NewJeans is finally putting the recent dark era behind through bold looks and candid conversations in the influential Vogue Korea magazine.
On November 4, NewJeans took over Vogue Korea, showcasing their unique, bold looks. The band also flaunted its partnership with Nike, as each member wore a pair of Nike tennis that better described her style.
In the magazine’s interview, NewJeans members spoke their hearts out. Minji highlighted that fellow members have been a pillar of strength while Danielle confessed that the self-composed song at Tokyo expressed her warmth for NewJeans fans.
—-Karen Mwenda
#NEWJEANS #DanielleNewJeans #MinjiNewJeans #VogueKoreainterviewwithNewJeans #kcrush #kpop #kidol #koreangirlgroup #HYBE #kcrushamerica #kcrushmagazine #koreanfashion #koreancelebrity #NewJeansnews
Kino, from Pentagon band, has released previews of his upcoming “Everglow” single.
Kino is expected to return to the spotlight with the “Everglow” single on November 6. This will be Kino’s fourth single release.
Kino made his solo debut with the “Pose” single in August 2022. Shortly after the debut single, Kino left Cube Entertainment and established the Naked agency. Other Pentagon members also left Cube Entertainment in October 2023.
—-Karen Mwenda
#Kino #PentagonsKino #KinoEverglowsingle #CubeEntertainment #KinoNakedagency #kcrush #kinonewmusic #kpop #kidol #koreankpop #koreanhayllu #KinoEverglowteaser #kcrushamerica #kcrushmagazine #kpopceleb
Class:y will be making a comeback this November after a 2-year hiatus.
On November 2, Class: released a preview of their upcoming song to be released on November 15. This will be Class:y’s first release since 2022. The group shared a teaser of the “LOVE XX” on their YouTube page leaving fans excited for the final reveal.
Class:y also released concept photos for the group’s comeback. “LOVE XX” is part of Class:y’s comeback mini-album of the same name.
—-Karen Mwenda
#Classy #Classyreturns #Classycomeback #LoveXX #Classyminialbum #2yearhiatusends #kcrush #kpop #kidol #koreangirlband #kgirlgroup #kculture #kfashion #kcrushamerica #kcrushmagazine #Classyyoutubepageteaser
GOT7 band’s Jay B has completed his military service and is gearing up for a November release.
Jay B has finally completed the mandatory military service. The star, who was discharged on November 1, enlisted into the service back in February 2023.
A day after being released, MAUVE Company announced that Jay B is currently working on his 1st full album, ‘Road Runner’, scheduled to be released on November 27.
Jay B is also scheduled to hold the ‘TAPE: RE LEAD’ 2024-2025 JAY B CONCERT in December 2024 and January 2025 in Seoul and Thailand, respectively.
Jay B’s agency also unveiled the artist’s community page where fans can get Jay B’s latest news firsthand.
—-Karen Mwenda
#JayB #GOT7JayB #JayBmilitarydischarge #JayBNovemberAlbumRelease #JayBDecemberConcert #kcrush #kpop #JayBscCommunityPage #TAPERELEAD2025Concert #MAUVE #JayBsagencyMAUVE #1stFullAlbumRoadRunner #JayBcompletedmandatorymilitaryservice #kcrushmagazine #kcrushamerica #koreankpop #kpopsinger #kidol
A Brand Representing Unique Youth – [ODD YOUTH]
The debut single, Best Friendz, marks the entry of ODD YOUTH, a group of five members: SUMMER, MYAH, MAIKA, KANIE, and YE EUM.
‘ODD YOUTH’ is a brand that tells the genuine stories of youth who are unapologetically themselves. Although each member has a distinct personality, they create a harmonious, shining presence as ODD YOUTH. Their music celebrates the themes of pursuing their dreams and the importance of “friendship,” promising a journey of sincere storytelling.
ODD YOUTH’s brand logo was designed by a renowned design agency with accolades like the Red Dot Award, IF Award, and German GDA.
