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TVXQ Announces 20th Anniversary Japan Tour

TVXQ, the legendary duo of K-pop, continues to reign supreme as they gear up to commemorate their remarkable journey with a 20th anniversary Japan tour that promises to be a spectacle of epic proportions. With SM Entertainment‘s recent announcement igniting fervor among fans, anticipation for the celebratory tour is at an all-time high.

SM Entertainment Announces TVXQ’s 20th Anniversary Japan Tour

Scheduled to commence in November, the tour will traverse the length and breadth of Japan, encompassing eight cities and a staggering total of 19 shows. From the vibrant energy of Saitama to the cultural richness of Kanagawa, each stop on the tour is poised to be a mesmerizing showcase of TVXQ’s unparalleled talent and enduring legacy.

As pioneers in the Japanese music scene, TVXQ has left an indelible mark with their iconic songs and electrifying performances. With their upcoming tour serving as a testament to their enduring popularity, the duo is set to deliver unforgettable experiences to their legion of dedicated fans who have supported them throughout their illustrious career.

The significance of this tour extends beyond mere performances; it serves as a poignant reminder of TVXQ’s profound impact on the Japanese music industry. Last year’s record-breaking nationwide tour, ‘TOHOSHINKI LIVE TOUR 2023 ~CLASSYC~’, solidified their status as trailblazers, with unprecedented performances at iconic venues such as the Tokyo Dome. Building upon this success, the duo is poised to once again captivate audiences with their signature charisma and musical prowess.

Furthermore, TVXQ’s recent conclusion of their ‘2024 TVXQ! CONCERT 20&2’ Asia tour in Jakarta further underscores their enduring popularity and global influence. From packed arenas to adoring fans, their concerts also serve as a testament to the unwavering devotion of their fanbase, affectionately known as Cassiopeia.

As TVXQ embarks on this momentous tour, they carry with them not just two decades of musical excellence but a legacy that continues to inspire and resonate with fans worldwide. With each electrifying performance, they also reaffirm their status as icons of the industry, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of fans for generations to come.

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TVXQ Changmin Set for Musical Debut

Changmin is gearing up for a major step in his career. The TVXQ member has just been confirmed to make his musical debut in an upcoming stage play.

TVXQ Member Changmin Gets Ready for Musical Debut

Changmin’s debut as a musical actor in “Benjamin Button” marks an exciting new chapter in his illustrious career. As a member of the legendary K-pop group TVXQ, Changmin has already captivated audiences with his powerful vocals and charismatic stage presence. Now, he is poised to showcase his talents in the world of musical theater, bringing to life the complex character of Benjamin Button in this poignant adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic tale.

“Benjamin Button” offers Changmin the opportunity to delve into the nuanced emotions of a character who experiences life in reverse, aging backward as he grows older. It’s a role that requires both depth and versatility, and Changmin’s musical debut promises to be a showcase of his range as a performer.

Joining Changmin in the cast are esteemed actors Kim Jae Beom and Kim Sung Sik, who will no doubt bring their own expertise to the production. Together, they will also bring the Jazz Age setting of “Benjamin Button” to life, immersing audiences in a world of romance, intrigue, and timeless melodies.

The inclusion of talented actresses Kim So Hyang, Park Eun Mi, and Lee Ah Reum Sol adds further depth to the production, with their portrayal of the enigmatic jazz club singer Bleu Lou Monnier promising to be a highlight of the show.

What Happens in ‘Benjamin Button’?

With a stellar cast assembled, “Benjamin Button” is also poised to captivate audiences with its compelling narrative and stunning musical numbers. Under the direction of EMK Musical Company, known for their high-quality productions, the musical also promises to be a feast for the senses, transporting theatergoers to a bygone era filled with glamour and excitement.

Set to premiere at the Sejong M Theater in Seoul, “Benjamin Button” also offers fans of Changmin and musical theater alike the chance to experience a truly unforgettable performance. As Changmin embarks on this new journey as a musical actor, audiences can also look forward to being swept away by his talent and charisma on stage.

