shop. 

Additionally, SM Entertainment assured supporters that all fan club memberships purchased from Kwangya Club will also be automatically transferred to their respective Weverse accounts. 

In a press release, Weverse company CEO Choi Joon Won said: “We welcome artists of SM Entertainment, who are loved by fans around the world, to Weverse,”

Although artists signed to companies under HYBE’s multi-label system were the first to trythe app, more K-pop acts have since moved to the platform. In fact, YG Entertainment acts like BLACKPINK, WINNER, and TREASURE are also using the HYBE-owned app.

Featured image: SM Entertainment artists during the SMTOWN 2022 concert in Japan. Credit: Facebook/SMTOWN

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RIIZE’s Shotaro Reflects on Moving From NCT to Rookie Group

Former NCT member Shotaro discussed what it was like making the big move to the latest rookie group RIIZE

Shotaro opened up about his honest reaction to the big change in his career. The former NCT member discussed what it was like to debut in an established K-pop act. Shotaro Osaki then reflected on what he faced when he joined SM Entertainment’s new rookie group RIIZE.

Shotaro Reflects on Moving From NCT to Rookie Group RIIZE

Back in May, 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. Since then, Shotaro and Sungchan went from members of an established group, NCT, to starting over in a rookie group, RIIZE.

But what was it like to make the big change for Shotaro? The Japanese idol discussed his thoughts during RIIZE’s debut event on September 4. First, Shotaro stated that he was proud to have been part of NCT.

“I had been promoting as a member of NCT before and it was such an honor for me to perform in that group,” he said. “I really appreciate the fans and members for supporting me.”

Shotaro continued by admitting he is happy and excited to be a part of RIIZE.

“And now I’m debuting as RIIZE, I’m so happy to debut with the members I practiced with,” he said. “I’m excited for us to show you many things in the coming days. We’re also preparing a lot of things for you, so please look forward to them.”

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.

RIIZE released their debut single album ‘Get A Guitar’ and the title track of the same name on September 4, 2023.

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Fans Protest Against SM Entertainment for Alleged Mistreatment of NCT’s Jaemin

NCT's Jaemin in the teasers for 'Golden Age.' Credit: Facebook/NCT

Amidst the ongoing promotional activities for the album Golden Age, several fans have called out SM Entertainment for allegedly not giving fair and equal treatment for NCT’s Jaemin. 

With the hashtags “Respect Jaemin as artist,” “SM be fair to Jaemin,” and “Jaemin deserves better,” fans have listed down their complaints for the agency’s supposed unfair conduct towards the idol. 

SM Entertainment’s alleged behavior towards NCT’s Jaemin 

According to fans, there have been multiple instances wherein SM Entertainment’s treatment of Jaemin has been concerning. 

One of the listed circumstances was during NCT DREAM’s promotional activities for their third studio album ISTJ. Eagle-eyed fans claim that Jaemin’s TikTok challenge videos were predominantly shot on the filming sites for the group’s music video or concert venues. However, fans pointed out that the idol already mentioned that he did the challenge with other artists. But a quick scroll on NCT DREAM’s TikTok account would show that it wasn’t uploaded. 

 

Next, fans also noticed that Jaemin was the only member who used the same photo for the poster of NCT Nation: To The World. Other NCT members had different concept photos in the several posters. Aside from the poster, other fans also mentioned that Jaemin was once excluded in a VCR, too. 

 

Additionally, fans raised the alarm about Jaemin’s styling. A compilation of his previous wardrobe and looks showed that most of his outfits were repetitive. More than not being given accessories, fans were more worried about the clothing and shoes that the idol used that are bigger than his size. 

 

But what really dismayed the fans was the lack of opportunities for Jaemin to act or be a brand ambassador. Even hough he already received an acting award, he hadn’t had any recent engagements for dramas or any brand deals. 

 

Because of this, fans couldn’t help but air out their discontent for the agency. In fact, some fans even sent protest trucks in front of SM Entertainment’s building. 

However, the label has yet to react or acknowledge the issue. 

Dramas in NCT Land

Nonetheless, Jaemin’s situation isn’t the only controversy surrounding an NCT member recently. 

Currently, SM Entertainment is pursuing legal action against an individual who trespassed into Jaehyun’s hotel room. 

Meanwhile, fans were also concerned about the members’ health conditions. They also slammed the agency for not putting the artist’s health and safety their priority. 

That is because Taeyong has complained about having chest discomfort, while Taeil  sustained a fracture in his thigh because of a motorcycle . Moreover, other members such as Winwin, Renjun, Haechan, Johnny, and Chenle were also experiencing health problems in the previous months. 