▶ “The Essence of ODD YOUTH” – ‘Best Friendz’ and Title Track ‘THAT’S ME’
ODD YOUTH’s debut single, Best Friendz, includes the song ‘Best Friendz’ and the title track ‘THAT’S ME,’ showcasing the music video and performance fully representing their brand.
▶ BRAND M/V [Best Friendz] – Revealing the Concept and Members of ‘ODD YOUTH’
The vibrant and playful brand music video, Best Friendz, introduces the “brand” concept and the five members of ODD YOUTH. The members – SUMMER, MYAH, MAIKA, KANIE, and YE EUM – each bring their unique personality, genuinely depicting ODD YOUTH’s brand concept of friendship, where their bright and happy energy shines best together.
▶ Top K-pop Creators Shaping ODD YOUTH’s Branding Content
Best Friendz expresses the honest feelings of ODD YOUTH as they approach their debut, celebrating friendship. Lyricist Seo Ji-eum, closely observed their journey and captured their excitement, concerns, and friendship in the lyrics. Directed by Shin Hee-won, the brand music video blends the group’s distinctive personalities with fun filming techniques, portraying ‘true besties vibes.’
▶ Debut Title Track, THAT’S ME – ODD YOUTH’s Ambitious Declaration
The title track, ‘’THAT’S ME, captures ODD YOUTH’s confident energy. It reflects their spirited, unapologetic selves, showcasing each member’s individuality. Directed by Shin Hee-won, the music video exudes youthfulness and wit, with a playful storyline to match their vibrant performance.
▶ BRAND STORY FILM – The Formation of “ODD YOUTH” and Their Bond
Through their brand story film, ODD YOUTH shares episodes of their time as trainees and the journey of becoming true friends. The members open up about their importance to one another, hoping their music can sincerely resonate with audiences.
#ODDYOUTH #TOPMEDIA #BestFriendzAlbumIntroduction #SUMMER #MYAH #MAIKA #KANIE #YEEUM #kpop #koreankpop #newsingle #ODDYOUTHnewsingle #SeoJieum #ShinHeewon #youthful #kcrushmagazine #friendship #kcrushamerica #koreanhallyu #koreanculture #koreannewgirlgroupODDYOUTH #kidol #kfashion #TOPMEDIAODDYOUTH #newmusicvideo #TitleTrackThatsMe #ThatsMe
The 2024 Olympic shooter Kim Ye Ji has made history by becoming the ambassador of Elon Musk’s Tesla Korea.
Kim Ye Ji made headlines for her legendary shooting skills at the 2024 Olympics in France crediting her a silver medal. Before the Olympics, Kim Ye Ji had set a new world record at Baku World Cup in May.
Kim Ye Ji’s performance at the Olympics impressed many, including Tesla’s founder, Elon Musk. The businessman and investor posted on social media praising Kim Ye Ji and commenting that she should be cast in an action movie with no acting required since her skills were good enough.
On November 1, Kim Ye Ji shared the exciting new collaboration through dashing photos on her socials. Kim Ye Ji is Tesla Korea’s first ambassador making this collaboration special.
Since the stunning Olympics performance, Kim Ye Jin has secured several notable collaborations including with Givenchy Beauty. The athlete also unveiled her community page on the ‘b.stage’ platform in September to keep fans updated on her latest news and projects.
—-Karen Mwenda
#KimYeJi #KIMYeJITeslaKoreas1stEverAmbassador #KimYeJiopenscommunitypage #bstage #KimYeJi2024Olympics #GivenchyBeauty #koreanathlete #KimYeJiSilverMedalist #ParisOlympicsKimYeJi #kcrushamerica #kcrushnews #kcrushmagazine #KimYeJinotablecollaborations #KimYeJipraisedbymanyforolympicskills #koreanhallyu #TeslaKorea #ElonMuskgaveKimYeJipraise
International pop star HEYOON has signed a contract with Universal Music Korea.
HEYOON is a Korean artist who operates in both Korea and Los Angeles. The artist has signed a contract with the global Universal Music Group division to skyrocket her global stance.