As the curtain rises on “Benjamin Button,” Changmin’s debut also promises to be a milestone moment in his career, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in his artistic journey. With his passion for music and performance, there’s no doubt that Changmin will shine brightly in his role, captivating audiences and leaving a lasting impression with his portrayal of Benjamin Button.

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ZEROBASEONE Drops Japanese Single ‘Yura Yura’ After ‘Immortal Songs 2’ Win

ZEROBASEONE recently made their highly anticipated debut in Japan with the music video for “YURA YURA – Flower of Fate -.” Released on March 7, the video features the boys performing what has been described as the perfect serenade for spring. This release precedes their first Japanese single album, set to be released on March 20, and follows their triumphant win on Immortal Songs 2, where they paid tribute to TVXQ.

ZEROBASEONE (제로베이스원) ‘YURA YURA’ MV

TVXQ has made a significant impact with their music in Japan, topping the Oricon charts and selling more CDs there than any other foreign act. Their 2013 Time Tour was a huge success, breaking attendance records for concerts by foreign singers in Japan until 2017. That year, TVXQ broke their own record with the Begin Again Tour. They were the first non-Japanese Asian artists to embark on a five-city dome tour in Japan. They were also the first international artists to headline a concert at Nissan Stadium. Their achievements have paved an inspirational path for ZEROBASEONE to follow.

The Immortal Songs 2 episode dedicated to TVXQ’s music achieved a nationwide viewership of 5.0%. It featured renditions of TVXQ’s hits by artists such as JD1, La Poem, Red Velvet’s Irene & Seulgi, KARDI, ONF, and ZEROBASEONE. The nine-member boy group performed “The Way U Are” with a sophisticated concept, showcasing cohesive dance routines and individual flair. Their performance earned praise from TVXQ’s Yunho, who said it reminded him of TVXQ’s early days.

ZEROBASEONE – The Way U Are [Immortal Songs 2]

ZEROBASEONE outperformed well-known artists

Having garnered more votes from the judging panel than JD1 and KARDI, ZEROBASEONE took home the win. TVXQ personally presented the trophy to ZEROBASEONE, who were visibly overjoyed and honored by the gesture.

Online, many fans congratulated the boys. Winning Immortal Songs 2 is a significant achievement, coveted by many artists. ZEROBASEONE, only eight months into their career, won the show on their first attempt. The fact that they outperformed several well-known artists made their victory even more remarkable.

With two albums selling over 2 million copies each and a rookie grand slam under their belt, ZEROBASEONE is quickly establishing itself as a leading fifth-generation K-pop group. Their recent success on Immortal Songs 2 enhances their growing reputation and sets the stage for a promising promotional period in Japan. Many hope this will mirror the illustrious career of TVXQ. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: If you haven’t listened to their new Japanese single or watched the video of their ‘Immortal Songs 2’ performance, you’re missing half your life. Source: X/@ZB1_jp.

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Look: TVXQ Unveils Teasers for Anniversary Album ‘20&2’

The legendary 2nd-gen idols are back! As confirmed by the artists’ agency, SM Entertainment, TVXQ will be returning with music!  

In celebration of the group’s 20th anniversary since their debut in 2003, the “Mirotic” singers will be releasing their ninth full-length album titled “20&2”. Interestingly, the album name stands for the number of years the group has been active and the remaining members still part of the group.

In the previously released one-minute-and-a-half cinematic trailer, Yunho and Changmin showed off their impressive acting skills as the video follows a thrilling storyline.

Moreover, the act also unveiled captivating solo and duo pictures in different settings. Both members flaunted their timeless visuals, proving that they are the original matinee idols in the K-Pop industry.

 

In particular, 20&2 will feature a total of 10 songs including the title track “Rebel.” Said album will be the group’s first Korean full-length album since 2018, after the release of the New Chapter #2: The Truth of Love.

Now promoting as a duo, the act will officially make its much-awaited comeback on December 26.