Despite the series of issues though, NCT still remains to be booked and busy. They’ve been releasing music videos for the tracks for Golden Age. 

Also, they’re set to embark on the Japan stops for their concert tour. As for NCT 127, another NCT subunit, they’re making a comeback in October with their fifth full-length album Fact Check. 

In early August, NCT also announced four upcoming releases from its NCT LAB project. 

Featured image: NCT’s Jaemin in the teasers for ‘Golden Age.’ Credit: Facebook/NCT

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RIIZE’s Seunghan Apologizes For Hotel Photo Controversy

Seunghan from RIIZE has taken it upon himself to issue a personal apology for the recent controversy surrounding a hotel photo. The young idol took it upon himself to reach out to fans and explain what had happened. In addition to that, his agency might be getting ready to track down the source of the images.

On August 30, Seunghan took to RIIZE’s official Instagram account to post his apology.

“I’m writing this because I feel I need to tell you this in advance before standing in front of fans. Firstly, I sincerely apologize to fans who support RIIZE,” he wrote. “Because of my personal issues, I caused harm to the team at a very important and critical moment before our debut and disappointed the members and staff.”

“I am also feeling regretful for not being able to apologize quickly because I was scared and anxious,” Seunghan added. “I’m unable to blame anyone else, and all of this happened because of my imprudence. I reflected a lot on my past time and actions.”

Seunghan concluded by promising to do his best as a member of RIIZE.

The hotel photo controversy captured Seunghan sharing an intimate moment with his purported girlfriend from his trainee days. Not surprisingly, it ignited a considerable online buzz. Although SM Entertainment disclosed that Seunghan’s health concerns would lead to his temporary absence from the group’s ‘NPOP’ recording, many believe it was due to the recent uproar.

Seunghan’s decision to apologize directly suggests his understanding of the situation’s gravity and his commitment to addressing it sincerely. The hotel photo incident has not only generated public interest but has also impacted his professional commitments within RIIZE. It serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by K-pop idols in navigating personal matters while in the spotlight, often requiring them to balance their personal lives with their public image and career responsibilities.

RIIZE will release their first single album “Get A Guitar” on September 4, 2023.

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RIIZE’s Seunghan Cancels Activities For Health Reasons

Seunghan will not be participating in an upcoming recording for a music show broadcast. The RIIZE member has reportedly cited health reasons for not joining the rest of the idol group in their latest activity. Interestingly, Seunghan’s absence coincides with the recent release of pre-debut photos involving the idol and his suspected girlfriend.

Seunghan Bows Out of RIIZE’s Scheduled Activities Due to Health Reasons

On August 29, SM Entertainment announced that Seunghan will not be attending RIIZE’s pre-recording for Naver’s new music show “NPOP” later in the day. Although a reason was not immediately revealed, fans believed that it had to do with health reasons. Nevertheless, the rest of RIIZE were expected to participate. They will be promoting with the remaining six members.

A source from the agency has since provided some explanation. “Seunghan will be absent due to his poor health condition caused by a cold,” they elaborated.

Although SM Entertainment already shared the reason, people believe it has something to do with a recent post. An anonymous SNS user had shared a series of photos with no known source. They then accused RIIZE member Seunghan of visiting a hotel with an underaged girlfriend during his trainee days.

Both the agency and Seunghan have not addressed the allegations. In the meantime, the RIIZE member is taking his time to recover from his recent health issues.

RIIZE, a seven-member ensemble comprising Shotaro, Eunseok, Sungchan, Wonbin, Seunghan, Sohee, and Anton, recently pre-released the track “Memories” on August 21, achieving the impressive feat of topping the iTunes Top Songs charts in eight regions. The group is now fervently preparing for their eagerly awaited debut, set to occur with the release of their first single album, “Get A Guitar,” scheduled for release on September 4, 2023.

We extend our warm wishes to Seunghan for a swift and complete recovery.

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Watch: NCT U Makes Stylish Return With “Baggy Jeans”

"Baggy Jeans" is the second title track to NCT's Golden Age album. Credit: Twitter/NCT

NCT’s revolving sub-unit NCT U finally returned with new music on Monday, August 28, with the release of “Baggy Jeans.” 

Said track is one of the two title tracks of NCT’s fourth studio album Golden Age. The members featured in the sub-unit’s performance are Taeyong, Mark, Doyoung, Jaehyun, and Ten. 

 

Meanwhile, the other title track, “Golden Age,” was led by all 20 members of the group. Its cinematic music video was also released days ahead of the album. 

 

Aside from the two title tracks, Golden Age also has eight other tracks. The list  includes “Call D”, “PADO”, “The BAT”, “Alley Oop”, “That’s Not Fair”, “Kangaroo”, “Not Your Fault”, and an interlude track “Oasis.” 