HEYOON, a dancer, singer, rapper, and choreographer, debuted as a member of Now United group in December 2017 with the “Summer in City” single. HEYOON left the group in March 2023.
While celebrating her new journey with Universal Music Korea, HEYOON hinted that she is working on a project that will be released soon. Moving to UMK will solidify HEYOON’s stance in the K-pop industry.
—-Karen Mwenda
#HEYOON #HEYOONjoinsUniversalMusicKorea #UniversalMusicKorea #kcrush #newproject #kpop #kpopindustry #kidol #NowUnitedformermember #SummerInCity #koreankpop #koreanculture #kpopentertainment #koreanews #kcrushmagazine #kcrushamerica
G-Dragon has made the highly anticipated comeback after 7 years with the “POWER” prelease single.
G-Dragon dropped the “POWER” single for his upcoming album on October 31. The pre-release single made history on Korea’s most influential platform, MELON chart, scoping over 80,000 listeners an hour after release and beating BLACKPINK Rose’s “APT” first-hour viewing rating.
The “POWER” single also scooped position 6 in the Worldwide iTunes Song Chart. “POWER” also topped in most of Korea’s charts including Flo and Genie. The pre-release also coincides with G-Dragon’s new contract with EMPIRE which houses artists, like Shaaboozey.
We are all so very happy to “hear” your return to music!
—-Karen Mwenda
#GDRAGON #BIGBANG #GDRAGONPOWER #POWERbyGDRAGON #kcrush #EMPIRE #Flo #Genie #ChartToper #kpop #kpopcomeback #koreankpop #GDRAGONReturnswithPOWER #GDRAGONiTunes #kcrushamerica #kcrushmagazine #kidol #KoreanMusicCharts #xxibgdrgn #MELONCharts #7yearwait #koreanentertainment #kcrushtopentertainmentmagazine #knews #koreanfashionicon #fashionicon #breakingnewsGDRAGON #PowerfulComeback
MEMI, a Korean rock star known as the guitar princess, has made a comeback and is scheduled to perform at Clockenflap 2024.
MEMI has made a comeback with the “LOVE SONG” single. The single follows MEMI’s “I’m Broken” single released early this year. MEMI released her ‘M3MI’ debut album on December 2023.
MEMI is also scheduled to perform at Clockenflap 2024, Hong Kong’s annual music and arts festival that incorporates international and local artists. MEMI will also be in Taiwan’s biggest music festival, the Fireball Festival. MEMI is praised for delivering electrifying performances including at the US’ SXSW 2024 and Sydney’s Sydney Fringe Festival.
—-Karen Mwenda
#MEMI #GuitarPrincessMEMI #Clockenflap2024 #kcrush #HongKongsAnnualMusicandArtsFestival #KoreanRock #GuitarPlayer #internationalandlocalartist #MEMISXSW2024 #SydneysSydneyFringeFestival #LoveSongsingle
As the year ends, artists are gearing up to end the year in style through outstanding releases. The following artists will be joining fellow artists; including BTS’ Jin, BABYMOSTER, ENHYPEN, and SHINee’s MINHO, in making a comeback this November.
1. Y Park
J.Y Park is set to come back on November 4 with the “Easy Lover” digital single. the artist will also be holding the ‘Still JYP’ solo concert from 27th to 29th December at Olympic Hall in Olympic Park, Seoul.
2. Heize
Heize will be making a comeback on November 6 with her 9th album, ‘FALLIN’. On October 30, Heize shared teaser images of the upcoming release. Heize’s last release was the ‘Last Winter’ album on December 2023.
3. ATEEZ
ATEEZ will be celebrating their 6th anniversary with the ‘GOLDEN HOUR: Part 2’ album to be released on November 15. The release comes about 6 months after the ‘GOLDEN HOUR: Part 1’ album release.
4. Taeyeon
Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon will be returning to the screens with the ‘Letter to Myself’ album on November 18. This marks about 4 months since the artist’s July “Heaven” single.
5. Kyunhyun
Super Junior’s Kyuhyun is set to celebrate 10 years since his solo debut with the 1st full-length album, ‘COLORS’, on November 27. Kyunhyun will also celebrate the anniversary with an Asia tour scheduled for April 5, 2025.
