Tag: SM Entertainment

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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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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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Here Are the Members of SM Entertainment’s New Boy Group Riiize

SM Entertainment introduces the members for their new boy group RIIZE. Credits: Instagram/RIIZE

This is not a drill: SM Entertainment has finally introduced the members of their highly-anticipated new boy group RIIZE! 

The agency launched the group’s official Instagram account on Tuesday, August 1, wherein they introduced the official seven members of RIIZE. 

 

RIIZE is composed of Shotaro, Eunseok, Sungchan, Won Bin, Seung Han, So Hee, and Anton. 

Based on the member profiles posted, Shotaro and Eunseok are both 22 years old, Sunchan and Won Bin are 21, while Seung Han, So Hee and Anton are all 19.

Shotaro and Sungchan were former NCT members who were removed from the group in May.

SM Entertainment’s CEO Jang Cheol-hyuk explained that the two, together with SMROOKIES Eunseok and Seunghan will be part of a new boy group instead. 

RIIZE will be SM Entertainment’s first boy group in seven years following NCT. The agency’s latest group to debut was the female act aespa. 

What we know about RIIZE so far

According to SM Entertainment, RIIZE is a combination of the words “rise” and “realize.” 

The group is aiming for a September debut, but there’s no final details yet. The agency also said that RIIZE is currently wrapping up the filming of their music video. 

Additionally, SM Entertainment earlier revealed that the group’s musical genre will be “emotional pop.” They also teased that RIIZE will write “a new chapter of music history.” 

Meanwhile, other photos and information for RIIZE and its members will be unveiled on August 4. 

Known as one of the leading K-pop agencies, SM Entertainment is also home to acts such as TVXQ, Super Junior, SNSD, SHINee, EXO, and Red Velvet. 

Currently, the label will also form the last unit of NCT through the talent competition series NCT Universe: LASTART. 

Featured image: SM Entertainment introduces the members for their new boy group RIIZE. Credits: Instagram/RIIZE

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SM Entertainment Confirms New Boy Group Riize to Debut in September

Former NCT members Shotaro and Sungchan and SMRookies Eunseok and Seunghan are confirmed to be part of RIIZE. Credit: Facebook/NCT and SM Rookies' page

It’s official: SM Entertainment is entering a new era! The agency confirmed that their new boy group RIIZE is making its debut in September. 

In a press release on Monday, July 31, the agency announced that RIIZE will have “seven-top notch members who have both skills and visuals.” 

SM Entertainment continued that these members will each have their own unique characteristics and strengths. The group will also “embark on a new ‘realtime odyssey’ together as one team.” 

The agency added that RIIZE will “write a new chapter of music history.” 

What we know about RIIZE

Combined from the words “rise” and “realize,” SM Entertainment explained that the group name RIIZE is meant to symbolize how the team will grow and achieve their dreams. 

As of writing, there’s no details yet about the group’s debut album. But the agency confirmed that RIIZE’s musical genre will be “emotional pop.” 

For weeks, eagle-eyed fans have been speculating that RIIZE would be the group’s name after they discovered that SM Entertainment has applied new trademark over the phrases “Rise&Realize” and “RIIZE.” 

Some have also discovered social media accounts that use the said name. 

SM Entertainment said that the RIIZE’s official Instagram account will be launched on August 1, alongside the introduction of the members. 

In May, SM Entertainment’s CEO Jang Cheol Hyuk first confirmed 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. 

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. 

Meanwhile, aside from the RIIZE, SM Entertainment is also currently forming the last unit of NCT. Through the reality series, NCT Universe: LASTART, they will be looking for members of NCT Tokyo.

Featured image Former NCT members Shotaro and Sungchan and SMRookies Eunseok and Seunghan are confirmed to be part of RIIZE. Credit: Facebook/NCT and SM Rookies’ page

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Watch: SM Entertainment Releases Trailer for ‘Nct Universe: Lastart’

NCTzens, are you ready to meet the members of a brand-new NCT Unit? 

SM Entertainment released on Wednesday, July 19, the first trailer for its upcoming pre-debut reality show NCT Universe: LASTART. 

The two-and-a-half minute video gives fans a closer look at the 10 participating aspiring idols, the training and challenges that they had to go through, and the evaluators who will assess the performance of the candidates. 

SM Entertainment artists such as TVXQ’s Changmin, Super Junior’s Donghae, SHINee’s Taemin, EXO’s Xiumin, and NCT’s Ten and Taeyeong were shown to have visited the trainees in the practice room to give mentorship. 

Meanwhile, H.O.T’s Kangta, Super Junior’s Leeteuk and Ryeowook, Girls’ Generation’s Hyoyeon, and NCT’s Johnny and Haechan also had brief appearances in the trailer — but they all appeared to be giving feedback while sitting in a studio. 

BoA, Super Junior’s Eunhyuk, and SHINee’s Key were also introduced as “artist directors” for the show. 

Meet the 10 participants

Prior to the release of the trailer, SM Entertainment has also unveiled all 10 candidates through individual videos. Thep participating trainees go by the names: Riku, Ryo, Haruta, Kassho, Anderson, Jungmin, Ryu, Minjae,  Heitetsu, and Sakuya.

 

The trailer revealed that the 10 trainees were chosen from all over the world. 

Only six members will be part of NCT Tokyo. Four members are going to be chosen from the reality show NCT Universe: LASTART, while the other two members are SM Rookies Yushi and Sion. 

SM Entertainment CEO Jang Cheo-hyuk announced in May that their plans of debuting several groups. 

NCT Tokyo will be the final sub-unit of NCT. 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. 

The agency also plans to debut a new girl group and a new boy group, which will include former NCT members Shotaro and Sungchan and  SM Rookies Eunseok and Seunghan. 

SM Entertainment has yet to announce final debut dates for these said groups. Stay tuned here for more updates!

Featured image: Screenshot from SM’s YouTube

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