Tag: YG Entertainment

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iKON Members Officially Reclaim Group Trademarks From YG Entertainment

The iKON members now officially own all their group trademarks following their split from YG Entertainment
The iKON members now officially own all their group trademarks following their split from YG Entertainment

The iKON members are officially free. In a groundbreaking moment for the idols and a significant milestone in the K-Pop industry, the talented members of the renowned boy group iKON have successfully gained ownership of all their group trademarks following their departure from YG Entertainment.

iKON Members Finally Claim Group Trademarks Since YG Entertainment Exit

As confirmed by the Korean Intellectual Property Rights Information Service (KIPRIS), a total of 13 trademarks associated with the K-Pop sensation “iKON” have now been officially transferred to its members. This remarkable development extends to the group’s dedicated artists, including Kim Jin Hwan (Jay), Song Yun Hyeong (Song), Kim Ji Won (Bobby), Kim Dong Hyuk (DK), Koo Jun Hoe (Ju-Ne), and Jung Chan Woo (Chan).

This significant achievement signifies that each member of iKON is now a proud owner of their group’s valuable trademarks, marking a historic moment in their artistic journey and underlining their autonomy in shaping their future endeavors.

In the previous year, iKON bid farewell to YG Entertainment by releasing their final mini-album ‘Flashback’ under the agency and embarking on a memorable Japan tour. This marked a significant transition in their career. On December 30, the members collectively declared their departure from YG Entertainment, setting the stage for a new chapter in their journey. Shortly thereafter, they embarked on this fresh adventure by signing with 143 Entertainment.

Their first release under 143 Entertainment was the eagerly anticipated album ‘Take Off’ which debuted in May of this year. However, an important detail persisted – although the album bore the group’s iconic name, iKON, the members still did not possess the legal rights to that name. Despite their newfound creative freedom, this legal distinction underscored the ongoing importance of resolving their trademark ownership, paving the way for their artistic autonomy and continued success in the ever-evolving world of K-Pop.

The iKON members have been on a long journey since their debut. Needless to say, owning the rights to their songs and the group name is a major milestone.

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CL Ends Management Partnership with Konnect Entertainment

Former 2NE1 member CL concluded her two-year domestic management partnership with Konnect Entertainment

The collaborative domestic management partnership between the renowned artist CL and Konnect Entertainment has officially concluded. Both CL’s record label Very Cherry and Konnect Entertainment have confirmed the conclusion of their two-year partnership. Although this puts the idol in an uncertain situation, BLACKJACKs are hoping it means new content from the former 2NE1 member.

CL Parts Ways With Konnect Entertainment, Ends Management Partnership

On August 29, Very Cherry shared the news about CL’s domestic management partnership. The record label confirmed that the idol concluded the collaboration with Konnect Entertainment. “The partnership that has prevailed for the past two years has come to an end,” they said.

This partnership, initiated in July 2021, served as a platform for several significant projects, including the promotion of domestic broadcasting activities for ‘ALPHA,’ which marked CL’s debut solo studio album. The collaboration was instrumental in bringing CL’s music to a wider audience during this period.

With the closure of the partnership between CL and Konnect Entertainment, CL is poised to reconnect with her devoted fan base. A representative from Very Cherry, her record label, dropped hints about forthcoming plans,

“We are strategically planning to continue our activities through various forms of partnerships,” they said.

The Future for CL

This suggests that while one chapter closes, CL and Very Cherry are already looking ahead to new and diverse avenues for their artistic endeavors. CL’s fans can anticipate exciting developments as she explores fresh opportunities on her creative journey.

Last year, CL reunited with fellow 2NE1 members Bom, DARA, and Minzy to perform at the 2022 Coachella Festival. This would be the group’s first performance in over six years since the 2015 Mnet Asian Music Awards in December 2015.

In related news, fellow 2NE1 member DARA dropped her first solo album “Sandara Park”. This would be her first album release in South Korea and her first release overall in 14 years since the promotional single “Kiss” in 2009.

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Bang Ye-Dam Signs With New Agency; Thanks Yg Entertainment and Treasure

GF Entertainment shares photo of their new artist, Bang Ye-dam. Credit: Press release/GF Entertainment

Former TREASURE member Bang Ye-dam will be starting afresh as a solo artist with his new agency GF Entertainment.