Moreover, GOLDEN AGE serves as NCT’s first full group comeback in more than a year and a half. Their last was the studio album Universe that was released in December 2021. 

NCTzens misses NCT U

What really made “Baggy Jeans” special is that it marks the sub-unit’s first comeback in seven years. NCT U last came together in 2016 with their debut track “The 7th Sense.”

 

After the music video dropped, fans brought their sentiments to the social media where they shared how addicting the song is. Even the comment section is also packed with positive comments as fans enjoy the unit’s new music.

“Finally NCT U’s unit comeback again with an iconic song and choreography! The music video is also unique! I love it,” one fan commented. 

 

The whirlwind of activities in NCT Universe 

Prior to the release of Golden Age, the act also held their first-ever offline concert as a full group titled NCT Nation: To The World. The members carefully curated a 40-song setlist, including the live performances of their latest titles “Baggy Jeans” and “Golden Age”.

After their South Korean stop, NCT will take the tour to Osaka and Tokyo in Japan.

 

Additionally, NCT 127, another NCT subunit, also announced that they’re making a comeback in October with their fifth full-length album Fact Check. 

Earlier this month, NCT also announced four upcoming releases from its NCT LAB project. This includes a solo track titled “Horizon” by Jaehyun, which was already released. 

 

Other upcoming songs include a duet by Taeil and Haechan, a solo track by Kun, and another unit song by Kun, Xiaojun, Renjun, and Chenle. For those unfamiliar, NCT LAB is a SM STATION series which allows the members to release their self-composed solo and unit tracks.

As of writing, NCT has a total of five subunits: NCT 127, NCT Dream, WayV, NCT U, and NCT DoJaeJung. However, SM Entertainment earlier confirmed that they’re forming the group’s last sub-unit, NCT Tokyo. 

Through the reality survival series NCT Universe: Lastart, a six-member boy group will be formed. 

Featured image: “Baggy Jeans” is the second title track to NCT’s Golden Age album. Credit: Twitter/NCT

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NCT’s Taeyong Worries Fans With Recent Health Updates

Taeyong in the teasers for NCT's 'Golden Age' album. Credit: Facebook/NCT

Taeyong of K-pop group NCT sparked concern among his fans as his health condition seems to worsen in the days leading to the act’s upcoming NCT NATION: To the World tour. 

After performing at the KCON LA 2023, Taeyong held a live broadcast wherein he updated fans with what he’s been up to lately. At one point of the livestream, he was seen trying to get up while appearing to look like he’s experiencing a lot of pain. 

The idol then confessed that he’d been feeling weak and experiencing chest discomfort recently. Because of this, Taeyong shared that he’s apprehensive as to how he’ll perform at the group’s August 26 concert. 

“I don’t know if I can perform well next week. I’m worried. I hope I get better by then,” he said. 

 

But what caused more worries among fans was that Taeyong had to fly out of the United States a day after his KCON LA 2023 stage to return to South Korea to resume his preparations for the group’s upcoming concert.

What frustrates fans even more was that the artist even arrived in the US on the day of his performance, proving that he’s following a very tight schedule. This incident then prompted discussions about NCT‘s hectic activities and well-being. 

Taeyong and his grueling schedule 

2023 saw Taeyong bloom as a solo artist while still doing promotions with NCT. 

In June, he made his highly-anticipated solo debut with the EP Shalala. Additionally, he also had solo schedules such as attending Paris Fashion Week and performing at the KCON LA 2023. 

 

On top of his solo ventures, he’s also actively participating with NCT’s group activities. In fact, he tried juggling his solo work and preparation for the group’s upcoming concert. 

However, eagle-eyed fans noticed that Taeyong was notably absent from a group photo taken during rehearsals. Since fans were getting perplexed about his whereabouts, the idol explained that he had to visit the hospital. 

Additionally, the artist disclosed through the online cafe that he had to receive treatment because of cold and high fever. Instead of focusing on his health, though, he was more fretful about missing the rehearsals. 

“There was no time to feel sick,” he wrote. 

Fans irked by SM Entertainment’s treatment of artists

Following Taeyong’s situation, fans took to social media to send their well wishes and prayers for the idol’s recovery. 

Moreover, many of them called out SM Entertainment for not putting their artist’s health and safety their priority. Several pointed out that the agency didn’t even updated fans about the idol’s health status.  

 

Several were also scrutinizing at how the label just let their artists continue to do a series of rigorous activities despite not being in their best health conditions. 

However, what angered fans the most is that Taeyong isn’t the only NCT member who’s not feeling well. Taeil will be taking hiatus from group activities after he sustained a fracture in his thigh because of a motorcycle . 

