BTS' Jungkook denies plagiarism charges of 'Seven' BTS' Jungkook / Courtesy of BigHit MusicBy Pyo Kyung-minBTS' Jungkook has been embroiled in a plagiarism controversy over his recent release, “Seven.” His agency quickly dismissed the allegations as "groundless."A media source recently alleged that Jungkook's solo track, "Seven," shares notable similarities with key components of Fin.K.L's 1999 hit, "Time of Mask."The song "Time of Mask" is a rhythmic dance track created by songwriter Yang Joon-young.The source claimed that the main melodies of "Seven" and "Time of Mask" had the same musical scales and that Yang accordingly filed a complaint to the producers of Hybe Labels. However, it further claimed that the songwriter failed to receive a formal reply.The album cover of Jungkook's debut single, "Seven" / Courtesy of BigHit MusicIn a swift response, Big Hit Music, Jungkook's agency, stated on Aug. 22 that "the claim of copyright infringement concerning Jungkook's 'Seven' is not true.""'Seven' is a creation of five international composers' collaborative effort, entirely disconnected from the song released 24 years ago. ThAug 23, 2023By Pyo Kyung-min
SM Entertainment's new boy group releases prologue single RIIZE, SM Entertainment's rookie boy group / Courtesy of SM EntertainmentBy Pyo Kyung-minSM Entertainment's rookie boy group RIIZE has unveiled their prologue single "Memories” in a prelude to their official debut.RIIZE released their prologue single "Memories" through various music sites such as Melon, Spotify, and QQ Music on Aug. 21. The music video for "Memories" premiered on SMTOWN, SM Entertainment's official YouTube channel, the same day."Memories" was guided by hit maker KENZIE, who is widely celebrated for her creations including EXO's "Overdose" and Girls' Generation's "FOREVER 1."The song gives off a nostalgic vibe by utilizing synthesizer and guitar sounds. The lyrics reflect the excitement of RIIZE's young members stepping into the bigger world, their memories of practicing together and their shared dream. The track stands as a symbolic anthem, signifying their fresh start as a unified team.The music video was shot in various U.S. locations, including LA, Thousand Oaks and Ferris. Infused with visuals related to purity and freedom unique to new boy groups, it encapAug 22, 2023By Pyo Kyung-min
'Boy with Luv' becomes BTS' 2nd music video to top 1.7 bil. YouTube views Promotion for BTS' 2019 song "Boy with Luv" having surpassed 1.7 billion views on YouTube is seen in this image provided by BigHit Music. YonhapK-pop supergroup BTS' music video for its 2019 song "Boy with Luv" has surpassed 1.7 billion views on YouTube, making it the second-most watched video following "Dynamite," its agency said Tuesday.The music video, uploaded on YouTube in April 2019, reached the milestone at 8:18 p.m. Monday, according to Big Hit Music."Boy with Luv," featuring American singer Halsey, debuted at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed on the main singles chart for eight weeks in a row.BTS has 39 music videos that have garnered over 100 million YouTube views. (Yonhap) Aug 22, 2023
BTS' Jungkook tops Billboard's global charts for 5th week Jungkook, a member of the K-pop supergroup BTS, is seen in this July 25 concept photo provided by BigHit Music. YonhapBTS member Jungkook's debut solo single, "Seven," stayed atop the U.S. Billboard Global 200 and Global Excl. U.S. charts for the fifth consecutive week. According to the latest charts unveiled Monday (U.S. local time), "Seven" continued to lead both charts for five weeks in a row, making Jungkook the first K-pop act to achieve the feat.The two charts are determined by a combination of streaming and sales data from more than 200 countries worldwide, while the second chart excludes U.S. data in its calculation."Seven" ranked No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with 104.3 million streams and 4,000 copies sold worldwide from Aug. 11-17.The song is the second to debut atop the Global 200 this year and spend at least its first five weeks at No. 1, after Miley Cyrus' "Flowers" spent its first six weeks on top of the chart. (Yonhap) Aug 22, 2023
AKMU returns to spotlight with 'Love Lee' The sibling duo AKMU / Courtesy of YG EntertainmentBy Pyo Kyung-minAKMU has made a grand comeback with their fourth single, "Love Lee," on Aug. 21, marking the end of their two-year hiatus. Fans are delighted as they get to savor the duo's musical creations once again.The title track, "Love Lee," blends acoustic tones and rhythmic drums with the duo's sensuous vocals, offering a delightful reminder of their previous love songs. Its title is a creative combination of the word "lovely" and the siblings' last name, "Lee."The title poster of AKMU's fourth single, “Love Lee” / Courtesy of YG EntertainmentThere's also a bonus track called "Fried Egg's Dream” featuring a lively synthesizer sound and a catchy chorus. The lyrics, personifying fried eggs, convey a comforting message to all listeners. The strong support of fans after the duo sang the tune at a concert in 2014, when AKMU officially debuted, is known to have played a role in the addition of the bonus track.After their hiatus, fans are elated to have the much-awaited duo return. YG Entertainment's teaser of the "Aug 22, 2023By Pyo Kyung-min
