‘2023 SM Global Audition’ will be held in Busan, Daegu, Gwangju and Daejeon, starting with Seoul, Korea on the 28th. It will be held in 6 cities in Japan in March, and the host country will be released sequentially.
‘SM Global Audition’ is SM’s large-scale global audition that started in 2006 and covers all of Asia and the Americas. The artists who debuted through this audition include Red Velvet Wendy and Joy, Johnny, Yuta, Ten, Mark, Renjun, Lucas, Kun and Yangyang of NCT.
Above all, this ‘2023 SM Global Audition’ is meaningful in that it is a large-scale on-site audition that hasn’t been going on for a long time since the Covid pandemic.
Online pre-registration for the audition is conducted through the ‘2023 SM Global Audition’ website from the 11th, and anyone born between 2004 and 2012 can select one of the four categories: vocal, dance, rap, and acting.
—-Jiyoung Lee
#SMEntertainment #SMGlobalAudition #Kpop #rap #acting #dance #vocalaudition #kcrushnews #2023SMGlobalAudition #Korea #Japan #Canada #China #Australia #Thailand #kcrushamerica #Busan #Daegu #Gwangju #Daejeon #auditionforSM
Japanese tennis star and four-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka will miss the 2023 tennis season after announcing she and her boyfriend, Grammy-nominated rapper Cordae, will be welcoming a child this year.
“Can’t wait to get back on the court but here’s a little life update for 2023,” Osaka wrote on Instagram.
View this post on Instagram
In the post, Osaka shares, “The past few years have been interesting to say the least, but I find that it’s the most challenging times in life that may be the most fun. These few months away from the sport has really given me a new love and appreciation for the game I’ve dedicated my life to. I realize that life is so short, and I don’t take any moments for granted, everyday is a new blessing and adventure. I know that I have so much to look forward to in the future, one thing I’m looking forward to is for my kid to watch one of my matches and tell someone, ‘that’s my mom,’ haha. 2023 will be a year that’ll be full of lessons for me and I hope I’ll see you guys in the start of the next one cause I’ll be at Aus [Australian Open] 2024. Love you all infinitely.”
Osaka continues, “Sidenote: I don’t think there’s a perfectly correct path to take in life, but I always felt that if you move forward with good intentions you’ll find your way eventually.”
Osaka’s baby news comes three days after she announced she would not be playing in this year’s Australian Open (January 8-29, 2023).
The Haitian-American and Japanese tennis star, who has had a successful career overall, has been playing tennis on-and-off since 2021. In 2021, her withdrawal from the French Open after not participating in a post-match press conference to take care of her mental health helped to start conversations about destigmatizing mental illness in the sports sphere and in every day life.
Congratulations to Naomi Osaka and Cordae as they prepare for their child!
—-Olivia Murray
#NaomiOsaka #Cordae #NaomiOsakababynews #kcrushnews #Japanese #tennisplayer #kcrushamerica #grandslamtenniswinner #AustralianOpen #tennisstar #OsakaNaomi #grammywinnerCordae
On January 10, 2023, the release of the official Coachella lineup confirmed BLACKPINK will be one of the headliners at this year’s event. Prior to the announcement, rumors circulated on social media the YG Entertainment quartet would be part of the festival held in April this year.
While K-Pop artists have performed at Coachella in the past, BLACKPINK’s appearance will mark the first time a K-Pop act will headline the yearly festival. Other headliners include Bad Bunny and Frank Ocean.
BLACKPINK’s inclusion as a headliner marks only the sixth time a female artist or group has headlined the festival. This is also BLACKPINK’s second appearance since 2019.
In addition to BLACKPINK, other Asian, artists of Asian descent, and groups featuring members of Asian descent include Jackson Wang, DPR Ian, DPR Live, Sunset Rollercoaster, Linda Lindas, Horsegirl, Umi, and Yaeji.
If you plan to attend Coachella, BLACKPINK as well as Yaeji, Umi, Linda Lindas, Sunset Rollercoaster, and Horsegirl’s performances will be Saturday April 15 and Saturday April 22. Jackson Wang, DPR Ian, and DPR Live will perform on Sunday April 16 and Sunday April 23.
Presale registration early access is open now with presale beginning January 13, 2023. Pass tiers are available here with limited availability for weekend one.
Do you plan to attend Coachella? Let us know in the comments!
—-Olivia Murray
#Coachella #BlackPink #kcrushnews #BlackPinkheadlinesCoachella #kpop #BlackPinkPop #BlackPinkKpop #kcrushamerica #JacksonWangCoachella #DPRIan #DPRLive #SunsetRollercoaster #LindaLindas #Horsegirl #Umi #Yaeji #Asianperformers #CoachellaFestival
Following the news that Omega X sued Spire Entertainment due to ongoing abuse allegations, the 11-member group announced they won their lawsuit against the Spire Entertainment. The group’s been granted an injunction suspending their contracts with the company.
In the January 11, 2023 Instagram post, the group wrote:
Hello, this is OMEGA X.
Today, we won the lawsuit we filed against our agency to suspend the validity of our exclusive contract.
We were able to achieve this thanks to all of you giving us courage and reaching out a hand.
Thank you for worrying about us and supporting us up until now.
FOR X, we truly love you and thank you.
We will repay you in the future with even better music and admirable performances.
Thank you.
OMEGA X ♡ FOR X
View this post on Instagram
In November 2022, Omega X filed their contract termination lawsuit against Spire Entertainment. In addition to filing to have their exclusive contracts terminated, the group filed criminal charges against the agency’s CEO and chairman—a husband and wife team—due to physical and verbal abuse the group members endured. The CEO ultimately stepped down after the claims and evidence surfaced supporting Omega X.
It’s unclear if Spire Entertainment plans to appeal the ruling.
Congratulations to Omega X on their win. Hopefully a brighter future’s ahead!
—-Olivia Murray
#OMEGAX #SpireEntertainment #lawsuit #OMEGAXlawsit #exclusivecontractsterminated #kpop #kcrushnews #kpopidol #koreanboygroupOMEGAX #kcrushamerica
Nexon leaps forward as a global comprehensive content company that crosses games and movies. To this end, it became the largest shareholder of ‘AGBO’, the Avengers production company in Hollywood, USA last year, and recently signed an agreement with Barunson E&A, the production company of ‘Parasite’, which led the global K-movie craze, to share content production experience. In addition, it introduced ‘Face Play’, a platform where anyone can create and share videos.
On the 10th, game company Nexon entered into a strategic business alliance (MOU) with Barunson E&A, which holds copyrights for ‘Parasite’ and ‘Mother’, to share video and game production know-how and intellectual property (IP) owned by both companies. In addition to video production using franchise game IPs such as Nexon’s ‘Kart Rider’ and ‘Maple Story’, game content production using movie IPs such as Barunson E&I’s ‘Parasite’ is also expected.
If you make a game using existing IP, you can discover materials and stories relatively easily, and it is advantageous for marketing. Netmarble’s games ‘I Only Level Up’ and ‘Tower of God’ are based on web novels and webtoons. Krafton is preparing to release a game based on <The Bird that Drinks Tears>, a fantasy novel by author Youngdo Lee.