Aside from Taeyeong and Taeil, other members such as Winwin, Renjun, Haechan, Johnny, and Chenle were also experiencing health problems in the previous months. 

https://twitter.com/staytinyallie/status/1694745128399728669

 

Despite this, fans pointed out that SM Entertainment isn’t doing enough to make sure that their artists aren’t overworked.

Given that NCT has more scheduled activities set for the coming weeks, fans are asking for the agency to at least give the group a proper resting period. 

Featured image: Taeyong in the teasers for NCT’s ‘Golden Age’ album. Credit: Facebook/NCT

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Riize to Hold Photo Exhibition to Mark Debut

RIIZE in a teaser for 'Get A Guitar.' Credit: Twitter/RIIZE

From web novel to photo exhibition: the highly-anticipated debut of SM Entertainment’s newest boy group RIIZE is looking like a huge celebration of its own! 

SM Entertainment announced on Tuesday, August 22 that RIIZE will be holding a photo exhibition to celebrate the group’s upcoming debut album. 

The exhibition is set for August 26 to September 10 at D Museum in Seongsu-dong, Seoul. 

 

Additionally, the theme of the event will revolve around the memories made by the members while they were preparing for their debut.

Fans will also see never-before-seen photos from the group’s album jacket shoot and music video filming. 

 

Interestingly, those who will visit the photo exhibition will also get one random selfie photocard of a RIIZE member. Fun, right? 

 

Moreover, this isn’t the only special event prepared by SM Entertainment for RIIZE’s upcoming debut. The agency also partnered with Kakao Entertainment for a web novel called Rise and Realize. 

Said web novel will see the members of RIIZE try to overcome growing pains. It will have a total of eight episodes, with one episode being released on Kakao Page every Saturday starting August 19. 

Countdown to RIIZE

Even before the group’s official debut on September 4, RIIZE is already gaining worldwide popularity. 

Just days after all seven members were introduced on Instagram, RIIZE’s account became fastest K-pop group to reach 1 million followers on the said platform. 

The interest might come from members Shotaro and Sungchan, who were former NCT members. Meanwhile, Eunseok and Seung Han were first introduced as SMROOKIES. Still, even the newly introduced members Won Bin, So Hee, and Anton have also garnered huge followings. 

Besides, the group also makes sure to spotlight the members’ talents in their pre-releases. They were already praised by fans in the “Siren” performance video and pre-debut song “Memories.”

 

What’s even more amazing is that RIIZE also already took the KCON LA 2023 stage! Yes, right even they made their official debut!

Like how SM Entertainment plans for the group to “write a new chapter of music history,” RIIZE seems to be already off to a good start! Which is nice given that RIIZE will serve as the agency’s first boy group in seven years following NCT.

Featured image: RIIZE in a teaser for ‘Get A Guitar.’ Credit: Twitter/RIIZE

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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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Watch: Riize Releases Pre-debut Song ‘Memories’

RIIZE poses for 'Get A Guitar' teaser. Credit: Twitter/RIIZE

Anticipation is already high for SM Entertainment’s upcoming boy group RIIZE even before their much-anticipated debut! 

On Monday, August 21, the septet further teased their fans who are eagerly waiting for their formal launch with the release of the pre-debut song “Memories” 

 

In “Memories”  the seven members sing about holding tight on making their dreams come true. 

But even before the song’s official release, RIIZE already performed the track for the first time during the 2023 KCON LA. 

 

On social media, the group’s growing following expressed their excitement over the song using the hashtags “RIIZE_Memories” and “Memories with RIIZE.”

 

Meanwhile, the group will be releasing its debut single album Get A Guitar on September 4. 

Ready for RIIZE! 

However, “Memories” isn’t the first time for the group to highlight their idol skills. In early August, the group released their first performance video for the song “Siren.” 

 

SM Entertainment first introduced the group’s official lineup on August 1 by unveiling the profiles for all seven members on Instagram. The group broke the record for the fastest K-pop group to reach 1 million followers on the said platform. 

Shotaro and Sungchan were former members of NCT, while Eunseok and Seung Han were first introduced as SMROOKIES. Meanwhile, other members include Won Bin, So Hee, and Anton. 

A combination from the words “rise” and “realize,” SM Entertainment explained that the group name RIIZE symbolizes the act’s dreams. They added that the group will “write a new chapter of music history.”

RIIZE will serve as the agency’s first boy group in seven years following NCT. SM Entertainment’s latest group was aespa, which made their debut in 2020. 

Featured image: RIIZE poses for ‘Get A Guitar’ teaser. Credit: Twitter/RIIZE

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