More to come for the 20th year of TVXQ

Following the album launch, the artists are also gearing up to greet their loyal fans, starting off with a show in South Korea. The duo will be holding the their (20&2) concert on December 30 and 31 at the Inspire Arena in Incheon.

After that, the singers will also meet their international fans for the Asia leg of the tour. Based on the posters, Yunho and Changmin will visit HongKong, Taipei, Bangkok and Taiwan from January to February 2024.

Furthermore, the duo will also have their 20&2 exhibition rom December 23 to January 26, to complement their concert.

According to SM Entertainment, the event will be in commemoration of the group’ 20th anniversary.

“This exhibition will offer an opportunity for the group and fans to revisit the cherished memories and experiences they shared over the last years,” the agency stated.

Although originally debuting as a quintet with members Kim Jaejoong, Yoochan and Junsu, TVXQ remains to be one of the longest-running and most iconic groups to this day.

Featured image: Members Yunho and Changmin pose for their anniversary album ’20&2. Credit: Twitter/TVXQ

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JYJ’s Kim Jaejoong Shares Terrifying Sasaeng Stories From TVXQ! Days

Kim Jaejoong is one idol who has experienced the best and the worst in the K-pop industry. After all, the former TVXQ! member has been making music for over 12 years. So it’s no surprise that the JYJ member has some shocking tales to tell. Kim recently shared terrifying sasaeng stories from his time with TVXQ!

Former TVXQ! Member Kim Jaejoong Shares Horrifying Sasaeng Stories

In an episode of his online podcast, Kim Jaejoong shared some chilling experiences with sasaengs, the obsessive and invasive fans known for their extreme behavior in the world of K-Pop. During the broadcast, Kim read an alarming story from a listener who had returned home one day, only to find that their door was unlocked, causing panic. The listener couldn’t recall if they had locked it that morning. Upon hearing this story, the JYJ member instantly connected with the listener’s fear, as he had his own share of disturbing sasaeng stories.

Jaejoong revealed that he had received photo text messages featuring images of his living room, kitchen, and bedroom, with an unsettling detail: he was present in every photo. The sasaengs had somehow entered his home, snapped the pictures, and then left. The mystery of how they obtained his phone number only added to the terror he experienced. Following this incident, Jaejoong changed the locks on his doors to ensure his safety.

Another harrowing incident involved Jaejoong moving into a new apartment. To his shock, sasaeng fans managed to rent or purchase an apartment directly opposite his, even on the same floor. These individuals would watch him closely whenever he appeared on his terrace, invading his privacy and leaving him feeling trapped and vulnerable.

Jaejoong’s sasaeng stories spanned over 12 years before his life gradually returned to a sense of normalcy. While he is no longer tormented by sasaengs today, his ability to endure and overcome such invasive intrusions for more than a decade is a testament to his resilience and strength.

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TVXQ Announces December Comeback for 20th Anniversary

TVXQ is getting ready for a December comeback! The legendary idol group is set to commemorate their remarkable 20th debut anniversary with a highly anticipated new album, concert, and exhibition later this year!

TVXQ Confirms December Comeback and Massive Year-End Showcase

SM Entertainment announced on October 5th that TVXQ will be launching a new album, hosting a concert, and organizing an exhibition to celebrate their 20th debut anniversary. The agency also confirmed that the group is set for a December comeback this year.

TVXQ, who made their debut in December 2003 with the chart-topping single “Hug,” will reach their momentous 20th debut anniversary on December 26th. To honor this significant occasion, TVXQ has decided to express their gratitude to the devoted fans who have showered them with love and support over the years by presenting a full-length ninth album.

The theme of their upcoming anniversary celebration is aptly named “20&2 (20th Anniversary & 2 Members).” Through their musical activities, TVXQ also intends to reflect on the meaningful two decades they have spent together and offer fans a glimpse of the exciting journey ahead, led by the duo consisting of Yunho and Changmin.

