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Billboard Names BLACKPINK as the Highest-Grossing K-Pop Tour in 2023

On Monday, December 11, Billboard published the top 10 highest-grossing K-Pop tours of 2023, and the phenomenal quartet BLACKPINK has just proved they’re still in the area!

According to Billboard, the official figures were recorded data between November 1, 2022 to September 30, 2023.

With a whopping $148.3 Million gross for 29 shows, the quartet topped the charts with their BORN PINK World Tour. According to the reports, the group composed of Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa have sold over 703,000 worldwide. With this, the “Shut Down” singers easily clinched the first spot in the list for the K-pop category. 

Moreover, BLACKPINK is also the only Asian act in the Top 10 of the All-Genre Top 100 Billboard List. In the global list, the group from YG Entertainment ranked 10th. 

Notably, this data only covers their arena and stadium performances across America, Europe, Mexico, and Australia. Since the group’s Asian stops were not reported, fans are claiming that the numbers should be higher for the group. 

Aside from BLACKPINK, here are the other acts who made it to the list: 

Meanwhile, Suga of BTS placed second with his SUGA Agust D world tour. Based on the reports, it earned $57.1 Million gross in 26 shows. Interestingly, Suga sold over 318,000 tickets for his first tour as a solo artist. What makes this achievement even more impressive is Suga is the only solo act to be part of the list. 

Following the two acts, K-pop groups TWICE, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, and SEVENTEEN took home the third, fourth, and fifth spots respectively. As for TWICE, the nine-piece act garnered a total of $54 Million in gross for 18 shows of their Born To Be World Tour. TXT and SEVENTEEN, both under HYBE LABELS, also earned around $46.8 Million and $43.3 Million in gross each.

Furthermore, groups from the 4th generation also took over for the rest of the list. Also under HYBE LABELS, ENHYPEN placed 6th with a $33 Million gross for 19 shows. Next are boy groups Stray Kids and ATEEZ with $16.1 Million gross and $13.9 Million gross, respectively.

Only three girl groups made it to the list. In the ninth place are Unforgiven” singers LE SERRAFIM who secured the spot with their first world tour “FLAME RISES” having garnered $8 Million gross.

Closing off the top 10 list is SM Entertainment’s NCT DREAM earning $7 Million gross and selling over 36,900 tickets for only four shows.

Congratulations to all groups included in the list!

Featured image: The quartet poses during their ‘Born Pink’ encore concert in Seoul. Credit: Facebook/BLACKPINK

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TOMORROW X TOGETHER to Sing Opening Theme for Anime ‘Solo Leveling’

Exciting news for anime and K-pop fans! Boy group TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT) and renowned Japanese composer Hiroyuki Sawano join forces to perform the opening theme song for the highly-anticipated Solo Leveling anime. 

On Wednesday, November 1, the official social media account  announced that the series will have an early screening of its first two episodes ahead of the show’s worldwide release in January 2024.

According to the anime’s website, the early screenings in Seoul and Tokyo are set for December 12. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles premiere will happen on December 4. 

Through this announcement, it was also revealed that the theme song titled “LEveLwill be performed by Sawano Hiroyuki and TXT. 

What we know so far about ‘Solo Leveling’

Adapted from the popular manhwa of the same name, Solo Leveling is created by Chugong and the late artist DUBU.

It revolves around Sung Jinwoo, who’s notorious for being a weak hunter. However, circumstances lead him to be the chosen sole player of the mysterious program System. In turn, he developed new skills and even leveled up his abilities. Which led him to embark on a quest to become the most powerful S-rank hunter in a dangerous world. 

In July 2022, A-1 Pictures announced that the action-fantasy manhwa is getting an anime adaptation. Said production company is known for its animation in series like Fairy Tail, Sword Art Online, Black Butler, and Wotakoi, among others. 

Meanwhile,  Shunsuke Nakashige and Noboru Kimura will serve as principal director and head writer, respectively. Additionally, Hiroyuki Sawano, the composer behind the scores of Attack on Titan and The Seven Deadly Sins, will be in charge of the music for the upcoming anime. 