6. WayV
WayV will be returning with their 6th mini album, titled ‘FREQUENCY’ on November 25. “HIGH FIVE”, a pre-release track from the album is scheduled for release on November 19.
—-Karen Mwenda
#NovemberComebacks #Heize #Taeyeon #GirlsGeneration #JYPark #kcrush #WayV #6thminialbumFREQUENCY #HighFive #kpop #kidol #kcelebrity #koreankpop #pop #kcrushamerica #kcrushmagazine #KyunHyun #ATEEZ #ATEEZ6Anniversary #koreanculture #koreanentertainment #comebacks #digitalsingle #Seoul #prereleasetrack #SuperJuniorKyunHyun #hallyu #fun
Actress Han So Hee confirmed that her debut profile reads 1 year younger than her actual age.
On October 31, Han So Hee explained through her agency the reason why her profile reads born in 1994 and not 1993. In the explanation, the agency confirmed that because of her mother’s gambling allegation, So Hee was unable to attend school for a year and relocate to Ulsan. After her mother was finally charged and imprisoned, So Hee returned to Wonju and had to re-enroll in 4th grade. As a result, the actress has been using the same details since then.
This story matches So Hee’s statement 4 years ago after a controversy regarding her family. In this statement, So Hee claimed that after her parents divorced and her mother was imprisoned, the actress was raised by her grandmother from the age of 5. In this statement, So Hee also indicated that she had paid off her mother’s debt.
So Hee’s agency apologized for the uncomfortable issue regarding their artists. However, they clarified that the case is not related to the actress but solely due to the mother’s unilateral actions. Han So Hee is currently working hard to advance in her acting career as validated by her impressive performance in the recently released “Gyeongseong Creature 2” drama.
—-Karen Mwenda
#SoHee #SoHeesagencyapologized #SoHeesmother #GyeongseongCreature2 #kdrama #koreandrama #koreanactress #kcrush #kculture #kfashion #WhyMyProfileReads1YearYoungerSoHee #kcrushamerica #kcrushmagazine #knews #kactress
Junsu and Kim Jae Joong’s November concert sold out soon upon release.
Kim Jae Joong, “Bad Memory Eraser” K-drama actor, and Junsu are scheduled to hold the ‘JX Identity in Seoul’ tour in November. The tour, running from 8th to 10th November, will be taking place at the Olympic Park KSPO Dome.
The duo will be celebrating their 20th anniversary with the ‘JX Identity in Seoul’ concert. Ticketing started with pre-sales to membership holders before opening to the general public. However, the concert was sold out immediately forcing the management to add additional seats. The duo is expected to continue with performances in Japan on 14th and 15th December at Saitama Belluna Dome.
—-Karen Mwenda
#Junsu #JXIdentityinSeoulConcert #SoldOutConcert #kcrush #JunsuandKimJaeJoong #kdrama #kpop #kidol #koreancelebrity #kcrushamerica #kcrushmagazine #concertsoldout #Japaneseperformances #SaitamaBellunaDome #korean #duo #20thAnniversary #KimJaeJoong #koreandramaactor #koreanhallyu #fun #congratulations #Seoulconcert
TWICE will make history this November by being the 1st K-pop act to perform at Amazon Music Live.
The legendary TWICE girl group is scheduled to turn heads with an outstanding performance at this season’s Amazon Music Live. The live music session airs exclusively on Prime Video after the ‘Thursday Night Football’ NFL game.
TWICE will share the stage with notable artists such as Big Sean and Jelly Roll. The Amazon Music Live is scheduled for November 21. TWICE recently celebrated their 8th anniversary with the ‘HOME9ROUND’ fan meeting. The 9-member group is also preparing for the ‘STARETGY’ album release on December 6.
