B.I puts drug conviction behind him as he makes fresh start B.I holds media showcase in Seoul to celebrate the release of his second solo album “To Die For.” YonhapBy Hong Hye-minSinger B.I met the press for the first time since his high-profile drug conviction four years ago.The former iKon member was at a media showcase in Seoul to celebrate the release of his second solo album, “To Die For,” on Thursday.B.I's new album explores the emotions and aspirations of young people growing up, such as their dreams, loves and the meaning of life, which culminate in a movie of sorts of life's most memorable moments.B.I's new album includes two title tracks, “Fearless,” featuring BIG Naughty, and “Die for Love,” featuring Jessi.B.I performed both tracks at the showcase, dazzling the audience with his impressive range as an artist. He chose to include two title tracks in his album precisely because of the unique feel they each bring to the table.“Fearless” and “Die for Love” are two very different tracks. While “Fearless” has a bubbly vibe to it, “Die for Love&rdquJun 2, 2023
EXO trio refutes SM's claim over attempts for double contracts Baekhyun, Xiumin, Chen of K-pop boy group EXO are seen in this photo provided by SM Entertainment. YonhapThree members of K-pop boy band EXO on Friday refuted SM Entertainment's claim that they attempted to sign double contracts with another agency, in the latest tit-for-tat dispute over their contract. Baekhyun, Chen and Xiumin said through their lawyer Thursday they have notified SM of their decision to terminate their exclusive contracts with the agency over its "unfairly long-term" contracts and opaque handling of their financial settlement materials. SM defended that its contracts with the singers were renewed in a valid manner and it had provided access to settlement materials, claiming "outside forces" were enticing them to sign a double contract with a new one. In their statement released through legal representatives, the trio accused SM of making the false claim of external interference to avoid the essence of the issue and manipulate public opinion."Baekhyun, Chen and Xiumin have not entered into or attempted any other exclusive contracts besides the existing ones with SM,Jun 2, 2023
Stray Kids drops 3rd LP with 'unique, enjoyable' lead track This photo provided by JYP Entertainment shows K-pop boy group Stray Kids. YonhapPopular K-pop group Stray Kids on Friday returned after eight months with their third full-length album, "5-Star.""We'd like to show the color of Stray Kids properly after a long time through the album," the group said in an interview with its agency, JYP Entertainment. The interview was released to local news media hours before the album's release set for 1 p.m."5-Star" is the first release from the band in eight months. Last year, the six-piece group secured two No. 1s on the Billboard 200 main albums chart of the United States with their EPs "Oddinary" and "Maxident."The upcoming LP has 12 tracks of various genres, led by the song "S-Class."The album also includes "DLC," "FNF," "Hall of Fame," "Item," "Super Bowl" and "Topline."Speaking of the main track, "S-Class," team leader Changbin described it as a song highlighting the band's unique style with a new and unique song composition, and witty lyrics.Seungmin showed strong confidence in the song, calling it "a unique and enjoyable song that stands ouJun 2, 2023
'BLACKPINK THE GAME' showcases group's unique charm BLACKPINK has been featured in a new mobile game with the global release of BLACKPINK THE GAME. Courtesy of YG Entertainment By Jung Han-byulA new mobile game featuring BLACKPINK has arrived, where players can control the digital avatars of Jennie, Jisoo, Rose and Lisa.BLACKPINK THE GAME officially launched worldwide on May 18, giving players the opportunity to become a producer who helps BLACKPINK members grow their careers within the in-game metaverse. The game's developer, TakeOne Company, says the team worked hard to capitalize on BLACKPINK's global appeal for the game.Upon launching the game, players are cheerfully greeted onscreen by the members of BLACKPINK, before creating a nickname for their new characters. Set in an alternate reality where BLACKPINK members have yet to make their debut, the player's task is to help their careers by producing albums, marketing them and developing merchandise. Throughout the game, players can interact with various characterJun 1, 2023By Lee Min-young
BTS to drop new digital single 'Take Two' next month The cover of BTS' new digital single, "Take Two," is captured from its official fan community, Weverse. YonhapK-pop supergroup BTS will release a new digital single, "Take Two," with a full lineup on June 9 as part of events marking the 10th anniversary of its debut, its agency said Thursday.Seven members participated in the new single to thank its fans and express wishes for their continued support, BigHit Music said.The 2023 BTS Festa kicked off earlier in the day at various venues in Seoul to celebrate its debut anniversary, which falls on June 13. This year's edition will take place from June 12-25 at the city's major landmarks jointly with the Seoul metropolitan government, under the slogan "BTS presents everywhere." During the festival, various venues, including the Sevit floating island on the Han River, the N Seoul Tower in Mount Nam Park, Seoul City Hall, Dongdaemun Design Plaza and the World Cup Bridge, will be bathed in purple. The highlight of the festival, the main event, will take place at Han River Park in Yeouido on June 17.This promotional image for the 2023 BTS FestMay 31, 2023