In July 2021, Nick van Dyke, an entertainment business expert, was appointed as Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) and is operating the ‘Nexon Filmed Entertainment’ organization in the United States. Various strategies are being devised to expand the influence and value of Nexon’s global IPs, such as ‘Dungeon & Fighter’, ‘The Country of the Wind’, ‘Maple Story’, ‘Kart Rider’ and new works developed by Embark Studio.
Last year, it invested in AGBO, a global entertainment production company founded by world-renowned film directors, the Russo brothers, to expand Nexon IP into film and TV, and became the largest shareholder. It plans to provide opportunities for global users to enjoy Nexon’s IP through various channels such as games, movies, TV, streaming, and product sales.
Furthermore, Nexon established ‘YN C&S’ joint venture in cooperation with YG Entertainment, Naver, WYSIWYG Studio, and NP to produce futuristic content that combines VFX (visual effect) and XR (extended reality) technology. Nexon is expected to be able to produce contents that can expand its IP in various ways by utilizing the infrastructure created by YN C&S.
Recently, it introduced ‘Face Play’, a service that combines the ‘social media’ function, in which users consume content, and the ‘social production’ function, which provides a content production environment. It is a platform where anyone can create and share short-form content. The ultimate goal is to provide a comprehensive production function that builds an environment in which each content production, such as movies, dramas, entertainment, music, and games, can be produced.
In addition to Nexon, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) for the purpose of securing IP are also on the rise in the industry. Com2uS, a game company famous for ‘Summoners War’, became a hot topic in the industry by making a big hit as ‘the youngest son of a conglomerate’ within a year after acquiring WYSIWYG Studio, a content production company, last year. Jaejoon Song, CEO of Com2uS, emphasized, “We will develop Com2uS into an IP company that encompasses various contents, not just a game company.”
CJ ENM spent about 1 trillion won last year to acquire Hollywood production studio ‘FIFTH SEASON’. This was done while the movies “Parasite” and “Minari” and the dramas “Squid Game” and “Pachinko” have gained popularity and won awards on the world stage in recent years. It was evaluated as having prepared a global advance base for K-content.
—-Lee Jiyoung
#NEXON #WYSIWYG #Com2uS #IPcompany #CJENM #Parasite #Minari #SquidGame #Pachinko #Kcontent #kcrushnews #FacePlay #AGBO #gaming #VFX #kcrushamerica #YGEntertainment #Naver #NickvanDyke #MOU #Baranson #SummonersWar #JaejoonSong #FIFTHSEASON #Kmovie #BarunsonandEandA
TEEN TOP CHUNJI held “too late TEENTOP CHUNJI LIVE & RELEASE EVENT” from the 6th to the 9th to commemorate the release of his first solo album [too late] in Osaka and Tokyo, Japan.
CHUNJI, who met with domestic fans through various events at the end of last year, held a total of four days of live events in Osaka and Tokyo to meet Japanese fans who had not met during the military hiatus for the New Year.
CHUNJI rewarded the fans who were with him on the scene by performing his own songs “Age” and “Hold Your Hand” as well as his new songs “Too late” and “Farewell” for the Japanese fans after a long time. In addition, it presented behind-the-scenes talks for the album and various corners for each episode, as well as communicating closely with fans through special events held after the end of the live event, drawing enthusiastic responses from fans.
Meanwhile, CHUNJI released its first solo album [too late] in December, drawing attention through various events such as bungeoppang and pocha events, and will be on stage as a whole group with Super Junior, Viviz and MCND at “K-POP MEGA CONCERT in Malaysia” in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on February 18.
#CHUNJI #Bungeoppang #soloalbum #Pocha #Osaka #Tokyo #Japanesefans #kpop #TEENTOP #CHUNJIAGE #CHUNJIHoldYourHand #TooLateCHUNJI #FarewellCHUNJI #kcrushnews #TEENTOPMalaysiaFebruary18 #kcrushamerica #TOOLATETEENTOPCHUNJILiveReleaseEventJapan
The world’s largest IT and consumer electronics exhibition ‘CES 2023’, which opened in Las Vegas on the 5th (local time), ended successfully on the 8th.
About 3,200 companies from 174 countries participated in CES 2023, which was held in person for the first time in three years after COVID-19 pandemic. Considering that the number of companies participating in ‘CES 2020’ was close to 4,400, it is said to have recovered a lot to before-the-pandemic level.
323 of the Fortune Global 500 companies, including Google and Microsoft, which did not exhibit on-site last year, participated in the event. At least 100,000 people visited the exhibition hall, a significant increase from last year when the number of visitors was 45,000.
At this year’s CES, the title of the largest participating country except for the United States was gained by Korea. In Korea, more than 550 companies, including Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, SK, Lotte, Hyundai Mobis, HD Hyundai, Body Friend, and Seoul Semiconductor participated, drawing attention from all over the world. Among others, Samsung built the largest exhibition hall, and LG succeeded in gaining popularity with a super-large OLED sculpture at the entrance of the exhibition hall. Korean local governments, universities also joined CES as well as the high executives from the large conglomerates.
TechCrunch, a media specializing in information technology, picked “Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics along with Sony and Panasonic as the most noteworthy companies at this CES.”
At this year’s CES, major companies brought smart home technology to the fore. Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics introduced ‘SmartThings’ and ‘LG ThinQ’, which are smart home platforms, respectively, as representative items. The two companies participated in the Home Connectivity Alliance (HCA), a smart home platform interlocking consultative body, and demonstrated it publicly.
HCA, which was born at CES last year, showed control of third-party air purifiers, refrigerators, and air conditioning systems with different brand apps within one year of its launch. Samsung Electronics even controlled smart devices of other companies, such as operating and controlling Aero Tower, an air purifier of LG Electronics, with the SmartThings app. For example, they simply check the remaining washing time of the LG Wash Tower in another brand app or preheat the GE oven with the Samsung SmartThings app.
HCA is participated by global home appliances and air-conditioning companies such as Samsung, LG Electronics, GE, Haier, Electrolux, Arcelic, Train, Ridigio, and Bestel.
Smart mobility technologies such as autonomous driving, electric vehicle charging, and purpose-based vehicle (PBV) were also gathered.
Harman, a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics, introduced future mobility solutions at this CES. It introduced ‘Ready Tune’ and ‘Ready On Demand’, car audio solutions that provide a more immersive and differentiated personalized sound experience to help drivers enjoy a pleasant driving experience.
SK launched a virtual experience program for Korean Urban Air Transportation (K-UAM). It was so popular that long lines lined up around the SK Integrated Exhibition Hall to experience the virtual experience simulator in the form of a UAM aircraft installed in the exhibition hall.
LG Innotek exhibited various electronic parts that will be responsible for the era of autonomous driving, such as advanced camera modules. LG Display also unveiled ultra-large, slidable, and transparent OLED (organic light-emitting diode) to target the premium automotive display market.
Samsung Electronics prepared an exhibition hall of 3368㎡, the largest among participating companies at this CES. Various exhibition zones were also organized with the keywords of ‘sustainability’, ‘smart things’, and ‘partnership’.
This year, it is not just a simple product exhibition, but it is also eye-catching that it consists of customer experience-oriented exhibitions such as ▲Sustainability ▲Home Security ▲Family Care ▲Health & Wellness ▲Entertainment ▲Smart Work.