In his personal Instagram account on Wednesday, August 23, Ye-dam shared a heartfelt message showing gratitude to his former label YG Entertainment, previous group TREASURE, and their fans, Treasure Makers or TEUMEs. 

The 21-year-old artist looked back at how his idol journey started, saying that YG Entertainment has supported and has allowed him to grow to who he is now. 

 

For their part, GF Entertainment is also looking forward to having Ye-dam under their agency. 

“We are glad to sign with a talented artist. We plan on relentlessly supporting Bang Ye-dam, so he can be a musician who can excel as a producer, singer, and in other aspects.” GF Entertainment said in a press release.

 

​​Aside from Ye-Dam, the agency also currently manages the 7-member boy group Kingdom.

Fans’ reaction to the news 

Fans, especially TEUMEs who have waited for a long time, have expressed their support and excitement towards Ye-dam’s new path as an artist. 

“I wanna hug everyone who waited for this day to come. Finally guys, war is over. Ye-dam is finally with his new agency and will be releasing his new music soon,” one fan wrote.

 

Another fan congratulated Ye-dam on his new journey and feels touched with the mention of TREASURE, Teumes, and YG Entertainment  in his post.  

 

Overall, the majority of them are anticipating Ye-dam‘s solo career. 

From TREASURE member to solo artist

Bang Ye-dam made his debut in August 2020 as a member of the 12-piece South Korean-Japanese group TREASURE. 

However, in May 2022, YG Entertainment announced that Ye-dam and Mashisho will be taking a hiatus from group activities. According to the agency, Ye-dam will be working on his career as a producer and studying music for the time being. 

Come November 2022, YG Entertainment announced that Ye-dam and Mashiho are parting ways with the agency, leaving TREASURE as a 10-member group.The only remaining members are Choi Hyunsuk, Jihoon, Park Jeongwoo, Yoshi, Junkyu, So Junghwan, Yoon Jaehyuk, Asahi, Doyoung, and Haruto. 

Additionally, Ye-dam spent nine years in YG Entertainment, with seven years as a trainee and two years in TREASURE. 

Since his departure from YG Entertainment, Ye-dam has updated fans through his Instagram account. He opened it on his birthday this year, in which he initially hinted at making a comeback. 

“If you just wait a little longer, I’ll be back with good news. I’ll be back again as a cool Bang Ye-dam! Thank you always,” he said then.

Featured image: GF Entertainment shares photo of their new artist, Bang Ye-dam. Credit: Press release/GF Entertainment

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Blackpink to Launch Roblox Interactive Experience ‘The Palace’

BLACKPINK announces Roblox game 'The Palace.' Credit: Twitter/YG Select

BLACKPINK in your (Roblox) area! The South Korean girl group continues to dominate the K-pop scene and they’re even widening their domain in the metaverse. 

On Tuesday, August 22, YG Entertainment announced that they partnered with metaverse studio Karta to give BLACKPINK fans a Roblox interactive space to celebrate the group’s music and career. 

What to expect?

In BLACKPINK THE PALACE, fans can “meet, socialize, and enjoy content from the band.” According to the press release, the players will also enjoy the members’ favorite things from digital fashion to signature choreography. 

All rooms and grounds will also be inspired from some scenes in BLACKPINK’s music videos, such as “DDU-DU DDU-DU” and “Pink Venom.”

Roblox players will also be able upgrade their in-experience items by smashing crystals using their BLACKPINK lightstick. The more currency the users collect, the more they can purchase items related to the group. 

They can also make their idol dreams come true by trying on the members’ iconic stage outfits and even practice the group’s choreography! 

 

And the most interesting part? Fans can also take photos with the avatars of BLACKPINK’s Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa in the game!

“We look forward to welcoming fans from all over the world to a beautiful virtual palace where they can party, connect, and experience everything BLACKPINK beyond the constraints of time and space,” YG PLUS’ head of IPX division, Hyojung Lee, said in the press release.

Thankfully, BLACKPINK THE PALACE will be a permanent addition to the virtual game. Meaning, Roblox players could anticipate updates and brand new content releases throughout the year. 