TXT’s excitement for the project

Following the news, fans have been eagerly anticipating the collaboration between the two talented artists. 

Known for their hit songs  0X1=Lovesong (I Know I Love You),Blue Hour,” and “Crown,” TXT has gained attention for their diverse discography. 

On the other hand, Hiroyuki Sawano is a maestro of musical composition with a rich portfolio. Among his iconic works in anime are Attack on Titan, The Seven Deadly Sins, Blue Exorcist, and many more. 

Even TXT members themselves expressed their excitement about contributing to the Solo Leveling anime.

“The opening theme ‘LEveL’ has a dark and heavy atmosphere and expresses the strength of the main character,” Beomgyu said. Meanwhile, Yeonjun added: “It also features an addictive rhythm that once you hear it, you can’t get it out of you.” 

Featured image: TXT shares a photo from their ‘Chasing That Feeling’ music video. Credit: Twitter/TXT

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Look: Here Are the K-pop Acts Nominated for the 2023 MTV EMAs

K-pop has once again proved its global influence in the music industry. After numerous recognitions at the recently held 2023 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), K-pop acts are now set to bag a new set of awards at the 2023 MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs).

On Tuesday, October 3, Billboard Brazil unveiled the list of nominations for the upcoming EMAs. 

According to MTV, the EMAs will be an event to celebrate the work of global artists with awards and legendary performances from international music icons. Notably, several K-pop acts made it to the record.

Who are nominated for 2023 MTV EMAs?

Topping the list are BTSJungkook and TOMORROW X TOGETHER. Both HYBE artists garnered a total of three nominations each.

Jungkook, the youngest member of the sensational group BTS, has been nominated for the Best K-pop and Biggest fans categories. He will also compete for the Song of the Year category for his digital single “Seven featuring Latto. Furthermore, this is Jungkook’s first EMA nomination as a solo artist. 

Just last month, Jungkook took home the MTV VMAs Song of the Summer award for the said track.

Meanwhile, boy group TOMORROW X TOGETHER also earned nominations for the following categories: Best K-pop, Best Push Artist, and Best Group. At the MTV VMAs, the Sugar Rush Ride” singers bagged the Push Performance of the Year award.

Meanwhile, “Super” hitmakers SEVENTEEN and monster rookies NewJeans took two nods each, both for the Best K-pop and Best Group categories.

In addition, “Next Level singers aespa also earned a nod for Best Group, while BLACKPINK is nominated for Biggest Fans category. Moreover, groups FIFTY FIFTY and Stray Kids will also compete for the Best K-Pop category.

Meanwhile, boy group TREASURE has been nominated in the Best Asia Act category as South Korea’s sole representative.

The 2023 MTV EMAs will take place in Paris, France on November 5. Fans can vote for their favorite acts on the MTV EMAs official website until October 31, 11:59 pm. Who are you rooting for among these nominees? 

Featured image: BTS’ Jungkook during filming of his digital single ‘Seven.’ Credit: Facebook/BTS

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Look: TXT’s Soobin Reunites With Bebe Rexha in MTV VMAs 2023

With the recently concluded MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), TOMORROW X TOGETHER bagged the Push Performance of the Year award for their track “Sugar Rush Ride.” Aside from that recognition though, the group’s leader Soobin had one more thing to celebrate!

Soobin, known to be an avid fan of Bebe Rexha, got to reunite with his idol at the awards show. The American singer-songwriter even took to Instagram the selfies they took at the event.

In one of Bebe’s backstage interviews at the VMAs, she even congratulated TXT and mentioned Soobin. “I’m excited to see them, say hi and just hang out with them. I’m happy for them,” she stated.

Fanboy Soobin

In Soobin’s Weverse live on September 16, the idol talked about his recent VMAs experience. There, Soobin shared his encounter with Bebe Rexha and reminisced how her music helped him get over tough times.