Samsung Electronics decorated the entire exhibition hall with a variety of bespoke home appliances, from the 2023 Neo QLED 8K to the new Family Hub products, as well as mobile devices such as the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Flip 4, and the Galaxy Watch, and smart monitors.
In particular, it introduced for the first time a ‘large-capacity integrated greenhouse gas treatment facility (RCS, Regenerative Catalytic System)’ that safely handles process gases used in semiconductor manufacturing. Samsung Electronics is the first and only company to use RCS in the semiconductor industry.
Eco-friendly products such as a microplastic-reducing washing machine developed in collaboration with Patagonia, ‘Net Zero Home’, a futuristic eco-friendly housing type, ‘SmartThings Energy’ and ‘AI Energy Mode’, which allow you to see at a glance the amount of power consumed by devices connected to SmartThings. ‘ and other energy-saving solutions were also exhibited.
It is said to have regained its past reputation as the ‘Las Vegas Auto Show’. With the goal of transforming into an ‘integrated platform specialist’, Hyundai Mobis unveiled ‘M Vision TO’, an electrified self-driving concept car. This concept car, which moves separately with four wheels equipped with a steering and braking system, moves sideways like a crab or rotates in place.
The number of participants and exhibits related to marine mobility, Marine Tech, also increased. HD Hyundai introduced new functions and business plans of Avicus, a subsidiary specializing in autonomous navigation assistance, and a vision to fundamentally change the perspective and utilization of the sea, as well as the future of large merchant ships and energy.
Various entries were also presented in the metaverse sector, and new products in the field of smell and touch drew attention. Korean tactile solution developer Behaptics participated and attracted attention.
—-Jiyoung Lee
#CESInLasVegas2023 #CESLasVegas #Samsung #LG #Koreancompanies #kcrushnews #Korea #HDHyundai #ecofriendly #SamsungSmartThings #LGThinQ #fortune500companiesatCES #HCA #kcrushamerica #HarmanReadyTune #HarmanReadyOnDemand #TechCrunch #SKKoreanUrbanAirTransportation #IT #electronics #Lotte #Hyundai #Mobis #BodyFriend #SeoulSemiconductor #originalkcrush #kcrush2014 #ITandconsumerelectronicsexibition #LGElectronicsOLED #purposebasevehicle
This year, CJ CheilJedang will advance into new countries beyond US, Europe, and Japan to expand its ‘K-Food’ territory in earnest.
Choi Eun-seok, CEO of CJ CheilJedang, said on the 8th, “We will make full-fledged entry into countries that we have not entered this year and achieve innovative growth centered on seven global strategic products such as dumplings, ready-to-eat rice, chicken, K-sauce, kimchi, seaweed, and rolls.”
CJ CheilJedang plans to use its four existing bases, namely Korea, the US, Europe/Asia-Pacific, and Japan, as outposts for advancing into neighboring countries by increasing the scale. Japan promotes a local organization to headquarters to strengthen the position of ‘Micho’, a fermented fruit vinegar, and actively fosters HMR products such as Bibigo dumplings. In the US market, it strengthens its product line through its subsidiary Schwans. In Europe, the company plans to expand its dumpling business, mainly in Germany and the UK, and expand Asian cuisine types and products.
It plans to export dumplings and ready-to-eat rice to Canada, a neighboring country, by utilizing the existing US infrastructure. In Australia, where exports of meat-containing products are difficult, sales will be strengthened by securing a local dumpling production base and promoting entry into large distribution channels.
Taking advantage of Thailand’s geographical proximity to Vietnam, which already has production capacity, it plans to raise the brand awareness of Bibigo through K-content. In Indonesia and Malaysia, which are Muslim countries, it is a policy to secure local production capacity and develop it as an advance base for ‘K Halal Food’.
On the other hand, according to the industry, E-Mart will exclusively sell ‘Baek Ramen’, which reflects the special secret recipe of Baek Jong-won, CEO of The Born Korea, starting on the 12th. It can only be purchased at offline E-Mart and The Born Market sites.
In addition, since last year, E-Mart has been independently introducing ramen products with a different taste through various collaborations with manufacturers. For example, in the case of the ‘Paldo Niche Ramen Extreme Experience’, which was independently planned as the spiciest ramen in Korea in cooperation with Paldo in January 2022, 300,000 of the initial planned quantity were sold out in about two months, and an additional 300,000 were planned. Since April of last year, it has been released as an official product in Paldo.
In May of last year, ‘Ottogi Real Yeoljjolmyeon’ in cooperation with Ottogi and ‘Paldo Fire Bibimmyeon Extreme Experience’ in cooperation with Paldo were introduced. Last November, ‘Paldo Bibimmyeon Lemon’ was released as a stand-alone product, and it is receiving good responses from consumers.
Lastly, as products such as zero calorie, zero sugar food and beverages, and soju continue to be released this year, the ‘sugar-free craze is expected to continue. Zero sugar and calorie products, which stood out as carbonated drinks, are taking their place as a mainstream trend in the liquor industry thanks to the response of the 20s and 30s. Analysts say that ‘Healthy Pleasure’, which means ‘enjoying health care’, has become a trend centering on consumers in their 20s and 30s.
According to industry sources on the 9th, liquor industries such as Muhak, Daeseon Brewery, Lotte Chilsung Beverage, and Hite Jinro are competitively releasing unsweetened soju. Last year, Lotte Chilsung Beverage received a great response with ‘Chum Churum Saero’. The product lowered calories by 25% by using stevia and erythol instead of fructose.
Muhak also improved an existing soju product ‘Perfect! Good Day’ to be unsweetened. In 2021, it has released the product ‘good day without fractose’. Daeseon Brewery is also conducting marketing campaigns emphasizing its unsweetened soju through phrases such as ‘0% fructose, sugar-free, lighter tomorrow’. Hite Jinro is also planning to launch a new version of its representative soju product, ‘Jinro is Back’, as a sugar-free product.
—-Jiyoung Lee
#KFOODS #NewTerritories #CJCheilJedang #EMart #kcrushnews #Korea #Muhak #DaeseonBrewery #Lotte #LotteChilsungBeverage #nonfructose, #HiteJinroSoju #sugarfree #OttogiRealYeoljjolmyeon #BaekRamen #JinroisBack #MZGeneration #dumplings #readycookedrice #kimchi #seaweed #kcrushamerica #BaekJongwonCEO #koreanfoods #KHalalFood
As the new year rolls in, it’s important you know which dramas you’ll need to keep an eye out for! Here are ten amazing dramas coming out this year.
Doona! (Netflix)
Starring: Suzy, Yang Se-jong
Release: 2023
Synopsis: Doona! is a romance between a recently retired star and a college freshman. Joon (Se-jong) moves into his college flat, not realizing an ex-celebrity, Doona (Suzy), lives downstairs. Romance blooms between them as Doona finds comfort from her past life in Joon. Based on a popular webtoon, this is sure to be a hit!
Vigilante (Disney +)
Starring: Nam Joo-hyuk, Lee Joon-hyuk, Yoo Ji-tae
Release: 2023
Synopsis: Based on a webtoon of the same name, Vigilante is about a misunderstood hero who is being tracked by an investigation team. This vigilante is on the hunt for his enemy who has escaped justice. He enters the police force to take matters into his own hands. With twists and turns, Vigilante is sure to keep you guessing what happens next!