NewJeans delivers fiery performances at major music festivals in Japan, US K-pop girl group NewJeans performs onstage at Summer Sonic 2023, hosted at Zozo Marine Stadium, Tokyo, Aug. 19. Courtesy of ADORBy Pyo Kyung-minFrom Chicago's Lollapalooza to Tokyo's Summer Sonic 2023, K-pop girl group NewJeans had their fans roaring at festivals around the globe.Boasting five talented members ― Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein ― NewJeans burst onto the scene in 2022 and managed to capture the hearts of fans worldwide in just a year.Although they haven't officially debuted in Japan, NewJeans secured a spot on the main stage at Summer Sonic 2023, hosted at Zozo Marine Stadium, Tokyo, Aug. 19. Taking the stage at a noontime slot, the group attracted a throng of 30,000 enthusiastic fans.Opening their stage with crowd favorites "Ditto" and "OMG," the group said, “This is our debut at Summer Sonic, and we're really hyped.” The group shared their enthusiasm: “We worked hard to get here, so let's all have a great time today and make some unforgettable memories." NewJeans dazzled the audience with hits from their debut album, including "Cookie," "AAug 21, 2023By Pyo Kyung-min
EXO's Chen to hold belated wedding ceremony after 3 years of marriage K-pop singer Chen of EXO / Courtesy of SM EntertainmentBy Hong Hye-minEXO member Chen will hold a belated wedding ceremony this autumn after getting married more than three years ago.His agency SM Entertainment announced on Wednesday that Chen's wedding ceremony will finally take place in October later this year after a long delay due to various circumstances.In January 2020, Chen announced that he was getting married and that he was also expecting a baby with his then-girlfriend. His daughter was born later in April, making Chen the first EXO member to get married and become a father. He welcomed his second daughter in January 2022 while he was still completing military service.Chen and his wife are said to be quietly preparing for their upcoming wedding ceremony, three years after getting their marriage certificate and two babies later.Chen made a recent comeback with EXO and has been promoting the group's title track “Cream Soda.” He is also scheduled to release his first solo Japanese album titled “Polaris” on Thursday and embark on a tour of Japan startinAug 17, 2023
Shownu X Hyungwon appears on Fox's 'Good Day New York' Monsta X's Shownu and Hyungwon / Courtesy of Starship EntertainmentBy Hong Hye-minShownu and Hyungwon of the K-pop boy group Monsta X are starting to make their presence known on the global stage.The pair appeared on the talk show “Good Day New York” on FOX 5, aired Tuesday local time. As they introduced their guests, hosts Ryan Kristafer and Bianca Peters had nothing but praise for Monsta X, saying they created an international K-pop sensation with the songs “Who Do U Love” and “Someone's Someone,” while expressing their anticipation for Shownu's performance and Hyungwon's production skills in their latest collaborative album.When asked about the formation of Monsta X's first subunit eight years after their debut, Shownu X Hyungwon said, “We worked really hard on this project and I hope our fans will like it. We tried to show a different side of ourselves than what people are used to seeing in Monsta X.”The title track “Love Me a Little” and “Roll With Me” from the duo's first album “The Unseen” wereAug 17, 2023
BLACKPINK to perform in Seoul next month to wrap up world tour In this Aug. 28, 2022 file photo, K-pop girl group BLACKPINK speaks on stage at the 2022 MTV VMAs at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. AFP-YonhapK-pop girl group BLACKPINK will hold surprise concerts in Seoul next month to wrap up its ongoing world tour, the group's agency said Wednesday.YG Entertainment said the shows will take place on Sept. 16-17 in the Korean capital where the quartet began the "Born Pink" world tour in October.The tour has since brought in about 1.5 million fans in North America, Europe, Asia and Oceania, the largest number in the history of world tours by K-pop girl groups, according to the agency.Before the additional concerts were scheduled, the tour was set to end on Aug. 26 in Los Angeles.YG did not disclose the exact place for the added shows. But industry insiders predict the concerts could be held at a concert venue bigger than KSPO Dome where the tour kicked off. (Yonhap)Aug 16, 2023
NCT's Taeil suspends all activities following motorcycle accident Taeil of NCT / Courtesy of SM EntertainmentBy Pyo Kyung-minNCT member Taeil has sustained severe injuries that require surgery after a recent motorcycle accident.His agency SM Entertainment confirmed the news Tuesday revealing that the accident occurred while Taeil was on his way home on a motorcycle after finishing his schedule. Releasing a statement through NCT's official fan community, the agency said, "Following thorough examinations, Taeil was diagnosed with a fracture in his right thigh and was advised by medical staff that surgery was necessary ... Taeil is currently in a stable condition with treatment being administered to him at the hospital ahead of his surgery."Due to his injury, Taeil has momentarily put a stop to all his scheduled activities, prioritizing his health and recovery. He will, unfortunately, be absent from the eagerly awaited NCT group concert, "NCT NATION: To The World," slated for Aug. 26.Meanwhile, the group is set to release their fourth full-length album, "Golden Age," out on Aug. 28. NCT 127, the subunit of which Taeil is a member, is also gearing up fAug 16, 2023By Pyo Kyung-min