Hybe's new boy group Boynextdoor aims to be 'one and only' presence in K-pop K-pop boy group Boynextdoor is seen in this photo provided by KOZ Entertainment. YonhapBoynextdoor, a new boy group from Hybe, the K-pop powerhouse behind BTS, made its debut Tuesday amid wide media attention.It is the first boy group from Hybe in about two and a half years since Enhypen in 2020."I'm very thrilled to finally come to make a debut," member Jaehyun said during a media showcase in Seoul for the group's debut album 'Who!" "We'll always be with the public and the fans."Taesan said, "I think it's meaningful to show you what I've been preparing for a long time as a trainee. We will show you our unique charm."As indicated by the name, the group aims to be a group singing about the daily lives of their peers, according to the band."We're a group that honestly tells stories from our daily lives with our unique music and is more suitable for comfort than splendors," Sungho said.Boynextdoor is more specifically the first boy group launched by KOZ Entertainment ― Hybe's sub-label which was established by rapper-producer Zico in 2019. It consists of six members ― Sungho, Riwoo, JaeMay 30, 2023
Rapper Mino attends sister's wedding in U.S. amid military service Rapper Mino of WINNER / Captured from Mino's social mediaBy Yoo Su-kyungMino of WINNER, otherwise known by his real name Song Min-ho, attended his younger sister's wedding in the United States after obtaining a leave of absence from his alternative military service duties.Mino's sister Song Dan-ah shared photos from her recent wedding on social media, where Mino can be seen holding her hand and walking down the aisle in place of their late father who passed away last year.The rapper caught the attention of many onlookers with his beige suit and long, wavy hair grown at shoulder length.According to his agency, Mino, who has been working as a social service agent as part of his alternative military service obligations, was granted a special leave to attend his sister's wedding in the United States.Mino began his alternative service two months ago but has not yet reported to boot camp for training, which may explain why he is still sporting long hair. Song Dan-ah is also a K-pop artist in her own right, having debuted as a member of New.F.O in 2011. She also starred in the variety show May 30, 2023
Brave Girls to restart activities under new name BB Girls, formerly Brave Girls, is seen in this photo provided by Warner Music Korea. YonhapK-pop girl group Brave Girls will resume activities this summer under a new name, BB Girls, the band's new agency said Tuesday.Warner Music Korea said Brave Girls' former members ― Minyoung, Yujeong, Eunji and Yuna ― will continue their musical journey as BB Girls with the music label.After a temporary hiatus following the termination of their contracts with Brave Entertainment in February, the quartet recently signed with Warner Music Korea, signaling a fresh start for the talented group.The quartet had its first live performance under the newfound identity during the Dream Concert, a large-scale annual K-pop festival, held in the southern port city of Busan, on Saturday. This marked a prelude to their highly anticipated return to the K-pop scene this summer. Brave Girls is known for its extraordinary rise to fame from relative obscurity in 2021 following the unexpected viral success of its old single "Rollin," released in March 2017. (Yonhap)May 30, 2023
SHINee celebrates 15th anniversary of debut: 'It feels surreal' SHINee members during their concert at the Tokyo Dome, Japan, in 2015 / Courtesy of SM EntertainmentSHINee to release eighth studio album By Dong Sun-hwaThis year marks the 15th anniversary of K-pop boy group SHINee, one of the marquee names in the K-pop industry and an act that has always been ahead of its time.“It may sound obvious, but it feels surreal to celebrate the 15th anniversary of our debut,” member Minho said in a recent interview through the band's agency, SM Entertainment. “I am happy and thankful that my dream, which I first had when I was a high school student, keeps on going.”Taemin added, “Our fans seem to be very loyal. Many of them have witnessed our growth, so I think they keep us in their hearts like their school memories.” SHINee arrived on the music scene as a quintet consisting of Onew, Jonghyun, Key, Minho and Taemin on May 25, 2008, with the EP, “Replay.” The title of the lead single is “Replay” in English, but it is “Noona You're So Pretty” in Korean. “Noona” is a Korean woMay 29, 2023By Dong Sun-hwa
ENHYPEN reaches new career high with latest album 'Dark Blood' K-pop boy group ENHYPEN / Courtesy of Belift LabBy Dong Sun-hwaK-pop boy group ENHYPEN has reached a new career high with its fourth-mini album, “Dark Blood,” which came out on May 22. It sold more than 1.32 million copies during the first week of release (May 22-28), according to sales tracker, Hanteo, Monday, breaking the previous record set by the third mini-album, “Manifesto: Day 1” (2022) at 1.24 million. “This is the highest-ever record for the septet (since its debut in 2020),” ENHYPEN's management company, Belift Lab, said in a statement, Monday. Belift Lab is a joint venture formed by HYBE ― home to K-pop titan BTS ― and Korean entertainment behemoth CJ ENM. Belift Lab added, “The new record is a testament to ENHYPEN's growth.”This is the third time that ENHYPEN's album has hit the 1 million mark. “Dark Blood,” in particular, sold more than 1.1 million copies on the first day of its release. Upon its release, it also ranked first on the iTunes top album chart in 30 regions around the world including Japan, IndonesiaMay 29, 2023By Dong Sun-hwa
