Time Traveller KIM WOO SEOK returns on April 3rd…New album [Blank Page] Comeback Scheduler Revealed

 

– KIM WOO SEOK reveals 4th Mini Album [Blank Page] comeback scheduler in clock form
– The 4th album in time [Blank Page] succeeded in making people curious about the time traveler concept.

Singer KIM WOO SEOK unveiled the comeback scheduler on his official channel at midnight on the 17th.

The 4th Mini Album [Blank Page] scheduler, which was released, is a motion-type scheduler that fits the concept of a “time traveler,” and captures KIM WOO SEOK ‘s album promotion schedule, which will be released through a watch image, once again.

Through the comeback scheduler, KIM WOO SEOK predicted new promotional contents such as “at some time,” “attached from,” and “from time to time,” raising questions about the story to be solved through this album.

In addition, the “Blank Page” comeback scheduler further raised fans’ expectations by helping KIM WOO SEOK imagine “Time Traveller KIM WOO SEOK,” which was released to fans as a preliminary spoiler, along with a comeback spoiler of the watch image released on the 14th.

Meanwhile, KIM WOO SEOK ‘s new album, 4th Mini Album [Blank Page], will begin pre-orders at 2 p.m. today (17th), and his 4th solo album [Blank Page] will be released on April 3.

[Photo provided by TOP Media]

 

#KimWooSeokTimeTravellerBlankPage #kcrushnews #KimWooSeok #newalbum #4thminialbum #kpop #kpopmusic #BlankPage #4thsoloalbum #BlankPagecomebackscheduler #TOPMedia #kcrushamerica #timetravelconcept #KimWooSeokTOPMedia

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Dance performance video

‘Exoprimal’ game trailer

‘Funky Jumping’, the latest track from Japanese boyband Da-iCE, has been used as the theme tune to ‘Exoprimal’, the new team-based multiplayer game from world-class Japanese game developer Capcom. The words were written by Da-iCE member Sota Hanamura, and inspired by the game’s setting, the track boasts powerful singing, sharp lyrics and an edgy, danceable sound.

 

 

In response to calls from fans on social media requesting a chance to see the song performed, Da-iCE have also released a “dance practice” video for ‘Funky Jumping’. While the video was put together quickly so as not to keep their fans waiting, it features incredible choreography by KAZtheFIRE. The video began causing a stir online ahead of its release, when it was announced that the dance routine would represent “the highest calorie consumption in Da-iCE history”.

When the video was finally released, fans noted the complexity of the dance routine, with comments such as “It’s the ultimate in cool”, “I’m especially impressed by how they make it look so easy!”, “The formation is as complex as you’d hope” and “They perform Kaz’s intense choreography in such a passionate, cool and expressive way”.

KAZtheFIRE commented, “The dance routine for ‘Funky Jumping’ was created with the concept of presenting a group of powerful, energetic but playful young men. I was also conscious to add a little bit of sex appeal, to show a new side of Da-iCE! I hope you will pay attention to the finer details of the dance routine, while enjoying a slightly different take on Da-iCE! Funky Jumping!!!”

Watch carefully, and maybe you can take on KAZtheFIRE’s challenge with your own version of this awesome new dance!

 

 

About Da-iCE

Da-iCE are a five-piece boyband with twin vocalists who boast an impressive four-octave singing range. The group was formed on January 17, 2011 by vocalists Yudai Ohno and Sota Hanamura, and performers Taiki Kudo, Toru Iwaoka and Hayate Wada. The group put out a new release each month for six consecutive months from August 26, 2020, starting with anime series ‘ONE PIECE’ theme song ‘DREAMIN’ ON’, and followed by the album ‘SiX’ in January 2021. ‘CITRUS’, which was the theme song for the Nippon TV Sunday drama series ‘The Way of the Househusband’, has surpassed 350 million total plays online, winning an award at the prestigious 63rd Japan Record Awards. Their song ‘Star Mine’ set TikTok ablaze upon its release in August 2022, generating over 500 million views.

 

Further information

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | YOUTUBE

 

#DaiCE #DreaminOn #SIXDaiCE #Exoprimal #CITRUS #NipponTVdrama #TheWayoftheHousehusbandOST #JPOP #kcrushnews #Japanesetopboygroup #FunkyJumpingDaiCE #kcrushamericamagazine #YudaiOhno #SotaHanamura #TaikiKudo #ToruIwaoka #HayateWada #danceperformancevideo #KAZtheFIREchallenge #ExoprimalGameTrailer #kcrush2014 #dancepracticevideoDaiCE #kcrushmedia #OnePiecethemesongDreaminOn #StarMineonTikTok #DaiCE53rdJapanRecordAwards #newteambasedmultiplayergame #fivepiecejapaneseboyband

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Performance video

 

Having made their debut in 2017 with the hit single ‘Best Part of Us’, Japanese masked production unit AmPm have won fans all around the world.

Today, March 17, AmPm have released ‘Sweet Escape feat. RAENE’, the sixth advance release from their upcoming album themed on global travel – this time set in Amsterdam.

The single is a collaboration with RAENE, a singer and songwriter based in London, England. Fusing an R&B base with elements of alternative pop, this acclaimed up-and-coming artist featured in BBC Introducing’s “Top 25 Most Played Artists of 2020”.

The lyrics express RAENE’s own experience of visiting Amsterdam, a city steeped in dance music culture, while the music leans into the current drum & bass revival.

‘Sweet Escape’ brilliantly layers RAENE’s sweet and feminine yet strong vocals into a rich and unforgettable melody, creating a track that is both comforting to listen to and endlessly danceable.

 

 

About AmPm

AmPm are a masked production duo from Japan who made a major global impact with their March 2017 debut track, ‘Best Part of Us feat. Michael Kaneko’. The same year, they were the only Japanese artist to perform at Spotify On Stage, a festival in Indonesia hosted by Spotify. In 2018, they dominated stages around the world, from ULTRA Miami, ULTRA Korea and ULTRA Japan to a headline concert in New York. In addition to releasing their own original music, AmPm have remixed tracks by popular overseas artists such as Afrojack, R3HAB and Nicky Romero, along with remixes for renowned Japanese artists like Gesu no Kiwami Otome (‘Black Parade’) and MONKEY MAJIK (‘Tokyo Lights’), and production for Ken Hirai’s track ‘Holic’. Collaborating with a plethora of dance-music vocalists, they have released more than 30 tracks to date. In March 2019, they were recognized at the Digital Contents of the Year 2018 / 24th AMD Award, winning the Special Jury Award.

 

Further information

MUSIC | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | TIKTOK

 

#AmPm #Japanesemaskedproductionduo #BestPartofUs #MichaelKaneko #SweetEscapefeaturingRaene #kcrush #ULTRAKorea #ULTRAMiami #ULTRAJapan #kcrushintheknow #kcrushmedia #BBC #Raene #globaltraveltheme #dancemusic #newalbumAMPM #Amsterdam #Japanesegroup #worldconcerts

 

“The Vexations of a Shut-In Vampire Princess” is a very popular Japanese light novel series which was written by Kotei Kobayashi originally and illustrated by Riichu. This work won the award of excellence at the GA Bunko Grand Prix. The character, VillhazeIt has been very active on the official twitter. Now we will reveal exciting news!

The TV Anime, “The vexations of a Shut-In Vampire Princess”, will be broadcasted in October 2023! It’s first PV with lots of new characters has arrived!

The TV Anime of “The Vexations of a Shut-In Vampire Princess” will be broadcasted in October 2023!

The 1st PV with all new characters including Sakuna Memoir, Nelia Cunningham and Karla Amatsu has arrived! Please look forward to hearing further news!

The first PV: https://youtu.be/sgXzmjaSQQI

 

 

The teaser PV: https://youtu.be/YRDSausZ4_g

The information of the TV Anime, “The Vexations of a Shut-In Vampire Princess”

 

 

Anime Official HP: https://hikikomari.com/

Anime Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/komarin_PR

 

[ Information On the on air ]

It will be broadcasted in October 2023.

 

[ Staff ]

• Author of the original work：Kotei Kobayashi（GA Bunko／SB Creative published）
• Charactre Design：Riichu
• Producer：Tatsuma Minamikawa
• Series Structure：Keiichiro Ochi
• Character Design：Tomoyuki Shimoya
• Music：Go Shiina
• Animation production：Project No.9

 

[ Cast ]

• Terakomari Gandesblood：Tomori Kusunoki
• Villhaze：Sayumi Suzushiro
• Sakuna Memoir：Manaka Iwami
• Nelia Cunningham：Fairouz Ai
• Karla Amatsu：Miyuri Shimabukuro
• Karen Helvetius：Yoko Hikasa

 

[ Introduction ]

Terakomari Gandesblood is the daughter of the prestigious Gandesblood family in the Mulnite Imperial.

She has been living as a shut-in for three years since she suffered from a lack of skills of handling magic, incapability of physical exercise and not being able to get taller. She can’t even drink blood even though she is a vampire.

But her loving father found a crazy job for her. She was appointed as a new commander of the Mulnite Imperial Army’s 7th Unit of ruffians and criminals. The name of the title is “Shichiguten”!

It is the only job for a strong candidate and has to start a war against other countries every 3 months and beat them. It is a very demanding job, and her army members are all former criminals, and they are so ready to rebel against her.

She definitely wanted to refuse this offer but there is no chance she can say no since it was appointed by the emperor himself. If the servants found out about her it would be a real disaster… even so, komari faked it and charmed people and completed her duties!

“What I am going to do from now on is an amazing achievement! Well, I, Terakomari Gandesblood, is going to kill all other 5 commanders in the battle and I am going to show the power of our Mulnite Imperial!”

The strongest achievement in history by the strongest (!?) Vampire Princess begins now!

 

 

#VampirePrincess #kcrush #TheVexationsofaShutInVampirePrincess#kcrushamerica #writtenbyKoteiKobayashioriginally #illustratedbyRiichu #NBCUniversalEntertainment #TVAnimeseries #October2023 #kcrushnews #anime #JapaneseAnime #newanimeshow2023 #kcrushmedia #kcrushintheknow #newcharachers #trailerteaser

The sassy progressive K-pop group will make their way to nine cities for their first-ever North American Tour starting on May 16th after unforgettable performances in Asia

Tickets are on sale on at 10am local time on March 29 at Ticketmaster.com

Overwhelming excitement and outstanding performances continue for MAMAMOO as they announce their “MY CON” World Tour is headed to the U.S for the first time. After wrapping up their latest performances across Asia, the popular K-Pop group will head to the U.S. for their inaugural arena tour that launches in New York City on May 16th, 2023; hitting a total of nine cities coast to coast with many major markets in between. Presented by Mammoth, Inc. and Sugar Monkey Live, this will be MAMAMOO’s first ever global tour, as well as their American debut.

