Blockberry Creative Expels Chuu from LOONA; Nine Members Rumored to Have Filed for Contract Suspension

 

It’s been a whirlwind weekend for Blockberry Creative’s (BBC) girl group LOONA as it was announced that Chuu was expelled from the group. Following the announcement, fans, staff, and advertisers came to Chuu’s defense. Allegedly, nine of the LOONA members have filed to have their exclusive contracts suspended though BBC denies this information.

Background

Prior to the dual announcements, Chuu filed a lawsuit to have her exclusive contract with BBC suspended back in December 2021, though news related to this injunction didn’t make the media rounds until March 2022. The courts awarded Chuu a partial injunction, though details for her case have not been released.  However, fans point to some alleged mistreatment against Chuu by BBC may be one of the causes. Since the case, Chuu supposedly has control of her media and personal appearances.

Soon after the lawsuit news, rumors of Chuu leaving BBC began in June 2022, to which BBC stated were baseless claims.

In 2022, Chuu took a break from touring with LOONA due to health concerns. She later missed another concert schedule due to scheduling conflicts. In July, she did not participate in LOONA’s Japanese promotion for “Luminous.” For the third concert series, Chuu claimed to not be aware of the schedule. Netizens think she was blocked from the LOONA café since the other members knew of the concert and she didn’t.

“They didn’t give me any notices about attending the schedule in the afternoon, so I’m sad…I miss you too…a lot, a lot,” Chuu wrote on Fab at the time.

Chuu later clarified, “There is one thing I said that seems to be spreading in a weird way so I’m just going to say this. Just because a schedule is uploaded doesn’t mean I can participate in all of them. The company needs to confirm and then send confirmation for me to attend. Even if the schedule is uploaded, I don’t know if I am participating in it or not.”

In October, Chuu set up Chuu Co. to manage her activities (however, it appears she is now signed with BY4M Studio). Under Chuu Co., Chuu’s mother was the director according to Soompi. BBC denied the company existed.

Chuu’s Expulsion

On November 25, 2022, BBC released a statement sharing that Chuu has been expelled from LOONA due to “violent language and misuse of power.”

Hello. This is Blockberry Creative.

We are releasing a statement to notify fans that we have decided that our agency artist Chuu will be expelled and withdrawn as a member of LOONA as of November 25, 2022.

There have been lots of speculations about LOONA’s Chuu this past year, but the agency and LOONA members did not release any statements in order to not cause trouble with the group’s growth or cause concern to fans.

With the LOONA members’ affection for the team and consideration for their fans, rather than say what is true or not, they tried to express their feelings by putting in their best efforts for performances and content.

However, after recently being told of Chuu’s violent language and misuse of power toward our staff, the truth was found upon investigation. Agency representatives are apologizing and comforting staff, and we have decided to take responsibility for this and remove Chuu from LOONA.

First of all, we officially apologize to the staff who have been greatly hurt by this incident, and we will put in our full effort so they can now heal and focus on treatment and then return to their normal lives.

We apologize to the fans who have loved and supported LOONA until now and ask for your sincere forgiveness in not being able to have 12 members together until the end.

The agency and LOONA will return to our roots and work as hard as possible so an incident like this never happens again in the future no matter what. The LOONA members did not work only for their individual gains, and they know what fans have given them to bring them to this point, so they did not do anything to cause trouble to the team. They will make it to the end and give back for the love from everyone who supports LOONA.

Also, the agency and the LOONA members will act with respect and gratitude toward all of the staff who work with us. The agency will do everything possible to give back for the staff’s sacrifices and devotion so something like this never happens again. We once again bow our heads in apology to the involved staff and the fans for causing trouble with this incident.

After BBC released their statement, BBC began to receive pushback from ORBIT (LOONA’s fandom), as well as messages from other LOONA members doubting the legitimacy of BBC’s claims. Staff members and over a dozen companies also spoke out against BBC’s claims, standing by Chuu. The pushback caused BBC to share another message on the fan café on November 28, 2022.

Hello. This is Blockberry Creative.

The agency is providing an additional statement regarding the notice ‘LOONA’s Chuu’s removal from the team’ that was posted through the fan cafe on November 25.