Gyeongseong Creature (Netflix)
Starring: Park Seo-jun, Han So-hee
Release: Early 2023
Synopsis: Taking place in 1945, this thriller involves Jang Tae-sang (Park Seo-jun), a rich man in Gyeongseong who values money over people. However, his poor ideals are threatened when he encounters Yun Chae-ok (Han So-hee). As missing person cases are on the rise, Yun Chae-ok’s specialty comes into play as she investigates these cases. Already set to have a second season, Gyeongseong Creature is expected to be an extremely popular drama.
Queen Maker (Netflix)
Starring: Kim Hee-ae, Moon So-ri
Release: 2023
Synopsis: Two powerful, opinionated women fight together to reach their common goal–justice. Kim Hee-ae stars as a planning manager whose duty is to take care of cases at her company. Moon So-ri plays a lawyer who fights for human rights and is running to be the mayor of Seoul. These women work together despite their differences, and are the power duo to watch in 2023!
Crash Course in Romance (tvN)
Starring: Jeon Do-yeon, Jung Kyung-ho
Release: January 2023
Synopsis: Jeon Do-yeon plays a national athlete turned side-dish store owner. She decides to go into education, where she encounters an instructor, played by Jung Kyoung-Ho. He is a bit rough around the edges, as success has made him bitter. As he interacts with Jeon Do-yeon, and her optimism, he starts to fall for her. Destined to be a feel-good drama, Crash Course in Romance is a great way to start the year.
Squid Game 2 (Netflix)
Starring: Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun
Release: Late 2023-Early 2024
Synopsis: Although no official release year has been stated, many speculate the highly anticipated second season of Squid Game will drop in 2023. Gi-hun and the Frontman are set to return, along with a whole new round of Squid Game. Director Dong-hyuk told E! News, “I have a set outline, with season 2 having new games and new characters. I like it. I think it’s good. It’s better than what I expected.”
Daily Dose of Sunshine (Netflix)
Starring: Park Bo-young, Yeon Woo-jin, Jang Dong-yoon, Lee Jung-eun
Release: 2023
Synopsis: This drama is sure to be one that makes you laugh and cry. Daily Dose of Sunshine centers on different cases in a psychiatric ward. Based on the webtoon Morning Comes to The Mental Ward, it’s sure to be popular. The drama specifically follows Jang Da-eun, a nurse in the psychiatric ward. Also based on true stories, Daily Dose of Sunshine is one to watch!
The Glory (Netflix)
Starring: Song Hye-kyo, Lim Ji-yeon, Jung Ji-so, Shin Ye-eun
Release: Dec 2022
Synopsis: This show is already in the Netflix Top Ten! The Glory is all about revenge. This story follows a young woman who chose to drop out of school due to bullying. Years later, she becomes a primary school teacher and encounters the son of the bully who plagued her at school. How will she enact her revenge? Watch The Glory for all the drama and be prepared to be hooked!
A Time Called You (Netflix)
Starring: Jeon Yeo-been, Ahn Hyo-seop, Kang Hoon, Lee Min-goo
Release: 2023
Synopsis: This might be the standout romantic drama of the year. A Time Called You is based on the Taiwanese drama Someday or One Day. A woman’s boyfriend passed away and even though it has been a year, she is still heavily grieving the loss. Somehow, she travels back in time to the year 1998 and finds herself in the body of a high school student. While in high school, she meets a male student who resembles her deceased boyfriend. A Time Called You’s unique plot is sure to keep watchers on their toes!
Moving (Disney +)
Starring: Jo In-seung, Ryu Seung-yong, Han Hyo-joo, Cha Tae-hyun
Release: Early 2023
Synopsis: Moving is a unique drama about superpowered individuals. A father and daughter share a unique ability–immunity to pain and the power to regenerate. An NIS agent can fly, whilst his wife has super senses. Another lead character has the ability to generate electricity, another super strength. What will happen as these superpowered humans go about their lives in society? Watching Moving to find out!
—-Ellie Boyd
#2023Kdrama #MovingKDrama #DisneyPlusKDrama #JoInseung #RyuSeungyojg #HanHyojee #ChaTaehyun #AtimeCalledYouKDrama #NetflixKDrama #Kdrama #JeonYeobeen, #AhnHyoseop #KangHoon #LeeMingoo #TheGloryKDrama #SongHyekyo #LimJiyeon #JungJiso #ShinYeeun #DailyDoseOfSunshineKDrama #ParkBoyoung #YeonWoojin #JangDongyoon #LeeJungeun #webtoon #SquidGame2 #LeeJungjae #LeeByunghun #FrontmanSquidGame #GihunSquidGame #kcrush #kcrushamerica #CrashCourseInRomance #tvN #Korea #UnitedStatesKDrama #KdramaUnitedStates #AmericaLovesKDramas #kcrushamerica #JeonDoyeon #JungKyungho #QueenMakerKDrama #KimHeeae #MoonSori #GyeongseongCreature #ParkSeojun #HanSohee #VigilanteKDarma #NamJoohyuk #LeeJoonhyuk #YooJitae #DoonaKDrama #Suzy #YangSejong #MissA
XG’s second single ‘MASCARA’ reached No. 1 on the iTunes chart in 17 regions, as well as the Spotify Viral 50 in 21 regions. More recently, XG made a huge impact with their rap performance, ‘GALZ XYPHER’, blowing up on Tiktok.
Hints about a new track have been dropping on XG’s official social media since December. On January 1st a ‘Wish Delivery APP’ video was posted, sparking rumors among fans of an upcoming release. It was announced today that XG’s third single ‘SHOOTING STAR’ will be released on January 25th.
New images of the girls were posted alongside the announcement, showing XG in a bold new costume design with blue hair and a striking, creative identity.
XG are becoming known for their powerful and unique look, where they set trends rather than follow them.
For the latest ‘SHOOTING STAR’ updates, follow XG’s official social accounts.
XG.
3rd Single ‘SHOOTING STAR’
2023.01.25 Wed.
XG
A 7-member HipHop / R&B girl group made up of JURIN, CHISA, HINATA, HARVEY, JURIA, MAYA and COCONA.
With their single ‘Tippy Toes’ they were the first artists to debut from XGALX, a global entertainment production company with a mission to produce artists with a defined world view, creating a culture of bold creativity.
In June of the same year, they released their second single ‘MASCARA’. A third single, ‘SHOOTING STAR’, is set to be released on January 25th 2023.
The group are ‘XG’, which stands for ‘Xtraordinary Girls’.
With their fresh, inventive music and performance, XG aims to empower young people from all over the world – from all walks of life.
XGALX
XGALX is a global entertainment production company with a mission to produce artists with a defined world view, creating a culture of “bold” creativity. Through the dynamic energy of their music and performance, XGALX will spread a message to young people all over the world: “Focus on your dreams and don’t stop until you make them a reality”
CREATE BOLD CULTURE
Through the work of the XGALX project we will empower young people all over the world, from all walks of life to: “Listen to your heart, focus on your dreams and have the strength to make them come true – without being limited by the opinions or judgements of others.”