 

 

The girls knocked it out of the park with their mini album “MIC ON” in October 2022, and promptly followed up with a hugely successful, nine cities tour across Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Bangkok, Jakarta, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Manila. MAMAMOO has established themselves as unrivaled icons of K-Pop, having sold out more than twenty concerts since their first one in 2016. MAMAMOO is set to rock some of the biggest cities in the U.S. this summer with the same excitement and passion that has endeared them to their global fandom with each performance since their debut.

“Wherever it is, it becomes yours, mine and our stage.”

– MAMAMOO

The tour will see all four members, Solar, Moon Byul, Whee In, and Hwa Sa, join hands once again, ready to take the stage in premier venues across the country; a complete list of the tour dates is listed below.

 

2023 MY CON U.S. Tour Dates:

All dates and cities below are subject to change.

May 16	New York, NY
May 18	Baltimore, MD
May 20	Atlanta, GA
May 22	Nashville, TN
May 24	Fort Worth, TX
May 27	Chicago, IL
May 31	Glendale, AZ
June 2	Oakland, CA
June 4	Los Angeles, CA

MAMAMOO’s first song, “Mr. Ambiguous,” debuted in 2014 and cemented their position as a mainstream K-pop knockout. Their launch was considered by some critics as one of the best K-pop debuts of 2014. They are recognized for their retro, jazz, R&B concepts and their strong vocal performances. Their song “HIP” is their first music video to hit 370 million views on YouTube and 210 million streams on Spotify, since their release in 2019. The quartet is known for being daring and breaking the rules in K-pop with their progressive fashion style, challenging the Korean music norms for women, and their girl boss attitude. MAMAMOO promotes being an independent woman with no restrictions. Hwa Sa is the most successful soloist, with her hit song “Maria” (2020) breaking records with more than 270 million views on YouTube. The recently released single, “ILLELLA,” encapsulates the unique talent and versatility of all four members.

 

 

ABOUT MAMAMOO

MAMAMOO (Korean: 마마무), is a four-member girl group consisting of Solar, Moon Byul, Whee In, and Hwa Sa, who are loved by the public for their outstanding singing skills and spectacular performances. In 2014, The Group officially debuted with their song “Mr. Ambiguous” and impressed the public with their proficient stage manners and perfect vocal performances. Since then, they have released songs such as ‘Piano Man’, ‘Um Oh Ah Yeh’, ‘You’re the Best’, ‘Décalcomanie’, ‘Yes I am’, ‘Starry Night’, ‘Egotistic’, ‘Wind flower’, ‘gogobebe’, and ‘HIP’. The album became a hit in a row, and they became known as one of the best popular girl groups in Korea. Also, MAMAMOO has established itself as a “performance idol group” by selling out more than 20 concerts since their first concert in 2016. In October 2022, MAMAMOO released the 12th EP [MIC ON] and received great love for their unique concepts and intense performances with the title song ‘ILLELLA’.

 

#MAMAMOO #MAMAMOOUSTour #firstUSAtour #kpop #kcrushnews #Solar #MoonByul #WheeIn #HwaSa #performanceidolgroup #sellingout #SXSWperformers #MyConWorldTour #MAMAMOOticketsMarch292023 #MAMAMOO2023Tour #kcrushamerica #kcrushmedia #kpopidol #kpopmusic #kpopconcert #kpopscene #Koreanmusic #Asianmusic #UmOhAhYeh #MrAmbiguous #kpopgirgroup #hallyu #MAMAMOOFashion

 

The 95^th annual Academy Awards were held March 12, 2023. The night was filled with surprises and was nothing short but historic for A24’s Everything Everywhere All at Once (EEAAO) and its cast and directors.

EEAAO earned 11 nominations for this year’s Oscars, leading the pack of nominees. Of the 11 nominations, the film— which was widely praised since its release— won seven of the awards include Best Supporting Actress (Jamie Lee Curtis), Best Director (Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert), Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor (Ke Huy Quan), Best Original Screenplay, Best Film Editing, and Best Actress (Michelle Yeoh).

With its seven wins, EEAAO tied 2013’s Gravity for the most Oscar wins by a science-fiction film, which the latter won in 2014.

EEAAO’s wins made additional history throughout the night. For director Daniel Kwan, winning Best Director, Screenplay, and Best Picture made him the second Asian director to pull off an Oscar’s “hat trick” after Bong Joon Ho did it in 2020 with Parasite (2019).

For Vietnamese American actor Ke Huy Quan, EEAAO was his first major film role in over 30 years. Quan, who was once a prolific child actor in The Goonies and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, quit acting in the late 1990s due to difficulty finding work as an Asian actor. He opted to work behind the scenes until recently.

“My journey started on a boat. I spent a year in a refugee camp. Somehow, I ended up here on Hollywood’s biggest stage,” Quan said during his acceptance speech. “They say stories like this only happen in the movies. I cannot believe it’s happening to me. This is the American dream!”

Quan’s historic Best Supporting Actor win marks only the second time an Asian actor took the category since 1985 when Haing S. Ngor snagged the award forThe Killing Fields (1984).

Michelle Yeoh’s Best Actress award marks the first time an Asian female won in the category. She is also the second woman of color to earn the award. Halle Berry was the first woman of color to win the award in 2002 for Monster’s Ball. Berry was one of the presenters announcing the Best Actress winner, making the moment more significant.

Yeoh said, “For all the little boys and girls who look like me watching tonight, this is a beacon of hope and possibilities. This is proof that dreams do come true. And ladies, don’t let anybody tell you that you are ever past your prime. Never give up.”

Yeoh dedicated her win to her mother, Janet Yeoh, who watched the ceremony from Malaysia.

“She’s 84, and I’m taking this home to her. She’s watching right now in Malaysia with my family and friends,” Yeoh said during her acceptance speech.

Yeoh was the second Asian woman to be nominated for the award after Merle Oberon for 1935’s The Dark Angel. However, Oberon claimed she was born in Tasmania, Australia out of fear her South Asian heritage (she was born in Bombay, India to a Sri-Lankan-Māori mother) would destroy her film career. It wasn’t until after her death her South Asian heritage was discovered.

Jamie Lee Curtis’ Best Supporting Actress win marked the long-time actress’ first Oscar, though it was not without controversy. Many felt Curtis’ win was not deserved with many pointing out the award should have gone to Wakanda Forever’s Angela Bassett or fellow EEAAO Best Supporting Actress nominee Stephanie Hsu.

WHAT DO YOU MEAN JAMIE LEE CURTIS OVER ANGELA BASSET AND STEPHANIE HSU LIKE WHAT THE ACTUAL HELL IM PISSED OFF #Oscar2023 pic.twitter.com/f4V64q7jiK

— ZAYNA🔪#ANDAMOVIE (@sitcomabed) March 13, 2023

EEAAO wasn’t the only Asian production to secure wins during the Oscars. RRR’s “Naatu Naatu,” with music by M. M. Keeravani and lyrics by Chandrabose, secured the Best Original Score award, becoming the first Indian song to win an Oscar.

Hopefully, the history made during the 95^th annual awards show won’t mark the last time Asians and other people of color bring home awards for their efforts and contributions to film. Congratulations to Everything Everywhere All at Once and everyone else who won!

 

—-Olivia Murray

 

#95thAcademyAwards #EverythingEverywhere #MichelleYeoh #kcrushnews #AsianActress #awardshow #FirstAsianActress #EverythingEverywhereAllAtOnce #BestDirectorDanielKwan #kcrushamerica #DanielKwan #VietnameseAmericanActorKeHuyQuan #BestSupportActorKeHuyQuan #Korean #StephanieHsu #RRRNaatuNaatu #MMKeeravani  #Chandrabose #theBestOriginalScoreaward #AcademyAwards #first Indian songtowinanOscar #kcrushmedia #congratulationsMichelleYeoh

 

WATCH “CALLING” MUSIC VIDEO HERE
LISTEN TO “CALLING” HERE

 

Hong Kong-based entertainment agency, One Cool Jacso announced six members from OCJ NEWBIES, their 17-member trainee group, as the new K-pop boy band, XODIAC. Members LEX, HYUNSIK, BEOMSOO, SING, WAIN and DAVIN stand out in XODIAC’s pre-debut single “Calling”, now available on all streaming platforms. The first K-Pop band to land four major magazine shoots including Cosmopolitan, ELLE MEN, Harper’s Bazaar, and Men’s Uno – from Hong Kong – before their official debut and winning at the global Weibo Account Festival held in Japan on December 20 is unprecedented. The group as a collective received an award for “Potential New Boy Group”, and XODIAC leader LEX is one of the first solo pre-debut artists to receive the “Fashion Rookie” award.

 

 

“Calling” is a musical treat in addition to being spectacularly visual that is sung in English. The vivid colors highlight each member of the group. Their singing is a fun and light pop sound that’s contrasted with a lower and mature rap beat. In true K-pop fashion, XODIAC brings a fresh pop dance beat to their song. The group brings a smooth and light energy to their dance moves, as if they were gliding through the song. The lyrics are relevant and relatable to fans who will listen to K-Pop because it talks about common relationship challenges. The outfits are shown with all members in high-fashion attire such as Louis Vuitton as well as some members donning other looks with Bottega Veneta, Versace and Kenzo. The setting in the music video takes place at Disneyland Hong Kong giving a youthful nostalgic feeling of innocence. True to this group’s identity with fashion and recent awards, their look is only shadowed by their singing and dancing talent. Fashion plays a huge role for XODIAC as a group, so it is only fitting for them to have a youthful, modern, yet mature look. Although, now stepping into the K-pop scene, they show a lot of promise with their crisp and precise performance skills. The sextet checks all the boxes in Korean culture with their upbeat and classy sound, precise dancing, fashion sense, and overall visuals.

 

 

Talent is served in abundance with these boys. Group and dance leader LEX has been learning modern dance since he was a child and has won several national dancing awards in Korea. Other members have also been past contestants on music competition shows such as Produce 101, World Klass, We Are Young, and Stars Awakening. XODIAC is one of the most highly anticipated boy groups set to debut in 2023.

 

#XODIAC #LEX #Produce101 #WorldKlass #WeAreYoung #StarsAwakening #kcrushnews #kpopscene #kpop #XODIACDebut #newkpopgroup2023 #allEnglishsingle #CALLING #newmusic #kcrushamerica #DisneylandHongKong #OneCoolJasco #OCJNEWBIES #17membertraineegroup #sixmember #6membergroup #HYUNSIK #BEOMSOO #SING #WAIN #DAVIN #Koreankpopboygroup #kcrushmedia #newmusic

 

Do not forget that KANGDANIEL’s FIRST PARADE Concert will be in the U.S., Los Angeles, CA at The Wiltern on the 18^th of March.  Tickets are going fast, so use this link to check availability:  https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/09005D69A39F57AF

 

#LIVENATION #KANGDANIEL #FIRSTPARADECONCERT #TheWiltern #kcrushnews #kpop #KangDanielLosAngelestickets #ticketsforkangdanielconcert #KONNECT #GENIEMUSIC #kpopconcert2023 #kcrushamerica #March2023concert #kangdanielconcert

 

-KIM WOO SEOK Reveals 4th Mini Album [Blank Page] Comeback Spoiler…I’m returning as singer KIM WOO SEOK after a year.