This forthcoming full-length ninth album marks their first new Korean release in approximately five years, following the launch of “New Chapter #1: The Chance of Love.”

In anticipation of their highly awaited comeback, TVXQ also unveiled a teaser image adorned with the Cassiopeia constellation, which also symbolizes their dedicated fan club. This teaser image has only heightened the excitement surrounding their return to the music scene.

As the K-pop industry anticipates this momentous comeback, TVXQ’s 20th debut anniversary is also bound to be a spectacular celebration that fans around the world will eagerly embrace.

TVXQ began as a five-member boy band composed of members U-Know Yunho, Max Changmin, Hero Jaejoong, Micky Yoochun, and Xiah Junsu. After Hero, Micky, and Junsu left the group, Yunho and Changmin continued to promote as a duo.

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These Are the Planned Albums, Concerts for SM Entertainment Acts for the Rest of 2023

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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Smtown Live 2023 Is Coming to Jakarta in September

Rejoice, Indonesian K-pop fans because SM Entertainment is bringing their highly-anticipated company-wide concert SMTOWN LIVE 2023 to Jakarta! 

The agency announced on Wednesday, July 26, that the concert featuring artists from SM Entertainment will be held at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia on September 23. 

The one-night show will feature performances and appearances from eight acts, including TVXQ!, Super Junior, Red Velvet, NCT 127, NCT Dream, WayV, aespa, as well as SM Entertainment’s upcoming new boy group. 

The label added that the celebration is even more special as 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Indonesia. “With our upcoming show, we will reflect on the meaning of harmony while promoting more active cultural exchange between the two countries.”

The SMTOWN LIVE 2023 in Jakarta might serve as the first international schedule for SM’s new boy group. Although the agency remains tight-lipped about the upcoming act, a representative has earlier confirmed that said group is gearing up for a September debut. 

SM Entertainment’s CEO Jang Cheol Hyuk has also revealed 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. 

First staged in 2008, SM TOWN LIVE is a concert tour held by SM Entertainment artists. It had stops in Japan, China, Singapore, Thailand, and the United States. 

The last SM TOWN LIVE 2023 concert in Jakarta will be the second time it’ll be held in Indonesia, with the first being in September 2012. 

Featured image: Red Velvet’s Facebook

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Former TVXQ Member Kim Jaejoong Establishes New Agency

Kim Jaejoong is setting up his own agency. The former TVXQ member is establishing a new agency after leaving C-Jes Studios last April.

Kim Jaejoong Sets Up Own Agency After Departing From C-Jes Studios

Kim Jaejoong issued a statement confirming that he has set up a new agency. “I recently established the new agency iNKODE together with CEO Noh Hyun Tae, the former vice president of Cube Entertainment,” he said.

Jaejoong will serve as the head of iNKODE and will work on his own activities as an artist. However, he will also participate in the production of new artists as the CSO (Chief Strategy Officer) of the agency.

Kim Jaejoong intends to nurture rookie idols with iNKODE and he also plans to lead various businesses. This includes the management of K-pop artists and actors with great potential.

Kim’s business partner Noh Hyun Tae previously served as the vice president at Cube Entertainment. He is credited for the success of groups like BEAST and 4Minute. As CEO of iNKODE, Noh will focus on discovering and producing new artists who will lead the next generation of K-pop.

Kim Jaejoong is formerly known as Hero Jae-joong when he debuted with TVXQ in February 2004. In 2009, he and fellow band members Yoochun and Junsu left TVXQ to form their own group JYJ. They also signed with C-Jes Studios. Kim is also an established actor who is known for his work in “Heaven’s Postman”, “Protect the Boss”, and “Triangle”.

His most recent role was in the drama “Bad Memory Eraser” which also starred “Doctor Stranger” actress Jin Se-yeon. He left C-Jes Studios in April 2023 after 14 years of working under the agency.

Kim Jaejoong has not yet confirmed whether he will be releasing a new album soon. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

Congratulations to Kim Jaejoong and Noh Hyun Tae on establishing their new agency iNKODE!

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