Tag: SM Entertainment

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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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SM Entertainment, Kakao to Release Nct Webtoon & Riize Web Novel

SM Entertainment's boy groups NCT and RIIZE will be having their webtoon and web novels. Credit: Twitter/SPOTV

SM Entertainment has partnered up with Kakao Entertainment to launch a webtoon and web novel for their K-pop boy groups NCT and RIIZE, respectively. 

On Thursday, August 17, Kakao Entertainment announced the news, saying that the projects will be in commemoration of NCT’s upcoming album and RIIZE’s anticipated debut. 

 

As for NCT, the full group will be releasing their fourth studio album Golden Age on August 28. All 20 members of NCT’s different subgroups; NCT 127, NCT Dream, and WayV, will take part in the album.

 

Additionally, the album will have two title tracks, including the full unit song “Golden Age.” Prior to the album release, NCT will also hold their first-ever offline concert as a full group on August 26. 

As for RIIZE, the seven-piece act will debut on September 4 with the single album Get A Guitar. Interestingly, RIIZE will serve as the agency’s first boy group in seven years following NCT.

 

What we know about NCT’s webtoon and RIIZE’s web novel 

According to a press release, the webtoon about NCT will be titled NCT: Dream Contact, while RIIZE’s web novel is called Rise & Realize. 

For NCT: Dream Contact, it’s going to be an omnibus-style webtoon that has a total of five episodes. It will follow NCT’s concept of people empathizing through dreams and becoming one through music. 

Writers ZQ, Seogeul, and Kim Ho Ae are in charge of the production. NCT: Dream Contact will be released simultaneously in Japan and North America via  via Kakao Webtoon and Kakao Page at August 18, 10 pm. 

On the other hand, Rise and Realize will be a web novel that have a total of eight episodes. It will be released on Kakao Page every Saturday starting August 19. 

Moreover, Rise and Realize will see the members of RIIZE as characters in the novel as they try to overcome growing pains. Writer No Gon and illustrator Nak Di created the novel. 

Furthermore, Kakao Entertainment expressed that it’s a “meaningful” collaboration with SM Entertainment. 

“We plan to continue to carry out various projects on storytelling IP targeting the global market in the future,” they said. 

Featured image: SM Entertainment’s boy groups NCT and RIIZE will be having their webtoon and web novels. Credit: Twitter/SPOTV

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Nct’s Taeil Takes a Break Due to Motorcycle Accident Injury

SM Entertainment shares a greeting for Taeil's birthday. Credit: Facebook/NCT

Taeil of K-pop boy group NCT will be taking a break from band activities after getting injured in a motorcycle accident. 

NCT’s agency SM Entertainment revealed the idol’s condition through a statement posted on Kwangya Club on Tuesday, August 15. 

In a Soompi report, the agency shared that Taeil was returning from his activities in the early morning of Tuesday when he got involved in a motorcycle accident. 

 

“He immediately visited a hospital for a detailed examination and treatment,” SM Entertainment was quoted as saying. 

However, the results of the medical examination showed that Taeil sustained a fracture in his right thigh. The doctors also advised the idol to get the necessary surgery. 

Despite this, the agency assured fans that the singer is currently in stable condition. He is also receiving proper treatment ahead of his surgery. 

With this, SM Entertainment announced that Taeil will be taking a hiatus to focus on his treatment and recovery. As a result, he no longer won’t be able participate in the NCT Nation: To The World concert happening on August 26. 

Fans wish for Taeil’s speedy recovery 

Following the announcement, fans quickly took to social media to hope for Taeil’s safe and speedy recovery. 

Related hashtags and phrases such as “Get Well Soon Moon Taeil” also became one of the top trending hashtags on Twitter. 

https://twitter.com/haefolders/status/1691300602301853696

Taeil is the main vocalist of NCT 127 and NCT U. 

Meanwhile, all NCT sub-units such as 127, DREAM, U, and WayV will join forces for their first offline full-group concert. In NCT Nation: To The World show, other diverse combinations of the NCT members, as well as full-group stages will be featured. 

Additionally, NCT as a full group is also releasing the album Golden Age. 