—-Karen Mwenda
#TWICE #1stKPOPActatAmazonMusicLive #AmazonMusicLive #HOME9ROUNDfanmeeting #STARETGY #kcrush #kpop #kidol #koreancelebrity #TWICEinternationalcelebrity #9membergirlgroup #PrimeVideolive #kcrushamerica #kcrushmagazine
LE SSEFARIM girl group will be performing at the 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards.
Despite the ongoing HYBE agency controversy, LE SSEFARIM had some good news for its fans. The girl band has been confirmed to be performing at the 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards. The event is scheduled for November 10 at Co-Op Live, Manchester, England.
LE SSEFARIM will perform alongside global artists like Tyla and Pet Shop Boys. This announcement has created such an internet frenzy, especially after LE SSEFARIM’s recent performance at 2024 MTV VMA’s pre-show in September.
—-Karen Mwenda
#LESSEFARIM #2024MTVEuropeMusicAwards #HYBE #LESSEARIMperformingatthe2024MTVEuropeMusicAwards #kcrush #kpop #kcrushamerica #kcrushmagazine #koreangirlgroup #kidol #koreancelebrity #LESSEFARIMnewsforfans #koreanhallyu #toperform #koreanentertainmentindustry #girlgroup #Seoul #LESSEFARIMinthenews #knews #kmedia
Dear ALICE is scheduled to release the ‘Made in Korea: The K-Pop Experience‘ official OST album in November.
Dear ALICE, a British boy band formed by SM Entertainment and Moon & Back Media, will be an official OST for the ‘Made in Korea: The K-Pop Experience‘ documentary series. The OST album will be released on November 1.
The series highlights the group’s journey throughout its 100-day K-Pop training experience in South Korea. The series was aired on BBC One and BBC iPlayer a few months ago. The OST album will include 6 tracks with the lead song being “Best Days of Our Lives”.
—-Karen Mwenda
#DearALICE #SMEntertainment #documentary #BBCOne #BBCiPlayer #OSTalbum #BestDaysofOurLives #kcrush #kpop #kidol #kpopBritishgroup #100daykpoptrainingexperienceinSouthKorea #MoonandBackMedia #kculture #kmusic #kpopfan #MadeInKoreaTheKPopExperienceOSTalbum #DearALICEdocumentary #kcrushamerica #kcrushmagazine #newmusic
SEVENTEEN will be making history by becoming the first K-Pop band to perform at Mexico’s Tecate Pa’l Norte.
SEVENTEEN will be performing at Tecate Pa’l Norte 2025 scheduled from 4th to 6th of April next year. The 13-member team will be among those gracing the event’s opening day.
SEVENTEEN will be gracing Tecate Pa’l Norte 2025 alongside global artists like Justin Timberlake and Olivia Rodrigo.
Pledis Entertainment announced that SEVENTEEN plans to showcase their outstanding performances and charm to Latin fans. Tecate Pa’l Norte is a grand event that attracts over 100,000 individuals every year. SEVENTEEN is currently on its ‘RIGHT HERE’ world tour that kicked off on October 12 with performances across cities in the US and Asia.
—-Karen Mwenda
#SEVENTEEN #SEVENTEENToPerformAtTecatePalNorte #SEVENTEENinMexico #kcrush #RIGHTHERETour #kpop #PledisEntertainment #LatinFans #SEVENTEEN1stKPopGroupToPerformAtMexicosTecatePalNorte #kidol #koreanews #kentertainmentnews #kcrushamerica #kcrushmagazine #congratulationstoSEVENTEEN #kpopTour
Lots of new cities and dates have been added to our lineup, the shows just keep getting better and better! DJ Yuka has personally recruited and hired a few new DJ’s to fill in while she is away on vacation, and they have been absolutely killing it! Give it up for the The Hype Boy from Jersey himself, DJ CHEN, our regular host POSION AIVY and our resident mixologist since 2018 DJ SEOLYING!
The parties don’t stop, the music keeps getting better, our crowds are getting bigger, let’s face it; WE GO UP!
We have an insane weekend coming up with 3 shows in SF, CLE and NYC! Dress up it’s still kinda Halloween!
Have you met our new DJ’s?