This notice was an announcement with information explaining the current situation and asking for understanding of all the fans who showed love to LOONA for a long period of time. It was not written with the goal of exposing Chuu’s misuse of power to the public and media.

For a few days after the announcement, the agency was told to provide evidence for the reason for Chuu’s removal, and articles were published with information such as “Chuu is not that kind of person” and “the company is the one doing harm.”

The fan notice posted on November 25 at around 5 p.m. KST was an announcement from the agency explaining Chuu’s changed course of action and the reason for her removal to fans and those who support LOONA, and it was not an exposé.

It is of course natural to explain the reason for her removal, and it is the rights of Chuu herself and the staff who was harmed to provide the truth or evidence of this.

Regarding the relevant facts, if there is something unfair or anything that should be corrected, this is an issue that the people directly involved should reveal. The agency has already finished confirming the incident that took place between Chuu and the staff member, and we released a statement regarding that.

We ask that you refrain from making speculative reports without evidence and malicious comments and rumors defaming the agency regarding this fan notice going forward. The agency will cooperate in providing information and evidence on the matter of violent language and misuse of power if Chuu and the victim agree.

In addition, we sincerely ask once again that you refrain from making indiscriminate and groundless speculative reports so that the LOONA members are not hurt by this incident and can start team activities again.

 

 

Chuu has since denied wrongdoing on her personal Instagram on November 28.

Hello, this is Chuu.

Thank you so much for your concern and comfort.

As I have not received any contact regarding this series of situations or know anything about them, I’m currently grasping the situation, but what I’m sure of is that I haven’t done anything that would be shameful to my fans. In the future, as my position is decided, I will share another statement.

Thank you so much for your concern and for trusting in me.

BBC has essentially asked Chuu to provide evidence showing her innocence in the alleged incident(s).

Support Pours In

Since Chuu’s expulsion, more than a dozen companies and people have come out in support of Chuu  including LOONA’s songwriter Ashley Alisha, LEESLE CEO Hwang Lee Seul, MUPLY and DINGO staff members, multiple anonymous staffers, Sugarlolo, Inspick Company, and anonymous broadcasting staff. Sports Donga has even written an editorial calling shenanigans against BBC regarding the Chuu situation.

 

 

LOONA members Gowon, Heejin, and Hyunjin have been subtly sharing their support of Chuu throughout the whole ordeal.

During fan calls, Gowon and Heejin also showed their support by performing the “Chuu heart.”

In a message written on Fab, Hyunjin said, “My head hurts and my heart hurts too. I’m angry. I’m super angry.” Recently, she updated her social media description to feature all 12 animals representing each of the LOONA members including Chuu’s animal, the penguin. In another statement, Hyunjin added “This is heartbreaking. Please support Chuu unnie.”

Nine Members Rumored to Have Filed for Contract Suspension

On November 28, 2022, JTBC reported that nine members, Heejin, Haesul, Yeojin, Kim Lip, Jinsol, Choerry, Yves, Gowon, and Olivia Hye, allegedly filed an injunction against BBC to have their contracts suspended. According to JTBC, the suspension request is due to collapsing trust between the company and the group.

In response to the news, BBC stated that it was “not true.”

ViVi and Hyunjin were the only two members to not file an injunction. Netizens speculate ViVi did not file due to her visa (she is from Hong Kong), while Hyunjin didn’t to support ViVi.

More information regarding the injunctions may be forthcoming, so this portion of the story is still developing.

 

Stay tuned for more details as the story develops. What are your thoughts on the situation?

 

—-Olivia Murray

 

#LOONA #CHUU #BlockberryCreative #LoonaChuuExpelled #kcrushnews #kpop #kidol #kpogirlgroup #developingstory #BBC #BY4M #ChuuCo #LOONAORBIT #LOONAFans #JTBC #LOONAmembers

Alexander Wong (IG @slackkeyalex) is a slack-key guitarist who was born and raised in O‘ahu, Hawaii. He plays traditional Hawiian slack-key guitar music that is infused with acoustic styling, all integrated into ultra modern compositions and productions. At the age of 17 he started playing slack-key and studied under the legendary Jeff Peterson. Before releasing his first debut album S-K1, Alex graduated from the Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he specialized in Songwriting and minored in Philosophy. Alex’s music has been compared to: Jimmy Page from Led Zeppelin, Claude Debussy, George Winston, Jimi Hendrix, John Butler, Kotaro Oshio and Slack-Key guitarist Makana. His music is known for being  emotional yet uplifting and dreamy. You can find S-K1 on iTunes, Spotify and YouTube.