However, fans who step into BLACKPINK THE PALACE within the first 24 hours of its launch on August 25 will get a special badge. So best to mark your calendar for that, BLINKs!

Meanwhile, BLACKPINK is the third K-pop group to open an interactive fan hub on Roblox. NCT 127 and TWICE also launched their virtual communities called NCT 127 World and TWICE Square, respectively.

From Roblox to mobile game 

Interestingly, Roblox isn’t the first virtual game for the group. 

The four-piece act also have the mobile game BLACKPINK THE GAME. In it, fans will act as the producer of the quartet and help them grow more popular.  

Additionally, players could organize the members’ schedules, prepare their outfits, and troubleshoot challenges. Besides the fun games, it also has exclusive content from the group, such as photos and videos. 

And on Wednesday, August 23, BLACKPINK released the song “The Girls” in the mobile game. 

Aside from the OST music video, a reaction video of the members was also released in the app. 

BLACKPINK made their debut under YG Entertainment in August 2016 with the album Square One. The quartet also holds several Guinness World Records, including being the most viewed channel on YouTube. 

Currently, the group is set to conclude their Born Pink world tour with encore concerts in Seoul. 

BLACKPINK’s seven-year contract with YG Entertainment is also set to expire by August 2023, with member Lisa being rumored to no longer renew with the agency. As of writing, the agency has yet to address the status of the group’s renewal. 

Featured image: BLACKPINK announces Roblox game ‘The Palace.’ Credit: Twitter/YG Select

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Sandara Park and More K-Pop Stars Wear Traditional Filipino Clothing in ‘Idol Truck’

Several K-pop stars went to the Philippines for 'Idol Truck.' Credit: Instagram/DARA

Sandara Park might be a global K-pop star, but her popularity knows no bounds in the Philippines. And her fame in the country was again proven in the variety show Idol Truck. 

For starters, Sandara was already a household name in the Philippines before she was even launched as a member of girl group 2NE1. 

Her showbiz career started in 2004 after joining the talent competition show Star Circle Quest. Despite finishing as a runner-up, Sandara pursued an acting career in the Philippines. She also starred in numerous Filipino films and TV projects. 

 

Eventually, she moved back to South Korea and debuted under YG Entertainment in 2009. 

Even though she’s been primarily based in South Korea, Sandara continues to visit the Philippines and even showcased how fluent she is in Tagalog. 

 

Filipinos’ love for Sandara 

For Idol Truck, Sandara and other Korean celebrities are tasked to sell products from small and medium-sized businesses in the area they visit. 

Joining Sandara in the team Philippines were WINNER’s Jinu, NU’EST’s Aron and JR, and DINDIN. 

Even before they left South Korea, Sandara was already assuring her teammates that they only had to trust her for their mission. She even joked that she was the third most popular person in the Philippines, following former president Rodrigo Duterte and athlete Manny Pacquiao.  

 

In the episode, the Korean stars were shocked that many Filipino fans were already waiting for Sandara when they arrived at the airport. 

The show was filmed in Clark, Pampanga in June. Videos of the celebrities visiting local fast food chains, cafes, and markets also circulated on social media. 

 

But what many Filipino fans find endearing is that the Korean stars also wore Filipino traditional clothing. 

 

Many of the comments under Instagram’s post wrote their admiration for the group and how much they enjoyed the show. 

Featured image: Several K-pop stars went to the Philippines for ‘Idol Truck.’ Credit: Instagram/DARA

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Wow! Blackpink Becomes 1st Artist to Reach 90 Million Subscribers on YouTube

Are we even surprised, BLINKs? K-pop girl group BLACKPINK continues to set new records! 

YG Entertainment announced on Monday, July 17, that BLACKPINK has surpassed 90 million subscribers on their official YouTube channel at 5:36 am KST. 

The group is the first artist to reach this milestone and they achieved the feat within seven years and one month since the YouTube channel was launched in June 2016. 

In July 2020, BLACKPINK became the first non-English language artist to be part of the top five YouTube channels with the most subscribers.  

 

In September 2021, BLACKPINK reached 65.5 million subscribers and became the most subscribed artist on YouTube, surpassing pop stars Justin Bieber, Eminem, Ariana Grande, and Ed Sheeran. “We would like to dedicate this honor to all of our fans around the world who have loved and supported us throughout,” the group said then about the milestone. 