DJ CHEN The Hype Boy from Jersey is absolutely killing it! https://www.instagram.com/p/DBowcVwJuWJ/
DJ SEOLYING Our resident VIP mixologist since 2018! https://www.instagram.com/p/DAziEzAgKwk/
—————————————————————
KPOP CLUB NIGHT UPCOMING DATES NOV 2024 –>
Nov 1 – San Francisco – Temple SF (21+) – DJ Chen
Tickets: https://www.eventbee.com/v/kpop-club-night-in-san-francisco-nov-1-at-temple/event?eid=200326652
Nov 1 – Cleveland – Velvet Dog (21+) – With DJ Seolying & Poison Aivy
Tickets: https://www.eventbee.com/v/kpop-club-night-in-cleveland-nov-1-at-the-velvet-dog/event?eid=239815993
Nov 2 – New York – 230 Fifth Rooftop (21+) – With DJ Chen
Tickets: https://www.eventbee.com/v/kpop-club-night-in-new-york-nov-2-at-230-fifth-rooftop/event?eid=260320404
Nov 8 – Calgary – The Rec Room (18+) – With DJ Seolying & Poison Aivy
https://www.eventbee.com/v/kpop-club-night-in-calgary-nov-8-at-the-rec-room/event?eid=267117064
Nov 9 – Edmonton – Temple Ballroom (18+) – With DJ Seolying & Poison Aivy
Tickets: https://www.eventbee.com/v/kpop-club-night-in-edmonton-nov-9-at-temple-ballroom/event?eid=267017163
Nov 15 – Orlando – Celine (18+) – With DJ Chen
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kpop-club-night-w-yuka-k-fri-111524-tickets-1003976168747?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
Nov 16 – Minneapolis – Varsity Theatre with DJ Chen
Tickets: https://concerts.livenation.com/kpop-club-night-minneapolis-minnesota-11-16-2024/event/0600612BBED23A5C
Nov 22 – Houston – NOTO (18+) – With DJ Chen
Tickets: https://www.eventbee.com/v/kpop-club-night-in-houston-nov-22-at-noto-htx/event?eid=217718351
Nov 23 – Austin – Summit Lounge (18+) – With DJ Chen
https://www.tixr.com/groups/specialdeliverypresents/events/kpop-night-summit-austin-119540
Nov 29 – Seattle – Q Nightclub (21+) with DJ Chen
Tickets: https://tickets.qnightclub.com/a/1129kpop/tickets/rc
Nov 30 – Portland – 45 East PDX (21+) with DJ Chen
Tickets: https://45east.tixr.com/kpop
Dec 6 – Los Angeles (18+) – Catch One with DJ Chen
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kpop-club-night-tickets-1043118935817
Dec 7 – Albuquerque (18+) – Electric Playhouse – with DJ Chen
Tickets: https://www.eventbee.com/v/kpop-club-night-in-abq-dec-7-at-electric-playhouse/event?eid=247616964
Dec 13 Jacksonville Florida – TBA (18+)
Dec 14 – Miami – Mad Live (18+) – With DJ Seolying
Tickets: https://www.eventbee.com/v/kpop-club-night-in-miami-dec-14-at-mad-live/event?eid=268619944
Dec 14 – Sacramento – Harlows (21+) – With DJ Chen
Tickets: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/46710368/kpop-club-nightwith-dj-chen-sacramento-harlows
Dec 20 – Philadelphia – NOTO (21+) – With DJ Chen
Tickets: https://www.eventbee.com/v/kpop-club-night-in-philadelphia-dec-20-at-noto/event?eid=290529304&code=NOTO
Dec 27 – Chicago – House Of Blues (18+) – With DJ Chen & special guests
Tickets on sale Nov 4
Dec 28 – Charlotte – The Underground (18+) – With DJ Chen & special guests
Tickets: https://concerts.livenation.com/kpop-club-night-18-charlotte-north-carolina-12-28-2024/event/2D006114F2645A6E
JUST ADDED!