Singer KIM WOO SEOK unveiled a comeback spoiler for his new album 4th Mini Album [Blank Page] at midnight on the 14th.

KIM WOO SEOK, who announced his comeback last month, released the image of the watch with the message ‘4th Mini Album [Blank Page] Coming Soon’ on his official channel, raising curiosity about the new album. The clock in the released image points to 4:03 and makes it possible that KIM WOO SEOK ‘s music release date is April 3.

KIM WOO SEOK, a self-proclaimed “fan fool,” also gave a surprise spoiler on the communication platform with fans, saying, “I’m coming back with the concept of a ‘time traveler’.” “Blank Page,” drawn by time traveler KIM WOO SEOK in an imaginative spoiler, raised questions about what it would look like, raising fans’ expectations for the new album.

Meanwhile, KIM WOO SEOK announced in the March issue of Singles, which was published in March, that the new report would be another new start from the DESIRE series. His new album, 4th Mini Album [Blank Page], will be released in April.

 

[Photo provided by TOP Media]

 

#KIMWOOSEOK #newminialbum #kcrushnews #BlankPageKimWooSeok #KimWooSeokreturns #kpop #kcrushmedia #KimWooSeokDesireSeries #4thMiniAlbum #kpopscene #kpopidol #kcrushamerica #TOPMedia #April3rdrelease #BlankPageAlbumReleaseApril3rd2023 #KimWooSeokClockImage #timetravelerconcept #kcrushamericamagazine

Photo Credit: 88rising and THEBLACKLABEL

 

Korean alt-rock visionary LØREN has officially signed to iconic record label 88rising. Along with a new record deal, LØREN announced he will be releasing his debut EP, Put Up a Fight, on March 24 with 88rising and THEBLACKLABEL  – presave HERE. Ahead of the EP, LØREN will perform his first ever shows in the United States at SXSW and Head in the Clouds New York.

Put Up a Fight comes highly anticipated after the release of 3 buzzy singles in 2021 which earned a combined total of over 14M views in less than a year. LØREN became known for writing several songs for global phenomenon BLACKPINK and starring in one of their music videos, gaining him popularity in the Kpop scene. LØREN‘s musical prowess and editorial look have garnered him over 1.2M Instagram followers and allowed him to grace the covers of Vogue Hong Kong, DAZED Korea, i-D, and most recently Female Magazine as their first male cover star. LØREN can also be seen modeling in Saint Laurent campaigns as the Korean rocker is currently a face of the brand.

Put Up a Fight is a pop-punk-meets-indie-rock inspired project complemented by LØREN‘s grungy Korean and English vocals. The EP shows LØREN more vulnerable than ever, flexing his songwriting muscles to tackle subjects including mental illness and isolation.

LØREN explains, “I’ve been looking forward to Put Up a Fight’s release for a while now, and I’m thrilled to join forces with 88rising through the process. I’m a huge fan of their work, and I’m very happy to take part in their vision. It feels surreal to have SXSW, album release, and HITC New York ahead of me. To say I’m excited would be an understatement—I absolutely cannot wait for what’s to come.”

LØREN will be performing live in the United States for the first time at SXSW and Head in the Clouds. On March 15, he joins Balming Tiger at the Tiger Den showcase, SXSW’s first all-Asian music festival – RSVP HERE. On May 21, LØREN heads to New York to take part in 88rising’s Head in the Clouds, the label’s annual music festival.

 

Photo Credit: 88rising and THEBLACKLABEL

 

KEEP UP WITH LØREN

INSTAGRAM | SPOTIFY

 

 

#LOREN #THEBLACKLABEL #SSSSW #BalmingTiger #TigerDen #88rising #HeadInTheClouds #altrock #rock #kcrushnews #PutUpAFight #writtenforBLACKPINK #kpopscene #LORENnewmusic #newmusicrelease #kcrushamerica

One of the best K-Pop years was 10 years ago. Check out our playlist featuring some of 2013’s K-Pop bops!

After the 2^nd K-drama generation gained a solid footing in the international entertainment industry, Korean writers started gaining an audience for their twisted and heart-wrenching plots. The ensuing 3^rd K-drama generation between 2000 and 2009 went a notch higher with their storylines that brought viewers into an array of intense emotional chaos. Below are some of the series that made headlines during the 3^rd K-drama generation.

 

1. Winter Sonata (2002)

This sentimental drama fueled the Hallyu wave to another level with international fans, especially in the Asian peninsula, glued to each of the episodes as they aired. Released in January 2002, “Winter Sonata” is a heart-crushing romance that quickly builds up into an entanglement amongst friends only to dim after a tragedy. Kang Joon Sang (Bae Yong Joon) moves back to the village in search of his father. Due to life’s shortcomings, he slowly opens up to Jung Yu Jin (Choi Ji Woo)’s friendship only for it to blossom pushing Kim Sang Hyuk (Park Yong Ha) out of the girl’s picture. At the epitome of romance, Joon Sang dies in a car accident crushing Yu Jin’s heart and sending the viewers into wailing mode once again. After a decade at Yu Jin and Sang Hyuk’s proposal, Oh Chelin (Park Soi Mi), a longtime friend of the two, tags along with her new boyfriend, Lee Min Hyung (Bae Yong Joon). Min Hyung causes a bizarre mood as he resembles Joon Sang. Despite Yu Jin’s eternal love for Joon Sang, Min Hyung has no memories of Yu Jin. The encounter births chaos driving the viewers to cling to their seats as a rollercoaster of desperation and anguish amidst hope ensues. It’s up to fate how these characters end up.

 

2. Coffee Prince (2007)

Released in July 2007, “Coffee Prince” is a comedy romance drama filled with entertaining scenes. In a bid to make his coffee cafe trendy, the only solution that seems viable to this rich boy is hiring handsome attendants. Choi Han Gyul (Gong Yoo) employs Go Eun Chan (Yoon Eun Hye) thinking she is a man based on her tomboyish look. Upon learning this, Eun Chan strives to keep up the manly perception that comes with its embarrassment given the workplace is now perceived as a man cave. A few chaotic and humorous scenes into the drama, Han Gyul starts having a thing for Eun Chan making him question reality and his sanity status for a few episodes wondering why he is falling for a man. The nosiness, schemes, quarrels, chaos, laughter, love, and heartbreaks revolving around this drama keeps viewers reeled in to the end.

 

3. Boys Over Flowers (2009)

Released in January 2009, this drama caused quite a buzz in the international entertainment space. “Boys Over Flowers” is a story of a girl who finds herself being pursued by 4 boys of a different social status than hers. A scholarship to an affluent school leaves Geum Jan Di (Gu Hye Seon) in a circus of encounters with these particular boys who engage in all ventures while pursuing their desires. The boys, Goo Joon Pyo (Lee Min Ho), Yoon Ji Hoo (Kim Hyun Joong), So Yi Jung (Kim Bum), and Song Woo Bin (Kim Joon) engage in extreme measures making Jan Di’s life a living hell. Jan Di proves to be a tough cookie despite the mistreatment, bullying, compassion, love, and obsession she experiences from the passionate pursuit by each of the boys. Scenes down the series, Jan Di is seen to be torn between two of the boys. The reactions and interjections by Jan Di’s mother regarding her daughter’s intriguing love life further amplify the drama’s charm.

 

4. Staircase To Heaven (2003)

Released in December 2003, this cryfest K-drama is ranked amongst the epitome of 3rd generation K-dramas. “Staircase to Heaven” starts with the beautiful and innocent friendship of Hang Jung Suh (Choi Ji Woo) and Cha Song Joo (Kwon Sang Woo) who grow apart later in life as Song Joo goes abroad to study. The death of Jung Suh’s mother brings into the picture a stepmother, her daughter, and her son, who are a nightmare in all Jung Suh’s endeavors. Despite Han Tae Hwa (Shin Hyun Joon)’s efforts, this stepbrother cannot win Jung Suh’s heart amidst the unfair treatment by the stepmother and stepsister. Soo Joo returns to Korea and the stepmother’s jealousy schemes cause Jung Suh to lose her memory from a car accident. Tae Hwa is manipulated into running away with Jung Suh after the stepmother falsifies her death and gives her a new identity. Soo Joo is anguished upon learning of Jung Suh’s death. Han Yu Ri (Kim Tae Hee), the stepsister, takes the crafted chance to win over the rich boy only for Soo Joo and Jung Soo to meet by chance. A soul-crushing twist of fate transpires as Jung Soo is diagnosed with eye cancer whose only solution is receiving a cornea from a dead person. What happens afterward is debatable with dominating themes of cruelty in the making and true love.

 

5. Save The Last Dance for Me (2004)

“Save the Last Dance for Me” was released in October 2004, and is a maudlin series that wreaks havoc on the viewers’ emotional status with diverse and intense scenes all through. Eun Soo (Kim Yoo Jin aka Eugene)’s father saves and tends to a man whom he found unconscious after a serious attack. Given the injured man’s memory loss, Eun’s father names him Chang Ho (Ji Sung). Love sparks between Chang Ho and Eun Soo and just when their wedding bells are around the corner, Chang Ho is attacked again this time losing his memories with Eun Soo. Chang Ho’s disappearance plunges Eun Soo into distress, worsened by losing her father. Eun Soo discovers that Chang Ho was Kang Hyun Woo (Ji Sung), who hails from a wealthy family which is the root of all his misfortunes. With no memories, a deep divide between social classes, and schemes of greed and revenge, the ensuing scenes drown the audience into a series of emotional vulnerabilities with the two characters’ fate a mystery.

 

6. 1% of Anything (2003)

“1% of Anything” was released back in July 2003. In this drama, the characters major in taking chances if only to gain even a percentage of their desires. It starts with a rich grandfather who risks his family inheritance for a glimpse of maturity and responsibility from his spoiled grandson. Kim Jung Hwa (Kin Da Hyun) is a kind-hearted teacher who risks helping the rich grandfather out of her heart’s kindness with the hope that the grandson will man up and relieve the old man of his worries. Kang Dong Won (Lee Jae In) on the other hand, is a spoiled and quick-tempered grandson whose only chance of getting any of the family fortunes is by yielding to his grandfather’s schemes and going out with Jung Hwa. The encounter and progress between Dong Won and Jung Hwa indicate that there is not even a 1% chance of the two becoming a thing. The comedy, schemes, moves of desperation, and resulting frustrations keep viewers near as they are engulfed in the series.