XG Official Website http://xgalx.com/xg/
XG Instagram: https://instagram.com/xgofficial
XG YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC12HMtO5MYph9dCZZ7yygng
XG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@xg.official
XG Weverse: https://weverseapp.page.link/p3i5
XG Twitter: https://twitter.com/XGOfficial_
XG Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/XGOfficial
XGALX Official Website http://xgalx.com/
#XG #newsingle #TikTok #SHOOTINGSTARXG #XGSHOOTINGSTAR #kcrushnews #releaseJanuary25th #3rdsingleXG #XGALX #MASCARA #TIPPYTOES #pop #XtraordinaryGirls #dancealong #kcrush #kcrushamerica #XGALXsocialmedia
Luli Lee started her music career as a bassist for the band “Bye Bye Badman” in 2011, debuting impressively in the scene. As an active solo singer-songwriter, her music, which is composed of rhythmic yet delicate bass lines and addictive melodies, is evaluated for naturally melting pop into rock bass sounds.
I heard that you have a large fan base overseas as well. Which country do you think has the most fans?
I cannot figure out their nationality when I communicate with them so it’s rather hard to say which country, but statistics show that I have a lot of followers in the US after Korea.
Listening to the ‘Fade Away Like a Dream’ album released in 2022, it seems that the feeling and singing style have changed from before. What’s the difference and the reason for the change?
Well, because I put more power while singing? I think it might sound rather similar to the previously released ‘Howl’, ‘Fantasy’, and ‘Stay With Me’. Hope you listen and compare.
Out of the songs released so far, which one do you think represents the real Luli the most?
I think ‘Light Beside You’ is the most like me.
Can you describe your songs as when they are good to listen to? For example, such as, a song for gym, a song for driving, a song for working, a song for a club, a song for dating etc…?
I personally have monitored a lot of music in my bed (before falling asleep), so I imagined a lot of fans listening to it before going to bed.
You’re a musician who does composing, writing lyrics, producing, recording, and performing. Which work is the most exciting for you?
My heart races when I write lyrics, and I often lose track of time while mixing.
What program do you use to make songs?
Logic
What’s the first song on your playlist now?
‘Let You Go’ by RY X
What’s your favorite food?
I like chocolate cake.
What is your MBTI? Also, please let us know the MBTI you match well with.
I’m an INFJ.. I often find E-type people amazing!
Apart from your own music genre, is there another genre you want to try?
I think I want to try more funky disco music.
What time of day do you make music? the night time type? The daytime type?
Composition and lyrics are done at night, and mixing and recording are done during the day.
What drama or movie did you enjoy the most this year?
In 2022, I enjoyed <The decision to Leave> and <Elvis>.
Your fandom name is ‘Professor’. Do you have any interesting episodes with your fans?
The story behind the fandom name was around the first or second time I debuted and performed as a soloist. In the performance, the way the fans looked at me on stage was solemn and calm, and I started to call my fans as ‘Professor’ because it was just like the way professors looked at me at the college.
You have secured a fan base in the indie scene. What plans do you have for 2023 to meet more fans? What can we expect in 2003 from you, new music, more fan meetings…etc.?
I released my first solo album in 2018, and now it’s been 5 years, and about 3 years of that period was a time when there were not many performances/concerts not only for me but also around the world due to COVID. Now that it is getting active again, I hope that I can be part of it as well. As always, I’m keeping on making new music, so I hope to be able to meet many of you soon. KCrush readers, I’m happy to be able to greet you this time. We are trying to communicate frequently through YouTube, Instagram, and Tiktok, so please come and visit us! thank you.
Thank you Luli Lee for your time and great interview. We wish you all the best and continued success.
—-Jiyoung Lee
#LuliLee #kcrushinterview #LuliLeeProfessor #FadeAwayLikeADream #HowlLuliLee #StayWithMeLuliLee #FantasyLuliLee #LightBesideYou #kcrushamerica
According to Hwaeomsa Temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism on the 4th, RM visited Hwaeomsa Temple on December 29 of last year with music producer Kang San. He is said to have visited Hwaeomsa for relaxation and inspiration for his music.
RM also had a chat with the abbot, Monk Deokmun, whom he had a long relationship with. Venerable Deokmoon asked RM, “Are you disappointed that you didn’t get military exemption?”, and RM said, “I want to fulfill my duty as a citizen of the Republic of Korea. By doing one’s responsibilities, one can talk about the rights. I will think of it as a time to become a real adult.”
In response, Monk Deokmoon said, “A year and a half, looking back at my 80s years, will not be wasted, but will be a precious time to think on oneself for a moment.” He continued, “Even if your hair turns gray as you get older, I hope you stay as BTS’s RM who makes great music.”
When the visit to Hwaeomsa Temple became a hot topic, RM posted a tearful emoji on his Instagram on the 5th, saying, “Thank you for the good time, but I never thought it became news…”. Then he added, “Next time I visit other temples, I will make it quietly.”
The current Military Service Act stipulates that those who have special skills in the field of arts and sports prescribed by Presidential Decree and who are recommended by the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism can be transferred to arts and sports personnel. However, the Enforcement Decree of the Military Service Act did not include “pop culture” as a specialty in the fields of arts and sports, raising controversy over the fairness of pop culture artists.
Politicians also proposed an amendment to the Military Service Act, but it was not passed in the National Assembly. In the end, BTS put an end to the controversy when they themselves withdrew their decision to postpone enlistment until the age of 30.
Accordingly, starting with Jin (Kim Seok-jin), the eldest one born in 1992, who enlisted in December of last year, J-Hope and RM, born in 1994, Jimin and V, born in 1995, and Jungkook, born in 1997, will enlist on active duty. In 2020, Suga (born in 1993), who underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder, will serve as a social worker.
Regarding BTS’ enlistment, Big Hit Music, the agency, said, “We and the members hope to resume activities as a full group in approximately 2025.”
Meanwhile, RM released his first solo album ‘Indigo’ on the 2nd of last month and ranked 3rd on the ‘Billboard 200’, the first Korean solo singer’s main album chart. RM is active as an MC for the tvN entertainment program ‘Mysterious Human Misc.
We wish RM and all members of BTS continued good health, physically and mentally.
—-Jiyoung Lee
#RM #BTS #militaryservice #munk #enlistment #RMIndigo #Billboard200 #jHope #Jin #Jimin #V #Jungkook #Suga #HwaeomsaTemple #KoreanMilitaryServiceAct #kcrushnews #kpop #RMMCtvN #MysteriousHumanMisc
New Jeans, who received a lot of attention with their mini debut album in 2022, will release their first single album OMG at 6 pm today (2nd Jan). Through this single album, the company said that they would deliver a message about the first winter with a thought on the relationship.
‘OMG’, which conveys the sense of winter, feels quite different from the debut album ‘New Jeans’ released last summer. ‘OMG’ deals with the story of a strange sense of distance, caution, and unfamiliarity that coexist on the side of the desire to get closer to each other. Following the previous work, New Jeans focuses on the narrative of ‘relationship’ this time and focuses on how they grow together.
The title song of the same name, ‘OMG’, is a bouncy and exciting hip-hop R&B song that mixes ‘UK Garage’ rhythm and trap rhythm based on hip-hop drum source and percussion.