The four-piece act held the record since then. They reached 80 million YouTube subscribers in September 2022 and added another 10 million in less than a year – proving BLACKPINK’s consistent growth in popularity. 

BLACKPINK sets more achievements

Reaching 90 million subscribers on YouTube is the latest addition to BLACKPINK’s growing accolades.

In April, BLACKPINK also set another Guinness World Record for being the most viewed channel on YouTube. As of writing, the group has now surpassed more than a total of 32 billion views of all its videos on their official channel. 

Music videos of “Boombayah,” “Ddu-du Ddu-du,” and “This Love” have more than 1.5 billion views each. But aside from group music videos, BLACKPINK’s official YouTube channel also holds behind-the-scenes videos of the girls’ activities, as well as the solo releases of each member.

Aside from their group and solo music activities, members Jisoo and Jennie have also ventured into acting, with Jisoo working on Snowdrop and Jennie in the recently-concluded The Idol.

BLACKPINK, who made their debut in August 2016, is known for songs “As If It’s Your Last,” “How You Like That,” and “Shut Down.” The group is currently embarking on their “BORN PINK” concert tour. 

The group’s seven-year contract with YG Entertainment is set to expire by August 2023, with member Lisa being rumored to no longer renew with the agency. Stay tuned about BLACKPINK’s contract renewal news here!

Featured image from BLACKPINK’s Twitter

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Is Blackpink’s Lisa Leaving YG Entertainment?

All eyes are on K-pop girl group BLACKPINK as rumors that they might not be renewing their contracts with YG Entertainment start to circulate. 

On Wednesday, July 11, outlet Munhwa Ilbo reported that among the four BLACKPINK members, Lisa has a high chance of leaving the agency once the group’s contract ends. 

BLACKPINK made their debut on August 8, 2016, and their seven-year contract is set to expire by August 2023. 

According to the report, there’s ongoing discussions between Lisa and YG Entertainment regarding her contract renewal, but the two parties haven’t reached any agreement yet. They also added that according to industry representatives, the contract renewal process for the three members – Jisoo, Jennie, and Rose –have gone relatively smoother. 

Munhwa Ilbo also cited an anonymous agency that allegedly claims that they’re coordinating with YG Entertainment to schedule Lisa’s appearance in a variety show. However, said agency was reportedly informed that scheduling activities for Lisa from August onwards would be challenging due to uncertainties surrounding the Thai star’s contract. 

In response to the report, a source from YG Entertainment told Korean media that the issue with scheduling “has nothing to do with contract renewal.”

“[The uncertain scheduling] is due to the tour schedule as well as her individually scheduled activities,” the agency said, according to a Soompi report. 

The label added that “contract renewals are currently under discussion,” but provided no further details. 

BLACKPINK is currently embarking on their “BORN PINK” concert tour. 

BLACKPINK is known for their songs “Pink Venom,” “Shut Down,” “As If It’s Your Last,” and “Typa Girl.” The group’s music video for “Boombayah” became their third music video to surpass 1.6 billion YouTube views, following “Ddu-du Ddu-du” and “Kill This Love.” 

Featured image: BLACKPINK’s Facebook

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YG’s New Girl Group Babymonster to Debut in September

BABYMONSTER, the highly-anticipated new girl group of YG Entertainment, is gearing up for a September debut. 

The agency told Korean media on Tuesday, July 11 that the debut project of the seven-piece act is coming together swiftly under the monitoring of producer Yang Hyun Suk. 

YG Entertainment also shared that the group will have a strong hip song for their debut track, and that the members are currently working on the song’s choreography and preparing for the filming of the music video. 

The label said that the debut song is set for a September release, but additional details, such as final release date and title, have yet to be announced. 

 

BABYMONSTER will serve as YG Entertainment’s first girl group since BLACKPINK made their debut in 2016. 

Between 2022 to 2023, the agency saw departure of its several artists, including BIGBANG members Daesung and Taeyang, boy group iKON, and actor Kang Dong-won. The only remaining artists in their roster are BIGBANG’s G-Dragon, duo AKMU, groups Sechskies, WINNER, BLACKPINK, and Treasure. 