7. Secret Sunshine (2007)

Released in May 2007, “Secret Sunshine” is an emotional deep series coupled with humor and suspense filled-plots. It tells the story of a woman’s grief upon losing her husband and the unexpected tragedies and dilemmas she finds herself in order to strive towards sanity and happiness. Shin Ae (Jeon Do Yeon) moves to Milyang, her late husband’s hometown, to start a new life only to find the expected sunshine turning into darkness. At first, she burrows into simple daily routines in this quiet neighborhood only for the area’s skeletons, from all kinds of religions and beliefs, relentlessly pursue her. Jong Chang (Song Kang Ho) helps maintain Shin Ae’s sanity, resulting in him following her in the religious circles. “Secret Sunshine” depicts the horrors and advantages of religion and beliefs and how they shape and affect individuals and societies. Shin Ae’s maneuver through the multiple religious advances and her pitfalls keeps viewers glued to the very last minute.

 

8. Delicious Proposal (2001)

Just as its title, this drama is a delicious treat for viewers given its scenes which are filled with humor, suspense, and captivating romance. Released in February 2001, “Delicious Proposal” involves competition between rival Chinese restaurants. Hee Ae (Song Ye Jin) hails from a poor family but brushes it off and does all it takes to thrive and rule in this cooking industry. Hyo Dong (Jung Joon) falls for Hee Ae after an encounter during cooking classes. But given the fierce competition and staunch dedication towards career success, amidst differing perspectives and classes, the possibility of love blooming is left in the writer’s hand. Filled with comedy and a glimpse of romance amidst daily life struggles, “Delicious Proposal” is the ultimate drama to binge on.

 

9. Autumn In My Heart (2000)

K-dramas are quite known for their emotion-wrecking plots that leave viewers in emotional chaos. “Autumn in My Heart” was released back in September 2000. The drama digs deep into the viewers’ feelings with every episode leaving viewers hoping against all odds that the writer develops an ounce of mercy and relives them of the agony of pain and suspense. Eun Suh (Song Hye Kyo) has a brother, Jun Suh (Song Seun Heon), and is their wealthy family’s source of joy. Shin Ae (Han Chae Young) is a whiny teenager who lives with her poor mother. Eun Suh gets into an accident and needs a blood transfusion only to find out she is not of this wealthy family. And the array of endless heart-wrenching ordeals starts pouring out. After scandic efforts to unravel the mystery, it’s discovered that Eun Suh and Shin Ae were switched at birth. The girls are forced to switch back to their original families. The teenagers grow up and have started their romance journeys. Jun Suh jets back into the country with a flashy girlfriend. Eun Suh and Jun Suh, who have been longing for each other, reunite and their once-sibling relationship seems to conflict with their innermost sincere yearnings. An array of entangled relationships ensues even as Eun Suh discovers her terminal illness. The curiosity on whether Jun Suh and Eun Suh become a thing amidst chaotic relationship wrangles or whether Eun Suh finds a cure, keeps the viewers glued in tears and heartbreak through the remaining episodes.

 

10. Jewel In the Palace (2003)

“Jewel In the Palace” is a historical heartbreaking drama that centers on Seo Jang Geum (Lee Young Ae)’s maneuvers around the dangerous political world. Released in September 2003, this drama is set in a time when society was ruled by men and social status was the order of the day. Through bravery and calculated steps, Jang Geum trends on political minefields defying culture and norms. The suspense in every scene is intensely nerve-wracking with the countless times that Jang Geum comes close to meeting her maker. Daring conspiracies are made with betrayal and jealousy jeopardizing Jang Geum’s and other characters’ lives even as she schemes her way from working in the kitchen to influential positions. Love tries its luck in cutting through Jang Geum’s hard heart and goal-driven mind, but whether it is a desperation bestowed upon the viewers. A series of heart-racing and adrenaline-thrusting scenes transverse between Jang Geum and Min Jeong Ho (Ji Jin Hee), the young master she helps in thwarting plots against the kingdom. Jang Geum’s determination and obsession to rock the political boat has to overcome the challenges and societal perspectives. The suspense keeps viewers at bay as to whether there are costs to be paid or desires to be forgone in the political affluence endeavor.

 

—-Karen Mwenda

 

#3rdgeneration #thirdgenkdrama #3rdgenkdrama #best3rdgenerationkdramas #JewelInThePalace #LeeYoungAe #JiJinHee #historicalkdrama #WinterSonata #ParkYongHa #AutumInMyHeart #SongHyeKyo) #SongSeunHeon #kcrusharticle #kdrama #kcrushamerica #DeliciousProposal #JungJoon #StreetSunshine #1percentofanything #SaveTheLastDanceForMe #Korean #StaircaseToHeaven #BoysOverFlowers #LeeMonHo #GuHyeSeon #kcrushmedia #kcrushamericamagazine

Just like K-Pop, K-Indie is making such a buzz not only in Korea but on the international music industry. The Korean indie industry has over the years gained massive fans, especially since most k-Indie artists have their musical pieces in English thus amassing a substantial global following. Below are some of the best artists in the K-Indie genre industry.

 

 

 

1. The Black Skirts (검정치마)

The Black Skirts is such an inspirational powerhouse in the K-Indie entertainment industry. This rock musician made an official debut in 2010 with the ‘201’ album that scooped 2010’s Korean Music Awards for the Best Modern Rock Album category. With influences from the late and legendary Michael Jackson among others. The Black Skirts has released numerous hit songs including “Love Shine” and “My Little Lambs” (어린양). The artist has appeared in various OSTs including “Till the End of Time” for Another Miss Oh (2016), “Someday” for Romance Is a Bonus Book (2019), and “Ling Ling” for Yumi’s Cells (2021). The Black Skirts has been nominated for numerous awards and won some including twice for Korean Music Awards’ Best Modern Rock Album category.

 

 

2. Oohyo (우효)

Known for the “Vineyard” and “This is Why We Are Breaking Up” tracks, Oohyo is a Korean indie artist whose songs give a synth-pop vibe. Oohyo started writing and composing music while in high school and officially debuted in 2014 under Mun Hwa In agency with the ‘Girl Sense‘ album. Her frequent stays abroad are quite evident with some of her songs in English with no Korean accent.  Upon returning to Korea from college, Oohyo released her first full-length ‘Adventure‘ album in October 2015. The album was such a hit that it got 3 nominations at the 2016 Korean Music Awards. In 2019, Oohyo released a second album, ‘Far from The Maldong City‘, that involved collaborations with artists such as starRo. Oohyo’s ‘Silence’ album, released in 2022, further showcases the artist’s eminence in the K-indie industry with soothing bedroom-pop vibes, especially with the “Quite Night” track.

 

 

3. Car, the Garden (카더가덴)

Formerly known as “Mayson the Soul”, Car, the Garden ventured into the K-indie world in September 2013 with the ‘Jackasoul‘ EP under DRDR AC agency. Over the years, this talented musician has released numerous tracks and collaborated with other artists such as Youra and Hyukoh band’s Oh Hyuk. Car, the garden is well known for his breathtaking OSTs including “A Word of Apology” for The Secret Life of My Secretary (2019), “Romantic Sunday” for Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (2021), and “Scars Leave Beautiful Trace” for Alchemy of Souls (2022). “Scars Leave Beautiful Trace” and “Peony” are some of his famous tracks that also charted on the Download Chart. Car, the Garden’s 2021 ‘Absence‘ EP, which included tracks such as “Doesn’t Matter” further skyrocketed the artist’s fame with numerous downloads.

 

 

4. Shaun (숀)

Shaun is a man of many talents as he juggles being a DJ, producer, singer, and songwriter. Shaun initially debuted as a member of The Koxx indie rock band but made his soloist debut in 2014 with the “Silence” track under DCTOM Entertainment. Shaun has been delivering quality pieces with his latest ‘Omnibus pt.2: Inside Out’ EP ruling the K-indie entertainment world. The artist has also made some collaborations along the way, including with Vandal Rock and Justin Levai. Shaun’s 2018 “Way Back Home” catapulted his fame as it topped the South Korean music charts and won the 2018 Korean Popular Music Awards for Best Indie category in addition to being nominated in the same year’s Melon Awards and Golden Disc Music Awards. Shaun has also done some OSTs including “Dinner Mate” for More Than Words (2020) and “For You” for Discovery of Love (2022).

 

 

5. Jimmy Brown

Jimmy Brown debuted as an independent artist in 2017 and is renowned for his ‘tales of love’ hits that are quite enchanting. Inspired by Kanye West and Chris Brown, James ventured into songwriting at the early age of 19 and has gained a massive following internationally, especially since most of his songs are in English. His first single, “She’s Lovin It” accredited him a massive following giving him a substantial leap in the K-Indie industry. The artist has over a million followers on Spotify with his most hit tracks being “Irene”, “2 Things”, “Let me Know” and “Your Love”. Jimmy Brown’s latest release is “Pool vol.1 – The Way You Move,” a track which is a collaboration with Sweet the Kid and Rovv.

 

 

6. Meaningful Stone (김뜻돌)

This talented diva made her soloist debut in 2017 with the “꼼속의 카메라”. Meaningful Stone is an independent artist skilled in singing, songwriting, and music production. Her latest acts include 2020’s ‘A Call from My Dream‘ studio album, which oozes a classic indie folk rock aura, and 2021’s ‘Cobalt‘ EP. In 2021, she showcased her mesmerizing voice in the “Shadow of Beauty” OST for the Shadow of Beauty (2021) drama. Meaningful Stone has won various awards including the 19^th Korean Music Awards for the Best Modern Rock Song category thanks to the “Dancing in The Rain” track.

 

 

7. LambC (램씨)

An alumnus of Berkeley Music College, LambC debuted in 2015 under Happy Robots Records with ‘The Herd’ single album. His previous experience regarding independent artists during his stay in the USA, among other factors, resulted in LambC becoming an independent artist. The challenge of being an all-rounded artist by composing, producing, and singing his songs was a successful adventure that credited him enormous following, especially his over 100,000 listeners on Spotify. LambC recently made a buzz with his first full-length ‘I’ll See You When I See You’ album released in April 2021. This alternative pop album was such a hit amplified by the “Emotional” and “When My Heart Breaks” tracks.

 

 

8. 10CM (센티미터)

10CM debuted in 2010 with the ‘The 1st EP’ extended play under POCLANOS and Magic Strawberry Sound agencies. Originally a duo band, 10CM is currently made up of one artist, Kwon Jung Yeol, after Yoon Cheol Jong left in 2017 over health issues. Despite becoming a one-man act, 10CM has achieved a lot and earned his place and respect in the K-Indie industry. 10CM has collaborated with various artists including EXO-SC for “Telephone”, Chen for “Bye Babe”, and Yoona for “Deoksugung Stonewall Walkway”. 10CM, a singer and songwriter, is well known for the “Go Back” and “5.3” tracks. 10CM has participated in various OSTs including “Drawer” for Our Beloved Summer (2021) drama, “For Love” for Our Blues (2022) drama, and “But It’s Destiny” for the Crash Landing on You (2019) drama. This talented artist had won numerous awards with the latest being the 2020 Brand Customer Loyalty Awards for the Indie/Folk category.