The album, their first full group comeback in more than a year and a half, will be released on August 28. Previews for some tracks included in Golden Age were also released in a press conference. 

Featured image: SM Entertainment shares a greeting for Taeil’s birthday. Credit: Facebook/NCT

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SM Entertainment Denies Knowing of Exo Baekhyun’s Plans for Own Agency

EXO's Baekhyun in the teaser images for 'Let Me In.' Credit: Facebook/EXO

Following EXO’s Baekhyun’s recent revelations, SM Entertainment released a statement of their own to address the idol’s claims. 

On Tuesday, August 8, Baekhyun responded to a series of rumors surrounding his career through a live broadcast on Instagram.

What Baekhyun said

In the livestream, the vocalist opened up about his recent legal dispute with SM Entertainment. He said that he’ve “always wanted to inquire about accounting.” And that there were incidents during Lee Soo Man’s absence that “piqued [his] curiosity.” 

Aside from Baekhyun, EXO members Chen and Xiumin moved to terminate their exclusive contracts with SM Entertainment in June. The EXO-CBX sub-unit cited unclear handling of earnings and slave contracts as their motivation. 

However, both parties have reached a settlement after an almost three-week legal battle. 

Additionally, Baekhyun pointed out that they reached an “amicable compromise.” He also emphasized that he now has a “good relationship” with SM Entertainment.  

 

Moreover, Baekhyun also revealed that he started the company One Signature with his friend Kasper. The idol explained that it aims to produce good choreographers and dancers. 

The singer also mentioned that SM Entertainment is aware of his plans and encouraging his new venture. 

SM Entertainment reacts

Yet, the agency claimed that they’ve never heard anything about Baekhyun’s plans. And that they only found out about it through the reports. 

“Although we are flustered by the [sudden news], we trust that [Baekhyun] will keep the promises he made during our mutual agreement,” the agency said in a press release. 

 

Furthermore, SM Entertainment also clarified that the existing contracts of Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin have not expired. In fact, the agency said that Baekhyun’s existing agency with them runs until January 2024. 

The label also asserted that EXO will continue their group activities and Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin can also pursue solo activities. 

 EXO released their seventh full-length album EXIST in July. It served as EXO’s first album as a full-group in two years. It has a total of nine songs, with “Cream Soda” as its title track. 

Currently, EXO is airing the fourth season of their hit variety show Travel the World on a Ladder.

Featured image: EXO’s Baekhyun in the teaser images for ‘Let Me In.’ Credit: Facebook/EXO

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SM Entertainment Addresses Threats Against Safety of Aespa’s Winter

aespa's Winter in a the jacket behind cut of 'MY WORLD.' Credit: Facebook/aespa

SM Entertainment has filed a complaint against an unidentified online user who threatened to harm Winter of K-pop girl group aespa. 

The agency issued a statement on Tuesday, August 8, revealing that they filed a report to the police as soon as they came across the harmful post. 

Additionally, SM Entertainment also pushed for a fast investigation and additional security for aespa. 

 

SM Entertainment’s statement was prompted by an anonymous post in an online community who claimed that they will threaten to kill Winter. 

Furthermore, the said death threat says they will use a weapon to harm Winter when aespa is at the Incheon International Airport. 

Consequently, aespa was flying out to the United States to attend the Outside Lnads Music & Arts Festival in San Francisco. 

In response, SM Entertainment updated fans that aespa was able to depart South Korea safely. The agency said that they cooperated with bodyguards and airport police to ensure the members’ safety. 

Moreover, the label added that the police also received multiple records about the incident. And in turn, the police went to SM Entertainment’s company building for two days to check on the security situation and Winter’s welfare. 

“We will always give our best to ensure the safety of our artists,” they assured fans. 

After the festival in San Francisco, aespa will start their Synk: Hyper Line concert in the United States. Its stops will include Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, and Boston, among others. 

aespa will also release their new English single “Better Things” on August 18. 

Featured image: aespa’s Winter in a the jacket behind cut of ‘MY WORLD.’ Credit: Facebook/aespa

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Snsd’s Sunny Leaves SM Entertainment After 16 Years

SNSD member poses during the group's 'Forever 1' promotions. Credit: Facebook/SNSD

Girls’ Generation member Sunny is entering a new era in her career as she parted ways with longtime agency SM Entertainment. 