Interviewer: Cwamne Howard

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Updated: February 15, 2023

Note: This is a dynamic list and will be updated if more disbandments are announced.

CW/TW: Article mentions suicide.

Sporting one the strongest debut classes in recent years, it’s no secret that 2022 has been one of the best years debut-wise for many K-Pop groups. Unfortunately, 2022 marked the disbandment of 34 groups as of October. Here are the groups we said goodbye to this year.

 

4Seazn

Under Litchi MCN, 4Seazn was a project girl group composed of cheerleaders Sohyun, Baek Seol, Soojin, and Hana. The members were unveiled April 2022. They started busking in June. During some of the busking events, Baek Seol was not present and was replaced by Yeonkyung. Baek Seol returned, and Yeonkyung’s status with the group was unknown.

Each of the members represented a different season. Sohyun was fall, Baek Seol winter, Soojin represented summer, and Hana was spring.

The group was inactive on social media despite having social media accounts. On October 9, Litchi MCN stated the group disbanded due to “internal circumstances.” 4Seazn never officially debuted.

 

AmyX

AmyX was an eight-member girl group under H Entertainment and MixPlan Entertainment that was supposed to debut in 2022. SNS accounts were opened for the group and each of the members – Ulin, Heejin, Haruna, Rina, Sohee, Geuna, Wang Qin, and Rui – were introduced between August 24-August 31.

However, in September, many of the posts on AmyX’s social media accounts except for the posts featuring Sohee, Wang Qin, Rina, Rui, and Geuna, hinting that Ulin, Heejin, and Haruna left the group. Then, at the end of September, everything relating to AmyX was deleted. It was later revealed that Ulin, Wang Qin, and Geuna signed exclusive contracts with Shinwha Entertainment with Sohee also signing an exclusive contract with them in October.

Wang Qin and Geuna have been added to the pre-debut lineup for Shinwha Entertainment’s upcoming girl group, NEXTU. If NEXTU debuts with the lineup consisting of Riel, Jane, Shine, Geuna, and Wang Qin, it will be the first K-Pop girl group to feature Kyrgyzstani members (Shine and Jane).

Ulin, who revealed she left AmyX in September 2022, was also a member of AngelRus, another group that disbanded this year.

With the SNS deletions and member departures, AmyX officially disbanded September 2022.

 

AngelRus

AngelRus, a global group based in South Korea, was set to officially debut in March 2023, but their debut was pushed up to November 2022. Unfortunately, several lineup changes and an investigation into LPA Entertainment’s CEO for having compromising photos of female trainees on his phone and computer ended AngelRus’ shot at debut.

The group was announced in February 2022. In March, LPA Entertainment announced the group would have seven members: Three Korean members, one member from Hong Kong, one Taiwanese member, and a Japanese and an additional Korean member added at a later date. Five of the members, Ellie, Ulin, Ayo, Ina, and Maye, were unveiled at DUSTIN’s untact concert.

In April, Japanese-American member Christina and Japanese member Kira were added to the lineup, making the group seven members. However, Ulin left the group in May, dropping the team to six members. A few weeks later, LPA Entertainment added Emma, who would have been the first Moroccan music artist to debut in Korea. In June, Ellie left the group.

In August, police raided LPA Entertainment’s offices and invested the CEO’s phone and computers where compromising photos of female trainees were found. In the messages confiscated by the police, the CEO convinced a Taiwanese trainee to send him photos featuring her in her underwear every Tuesday. The CEO claimed the compromising photos were taken with the trainee’s consent so AngelRus could debut faster.

Following the investigation, LPA Entertainment rebranded as Namoo Entertainment. AngelRus are no longer listed as under the agency, and only former members Kira and Ayo are still signed with the company.