 

—-Karen Mwenda

 

#KoreanIndie #kindie #k-indie #bestkindiartists #kcrusharticle #kcrushamerica #10CM #POCLANOS #MagicStrawberrySoundagencies #LambC #MeaningfulStone #JimmyBrown #Shaun #Roxx #CarTheGarden #Oohyo #ThelackSkirts #BestModernRockAlbum #indiemusic #bestindiemusic #kcrush #DRDRACAgency #DCTOMEntertainment #MunHwaInagency #HappyRobotsRecords #independentIndie #independentIndiesingers

 

It’s official: Rocky selected to leave ASTRO and his label, Fantagio. Rocky’s Fantagio contract expired after 14 years with the agency.

The singer, who has been on hiatus from the group since November 2022, confirmed his departure from the group February 28 by releasing a letter to fans.

Hello, this is Rocky.

I’m greeting fans for the first time in a while. Firstly, I want to apologize for not being able to bring good news, but I thought it was right to let AROHAs be the first to hear this news so I’m writing a letter here.

I will be leaving Fantagio, who I have been with for 14 years and will end my activities with ASTRO. The time promoting as ASTRO’s Rocky was very precious to me.

My members, who have been with me during those times and especially AROHAs, my biggest strengths, I thank you all sincerely.

Thanks to your overflowing love and encouragement, I could grow and learn a lot.

No matter where I am, I will not forget the memories I made with the members and AROHAs and cherish them carefully.

AROHAs, thank you for everything till now.

 

 

Fantagio also released a statement confirming the news.

Hello.

This is Fantagio.

First, we would like to sincerely thank all the fans who give ASTRO their love and support.

After a deep discussion with Rocky, who has been with us as a member of ASTRO for the past seven years, it has been decided that he will be ending both his exclusive contract with our agency and his activities as a member of ASTRO.

We thank Rocky for doing his utmost for a long time as a member of ASTRO, and we will be sincerely rooting for Rocky in the future.

We also thank the many fans who have supported and watched over Rocky, and we ask that you continue to give Rocky your unchanging interest and support as he makes a fresh start.

ASTRO will continue on as a five-member group in the future, and together with Fantagio, the members will be focusing on unit and solo activities for the time being. We plan to actively give them our unsparing support so that [the members] can be active in a wide variety of areas.

We ask that you continue to give the ASTRO members lots of interest and support.

Thank you.

Meanwhile, JinJin, Cha Eun Woo, Moonbin, and Sanha renewed their contracts in December 2022. MJ, however, has yet to renew his contract as he is currently serving in the military, but he is expected to discuss his contract once he’s discharged.

We wish Rocky and the rest of ASTRO luck on their future endeavors!

 

—-Olivia Murray

 

#Rocky #ASTRO #RockyLeavesFantagio #Fantagio #kcrush #kcrushnews #kpop #kpopsinger #kpopmusic #kcrushamerica #Rockycontractexpires

 

Cosmic Girls (WJSN), a formerly 13-member group that was a joint effort between Starship Entertainment and Yuehua Entertainment, may be continuing after all, causing fans to breathe a sigh of relief.

Eight members, Exy, Seola, Bona, Soobin, Eunseo, Yeoreum, Dayoung, and Yeonjung, renewed their contracts with Starship Entertainment this past week. Unfortunately, Luda and Dawon did not re-resign, but it is unclear if they will sign with new agencies and continue with WJSN or if they are moving on completely.

Chinese members Xuanyi, Cheng Xiao, and Meiqi, who are under Yuehua Entertainment, had their contracts expire. They’ve been absent from promotions since 2018, having opted to focus on Chinese promotions including Meiqi and Xuanyi debuting in Rocket Girls 101 and Cheng Xiao filming the drama Legend of Awakening.

Starship Entertainment released a statement announcing the new contracts and the departures of five members.

Hello, this is Starship Entertainment.

First, we would like to offer our sincerest gratitude to WUJUNGs both in Korea and overseas who continue to cheer on Cosmic Girls with unchanging hearts.

Starship Entertainment has renewed the exclusive contracts of Cosmic Girls members Exy, Seola, Bona, Soobin, Eunseo, Yeoreum, Dayoung, and Yeonjung.

In the case of members Luda and Dawon, the agency carried out lengthy and sincere discussions with both artists, and unfortunately, our exclusive contracts with the two members have come to an end. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Luda and Dawon for their strength and efforts that they showed throughout their promotions. Starship respects the decisions of Luda and Dawon and offers them support and encouragements in their new paths.

Additionally, we notify that the team contracts of Cosmic Girls members Xuanyi, Cheng Xiao, and Meiqi, Yuehua Entertainment artists who promoted as Cosmic Girls with the other members and with the agency, have also come to an end.

For the eight Cosmic Girls members who decided to renew their contracts based on mutual trust and loyalty, Starship Entertainment intends on concentrating its best efforts so that the members can shine every brighter in both their group and individual activities. We promise to provide each member with our fullest support.

Please send your warm cheers and encouragements to all members of Cosmic Girls, who are each beginning a new chapter in their journeys.

Thank you.

WJSN has held steady popularity since they debuted in 2016 with “MoMoMo.” The multi-award winning group also won Queendom 2 in 2022. Hopefully, Starship Entertainment will work to promote the group better during this contract era.

 

—-Olivia Murray

 

#WJSN #StarshipEntertainment #CosmicGirls #MoMoMo #Queendom2 #kcrush #kcrushamerica #Exy #YuehuaEntertainment #13membersto8 #ChengXiao #Meigi #Luda #Dawon #Seola #Bona #Soobin #Eunseo #Yeoreum #Dayoung #Yeonjung #noncontractrenewal #kcrushnews #Koreangirlgroup #kpopidols

 

It’s been a whirlwind few days for singer Baek A Yeon!

First, media reports leaked that Baek has been in a relationship with a non-celebrity. Then, there were reports the singer would be getting married in August. However, Baek’s company, Eden Nine Entertainment, denied the wedding reports but did confirm she is in a relationship.

“It’s true that Baek A Yeon is currently in a relationship with thoughts of marriage,” Eden Nine Entertainment said. “She will personally convey the news when they are ready.”

On March 2, 2023, Baek posted a handwritten letter on her Instagram announcing her nuptials and that she has been dating her fiancé for two years.

Hello, this is Baek A Yeon.

I’ve come to write this letter as there’s something I want to share with the many people who always support me.

I think many people would’ve been surprised at my sudden marriage news.

I was also very surprised…

As this is a big life event, I wanted to inform you carefully and cautiously, so I feel very apologetic that I let you know of my marriage news in an article first and not my handwritten letter…

While promoting as singer Baek A Yeon for 10 years, a lot has happened.

Although there were more times I was happy, there were moments within that when I felt anxious and had a hard time, but two years ago during the winter, I met someone I’m thankful for who reached a hand out to approach me first.

They’re someone who is very warmhearted, cherishes and loves me a lot, and above all, supports and gives strength to my music promotions.

I thought I’d be able to make a promise for life if it was with this person, so we’ve decided to make a new start together.

I sincerely thank everyone who always supports me with an unchanging heart.

As much as you are waiting, I will prepare well for my next album step-by-step and repay you with good music.

Thank you.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by 백아연 (@ayeoniiiiii)

Baek’s career started in 2011 when she became the second runner-up on K-Pop Star. Following her appearance on the show, the singer signed with JYP Entertainment where she debuted in 2012 with the EP I’m Baek. When Baek departed JYP Entertainment in 2019, she signed with Eden Nine Entertainment.

Congratulations to Baek A Yeon and her partner on their upcoming wedding!

 

—-Olivia Murray

 

#BaekAYeon #kpopstar #EdenNineEntertainment #BaekAYeonInRelationship #kpop #marriagenews #noncelebrity #kcrushnews #kcrush #Koreansinger #kpopsinger #kcrushamerica #EPImBaek #congrats #upcomingwedding #august023

 

Congratulations are in order as Shinhwa’s Eric and his wife, actress Na Hye Mi, welcomed their first child, a son, March 1, 2023!

TOP Media stated, “Na Hye Mi gave birth today. Both the mother and child are in good health.”

Eric and his actress wife announced they were expecting in August 2022.

Eric and Na Hye Mi married in 2017. The couple began a friendship and started dating after Eric texted the actress.

“He said he saw me for the first time in a magazine he read at a beauty parlor. He told me later that it was memorable,” Na Hye Mi said on the variety show Happy Together back in 2018.

Eric, who is best known for being a Shinhwa member, also acts. He’s appeared on Another Miss O, Phoenix, and Diary of June.

Na Hye Mi is known for her appearances on High Kick!, Home for the Summer, Cheese in the Trap, and No Matter What.

Eric is the first Shinhwa member to become a parent.

Congratulations to Eric and Na Hye Mi on their new addition!

 

—-Olivia Murray

 

#firsttimeparents #Shinhwa #EricandNaHyeMiBaby #HappyTogether #AnotherMissO #Phoenix #DiaryofJune #HighKick #HomefortheSummer #CheeseintheTrap #NoMatterWhat #NaHyeMiactress #Koreanactor #EricShinhwa #couple #kcrushnews #kcrushmedia #kcrushamerica #married2017 #congratulationstoEricandNaHyeMi

 

One of the biggest K-Pop stories recently surrounds what’s going on between HYBE Entertainment, Kakao Entertainment, and SM Entertainment and Lee Soo-man, SM’s former CEO. With news on the subject breaking every day, it’s hard to keep up with the information and whether HYBE’s considered a hostile takeover of SM Entertainment and/or if there’s family and company drama brewing.  With so much going on, here’s a breakdown of the SM Entertainment, Kakao, and HYBE Entertainment story, which actually begins in 1997 until present.

1997-2023: Like Planning Company, Changes at SM Entertainment. HYBE Purchases shares

Daum and Dispatch provided a timeline of Lee Soo-man’s Like Planning Company. This company is relevant to the current events, as well as the other changes that took place at SM Entertainment over the years.

• 1997: Lee Soo-man founded Like Planning. The company provides consulting and production services for SM artists and albums. The company, in turn, received royalties from SM Entertainment. According to Daum and Dispatch, Like Planning “received 24 billion won per year from SM, which is one-third of SM’s annual operating profit” as of 2021.
• 1999: Lee Soo-man planned for SM Entertainment to be listed on KOSDAQ. With 50 million won in capital, SM fell below the 1 billion won required to be listed. Lee Soo-man then took 900 million won from SM Entertainment’s bank account as well as 250 million won from SM Enterprise’s bank account and placed the money into Like Planning’s funds to push the company over the 1 billion won threshold. However, this action placed Lee Soo-man under watch for embezzlement and concealed payments.
• 2003-2004: Lee Soo-man landed on Interpol’s wanted list for embezzling over one billion won from SM Entertainment “to acquire stocks” while “falsifying the company’s capital increase for its listing on KOSDAQ.” Lee Soo-man left South Korea, but he eventually returned. When he returned, he was sentenced to two years in prison and three years of probation. Lee Soo-man received a delay in his prison term due to returning the funds back into the company account and the “capital increase taking place.”
• 2007: South Korean president Roh Moo-Hyun pardoned Lee Soo-man, absolving him of any punishment, allowing Lee Soo-man to be part of the entertainment industry again despite criticism received from others in the industry and Korea’s legal body.
• 2010: Lee Soo-man resigned as SM’s director and CEO. He increased SM Entertainment’s stakes when AVEX, one of Japan’s main entertainment companies, sold their SM shares. Lee Soo-man then focused on overseas expansion and wanted the company’s artists and performers to expand into those markets. Lee Soo-man shifted his focus to a management and artist development role.
• 2019: KB Asset Management wanted Like Planning to merge with SM Entertainment. KB Asset Management, which was SM’s third largest shareholder at the time, claimed “SM paid 46% of its operating profits as royalties to Like Planning.” KB Asset Management wanted Lee Soo-man to consider the following:
  • Merge SM Entertainment with Like Planning
  • Remove the non-entertainment planning business
  • Implement dividends through an open shareholder letter

Lee Soo-man rejected all three of the requests by stating none of the options were viable since Like Planning was not a corporation.