 “I gained a lot of  strength through her music when I was a trainee and I felt like a lot of those lyrics were talking about me… I still feel the same”, he told MOAs. Upon knowing they were both attending the VMAs, Soobin restlessly sent Bebe a text message, in the hopes that they would meet. 

Additionally, the leader excitedly shared about how their seats were close to each other during the show. And how Bebe looked out for him and his group throughout the night. Also he made sure to let Bebe know he missed her too.

Heartwarmingly, Soobin mentioned how he was really nervous during the awards show but Bebe made him feel relaxed. “Since our seats were close to each other, whenever we’d make eye contact, she’d smile at me and it really made me feel very calm,” he said. “I was really grateful to her,” he added.

Moreover, that’s not the end for Soobin’s fanboy moments during the VMAs!! When he was asked which artist he would want to work on a record with, he naturally said Bebe Rexha without a second thought.

 

Bebe Rexha and Soobin’s friendship 

In 2019, the two had a cute interaction on social media. At the time, Soobin told Bebe Rexha that he is her biggest fan.

A year later, in 2020, TXT and Bebe Rexha also held a joint Instagram live. After that virtual chat, the American singer was all praises for the K-pop group, describing them as sweet and awesome. 

Unsurprisingly, Soobin talked about how nervous he was talking to his idol. He even shared some of his favorite unreleased tracks of Bebe and asked her if she’ll release them in the future. 

 

However, the duo only met each other in-person in March 2023. To commemorate their first encounter, Bebe took to social media to share some adorable photos and clips of them together. “Sweet sweet angel,” she said in the caption.

With several interactions now, fans of both groups couldn’t help but wish for a Soobin-Bebe Rexha collaboration next!

Feautred image: Soobin and Bebe Rexha met each other in person for the first time. Credit: Instagram/Bebe Rexha

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‘Treat Soobin Better’: Fans Call Out Bighit for Alleged Mistreatment of TXT’s Leader

Despite TOMORROW X TOGETHER’s first VMAs win and collaborative track with Brazilian singer Anitta, several fans have called out BIGHIT MUSIC for the label’s alleged “unfair”  treatment towards the group’s leader Soobin.

Using the hashtag #BigHitTreatSoobinBetter, MOAs, TXT’s fandom, have expressed their frustration against the label. For these fans, Soobin has been receiving inadequate lines and reduced screen time for their music videos.

BIGHIT Music’s alleged behavior towards TXT’s Soobin

According to MOAs, Soobin only got two lines in their recent track “Back for More” featuring Anitta. Additionally, they pointed out that the leader only had 16 seconds in total. While this might be normal for other idol groups, MOAs claim that this division isn’t fair for a group that only has five members. 

Soobin is a singer, a dancer, and an extremely talented person. He literally shines on stage. And he has such an incredible voice and falsetto.. It’s time to stop underestimating him and give him more lines,” one fan demanded.

https://twitter.com/dailysoobtonin/status/1702365030275228109

 

As per fans, this alleged mistreatment has been evident even in the group’s earlier releases. Even listing down previous tracks “Good Boy Gone Badand “Sugar Rush Ride.”  

Moreover, MOAs are enraged with how BIGHIT highlights Soobin’s part in the trailer, usually featuring it for teasers. But they’ll later find out that the leader only has a few lines in the official music video. To make matters worse, MOAs are claiming that Soobin barely sang and appeared in their “Do It Like That” collaboration with the Jonas Brothers.

https://twitter.com/dailysoobtonin/status/1702368040879530088

 

Aside from that, MOAs are also upset with how BIGHIT continues to disregard Soobin’s plans to drop a cover. Since 2021, the idol has been expressing his plans to release a cover as a gift for the fans. But even now in 2023, he has not had the opportunity to record one. Which made him the only TXT member without a solo cover, as of writing. 

https://twitter.com/bl5sty/status/1702204801138778377

 

MOAs on raising their concert about TXT

Some fans also clarified that demanding for more Soobin lines and screen time does not equate to hating the other members. As MOAs have said, they are simply appealing their disappointment towards the management and hope their clamors would be heard.