 

APRIL

APRIL officially debuted August 24, 2015. The DSP Media girl group were former Female Rookies of the Year (Korean Entertainment Art Awards, 2016), Rising Star Award winners (Korean Brand Awards, 2016), and K-Pop Singer Award winners (Korean Culture & Entertainment Awards, 2017 and 2018).

When APRIL debuted with “Dream Candy,” the lineup consisted of Somin (now with KARD), Chaewon, Hyunjoo, Naeun, Yena, and Jinsol.  In November 2015, Somin announced her departure from the group due to discomfort with the group’s concept.

In 2016 during their SPRING EP and “Tinkerbell” promotions, Hyunjoo took a seven-month hiatus due to health concerns, dropping APRIL to a four-member group. Chaekyung joined APRIL as a guest member in August 2016. After Hyunjoo announced her permanent departure from the group to focus on acting, Chaekyung and new member Rachel were added as permanent members.

In 2021, a bullying controversy plagued APRIL. In February 21, online posts allegedly made by Hyunjoo’s brother and a former classmate purported Hyunjoo left the group due to bullying and not because she wanted to pursue acting like reports initially indicated. In the post, it was stated the bullying was so bad that Hyunjoo attempted suicide. In April, Hyunjoo backed up the claims she was bullied in a post shared on her Instagram while adding that DSP Media would not let her terminate her contract.

During the allegations, DSP Media and the APRIL members denied the allegations and stated they would pursue legal action. Chaewon, Yena, Naeun, and Jinsol all released statements denying the allegations as well with Chaewon and Naeun stating they had suicidal thoughts due to Hyunjoo’s bullying. While DSP Media’s defamation case against Hyunjoo’s brother and classmate was dismissed due to lacking evidence, the April members still maintained their innocence and gave a group interview refuting the claims while showing evidence to back their stance.

As of 2022, Chaewon’s still pursuing a lawsuit against Hyunjoo for defamation; Yena withdrew her case. Naeun also dropped her case after Hyunjoo admitted the bullying claims against her were false. However, Netizens continued to harass each of the APRIL members.

APRIL disbanded January 28, 2022 after a “long period of careful discussion and deliberation” after RBW Entertainment acquired DSP Media, though it’s still unclear if it was due to the scandal or other circumstances. The group’s last song was “Now or Never” from Hello Summer July 29, 2020.

 

AWEEK

AWEEK was a seven-member male idol group signed to Illusion Entertainment and Oneworld Entertainment. Prior to debuting in South Korea January 31, 2019, they pre-debuted in Japan as a six-member group.

During their pre-debut time, the members consisted of D1re, Chawon, Ilkwon, Hyeon, Aiden, and Yongjin. Ilkwon left prior to debut to take care of his mother and Woori was added, but he, too, left prior to the group’s debut. When they debuted, AWEEK was a five-member group. Members Logan and Jingyu were added prior to their first mini-album, The Birth of Seven, released November 19, 2019. The group remained as seven members when their first single album, “Better Today,” was released June 16, 2020.

On August 21, 2021, members Hyeon and Yongjin left the group. The two were inactive prior to the announcement due to personal reasons. The group was active as five-members, holding online events up until their move to the PocketDols platform.

The group’s SNS was last active in April 2022. On December 31, Logan and D1re both posted on Instagram that AWEEK disbanded.

Chawon debuted as a soloist in 2021 with “Today of All Days,” so there is an expectation he will continue to perform solo. Aiden also made his solo debut April 22, 2022 with “Memory.” Yongjin, who left in 2021, is currently a member of MEGAMAX (InMedia) as a Jini and a former member of Underdog. He also appeared in the survival shows Burn Up 30 and Produce 101 Season 2. Jingyu is a former member of ASTIN and the busking group KingdomS. As of December 7, 2022, he is serving in the military. Logan, as Mir, was also in ASTIN.

 

Azer-Blossom

Formed by Howon University’s Applied Music Department, Azer-Blossom was a seven-member girl group made up of Kim Seohyun, Choi Minkyung, Hwang Yejin, Yoo Minha, Baek Jihyun, Jeong Myeongwoo, and Park Siwoo.

On September 1, 2021, Azer-Bloom debuted with “Focus on Me.” The group— who was associated with two other Howon Universirt Applied Music Department groups Azer and Kairos—disbanded in 2022, though the date is unclear.