• 2019: SM Entertainment announced they will pay shareholder dividends for the first time since going public in 2000. YG Entertainment (2015) and JYP Entertainment (2018) have been paying dividends to their shareholders for years at this point. According to The Korea Herald, investors called for dividends after “consequently arguing that Lee received at least 10 billion won more than appropriate per year through Like Agency. They also called the setup illegal, saying it’s a form of insider trading.”
• 2020: Nam Soyoung & Kim Youngmin were removed from their CEO positions and replaced by Lee Sung Soo and Tak Young-jun. Both Lee and Tak worked for SM Entertainment for over 20 years, with Tak working as one of Super Junior’s managers and Lee originally working as a fansite checker before moving to music production. Nam and Kim were moved to other positions while SM Entertainment focused on global growth.
• March-August 2022: Kwak Jun-Ho’s named as SM auditor. Align Partners Asset Management appointed Kwak to the position and “sent a shareholder letter to SM asking for termination of the production contract with Like Planning.” SM Entertainment did not reply to the letter, but appointing an auditor alluded to the possibility Like Planning may close. In August, Align Partners Asset Management requested board minutes from SM Entertainment while sending “an open letter to improve the service contract issue with Like Planning.”
• October 2022: SM Entertainment announced Like Planning’s contract termination set for December 31, 2022. Align Partners Asset Management wanted SM Entertainment to establish a “compensation committee, announce future production plans, and form the majority of the board of directors with outside directors.”
• January 2023: SM Entertainment accepts Align Partners Asset Management’s “multi-producing system” and governance improvement proposal. Align Partners Asset Management’s CEO Lee Chang-hwan joins the SM Entertainment board as a non-executive director and will provide guidance for appointing outside director candidates to be appointed during 2023’s shareholder meetings. In return, SM Entertainment set up a compensation committee promising “a policy of returning at least 20% of separate net profit to shareholders for the next three years.” Align Partners Asset Management “withdrew its claim to file a shareholder representative lawsuit.”
• February 1-5, 2023: SM Entertainment released its 3.0 vision plan, including the “end of Lee Soo-man’s production.” SM Entertainment CEOs Lee Sung-soo and Tak Young-jun plan to usher in the company’s new era. Kim Min-jong, actor and a former outside director of an SM subsidiary, messaged SM Entertainment employees, claiming “CEOs [Lee and Tak] made a unilateral announcement without consulting the producer, saying that ‘SM needs Lee Soo-man’s sense’ and urging respect for Lee Soo-man’s contribution to SM’s founding and development.”
• February 7, 2023: Kakao announced it secured an over 9% stake in SM Entertainment, making it the company’s second largest shareholder. Kakao became the largest stakeholder by “acquiring new stocks issued by SM and convertible bonds.” Initially, Kakao was set to acquire a stake in SM Entertainment in 2021, but withdrew from the acquisition October 2021. In March 2022, Kakao wanted to acquire nearly 19% in SM shares, or 1 trillion won. However, the deal hit a snag.
• February 9-10, 2023: HYBE purchases 14.8% of Lee Soo-man’s SM Entertainment shares. Back in 2021, HYBE, as well as CJ E&M, and Kakao were competing to acquire SM Entertainment shares.

1. 1. SM Entertainment founder, Lee Soo-man.

 

 

SM 3.0, Cutting Ties with Lee Soo-man

Prior to Kakao and HYBE purchasing shares, SM Entertainment’s CEO Lee Sung-su (Lee Soo-man’s nephew) and COO Tak Young-jun announced SM Entertainment 3.0. Within the vision, the company intended to cut ties with Lee Soo-man and develop a multi-label system.

“We have realized the limits to producing and managing the intellectual property [IP] that meets the demands of the market and fans,” Lee Sung-su said. “The biggest changes that will come with the new system is the establishment of multi-production centers, multi labels and a subsidiary specializing in publishing music.”

Lee Sung-su continued, “Under the new system, SM artists will be placed under five production centers that will be given their own independent status. An additional production center will be established to oversee the creation and management of virtual human avatars such as Naevis.”

“Our focus with SM 3.0 is on marking ourselves down as a global entertainment company centering on the fans and shareholders,” said Tak Young-jun.  “We promise to communicate more actively with the fans and shareholders with SM 3.0, starting with our multi-production and label system.”

With their 3.0 plan and cutting ties with Lee Soo-man, Lee Sung-su predicts SM Entertainment’s “production process will increase revenue by 134 percent by 2025.”

“By 2025, our annual sales goal will be 1.8 trillion KRW (~ $1.4 billion USD), and our annual operating profit goal will be 500 billion KRW (~ $384.7 million USD). Due to issues of a power-based internal management structure, SM Entertainment’s competitive value in the market has thus far been underrated. However, if we can fulfill the ‘SM 3.0’ initiative by 2025, we have no doubt that such figures will be very much within reach,” the SM 3.0: Global Expansion & Investment Strategy revealed.

Lee Sung-su and Tak Young-jun shared more information about SM’s expansion in a video posted on YouTube February 22.

 

Kakao, HYBE Purchase Shares Following 3.0 Announcement

After the announcement of SM Entertainment 3.0, February 9, several media outlets reported HYBE intended to purchase SM Entertainment shares.

“We are continuing to review matters related to the acquisition of shares, including a tender offer regarding SM’s shares. At the time of this statement, nothing has currently been confirmed,” HYBE said in a statement released at the time. “In the future, we will re-disclose when specific details regarding this are confirmed, or within a month.”

On February 10, it was confirmed that HYBE did purchase SM Entertainment shares based on a deal with Lee Soo-man. Prior to HYBE’s purchase, Lee Soo-man had the largest SM Entertainment shares at 18.46 percent, making them the largest shareholder.

The move came after Kakao became the second-largest shareholder. Lee Soo-man objected to the Kakao deal, calling it “illegal,” and has since taken legal action.

On February 22, SM Entertainment outlined their reasoning for their partnership with Kakao.

As Soompi outlines, the following reasoning was shared:

• SM and Kakao partnership is closely aligns with the implementation of SM 3.0
• Kakao is the best partner to address the SM 3.0 Multi-Production strategies
• Profitability of SM’s intellectual property will increase, thus leveraging the Kakao platform.
• SM will establish a virtuous cycle between intellectual property and platforms with Kakao to achieve the global expansion plan
• New SM Culture Universe (SMCU) will be built based on Kakao’s technology such as Connectivity Tech, AI (artificial intelligence), and Metaverse

In turn, HYBE also posted an open letter to fans on Twitter discussing their acquisition of Lee Soo-man’s shares.

 

 

 

 

 

SM Calls HYBE’s Move Hostile Takeover

While the share purchasing by HYBE may sound positive in a marketing sense, SM Entertainment CEOs view the move as a “hostile takeover.” HYBE disputed this claim at the time, stating they were willing to work with SM Entertainment and Kakao. Since, HYBE and SM Entertainment have released a string of statements responding to one another as well as some allegations against Lee Soo-man.

In a 15-minute video published February 20, SM Entertainment CFO Jang Cheol-hyuk sounded alarmed, claiming HYBE “plans to acquire a 40% stake through a ‘tender offer’ that is currently underway.” With SM Entertainment and HYBE are two of the leading music companies in South Korea, Jang fears a monopoly could take place.

“If the two companies are integrated, the combined entity would create a monopoly by taking 66% of the total market revenue,” Jang said. “Furthermore, as of Q3 2022, the two companies’ combined profits from albums/digital music account for 70% of the market. Regarding concert/performance profit, the two companies took up as much as 89%. As a result of an integration, over 60% (64%) of the top-ranking artists by album sales would be under a single company, undermining the diversity of the K-pop market.”

Jang continued, “Ultimately, K-pop fans will be the ones that will be most affected by the monopoly. SM puts reasonable prices to concert tickets to allow broader scope of fans to enjoy cultural performances. Meanwhile, HYBE has taken advantage of its position in the K-pop market to almost double the concert ticket prices.”

 

HYBE’s Warning for Legal Action

While HYBE initially said they were willing to work with Kakao, on February 24, the company plans to “take all necessary legal measures against a recent contract that SM struck with its alliance partner Kakao Entertainment” in defiance the company’s [HYBE] takeover bid.

The change came as Kakao’s contract with SM Entertainment came to light. The contract between SM Entertainment and Kakao states Kakao has the rights to publish SM Entertainment’s albums and music as well as the right to purchase more shares.

“After learning of what is in the business contract, we were both surprised and concerned,” HYBE said in a statement. “A review is under way on legal problems contained in this contract. According to its result, we will take all necessary legal measures, both civil and criminal.”

HYBE further claims Kakao’s ability to purchase more shares will hurt ordinary shareholders. SM Entertainment, however, states HYBE is “maliciously misinterpreting” the contract.

“We don’t plan to raise investment by issuing new shares through a third-party allotment,” SM said in a statement. “As [the company] nears its limit of issuing new shares, it is legally impossible to issue new shares without changing the articles of association.”

HYBE continues by stating the SM-Kakao deal could hurt SM Entertainment’s “chance of attracting ‘new strategic investors’ and make it easier for Kakao ‘to seize control of SM’s management rights.’”

In relation to SM Entertainment’s expansion into other markets, HYBE also raised concerns about Kakao controlling SM’s artists activities in the Americas, ticket sales, and fan meets as well as potentially taking away artists’ abilities to negotiate.

 

SM Employees on Edge

With all the changes afoot, SM Entertainment employees are understandably on edge. On the anonymous forum Blind, employees have expressed their concerns.

“I’d been filled with pride while working here, but now that’s crumbled down in the blink of an eye,” one employee said.

“I’m scared that people might stop seeing us as an independent entertainment company,” said another.

208 SM employees also released a joint statement opposing HYBE’s share acquisition. The statement reads:

Once former chief producer Lee Soo Man was in danger of having his illegal tax evading actions unveiled, he sold his shares to a competitor company that he used to speak ill of and ran away.