On Tuesday, August 8, the idol personally delivered the news to her fans through an Instagram post. 

The lead vocalist started her letter by expressing her gratitude to the members, staff, and fans who made Girls’ Generation’s 16th debut anniversary possible. 

 

Sunny then dedicated a separate section for her SM Entertainment. She said that the label “gave great help so that 19-year-old Lee Soon Kyu (her real name) could debut as Girls’ Generation’s Sunny.” 

“Every single day, I was as happy as I could be to be able to debut as Girls’ Generation with the members and to meet SONE (Girls’ Generation’s official fan club),” she wrote, as translated by Soompi. 

As to what lies ahead in her career, Sunny said that she’s “trying to take courage to see [herself] in a new environment from a different perspective.” 

She also left a promise to their fans, who she said “sent support without change for a long period of time.” 

“No matter what kind of day comes in the future, I will continue to move forward as the revitalizing Sunny,” she said. 

Following the singer’s post, SM Entertainment confirmed that Sunny has left their agency. 

The label then described the idol as someone “who showcased amazing activities while together with [them] for a long time.” 

They also asked the fans to continue their support for Sunny as she embarked on a new path. 

 

Which SNSD members are still under SM Entertainment?

Speculations that Sunny parted ways with SM Entertainment started when only members Taeyeon, Hyoyeon, Yuri, and Yoona shared a special message for the group’s anniversary. Girls’ Generation celebrated their 16th year in the industry on August 5. 

 

Aside from her Instagram post, Sunny also assured her supporters through the Bubble platform.

She opened up how she wasn’t that worried since she knew that they can still continue activities as a group. “Even if all the members aren’t [under SM Entertainment], they say Girls’ Generation can still go on. I’m just thankful,” she said. 

 

Sunny made her debut as a member of Girls’ Generation in 2007 through “Into The New World.” Originally a nine-piece act, member Jessica left the group and agency in 2014. 

In 2019, members Seohyun, Tiffany, and Sooyoung left SM Entertainment to pursue solo projects. 

Although under different agencies, the eight members reunited in August 2022 to release the album Forever 1. It was in celebration of the group’s 15th debut anniversary. 

Girls’ Generation is known for songs “Genie,” “Gee,” “Lion Heart,” and “Oh!” among others. 

Featured image: SNSD member poses during the group’s ‘Forever 1’ promotions. Credit: Facebook/SNSD

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Watch: Riize Drops ‘Siren’ Performance Video, ‘Get a Guitar’ Teaser

RIIZE releases pre-debut performance video of 'Siren.' Credit: YouTube/RIIZE

Save the date as we’re weeks away from the highly-anticipated debut of SM Entertainment’s newest boy group: RIIZE! 

The agency released on Sunday, August 6, the first teaser for RIIZE’s upcoming debut single album! Titled Get A Guitar, it will be out on September 4. 

In a press release sent to Korean media, SM Entertainment also shared that Get A Guitar will have two songs. 

The title track has the same name as the album: “Get A Guitar.” Meanwhile, the second song, “Memories,” will be a pre-release track, and will be available on August 21. 

Aside from the teaser, the label also released RIIZE’s pre-debut performance video for “Siren.”

 

SM Entertainment first introduced the official lineup of RIIZE on August 1 by unveiling the profiles for all seven members on Instagram. 

Shotaro and Sungchan were former members of NCT, while Eunseok and Seung Han were first introduced as SMROOKIES. 

Additionally, RIIZE has broken the record for the fastest K-pop group to reach 1 million followers on the said platform. They achieved the feat within just four days since they opened the account. 

Aside from Instagram, the group also launched their official accounts on other social media platforms. 

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. 

Despite having not made their debut yet, RIIZE is already confirmed to be performing in KCON LA 2023 and SMTOWN LIVE 2023: SMCU PALACE in Jakarta, Indonesia. 

Featured image: RIIZE releases pre-debut performance video of ‘Siren.’ Credit: YouTube/RIIZE

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