Prior to debuting with Azer-Blossom, Yoo Minha was a contestant on Mnet’s CAP-TEEN in 2020. Jeong Myeong-woo, who goes by the stage name Yeum, re-debuted in the K-Pop duo PRIMROSE on January 13, 2023. She is currently signed to AO Entertainment.

 

 

BCHCS/L.U.B/DIA

DIA (Diamond, Do It Amazing) disbanded in 2022 when the members opted to leave PocketDol Studio (MBK Entertainment & Interpark’s sub label). Somyi, Eunice, Huihyeon, Yebin, Chaeyeon, Eunchae, Jueun opted to focus on their own schedules and activities. Somyi left first in January, while the other members departed the label in September.

DIA’s five-member sub-unit BCHCS (BinChaenHyunSeuS) also disbanded in 2022 after not having any promotions since 2017. The sub-unit, made up of Eunice, Somyi, Yebin, Huihyeon, and Chaeyeon, released four singles: “You’re the Moon and the Earth” (2016) from First Miracle DIAID I and 2017’s “LO OK,” “Give Me a Kiss,” and “It’s Your Choice” from Love Generation.

L.U.B, DIA’s second sub-unit, originally debuted December 31, 2016. Initially a four-member sub-unit consisting of Eunjin, Jenny, Eunchae, and Jueun, L.U.B disbanded as a duo in 2022. Eunjin departed the DIA and L.U.B in 2018 to focus on her health, while Jenny left both the group and sub-unit in 2019 also due to health concerns.

Seunghee, an original member of DIA, departed the group in 2016 to focus on acting.

DIA’s last single was “The Blinding Past,” released September 14, 2022.

 

Be on new

Signed under Be the Max Entertainment, Be on New was a pre-debut five-member group consisting of Dojun, Sunho, Youngwon, Sol, and Siwoo. The group was announced June 18, 2022 with the members unveiled between June and October. On December 28, 2022, Be the Max Entertainment announced Dojun, Sunho, Youngwon, and Sol left the agency. Siwoo is still with Be the Max Entertainment and will have his solo debut June 2023.

Prior to being with Be on New, Dojun was in the pre-debut group ONE A DAY and formerly in DUSTIN and EAST ONE. Sunho was also in the pre-debut group ONE A DAY as well as DUSTIN, CHAZE, and Like a Movie. Youngwon was formerly of the pre-debut group C On H and was F.able’s maknae.

 

BLINGBLING

Managed by MAJOR9, the six-member group BLINGBLING debuted November 17, 2020 and disbanded July 26, 2022.

BLINGBLING consisted of Yubin, Jieun, Ayamy, Marin, Juhyun, and Narin and was active in both South Korea and Japan. The group was MAJOR9’s first idol group and had originally hoped to be together for 10-years.

In an interview with Pinkvilla, the group said, “We hope that we’d still be active as BLINGBLING even after 10 years. We hope that in 10 years, people will think of us when they hear the word ‘bling bling.’”

BLINGBLING released two singles during their two years together: Their debut “G.G.B” and “Oh Mama” from their Contrast mini album.

 

Blue Fox

Blue Fox debuted October 12, 2018 with “Wake Me Up” and “I Believe I Can Fly.”

During their active period, Blue Fox underwent a number of lineup changes with the final lineup consisting of Junhee, Yeonji, and Ayeon, all of whom joined the group in 2020. Over the years, the lineup was made up of the following members:

• Song Iyaki (2018-2022)
• Aria (2018-2019)
• Daya (2018-2019)
• Hae Na (2018-2019)
• Jina Son (2019-2020)
• Moon (2019-2020)
• Jiyeon (2019-2020)
• Doyeon (2019-2020)
• Hyogang (209-2020)
• JH (2020-2022)
• Jenny (2020-2022)

Blue Fox Entertainment announced Blue Fox disbanded due to personal issues and health concerns on September 5, 2022. However, 12 days later, Junhee, Yenji, and Ayeon performed as Blue Fox again and have been performing at festivals since. It’s unclear if they are just completing contractual obligations or if the trio have decided to keep going.