Us members of SM have been completely used in former chief producer Lee Soo Man’s illegal acts including fraudulent actions for his personal interests and tax evasion. We cannot be used by HYBE’s illegality and expediency again even before we begin the SM 3.0 project.

Thus, us 208 regular employees of SM Entertainment are releasing the following statement as we cannot hold our anger about former chief producer Lee Soo Man and HYBE’s unlawful collusion.

1. We will protect K-pop’s cultural diversity and SM’s distinct identity. We declare that SM’s culture should not be subordinated to HYBE’s capital.
2. We actively support and stand by CEO Lee Sung Su and COO Tak Young Joon’s self-reflection and their plans for SM 3.0 multi-producing. We also demand stronger protection for our artists and fans so they are not harmed.
3. We oppose HYBE’s hostile M&A and their expedient attempt to enter our board of directors. We will resist HYBE’s attempt to take over SM in an abnormal manner.

“Lee Soo Man deserted SM and Pink Blood and ran away, but we will remain at Seoul Forest and protect SM and Pink Blood.”

Collective of 208 SM Entertainment regular employees

However, HYBE CEO Park Ji-won said, “We respect SM’s legacy. We will ensure SM’s independence. HYBE has already proved [the efficacy] of the multi-label system.”

The SM-HYBE-Kakao share drama is still ongoing and developing daily. As the story develops, stay tuned for updates!

 

—-Olivia Murray

 

#HYBE #HYBELabels #SM #SMEntertainment #Kakao #LeeSungSuCEO #TakYoungJoonCOO #CFOJangCheolhyuk #monopoly #kpop #Korean #SouthKorea #kpopindustry #LeeSooMan #purchasestockshares #SM30 #takeoverofSMEntertainment #kcrush #kcrushnews #SMHybeKakao #multilabelsystem #NamSoyoung #KimYoungmin #kcrushamerica #Weverse #SMBubble #updates #globalkpopscene

 

The TV Anime “Attack on Titan” The Final Season Part 3 will be broadcasting at 00:25 (JAPAN TIME) on the 4th of March through NHK General TV. SiM, a Reggae and Punk band, is in charge of singing and creating the theme song of the TV anime series.

 

 

The title of the theme song for the anime is “UNDER THE TREE”. SiM created the song “The Rumbling”, which was the opening theme song of The TV anime series, “Attack on Titan, The Final Season Part 2” as well. The song became a great hit around the world and gained a total of over 200 million streams.

“UNDER THE TREE” will be available for downloading and streaming through various music streaming services at 00:00 on Saturday, the 4th of March.

The vocalist MAH commented that “I would rather mention the song a little later to not reveal too much, so I just want to say right now that I hope people are excited to see The TV Anime “Attack on Titan” The Final Season Part 3!

The cover image of the song is an illustration of the character Mikasa, in which she is holding a red scarf and staring at it in a very dramatic way.

Please check out the actual song by watching the actual TV Anime when it airs.

 

[ The information about the song ]

The theme song for The TV Anime “Attack on Titan” The Final Season Part 3

Song title: UNDER THE TREE

Artist: SiM

Lyrics: MAH

Composition & Arrangement: SiM

 

[ Information about the release ]

“UNDER THE TREE” will be available for downloading and streaming through various music streaming services at 00:00 on Saturday, the 4th of March.

SiM “UNDER THE TREE”

https://lnk.to/underthetree

 

 

[ Information about the TV Anime ]

– Broadcast information

The TV Anime “Attack on Titan” The Final Season Part 3

A one-hour special program will be broadcasting on NHK General TV at 00:25 on Saturday the 4th of March 2023!

(The date and the timing of the broadcasting may change.)

 

–  Information about the release

The TV Anime “Attack on Titan” The Final Season Part 3

The Anime will be released through various streaming services!

It will start streaming at 06:00 on Saturday the 4th of March 2023!

It will be streaming through the streaming sites dTV, danimestore, GYAO!, Netflix, TELASA, hikariTV, U-NEXT, Amazon Prime Video, DMM TV and others, according to their schedules.

 

[ The storyline of The TV Anime “Attack on Titan” The Final Season Part 3 ]

Eren has started “the Rumbling” to end the world. Innumerable titans started the attack and they started to stomp on everything. Mikasa, Armin, Jean, Connie, Hans, Reiner, Annie, Pieck, and Levi, who has been mortally wounded. The people who survived are going to the final battle to stop Eren.

 

[ Staff ]

Based on the manga by: HAJIME ISAYAMA

Director：YUICHIRO HAYASHI

Series Structure：HIROSHI SEKO

Character Design：TOMOHIRO KISHI

Animation Directors：DAISUKE NINUMA/MANABU AKITA

Chief Episode Director：JUN SHISHIDO

Effect Animation Directors：TAICHI FURUMATA/SATOSHI SAKAI

Color Design：IKU ONISHI

Art Director：KUNIAKI NEMOTO

Screen Design：YUSUKE TANNAWA

3DCG Director：MOTOI OKUNO/SUBARU IKEDA

Filming Director：SHIGEKI ASAKWA

Editor：MASATO YOSHITAKE

Sound Effect Director：MASAFUMI MIMA

Music：KOHTA YAMAMOTO/HIROYUKI SAWANO

Sound Effects：NAOTO YAMATANI

Sound Production：Techno Sound

Animation Producer：WATARU KAWAGOE

Produced by：MAPPA

 

[ Cast ]

Eren Yeager：Yuki Kaji

Mikasa Ackerman：Yui Ishikawa

Armin Arlert：Marina Inoue

Connie Springer：Hiro Shimono

Historia Reiss：Shiori Mikami

Jean Kirstein：Kisyo Taniyama

Annie Leonhart：Yu Shimamura

Hans Zoe：Romi Park

Levi Ackerman：Hiroshi Kamiya

Zeke Yeager：Takehito Koyasu

Falco Grice：Natsuki Hanae

Gabi Braun：Ayane Sakura

Pieck Finger：Manami Numakura

 

[ Additional Information ]

The Final Season Official Site：https://shingeki.tv/final/

Official Twitter：@anime_shingeki

 

 

[ Profile ]

NAME：SiM (Silence iz Mine)

MEMBER：SIN (Ba) / GODRi (Dr) / MAH (Vo) / SHOW-HATE (Gt)

FORMED：Shonan, Kanagawa, Japan on 11/03/2004

STYLE：REGGAE PUNK (HARD CORE PUNK / NU-METAL meets SKA / REGGAE)

LABEL：PONY CANYON

MANAGEMENT：gil soundworks

 

SiM are a reggae and punk band formed in Shonan, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. Their music is a “Loud harsh noise, and also difficult but somehow catchy”. It may sound quite contradictory, but the music is great because of the contrast. The band consists of 4 members.

They mix hardcore punk, new metal, with reggae and ska. That music are totally opposites but then they mix the sound with their unique sense of pop freely. Their lyrics are aggressive and rebellious, they play with words in a smart and witty way and their chorus is very unique.

MAH has great charisma, and his fans and other artists refer to him as the “Devil” since he has a distinct appearance and his presence with him holding a baton while conducting the music. He has amazing power to get the audience’s heart instantly.

SHOW-HATE is a skilled musician with accurate technique, and he runs around the stage while swinging around his instruments. SIN is in charge of the strings. GODRi is a drummer, who is supporting the band with his bold and tight groove when he plays the drum, and he also does the chorus.

Their live show is a combination of them, and the performance is explosively amazing. MAH says, “We were born in the live music club and grew up in the live music club, and we will die in the live music club.”

But they have also successfully sold out their solo live performance at big venues, such as Nippon Budokan and Yokohama Arena. And they have hosted the outdoor music festival called “EAD POP FESTiVAL”, with a venue of 20,000 people.

They also became a headliner at various big outdoor rock festivals all over Japan. SiM climbed up to the top of the rock music scene, with the wish “to break the rock scene from the inside”.

They have changed members of the band numerous times, some of them have suffered from serious sickness as well.They faced many challenges including being dismissed from their label.

Now they have no blind spot to worry about since they have established their status as amazing live performers.

 

[ Artist HP ]

https://sxixm.com/

“Attack on Titan (Shingeki no Kyojin) TheFinal Season”

©Hajime Isayama, KODANSHA/”ATTACK ON TITAN” The Final Season Production Committee.

 

#SiM #Japanesegroup #AttackonTitan #kcrushnews #AttackonTitanTheFinalSeason #reggaeband #punk #punkrock #stopEren #theRumbling #kcrushamerica #UnderTheTreeSiM #AttackonTitanAnimeFinalSeason #ThemeSongAttackonTitanSeason3 #anime #Japaneseanime #newsong #Season3AttackonTitanMarch4 #newfinalseasonAttackonTitan #MikasaAttackonTitan #NuMetal #SKA #SIN #Ba #GODRi #Dr #MAH #Vo #SHOWHATE #Gt #SiMmembers #newanimerelease #streamingplatforms #NHKGeneralTV #dTV #danimestore #GYAO! #Netflix #TELASA #hikariTV #U-NEXT #AmazonPrimeVideo #DMMTV #March42023 #JPop #JPopsinger #JPopband

The release of the information.

(1) From the 3rd of April the Anime will be broadcasting on TV Tokyo, TV Osaka and TV Aichi.

(2) The Anime will be on air on Animax from the 8th of April!

(3) The release of the second PV.

(4) The key images will be revealed for the second time.

(5) The information about the songs will be released.

 

 

The information about the broadcasting will be released!

Finally, “Kizuna no Allele” will be broadcasting from the 3rd of April. Please look forward to seeing their amazing action!

The second PV of the TV Anime “Kizuna no Allele” will be released! The songs are also going to be released! 

The PV with the latest scenes of the girl Miracle, who adores Kizuna Ai, and her friends have been released! This is the second PV since the first one which was released last December. Please enjoy the video with the song “mirAI wave!” by PathTLive and the song “Yosuga” by #kzn!

Key images are revealed for the second time!

Key image of the members of PathTLive in their costumes for the live show will be revealed for the first time! Please check out their live performance scenes in the Anime.

The second PV

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlS3sdzsjOU

 

 

The information about the broadcasting

On air on TV Tokyo, TV Osaka and TV Aichi

At 1:30 AM on Monday the 3rd of April

On air on Animax

At 23:30 on Saturday the 8th of April

 

The information about the song

mirAI wave! (Singer: PathTLive)

Yosuga (Singer: #kzn)

Retweet Campaign will be held on the official Twitter.

A big retweet campaign has also been decided to be held.

 

Information about “Kizuna no Allele”

The title: Kizuna no Allele

Broadcasting: On air from the 3rd of April on TV Tokyo, TV Osaka and TV Aichi.