YG Entertainment launched the reality show Last Evaluation in March, wherein it will follow the formation of its new girl group. Founder Yang Hyun-suk initially announced that only five members will be included in BABYMONSTER, but after a huge demand from the viewers, YG Entertainment decided to include all seven members in the official lineup. 

In May, BABYMONSTER released their pre-debut song “DREAM.” 

The group is composed of Ahyeon, Haram, and Rora from Korea, Pharita and Chiquita from Thailand, and Ruka and Asa from Japan. 

Featured image: BABYMONSTER’s Facebook

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Blackpink’s “Boombayah” Reaches 1.6 Billion Views on YouTube

K-pop powerhouse BLACKPINK continues to dominate the global music scene as evident in the number of views in their music video releases. 

YG Entertainment announced on Tuesday, July 2, that the music video for the group’s debut song “Boombayah” has now reached 1.6 billion views on YouTube.

According to The Korea Times, the agency reported that the said milestone was achieved at around 6:50 am on July 2, which is about 6 years and 11 months after the original release of “Boombayah.” 

Initially released in August 2016, “Boombayah” served as one of the two tracks from BLACKPINK’s debut EP SQUARE ONE, alongside the song “Whistle.” 

“Boombayah” served as the third music video of BLACKPINK to surpass 1.6 billion views on YouTube, following “Ddu-du Ddu-du” and “Kill This Love.” As of writing, “Ddu-du Ddu-du” has 2 billion views while “Kill This Love” has 1.8 billion views. 

This marks the latest achievement for the girl group in 2023 alone. 

In April, they set the Guiness World Record (GWR) for the group with the most viewed music channel on YouTube. According to GWR, BLACKPINK has 30, 151,716,121 video views as of April 12, 2023. In March, they also set the record for the most streamed female group on Spotify. 

BLACKPINK is currently embarking on their “BORN PINK” concert tour. 

Aside from their group activities, all four members – Jisoo, Jennie, Rose, and Lisa – also have made their respective solo debuts. Jisoo and Jennie have also ventured into acting, with Jisoo working on Snowdrop and Jennie in the recently-concluded The Idol.

Featured image from BLACKPINK’s Facebook

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YG Entertainment Addresses BLACKPINK Jennie’s Marvel Casting Rumors

Jennie from BLACKPINK is eager to make a guest appearance on 'Salon Drip' after being mentioned on the show!

Will Jennie Ruby Jane become the next major Hollywood superhero? YG Entertainment has finally responded to the BLACKPINK member’s rumored casting. The agency clarified whether Jennie has been cast in an upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe project.

YG Entertainment Debunks BLACKPINK Jennie’s Marvel Casting

During the weekend, there were reports claiming that Jennie had been cast as Seol Hee in a Marvel project. The character, who is also known as Luna Snow, has ice-based superpowers and is set to be part of the MCU’s first Asian superhero team.

So is Jennie getting ready for her MCU debut? YG Entertainment has addressed the rumors in a new statement.

“It is not true that Jennie received an offer to star in a Marvel project,” the agency confirmed.

Jennie had just made her acting debut in the HBO series “The Idol”. The BLACKPINK member, who is using the moniker Jennie Ruby Jane, played a dancer Dyanne in the show.

“The Idol”, which stars Lily-Rose Depp and Abel “The Weeknd” Testafaye, premiered at the 76th Cannes Film Festival this May.

Jennie recently caused some concern when she unexpectedly left the stage midway through BLACKPINK’s concert in Melbourne. Jisoo, Rosé, and Lisa then finished the show without her. Prior to the performance, Jennie had been absent during the soundcheck because she wasn’t feeling well.

YG Entertainment has since issued a statement regarding the “Solo” singer’s sudden exit.

“We regret to inform you that during the BLACKPINK WORLD TOUR [BORN PINK] IN MELBOURNE performance on June 11 (today), member Jennie was unable to complete the stage due to her deteriorating condition,” the statement read.

The agency confirmed that Jennie was advised to rest. “We will do its utmost to support Jennie’s speedy recovery,” the statement continued. “We would like to ask for your understanding once again.”

BLACKPINK will continue with the BORN PINK World Tour in Australia and is scheduled to perform in Sydney this week. The group is set for a two-night show in Sydney on June 16 and 17, 2023.

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