Others also explained that airing their grievances against the management doesn’t make them less of a fan. Instead, it’s a way of showing more solidarity to the actual artists. 

With the unreasonable exposure BIGHIT has been giving the multi-talented leader, MOAs can’t help but express their anger with how the label handles the boy group. While MOAs urge the BIGHIT to treat Soobin better, the label has yet to release a statement on the issue.

Currently, TXT is gearing up for the release of their third full-length album The Name Chapter: FREEFALL. It will be released on October 13.

Featured image: Soobin in a teaser of ‘Season of TXT: Midsummer.’ Credit: Facebook/TXT

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BTS’ Jungkook, Tomorrow X Together Celebrate VMAs Win With Bang PD

It’s the time to have fun, ARMYs and MOAs as BTSJungkook and TOMORROW X TOGETHER celebrated their first VMAs wins, as well as Yeonjun’s birthday with Bang PD! 

In a series of Instagram Stories uploaded by BIGHIT and HYBE Founder Bang Si Hyuk, the artists are seen having dinner together after the awards show with “Hitman Bang” himself.  

“They tore up the stage tonight,” Bang PD wrote, referring to TXT’s debut performance at the MTV VMAs. 

Aside from the awards, the BIGHIT family also celebrated Yeonjun’s 24th birthday. In another video, the singer is seen blowing out candles on his cake. In the caption, Bang PD wrote: “Happy Birthday, Yeonjun.” 

https://twitter.com/TXTSYBTHK/status/1701877414782202050

Moreover, Bang PD also shared videos of him with BTS’ Jungkook. As seen in his Instagram story, the two were throwing up random hand signs. Interestingly, Bang PD hinted that “There’s a spoiler! A big one,” in the said video. Which left fans guessing what it possibly meant, with many thinking that it’s for another solo release. 

https://twitter.com/_RapperJK/status/1701902427237097797

Prior to this video with Bang PD, Jungkook has already expressed his plans to release his first mini album in November. Additionally, in the Suchwita episode where Jungkook appeared as a guest, he also revealed that he is gearing up to drop new music later this year.

TXT and Jungkook’s VMA wins

With the recently concluded MTV VMAs, TXT made history as they became the first fourth generation group to win at the awards show. There, the group took home the Push Performance of the Year award for their track “Sugar Rush Ride.”

Moreover, TXT also wowed the crowd with the premiere performance of their pre-release single “Back for More”, featuring Brazilian singer Anitta. With this team up, TXT became the first K-Pop group to showcase a genre-fusing collaboration at the VMAs.

On the other hand, their fellow BIGHIT artist, BTSJungkook also bagged his first VMAs win. Though he did not attend the event, the all-rounder singer took home the Song of the Summer title with his viral hit “Seven”, featuring Latto. With this, Jungkook became the first Korean solo artist to win in the category. 

Featured image: Bang PD hangs out with BTS’ Jungkook and TOMORROW X Together. Credit: Instagram/Bang PD

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Stray Kids and Tomorrow X Together Both Bag Their 1st Vmas Award

Jump for joy, MOAs and STAYs! TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT) and Stray Kids have both won at the 2023 MTV Music Video Awards (VMAs) held on Tuesday, September 12, at New Jersey, USA. 

At the start of the ceremony, TXT brought home the Push Performance of the Year award with their recent track “Sugar Rush Ride.” With this achievement, TXT becomes the first fourth generation group to win at the said awards show.

Upon receiving their first moon person, the five member boy group expressed their gratitude and love towards their fandom, MOAs. “We wanted to show who we are and our music with lots of people, this award means that we did that.” Huening Kai said. “Tonight is a night we’ll remember forever,” Beomgyu added.

Shortly after TXT brought home their award, it was announced that Stray Kids has won the Best K-Pop category for their hit track “S-Class.”