Dec 31 – Detroit – El Club (18+) – With DJ Chen and G
Tickets: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/95870733/kpop-nye-club-night-detroit-el-club
Jan 24 – Birmingham Alabama – Saturn (18+) – With DJ Chen
Tickets: https://wl.seetickets.us/event/kpop-club-night-with-dj-chen/622334?afflky=SaturnBirmingham
Jan 25 – New York – Huge concert hall event 18+ at Irving Plaza with Live Nation – Announce and on sale Nov 6
See you on the dance-floor!
FOLLOW AND TAG
Make sure to follow and tag us in your posts and stories!
Kpop Club Night http://instagram.com/kpopclubnight
Make requests a week before the show at http://tiktok.com/@kpopclubnight
Listen to past mixes at http://mixcloud.com/kpopclubnight
All tickets on sale now at http://kpopclubnight.com
“I met one of my besties there! Love you girl!”
@gabriellapadilla2002
“I made a bunch of friends at one last weekend, it was so much fun 10/10 would do again <3″”
@Chrystalliadoeseverything
“Play more girl groups!”
Lots of you
“Play more boy groups!”
Also lots of you
“If anyone is wondering whether or not these are worth your pennies…ABSOLUTELY YES IT IS SO WORTH IT.”
@bamdotbee
“Let him cook!”
Rail head-banger, HB Social – Honolulu 7/29/24
HYBE entertainment agency has been going through a series of ordeal in the past few days.
In addition to the Newjeans and Min Hee Jin’s issue, the recent series of ordeals stem from HYBE’s controversial internal report that criticized idols. The report gained attention during the October 2024 National Assembly audit where its inhumane content started gaining trackion on the internet. The report included statements such as “members debuted when they were at their ugliest” and “no one has the features of an idol, and the plastic surgery is excessive”.
The report, titled “Weekly Music Industry Report”, was meant for key leaders of HYBE and its subsidiary labels. The content criticized idols to the extent of demeaning their appearances and skills. Amidst the rage which saw artists and producers also respond to the criticisms, HYBE dismissed the report creator, Chief Content Officer Kang, on October 29.
On October 29, HYBE’s CEO Lee Jae Sang also posted an apology on the agency’s official website. The CEO apologized to artists, fans, and industry colleagues for the demeaning report. Jae Sang highlighted that the report was for collecting opinions on industry trends and issues. However, he admitted that the company was at fault for using provocative language toward K-pop artists and allowing the author’s personal assessments and opinions to be included in the document.
—-Karen Mwenda
#HYBE #HYBEcontroversey #Idolreport #kcrush #HYBECEOLeeJaeSang #LeeJaeSangapology #kpopidol #kpop #koreanentertainmentagency #kcrushamerica #kcrushmagazine #demeaningreport #kpopartists #korea #music
Why is this so frustrating?!” is a question I ask myself every time I sit down to write a piece for publication. The angst of the creative process is exasperating, energy consuming and… well, fun. Once you’ve gotten into your groove anyway. In filmmaker Kenichi Ugana’s (Love Will Tear Us Apart, Extraneous Matter), chaotic and funny homage to the pain, and horror of the creative process and Japanese splatter films, The Gesuidouz ザ・ゲスイドウズ, the angst of creating is brilliantly tied to the fear of maturing while trying to figure out how to be a successful punk rocker for lead singer and writer Hanako (Natsuko) and her perfectly imperfect bandmates.
Named after song lyrics referencing the desire to want to live like a “gutter rat” and the Japanese word for sewage, but also the hope of something beautiful coming from something dirty, Hanako has one wish, for The Gesuidouz to have a major hit single and perform at the famous Glastonbury Festival in England before her untimely demise on her 27th birthday.
Convinced she’s destined to die like some of the greatest punk rockers who popularised the genre though she herself is neither as talented and famous as them, nor has any known life-threatening disease – Hanako’s obsession serves as her driving force to create. While her four best friends and bandmates played by, Leo Imamura, Yutaka Kayan, and Rocko Zevenbergen, believe in Hanako completely, their Manager (Yûya Endô) is as frustrated by their abysmal album sales, as she is her writer’s block. Desperate for them to create a hit, he sends them to a rural village in the countryside to take part in a ‘work for lodging’ program.