According to album distributor YG Plus on the 2nd, pre-orders for New Jeans’ ‘OMG’ reached 800,000 copies as of the day. This is a number that exceeds the number of pre-orders (450,000 copies) of the debut album ‘New Jeans’ released in August of last year.
In particular, it exceeded the total sales of ‘New Jeans’. According to the Circle Chart 2022 cumulative album sales ‘Top 15’ (counting period January 1 to December 10, 2022) announced last month, New Jeans sold 691,606 albums last year. ‘New Jeans’ sold a total of 310,000 copies in the first week of its release, setting a new record for a girl group’s debut album in the first week (record sales within a week based on the release date). ‘OMG’ is expected to easily surpass this Initial record.
‘Attention’ recorded the highest score in the real-time, daily, weekly, and monthly charts of domestic music sites such as Melon, Genie, Flo, Bugs, and Vibe, and achieved the highest monthly ranking in August on the Circle Digital Chart. Following that, “Hype Boy” dominated the music charts, ranking 2nd and 3rd. It also entered the US Spotify weekly chart as the first debut song by a K-pop group. ‘Attention’ entered the US Spotify Daily Chart at 183rd (September 3rd), followed by ‘Weekly Top Song’ at 200th (September 8th).
The pre-release song “Ditto” from the new single “OMG” released on December 19 last year, four months after their debut, also swept the charts. Immediately after its release, “Ditto” landed at No. 1 on the real-time charts of Melon, Bugs, and Genie on domestic music sites, and also entered the Melon Weekly Chart at No. 1. On the Spotify ‘Daily Top Song Global’ chart, it ranked 19th with 3.26 million daily streams (as of December 20, 2022). Following BTS and BLACKPINK, New Jeans is the only group with more than 3 million global daily streams.
In addition, GOT the beat, Tomorrow by Together, and NCT 127 are scheduled to make a comeback this month.
—-Jiyoung Lee
#NewJeans #NewJeansNewOMGSingleAlbum #kcrushnews #OMGSingle #ADOR #HYBE #kpop #RnB #hiphop #kcrushamerica #kpopgirlgroup #NewJeansNewAlbumJanuary2023 #DITTONewJeans #newkpopmusic #NewJeansmusic
Following their departure from YG Entertainment and confirmation they were in talks with 143 Entertainment, on January 1, 2023, it was announced that all six iKON members did sign with the agency.
In a statement, iKON said, “The members came together with the continuation of group activities as the top priority, and our thoughts aligned with 143 Entertainment, the company of Producer [Digital Masta] who we have interacted with musically for a long time. We will continue iKON’s music more passionately to repay the warm support and love you have given us until now.”
iKON plan to release a new album in April 2023.
Are you excited for iKON’s new start?
—-Olivia Murray
#iKON #iKON143Entertainment #kcrushnews #143Entertainment #kpop #kpopidol #digitalmasta #iKONnewalbumApril2023 #kcrushamerica #iKONleavesYG #newstart #iKONmembersleaveYG #iKONStatement
On January 1, 2023, Label SJ shared that Super Junior’s Shindong is currently in a relationship with a non-celebrity.
“Shindong is in a relationship with a non-celebrity,” Label SJ said. “The two are supporting each other and silently growing in love. They are dating, but there is no plan to get married.”
According to industry insiders, Shindong’s girlfriend was a former idol trainee prior to leaving the entertainment industry.
Shindong is the third Super Junior member currently in a relationship. Sungmin married musical actor and beauty creator Kim Sa-eun in 2014, much to fans’ chagrin. Ryeowook has been dating former Tahiti member Ari since 2020 despite some controversy. Heechul dated TWICE’s Momo, but they broke up in 2021.
Congratulations to Shindong on his relationship!
—-Olivia Murray
#SuperJuniorShindong #Shindongrelationship #shindong #kpopidol #kcrushnews #kpop #Shinndongdatingnoncelebrity #formeridoltrainee #kcrushamerica #kcrush2014 #LabelSJ #relationshipnews
2022 closes with new couple news as Dispatch shared actor-singer IU and model-actor Lee Jong Suk started dating. IU and Lee’s companies confirmed the news with separate statements.
In response to Dispatch’s article, HighZium Studio, Lee’s agency, said:
Hello. This is HighZium Studio.
This is an official statement regarding the exclusive article about actor Lee Jong Suk.
Actor Lee Jong Suk and IU recently progressed from being close acquaintances into being a couple, and they are maintaining a serious relationship.
Please show lots of support so they can continue their beautiful relationship.
Thank you.
EDAM Entertainment, IU’s agency, stated, “IU and Lee Jong Suk recently progressed from being close acquaintances into a good relationship. We ask for the warm reception of fans.”
Lee won a Daesang for his role in Big Mouth at the 2022 MBC Drama Awards. Dating rumors began swarming around Lee following his acceptance speech as fans wanted to know about the mystery person he thanked.
“After completing my military service, I had a lot of worries and fears,” Lee said during his speech. “But there was someone who helped me to set a good direction and to have positive thoughts. I would like to take this opportunity to say that I thank you for always being awesome. And that I have liked you for a very long time, and that I respect you.”
Lee and IU (Lee Ji-eun) have been involved in the entertainment industry since 2005 and 2008, respectively.
Lee began his career as a model before transitioning into acting in 2010. He is known for his roles in Secret Garden (2010-11), School 2013 (2012-13), I Can Hear Your Voice (2013), While You Were Sleeping (2017), and Big Mouth (2022) among many other high-profile dramas.
Once referred to as “Korea’s little sister,” IU has been a superstar in South Korea thanks to her recognizable vocals and acting skills. She is known for her hit singles “Lost Child” (2008, debut track) “Good Day” (2010), “Every End of the Day (2013), “The Red Shoes” (2014), and “Eight” (2020) among several other bops. For acting, Dream High (2011), Moon Lovers: Scarlet Hear Ryeo (2017), and Hotel del Luna (2020) delivered some of her most memorable performances.
Well wishes to Lee Jong Suk and IU as they navigate coupledom!
—-Olivia Murray
#LeeJongSuk #IU #EDAMEntertainment #kcrushnews #HighZiumStudio #Koreandramas #kdrama #Dispatch #KoreasLittleSisterIU #IUTheRedShoes #DreamHigh #HoteldelLuna #SecretGarden #WhileYouWereSleeping #kcrushamerica #datingnews #relationshipnews
Just days after the departures of BIGBANG’s Taeyang and Daesung, iKON and actor Kang Dong Won departed YG Entertainment following the expirations of their contracts.
iKON’s departure came after rumors Bobby would be leaving the company. In November, at the time of the reports, YG Entertainment denied the claim.
“The rumor is groundless. There is still time left on his contract,” a YG Entertainment representative said at the time.
On December 30, YG Entertainment released a statement confirming all six iKON members opted to not renew their contracts and will pursue another agency. However, YG Entertainment let IKONIC (iKON’s fandom) know the group will continue to have access to their SNS and WeVerse and will still be able to use the iKON name. The statement reads:
Hello, this is YG Entertainment.
We are informing you that after a long discussion with the iKON members (Kim Jinhwan, Bobby, Song Yunhyeong, Goo Junhoe, Kim Donghyuk, and Jung Chanwoo) about their future activities, out of respect for each other’s opinions, we agreed to end our exclusive contract following the expiration of their contract period.