From the 8th of April it will be broadcasting on Animax

 

Staff

Directed by: KENICHIRO KOMAYA

Series Composition: DEKO AKAO

Character Design: SHIORI ASAKA / NIINA MORITA

Chief Animation Director: SHIORI ASAKA / NIINA MORITA / MIZUKI TAKAHASHI

Prop Design: HOIKEI TAM

Color Design: MITSUKO SEKIMOTO

Art Director: MASAKAZU MIYAKE

Fine Art Setting: KAZUSHIGE KANEHIRA / YURI SANAMI / NARIYUKI OGI

CG Director: RYO SASAKI

Cinematographer: MAYUKO KOIKE

Edit: JUNICHI MASUNAGA

Sound Director: JIN AKETAGAWA

Sound Effects: YUI ANDO

Music: GO SAKABE

Animation Production: WIT STUDIO × SIGNAL.MD

 

Cast

“PathTLive”

Miracle: AYUMI HINOHARA

Quan: RINA KAWAGUCHI

Chris: HIKARI KODAMA

Noelle: YUKA NUKUI

Riz: ARISA HANAWA

 

“BRT5”

Niska: YUURI MATSUOKA

Jessie: RANDHI

Ellie: HARUKA YOSHIKI

Sarah: HINA NATSUME

Halle: HINAKI YANO

 

“VICONIC”

Jua: NOZOMI NAGUMO

Thea: TSUKINO

 

“3DM8”

Ximena: RURI ARAI

Zoe: NAO FURUHATA

Sofia: YUNA KITAHARA

Kizuna AI: Kizuna AI

The official HP of the TV Anime: kizunanoallele.com

The official Twitter: kizunanoallele

 

Artist

mirAI wave! (Singer: PathTLive)

寄花 (Singer: #kzn)

 

 

Information about Alleles

“Alleles” will be released for the first time on the 25th of February!

 

[Part 1]

On the the 25th at 19:00 to the 26th at 01:00

https://youtube.com/live/FHh-Th_oFlo?feature=share

 

[Part 2]

On the 26th from 9:00 to 15:30

https://youtube.com/live/xfPjIEtCis8?feature=share

 

[Part 3]

On the 26th from 16:15 to 22:00

https://youtube.com/live/XvlMc-LHQNU?feature=share

 

I want to connect with everyone while I perform on live shows around the world.

We are going to dive into the world, from the real world to the virtual world.

This is the XR artist’s project which connects the virtual and real.

The 15 members, who appear on the TV Anime “Kizuna no Allele”, are going to challenge themselves through various activities. They will do weekly short live shows mainly on YouTube Live streaming and teach dance lessons.

Dive into “I”

ーXR artist’s project which connects Virtual and Real.ー

Please look forward to seeing their new challenges and achievements!

 

The official YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@allelesproject

The official Twitter: https://twitter.com/AllelesProject

 

Images and Materials

ⒸKA/Kizuna no Allele PJ ⒸKizuna no Allele Partners

 

 

#KizunanoAllele #allelesproject #tvAnime #XRartistsproject #shortliveshows #YouTubelivestreamingAnime #teachdancelessons #kcrushnews #kcrushamerica #AnimaxApril8 #TVTokyo #TVOsaka #TVAichi #kcrushmedia #mirAIwave! #Singer:PathTLive #YosugaSinger #kzn #PathTLiveCostumeReveal

 

After the 1980s K-drama triumphant entry in the international scene, the 2^nd generation of K-dramas stormed the entertainment industry with more complex, captivating, and out of this world storyline and acting skills. With the world becoming a village, Korea took the chance to make a brand for itself through its skilled thematic plots of dramas and professionalism in the suspense aspect that left viewers clinging to their seats. The 2^nd generation K-drama period between 1990 to 1999 involved numerous Oscar worthy series, but below are some of this generation’s best ones.

 

1. What Is Love? (1991)

“What Is Love?” was amongst other creative dramas that formed the epitome of 2^nd generation K-dramas. The drama births a roller-coaster of mixed feelings from its emotion wrecking scenes. Released in November, 1991, this K-drama is about two different families that are unified by love. Upon Dae Bal Lee (Choi Min Soo) and Ji Eun Park (Ha Hee Ra)’s marriage, the two families; a patriarch and conservative verses a utilitarian and modern family, strive to blend as in-laws. Filled with comedy and intently emotional scenes, this drama is quite educative as it portrays the daily struggles of societal facets and the personal sacrifices and empathy needed for the common good.

 

2. The Trap of Youth (1999)

This heart wrenching “Trap of Youth” series was released in January, 1999, and revolves around the complex nature of relationships. Out of pure love, Yun Hee (Shim Eun-Ha) does the unfathomable and sacrifices her dreams of studying in order to work and support her boyfriend’s studies. To further show her devotion, she gives her boyfriend Dong Woo (Lee Jong Won) the honor of becoming a father. In a twist of events, Dong Woo finds interest in a new richer girlfriend leaving Yun Hee in an emotional chaos. The ensuing nerve-wrecking scenes with intense motives including betrayal and revenge that lead to mind-blogging incidences and unpredicted characters including Yeong Kuk (Jun Kwang Ryul). Yun Hee’s journey to regaining happiness and possibilities of true love amid the heartbreak keeps viewers glued to the end.

 

3. Eyes of Dawn (1991)

“Eyes of Dawn” is a soul-stirring series depicting the historical horrors and injustices that occurred during Korea’s colonial period by the Japanese. Released in October, 1991, the drama centers on three youngsters, Jang Ha Rim (Park Sang Won), Yoon Yeo Ok (Chae Shi Ra), and Choi Dae Chi (Choi Jae Sung), caught in the thick of the war. The most eminent and gruesome war crimes depicted from the characters misfortunes include the exploitation of Korean women as “comfort and pleasure tools” and inhumane treatment of young Korean men as “war shields and front fighters” during Japan’s war against the USA. Eyes of Dawn is such a heart-throbbing drama as the characters not only fight in the physical Japanese war against its enemies, but also strive for a glimpse of relief from the Japanese colonialism. Whether any of the two, or better opportunities present themselves to Jang Ha Rim and the rest is up to the few episodes at the end of the series.

 

4. The Final Match (1994)

Also famously known as “The Last Match”, this Korean drama was released in January, 1994 and is all about the beauty and beast sides of friendships. “The Final Match” roots from a longtime friendship that boomed in the young lives of Lee Gong Min (Son Ji Chang) and Yoon Chul Joon (Jang Dong Gun). Life happens and the two friends start drifting apart only to cross paths again later in a competitive situation. Emotions intensify with each of the friends trying to prove their superiority. One final match is all it needs to give the final stamp on whatever is left, if any, of the two youngsters’ friendship.

 

5. First Love (1996)

“First Love” is an emotion wrecking melodrama that is rated amongst the most viewed K-dramas of the 1990s. Released in June, 1996, this series centers around two brothers who find themselves in love with the same woman. The heat starts building when Sung Chan Hyuk (Choi Soo Jong) find out that his brother, Sung Chan Woo (Bae Yong Joon), is dating his long-time crush Hyo Kyung Lee (Lee Seung Yeon). This discovery is further worsened by Hyo Kyung Lee’s gang of a father who disapproves of her daughter’s relationship with any of the brothers who hail from a poor background. A retaliation from Hyo Kyung Lee’s father leaves Sung Chan Hyuk paralyzed marking the end of his career as an artist. The dilemma lies in whether Chan Hyuk, Chan Woo, or Kyung Lee will find love at last or have to suffer the consequences for their desires and actions.

 

6. Sand Glass (1995)

Rated as amongst the most viewed K-dramas of its time, “Sand Glass” is a melodrama that is worth investing your time. Released in January, 1995, this historical drama depicts the Gwangju uprising period from a perspective of the different characters’ lives and social status. “Sand Glass” tells of the ups and downs of Tae Su Parl (Choi Min-Soo) and Woo Seok Kang (Park Sang Won) as they maneuver through life in search of freedom from political oppression. In addition to their different social status, and differing values with one being in the gangster field and the other in the law field, several incidents occur causing strain and havoc in their relationship and those of other intertwined characters. Love enters into the equation as Yoon Hye Rin (Hyun Jung Go) comes into the picture demanding consequential choices to be made with everything at stake. Involvement in the uprising movement brings along its consequences and entangled reactions which keep the viewers glued in a pool of mixed emotions.

 

7. Scent of Love (1994)

“Scent of Love” is a heart throbbing romance drama released in April, 1994. It tells of the interesting stories of love amongst characters of different generations. Different perceptions on matters of true love are brought to the table with each viewpoints related consequences bringing the viewers into emotional chaos. It focuses on Yeong Jin (Choi Jin Shil) who is left to fend for herself, and so is her sister, upon their parent’s deaths. Fate results in the two experiencing unexpected twist and turns amidst the natural human nature of needing affection and striving to maneuver unending youth hardships. Yeong Jin finds love in Kim Jun Ho (Lee Byung Hun) even as their relationship experiences calamities from all angles. With each of the 3 generations’ love story having to navigate through life on diverse frames of reference, the drama’s finale is one to look forward to.

 

8. Happy Together (1999)

Released in June, 1999, this melodrama is themed around the complexities of relationships amidst unavoidable life events. Five siblings are separated at a young age upon their parents’ demise with some forced into deplorable foster families. A few years later, Seo Tae Poong (Lee Byung Hun) endeavors to bring the family back together only for a series of unexpected turns to ensue. The reunion however, faces a backlash from the baggage of each of the siblings’ lives. The afflictions bring with them feelings of betrayal, neglect, and failure amongst others. The viewers are taken aback with each episode as they empathize with the characters throughout this heart-wrenching drama. Whether there is a glimpse of them regaining happiness together is only left into the hands of the writer.

 

9. Christmas In August (1998)

“Christmas in August” has been rated as amongst the 2nd generation’s most tear-jerking and sad melodramas. Released in January, 1998, this series focuses on Jung Won (Han Suk Kyu)’s peaceful life as a photographer in a rural area. The passion for his job, though not as rewarding financially, spills over through the perfect gigs he offers. Nonetheless, life’s cruelty is not so kind not to even this pure soul as he finds his health failing him with no future hope. His aging father and younger sister are in the dark even as he tries to treasure every moment. A scent of love finds its way into his doorstep upon an encounter with Da-rim (Shim Eun Ha), leaving him in a dilemma of whether to pursue it and connect with another soul despite his ticking clock. Just as the viewers, Jung Win prays for a miracle amid trying to bid farewell and enjoy whatever time mother earth decides to present him.

 

10. M (1994)

“M”, written in hangul as엠, is a sci-fi horror drama that received quite a high viewership rating back in the days upon its release in August, 1994. The story focuses on a girl, Ma Ri Park (Shim Eun Ha), whose mission is to punish those who contributed to her death. Ma Ri Park was aborted before birth and her spirit lingered waiting for an opportunity to teach a lesson to all who supported the selfish heinous crime. Upon the birth of Ju Ri Kim (Shim Eun Ha), Ma Ri Park enters and takes control of her body to execute the revenge mission. A series of horrific scenes ensue leaving the viewers clinging to their seats. Whether Ma Ri Park consumes everyone on her list or experiences a glimpse of empathy and assesses their decision from a different perspective is up to the last episodes of the series.

 

—-Karen Mwenda

 

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