And wouldn’t you know it. It works. Hanako and the band find inspiration by going back to the origins of punk rockers rocking out in small garages, but this time in a barn surrounded by animals, vegetable fields, and an audience of elderly people who might not understand their lyrics but appreciate their sound.
While in Toronto for the world premiere of The Gesuidouz ザ・ゲスイドウズ at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival, Ugana sat with me to talk about his own creative process, using calligraphy as a visual metaphor for the blood and pain of creating, using an homage horror film and punk rock to highlight the dilemma of Japan’s aging population.
The Gesuidouz ザ・ゲスイドウズ premiered in the TIFF 2024 Midnight Madness program.
Interpretation for the interview was conducted by Aki Takabatake of MOMO Films.
Carolyn Hinds
Freelance Film Critic, Journalist, Podcaster & YouTuber
African American Film Critics Association Member, Tomatometer-Approved Critic
Host & Producer Carolyn Talks…, and So Here’s What Happened! Podcast
Bylines at http://Authory.com/CarolynHinds
Twitter & Instagram: @CarrieCnh12
#KCrush #TIFF24 #TIFF #JapaneseFilm #AsianCinema #InternationalFilmFestival #Japan #KCrushMagazine #KCrushAmerica #KCrushFeaturedInterview #filmfestival #topfilminterview
SEVENTEEN’s Seungkwan could no longer hold his peace and ended up speaking his heart out highlighting that “idols are not items to be used”.
On October 29, Seungkwan shared a heartwarming message on Instagram pleading for more humanity. This message comes amidst recently released reports of HYBE’s internal documents critiquing idols of other agencies.
In the post, Seungkwan admitted that he could no longer stand back as the situation was worsening. The artist highlighted that fans and other artists work so hard. He added that artists give all they have to share their positive energy with their fans. Seungkwan pointed out that being an idol isn’t something he as an artist should have to endure while it eats him away. The star emphasized that artists should not be underestimated nor are they items to be used however users deem profitable.
Seungkwan added that it takes a toll on idols as they strive every moment while on stage. The star concluded by expressing his hopes that the industry would be a little bit more considerate and kind. Seungkwan highlighted that his heart breaks watching others give in and give up. He requested that people should not cause pain if they cannot afford to be accountable. Seungkwan also shared a personal note from fellow idol Haewon, an NMIXX member, which also echoed a similar message. Seungkwan ended the note in gratitude wishing everyone happiness and good health.
—-Karen Mwenda
#SEVENTEENSeungkwan #IdolsAreNotItemsToBeUsed #kcrush #koreanartist #koreanidol #kpop #kmusic #pop #HYBEsInternalDocuments #discussingidols #kcrushamerica #kcrushtopentertainmentmagazine #donotcausepain #havehumanity #stopspeakingillofothers #Seungkwantspeaksout #bemoreconsiderate
The court rejected Min Hee Jin’s plea to be reinstated as the ADOR CEO.
On October 29, Seoul Central District Court denied Min Hee Jin the honor of being reinstated as the CEO of ADOR. This follows Min Hee Jin’s hearing on October 11 after Min Hee filed a reinstatement injunction on September 13. In the injunction, Min Hee was pursuing a court mandate that would culminate in ADOR’s board voting for her reinstatement.
The September 11 injunction came about after ADOR’s board voted out Min Hee and replaced her with HYBE’s human resource head, Kim Joo Young. Since Mi Hee claimed that HYBE violated their shareholder agreement by voting her out, the company responded by extending her term, but as a main producer. the extension is set to expire on November 1.
—-Karen Mwenda
#MinHeeJin #courtdismissesMinHeeJinsADORCEOReinstatementPlea #pleaforreinstatement #HYBE #kcrush #ADORCEO #SeoulCentralCourtDistrict #korea #koreanpop #koreanentertainmentbusiness #kcrushamerica #kpop #kidol #kculture #kfashion #notreinstated