The six members of iKON will of course be continuing their activities as the group “iKON” in the future, and we are also letting you know that they will continue to communicate with iKONIC [iKON’s fans] through their official social media accounts, including their official fan community Weverse, just as they are now.
We sincerely thank iKON, who has been with us as one of our agency’s artists up until now. We are looking forward to their future activities in a wide variety of fields, and we will be cheering them on.
Additionally, we also thank the iKONIC who were together with us for iKON’s journey. We ask that you continue to give the members your unchanging interest and encouragement as they prepare for a new start.
iKON debuted in 2015 as a seven-member group. B.I, who was iKON’s leader since 2015, left the agency in 2019 following a drug scandal that involved Han Seo Hee. In 2021, B.I pleaded guilty to the charges and was ultimately fined and sentenced to three years of incarceration, which was suspended for a four-year probationary period, as well as 80 hours of community service and 40 hours of drug education courses. Since the case, B.I has been successfully performing as a soloist under 131 Label and IOK Music. iKON’s departure from YG has renewed hopes that B.I might return to the group.
Since news of iKON’s departure, information surfaced that the group is in contract discussions with 143 Entertainment, home to LIMELIGHT, Kep1er’s Mashiro and Yeseo, and run by rapper/producer Digital Masta.
“Nothing is currently confirmed,” a 143 Entertainment representative said. “It is true that we are currently discussing various matters them.”
There is also information indicating iKON may also be in talks with THEBLACKLABEL, though these rumors aren’t as concrete.
Along with iKON, actor Kang Dong Won also departed YG Entertainment on December 30.
“After discussing the matter, YG Entertainment and actor Kang Dong Won have decided to end our management [of his activities]” YG’s statement read.
The Broker actor, who is set to be in the cast of 2023’s Possession, signed with the company in 2016 and renewed his contract in 2020 and 2021. Currently, he is searching for a company so he can continue his 2023 promotion schedule.
With the six iKON members and Kang’s departures, a total of 12 artists have left YG Entertainment this year. T.O.P departed the agency in February, while TREASURE’s Bang Yedam and Mashiro left in November. BIGBANG’s Taeyang and Daesung departed December 26.
Meanwhile, YG Entertainment plans to debut their new girl group in the new year. The company revealed a teaser featuring the seven members’ silhouettes with “Next Movement” and “coming soon” shared on the red poster.
YG NEXT MOVEMENT#YG_NEW_GROUP #YG_NEXT_MOVEMENT #20230101_0AM #COMING_SOON #YG pic.twitter.com/hhATupSgCn
— YG FAMILY (@ygent_official) December 30, 2022
More details are expected January 1, 2023.
In addition to the departures and the announcement of the new girl group, rumors also swirled the BLACKPINK will move over to THEBLACKLABEL following the end of their contracts, a claim YG Entertainment calls “groundless.”
Stay tuned for more updates regarding the YG exodus and the unveiling of the new girl group!
—-Olivia Murray
#IKONLeavesYG #kpop #kcrushnews #KangDongWonLeavesYG #Bobby #143Entertainment #IKONkeepsName #TheBlackLabel #kcrushamerica #BIGBANGLeavesYG #kpopidols #hiphop #kpoprapperBobbyIKON #GDRAGONStaysWithYG #KimJinhWan #SongYunhyeong #GooJunHoe #KimDonghyuk #JungChanwoo
Corbyn, under 28 LABORATORY label, is soaring high in his music career. In an in-depth interview, we get to understand Corbyn’s music composition and production, meaning behind his lyrical pieces including “Burn”, and interaction with multiculturalism among others.
1. How did you get into music?
I grew up with a family with an affinity for music. My dad used to come back from work and find time to build his own collection of tube amplifiers. Every morning before school I remember waking up to music blasting from one of his amps that set the tone for the day. I’d say I picked up the diversity in my playlist because I was influenced by his catalogue. Also, my sister was an accomplished student of music who used to recommend a lot of incredible jazz music to me. Music was a part of my life at its highest and lowest of points. Naturally I’ve come to realize that life would be insufferable without music
2. In your former K-pop group, you had solid roles including being a vocalist, leader, producer, composer. How easy was it going solo?
It wasn’t easy. I still felt like a tourist when it came to music as a player. I was a listener growing up and never took the opportunities to develop a skill in playing a certain instrument including my voice very seriously until late in my high school years. It was when I started hanging out with friends who used to rap and share my love for hip hop music that pushed me into taking my first step without me even knowing it. I wanted to make beats for them to rap to. Long way of saying I’ve wanted to be the man behind the music not the microphone so a solo career seemed kind of like an afterthought. When my contract expiration was nearing, I met up with my current business partner Michael Park and the conversation I had with him was the turning point. We believed each other’s vision and I knew I had to do this.
3. You moved to the US at an early age. How has your experience been with multiculturalism and has it in anyway affected your music career?
Absolutely. I moved to the states when I was 4 or 5. Transitioning into a whole new cultural system at a developing and an impressionable time in my life, I was able to see and experience new things while having the traditional discipline of a Korean household. My parents and I would talk a lot about life and music back in Korea while I was sponging in the current trends with my friends outside the nest. It was cool because early on my dad was also vibing with music and the cultural zeitgeist. His first few albums he gave me ranged from hiphop to classic rock while also exposing me to korean oldies and international folk music. I definitely took it for granted back then but these days I realize how important that was to me in developing my musicianship now.
4. Why did you choose to venture into K-pop despite having the opportunity to pursue your music career in the Western peninsula?
It was just a chain of events and the product of me riding along with the waves that life threw at me. I had an a&r rep from Korea reach out who had gotten a hold of some of my music that suggested I fly out for a few months and see how I like it here. Met a lot of folks and that eventually led me to my former CEO who wanted a meeting with me. The day I met him, they were holding final round auditions that I didn’t even know I would be a part of. Rest is history.
5. You started your K-pop journey in 2012 and have since contributed to producing and writing numerous master pieces in addition to wooing fans with your vocals, rapping, and performances. How did you get into music production?
Watching one guy (DJ Exile) on a stage rock a crowd with just a sampler/drum machine like he had a whole symphony behind him was part of my early inspiration. It showed me that you didn’t need the traditional knowledge of how to play every single instrument to put together your thoughts on a track. I started listening to how certain sounds work together and how a single sound versus a chord progression can make one story go from being intimate to grandiose. The limitless possibilities when it comes to music production is the reason why it’s so hard to not absolutely lose yourself in the production rabbit hole. That’s how I fell in love with the production side and will continue to be a student to its enigma.
6. How would you describe your style of music?
I would describe my music as honest. I have so much music stylistically that I plan on branching out to in the future that it’s impossible for me to box myself into a specific style. But I know the common theme I would want the audience to take away from my music is the honesty in my work. That my music is a marker or a reflection of how I felt at the time it was made.
7. Your ” Million Dollar Dream” debut song had such a strong aura. What was the song’s intended message?
M$D was written about the pressure of deciding whether or not to pursue your dreams. The decision of giving in to the mundane and safety versus taking the hard path to ultimately achieve what you want regardless of the hardships that come with it. It can really mean a lot of different things depending on where you are in your life. For me it was the decision of signing a deal or going independent. Whether or not I will give in to the false security of signing a deal with a group of people who only sees me as a vessel for making money or betting on myself.