Surprised they bagged the award, the group’s leader Bang Chan stated: “We’ve been making our music ever since the start of our career, but to receive this award just really means a lot to us”.

With their fans in mind, Felix added: “We wanna thank our fans, our STAYs, for being so supportive and we have so much to show you guys so please look forward to the future.”

As Stray Kids was announced as winners, their fellow South Korean boy group TXT were seen showing their support and giving a round of applause for the God’s Menu’ singers. 

Interestingly, this year’s event marked the first for two K-pop acts to perform at the VMAs. In the previous years, only worldwide superstars BTS and BLACKPINK have achieved this stunt. 

More about TXT and Stray Kids at VMAs 2023

What made TXT and Stray Kids’ first wins at the VMAs even more special is that it’s the both acts’ first time at the said music awards. 

To make things more exciting, both K-pop acts also showcased their talents in the ceremony. 

For their part, TXT premiered their collaboration with Brazilian singer Anitta. Said song is a pre-release track from their upcoming studio album ‘The Name Chapter: FREEFALL.” 

Meanwhile, Stray Kids wowed the crowd with their performance of “S-Class.”

Featured image: Stray Kids at the red carpet of MTV Video Music Awards. Credit: Twitter/VMA

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TOMORROW X TOGETHER to Perform New Single at the MTV VMAs 2023

MOAs, you do not want to miss this! MTV confirmed that K-pop boy group TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT) is one of the performers for their upcoming 2023 Video Music Awards (VMAs). 

Both TXT and the VMAs announced the news through social media on Thursday, August 31. And what makes it even more exciting is that the quintet will be premiering special stages for the prestigious music festival. 

 

According to reports, TXT will have a debut performance of a special track from their upcoming studio album The Name Chapter: FREEFALL.

Aside from the much anticipated pre-release track, the “Good Boy Gone Bad” singers will also be having a special collaboration performance with Brazilian singer Anitta. With this, TXT becomes the first Kp-pop group to showcase a genre-fusing collaboration at the VMAs.

Besides TXT and Anitta, the new roster of artists revealed to be part of the show includes Doja Cat, Lill Wayne, and Kelsea Ballerini. They will be joining the previously announced lineup of Stray Kids, Demi Lovato, Karol G, and Maneskin.

Interestingly, this year will mark the first time for the VMAs to have two K-pop acts as performers. Previously, only worldwide sensations BTS and BLACKPINK have performed in the show. 

Aside from performing at the VMAs, TXT also garnered two nominations in the show. They’re nominees for the Push Performance of the Year and Best K-Pop categories, both for their recent title track “Sugar Rush Ride.”

The 2023 MTV VMAs will air live on September 12, 8PM ET.

VMAs and more: 2023 is a year of breakthroughs for TXT

Following the news, MOAs (TXT’s fandom) couldn’t help but to express their excitement towards the group’s upcoming performances. Others also looked back at how 2023 has indeed gifted the group with so many breakthroughs. 

Earlier this year, TXT hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200 for the first time with their The Name Chapter: Temptation EP. 

They also released their “Do It Like That collaboration with American band Jonas Brothers in July, amid their ACT: Sweet Mirage” world tour. The collaboration immediately dominated the charts, hitting No.1 on iTunes Top Songs charts worldwide.

 

Additionally, TXT has yet made another milestone as they headlined Lollapalooza in August, making them the first ever South Korean group to rock the major US Festival. For that show, they surprised fans with a mash-up performance of “Happy Fools” and “Players” with American rapper Coi Leray.

After the VMAs, TXT is set to gear up and make preparations for their upcoming albumThe Name Chapter: FREEFALL, which will be released on October 13. 

Featured image: TOMORROW X TOGETHER for their 2023 Season’s Greetings. Credit: Facebook/TOMORROW X TOGETHER

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Look: TXT Is Dior’s Newest Global Ambassadors

Another good news for MOAs: fashion luxury brand Dior tapped K-pop boy group TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT)  to be their newest global ambassador! 