8. From burning with the “Burn” single to freezing with the “Cold” single. The vocals in these newest releases are off the charts and so are the emotions, which overwhelm the lyrics. What’s the inspiration behind these tracks and is there a connection between the two?
Burn and Cold are both a part of an extended story that connects to the release of my first album “Our Static Seatbelt”. It’s part of an emotional rollercoaster that one would feel before, during or after a car crash with their significant other. In a way, revisiting the beginning, middle and end to a turbulent relationship. You’ll have to listen to the whole album to get the full story but I didn’t make it so obvious that it has to mean one thing to the listener.
9. Who is your biggest inspiration?
My loved ones. The ones that believe in me. My family, friends and fans. It’s an easy answer but one that becomes more cemented over time.
10. Do you have more time now to spend with family and friends since going solo and how so?
In a way I feel like I’ve been more busy after going independent with so much more responsibilities. I’ve definitely made a concerted effort to talk to my family more often since I’ve gone solo. I try to go out and see my friends more than I have before too.
11. Would you choose visiting an art gallery over viewing an action movie, if so why?
I love watching movies. I’d assume it inspires a lot of ideas for musicians and artists generally. I actually prefer psychological thrillers over just an action movie but any script or visually thought provoking movies used to be my go to if I felt a little uninspired. Art galleries are cool too but movies are just more readily available.
12. Do you have a habit since very young, you wish you could break, if so what would it be?
Not really. I rub my index fingernail with my thumb on the same side (like an okay sign) as maybe a self soothing mechanism. Never thought it was too weird so I never bothered correcting it. Now that I say it out loud it does sound a little weird.
13. Is there a book, song, movie or family member that is your go to, if and when you are feeling a little down and out that can cheer you up?
It generally changes overtime. I may have watched “Fightclub” the movie one too many times. I definitely lean on good music throughout the day but the playlist itself changes from time to time. If we are talking guilty pleasure viewings “Breaking Bad’ “The Office” and “Rick and Morty” are my go tos at the moment.
14. You already have numerous hit songs coupled by a global following. Your merch is also selling out massively. What’s next for Corbyn as an artist and brand?
Continue to build a relationship with my supporters. As I said before my music is documenting my life at the moment of its conception. The honesty is what I assume the fans connect and latch to. I was on a year-long hiatus so there is a lot of music to make up for.
15. Do you have any words for your fans?
Thank you. I’m so blessed to have the support of the fans I have right now. The day ones. The folks who ride or die. Words are meaningless without action and I see and feel the love. Let’s keep building. Let’s keep going! Love y’all.
— Karen Mwenda
#CORBYN #popstar #kpop #28Laboratory #CORBYNBURN #OurStaticSeatbelt #CORBYNCOLD #MillionDollarDreamCORBYN #kcrushinterview #kcrushamerica #DJExile #MichaelPark #composer
BIGBANG’s Taeyang and Daesung opted to not renew their exclusive contracts with YG Entertainment. G-Dragon opted to stay with the company.
On December 26, 2022, YG Entertainment subsidiary THEBLACKLABEL announced Taeyang signed an exclusive contract with them, confirming Taeyang’s departure from his long-time label.
Hello. This is THEBLACKLABEL.
Artist Taeyang has joined THEBLACKLABEL.
After working together as producer and artist for a long time, Producer Teddy and artist Taeyang are taking on a fresh start at THEBLACKLABEL based on their musical trust in one another.
THEBLACKLABEL will provide our full support for Taeyang to carry out diverse musical activities more actively.
Please look forward to the musical synergy he will achieve with THEBLACKLABEL.
Thank you.
Following Taeyang’s departure news, YG Entertainment stated they were still discussing contract renewal with G-Dragon and Daesung. Later in the day, the company revealed G-Dragon inked a new deal while Daesung opted not to sign a new contract.
“Daesung has decided to end his contract with us,” YG Entertainment said. “He’s looking for a fresh start.”
YG Entertainment added, “We will support Daesung’s new start and choice and are open to collaborate any time.”
G-Dragon is the only BIGBANG member to stay with YG Entertainment. He has been with YG Entertainment for over 20 years, so mutual trust and loyalty played a role in his re-signing.
T.O.P left the agency earlier this year and has thrived in his post-YG life. He was recently named to the 2023 #dearMoon crew.
BIGBANG is still expected to operate as a group despite moving on to different labels.
Earlier this year, BIGBANG made their comeback as a quartet with “Still Life.” Former member Seungri departed the group and the entertainment industry in 2019 following multiple controversies linked to club Burning Sun, embezzlement, gambling, and prostitution. He is currently serving an 18-month prison sentence.
—-Olivia Murray
#BIGBANG #BLACKLABEL #YGEntertainment #Daesung #GDragon #TOP #2023dearMooncrew #StillLifeBIGBANG #Seungri #BurningSun #serving18monthprisonterm #TaeyangBlackLabel #kpop #kcrushnews #kpopidol #koreanboyband #kpopcontractrenew #BIGBANGWillStayTogether #kcrushamerica
Cue the wedding bells! Another Korean celebrity’s set to wed in the New Year!
Think Entertainment confirms singer, TV host, actress, and former Jewelry member Seo In-Young (Elly) will marry her non-celebrity companion in the coming year.
“Seo In-Young will be marrying a non-celebrity entrepreneur on February 26 of next year at a Namsan hotel,” a company representative said.
The nuptials will be a private affair since Seo’s partner is a private citizen in the IT industry.
According to Geo.TV, announcer Kim Sun Geun will officiate the wedding while Lyn will perform the congratulatory song for the couple.
Congratulations to Seo In-Young on her upcoming marriage!
—-Olivia Murray
#SeoInYoung #weddingbells #GeoTV #Jewelrymember #JewelryElly #kcrushnews #ThinkEntertainment #noncelebrity #Namsanhotel #KimSunGeun #koreanweddings #upcomingmarriageSeoInYoung #kcrushamerica #kpopsinger #tvhost #koreanactress #February262022
– Prepare various events such as TEEN TOP CHUNJI, Bungeoppang, and Pocha events to meet fans like a gift
– CHUNJI, the new song “too late” and the b-track “farewell” live performance for the first time at the Pocha event
TEEN TOP’s “CHUNJI” held a fan event at an indoor cart bar on the 23rd.
CHUNJI held a Pocha Event for fans at an indoor cart bar, which has become a trend of the MZ generation, and released the live performance of the title song “too late” of his first solo album “Too late.”
In addition, he presented live performances of his b-track “farewell” and his own song “Age” and gave fans meaningful Christmas gifts by accepting and singing song requests right away on the spot. In addition, during the event, he held a duet challenge with fans and enjoyed the year-end party atmosphere by shouting cheers requested by fans.
CHUNJI said, “I love the place where we talk and sing together,” adding, “I think it would be good to make another occasion like this next time.” Thank you for being here in the cold weather.”
Meanwhile, CHUNJI organized various meetings for fans, including a hearing party, a bungeoppang event, and a pocha event, to commemorate the release of his first solo album [too late]. On the 28th, a cafe event will be held to wrap up 2022 with fans.
[Photos provided = TOP Media]
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