The brand announced the news on Thursday, August 10. It revealed that Dior’s artistic director Kim Jones designed the group’s customized outfits for the Lollapalooza music festival. 

 

Over the weekend of August 5, TXT history as the first K-pop group to headline the major US festival. Aside from their 20-song performance, MOAs were also in awe of the members’ styling for the show. 

In an exclusive by Women’s Wear Daily, Jones shared that TXT’s outfits drew inspiration from his utilitarian and sci-fi-inspired pre-fall 2023 collection. 

Tomorrow X Together are the perfect ambassadors for Dior,” he was quoted as saying. “They have a great attitude and style and they look great in their custom stage outfits.” 

Meanwhile, Leader Soobin said that it’s an “honor” for the group to wear Dior in Lollapalooza, which he described as “one of the most significant performances of [their] career.” 

Additionally, all TXT members also expressed their own eagerness and excitement in more collaboration with the brand. 

“I’m thrilled to become an ambassador of Dior and represent a brand that I am personally fond of,” Yeonjun said. 

Taehyun added: “Collaborating with a major fashion house like Dior for a music festival as big as Lollapalooza was truly amazing.

K-pop stars making waves in fashion industry 

With this announcement, TXT has officially become the first K-pop group that Dior tapped to be their global ambassador. 

They joined a number of other K-pop stars signed to the fashion house. BTS’ Jimin, BLACKPINK’s Jisoo, EXO’s Sehun, ASTRO’s Cha Eun Woo, and NewJeans’ Haerin are also Dior ambassadors.

Aside from these K-pop acts, there’s also several international stars under Dior. Robert Pattinson, Anya Taylor-Joy, Caleb McLaughlin, and Elizabeth Debicki are among the faces of the brand. 

Recently, numerous K-pop idols have been tapped as global ambassadors for luxurious fashion brands. We have BTS’ V for Cartier, SEVENTEEN’s Vernon for Kenzo, and TWICE’s Dahyun for Michael Kors. Additionally, STRAY KIDSHyunjin signed with Versace and (G)I-DLE’s Miyeon for Jimmy Choo

Meanwhile,  TXT is currently embarking on their ACT: SWEET MIRAGE world tour. They also recently collaborated with American band Jonas Brothers for the track Do It Like That” and released their Disney+ documentary Our Lost Summer. 

Composed of Soobin, Yeonjun, Beomgyu, Taehyun, and Huening Kai, TXT is known for songs Good Boy Gone Bad,” “Crown,” “Blue Hour,” and “Anti-Romantic.” 

Featured image: TXT poses with their customized Dior fits for Lollapalooza festival. Credit: Twitter/DIOR

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Here Are the K-Pop Acts Nominated for the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards

There’s no denying how huge K-pop has become in the international music scene. And the growing amount of K-pop act nominees in 2023 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) is proof of that. 

MTV unveiled on Wednesday, August 8, the nominees for this year’s awarding, and six K-pop acts made it to the list. 

BLACKPINK is the most nominated K-pop act this year, garnering a total of four nods. 

The girl group’s hit single “Pink Venom” is nominated for Best Choreography, Best Art Direction, Best Editing, and Best K-pop. 

 

Meanwhile, TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT) scored a total of two nominations with their recent title track “Sugar Rush Side.

It is nominated in the Push Performance of the Year and Best K-pop categories. 

 

In addition to BLACKPINK and TXT, four other acts are also nominated in the K-pop category.

The nominees includes aespa’s “Girls,” FIFTY FIFTY’s Cupid,” SEVENTEEN’s “Super,”  and Stray Kids’ “S-Class.” 

MTV only added the Best K-pop category in 2019. 

 

Overall, pop star Taylor Swift and singer SZA lead the 2023 MTV VMAs nominees with eight and six nods, respectively. 

Moreover, fans can vote for their favorite acts through the MTV website

Additionally, the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards ceremony will take place on September 12 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. 

Featured image: BLACKPINK in a behind-the-scenes photo from their Coachella 2023 set. Credit: Facebook/BLACKPINK

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