 

BOTOPASS

BOTOPASS disbanded August 25, 2022. BOTOPASS was made up of members Seoyoon, Cui Xiang, Jiwon, Ria, Mihee, Harin, Shiho, and Ahyoon. The eight-member girl group under WKS ENE and XX Entertainment debuted August 26, 2020 with “Flamingo,” the only track the group released.

Like APRIL, BOTOPASS, too, was embroiled in a bullying controversy.

Cui Xiang, Seoyoon, and Jiwon were former members of the girl group ILUV. Another former ILUV member, Shin Min Ah, accused the former of bullying her physically, sexually, and mentally during their time together in ILUV. On July 13, 2020, Min Ah posted the claims on her now-deleted Instagram stories, and on July 14, stated that WKS ENE wanted her to keep the allegations secret. On July 15, Min Ah attempted to end her life but was rescued. She made another suicide attempt in September 2020 due to the bullying case, Netizen comments, and alleged harassment by WKS ENE. Min Ah has spent time in the hospital to seek treatment. She’s now retired from the entertainment industry.

WKS ENE and the accused BOTOPASS/ILUV members denied the allegations and accused Min Ah of lying and filed defamation lawsuits. In 2021, police dismissed WKS ENE’s lawsuit, siding with Min Ah.

The allegations against Cui Xiang, Seoyoon, Jiwoon, and WKS ENE may be the reason behind BOTOPASS never receiving another comeback after “Flamingo” and the reason behind their disbandment.

 

BVNDIT

BVNDIT debuted in April 2019 with the digital single “BVNDIT, Be Ambitious!” MNH Entertainment’s five-member group consisting of Yiyeon, Songhee, Jungwoo, Simyeong, and Seungeun released four digital singles – “BVNDIT, Be Ambitious (2019), “Dramatic” (2019), “Cool” (2020), and “Children” (2020)—and three mini albums: Be! (2019), Carnival (2020), and Re-Original (2022). In 2019, they were nominated for eight awards.

Prior to being in BVNDIT, Yeyeon (formerly Dasol) was a member of the group 1PS, but she never officially debuted with them. In 2021, Seungeun participated in Girls Planet 999 but was eliminated in the fifth episode.

On November 11, 2022, MNH Entertainment announced BVNDIT’s disbandment following the members’ contract terminations at the end of October.

 

BugAboo

A-Team Entertainment announced on December 8, 2022 that six-member girl group BugAboo disbanded. The company cancelled the group’s future activities and terminated their contracts. BugAboo, consisting of Eunchae, Yoona, Rainie, Cyan, Choyeon, and Zin, officially debuted with “BugAboo” October 25, 2021.

A-Team Entertainment teased the group beginning in 2019 when they were initially known as ISE (Innocent Sexy Eyes). As a pre-debut group, ISE consisted of members Eunchae, Rainie, Yoona, Chaeeun (Cyan), Choyeon, Hyunbin (Zin), and Suyeon. Before ISE was announced, other pre-debut members included Seo Yunju, Lee Sumin, and Suji; all three as well as Suyeon left A-Team Entertainment. Seo Yunju is now under YES IM Entertainment as mimiirose’s maknae.

During their run, BugAboo had their YouTube reality series booboo TV (2021-22).  Prior to BugAboo’s debut, Eunchae (then signed to Million Market) and Choyeon also appeared as contestants on 2018’s Produce 48 where they placed 32nd and 50^th, respectively.

BugAboo had their last comeback in June 2022 with “Pop.”

 

BUILD UP (BLDP)

Signed under INAKIST Entertainment, male group BUILD UP debuted November 24, 2019 with their single “Think of You.” From 2019-2022, BUILD UP was signed under OneWorld Entertainment for their Japanese promotions.

When they debuted, BUILD UP was a trio consisting of Ji Hyeok, Do Ram, and Jeong Gyu. In December 2019, Minjun, Yoobi, and Sungwook were added. In February 2020, BUILD UP made their first comeback as a six-member group with “Dreamland.”

In April 2020, INAKIST Entertainment created a Makestar for BUILD UP to fund a mini album. However, the Makestar project was canceled and fans who contributed received refunds.

Ji Hyeok, Do Ram, and Jeong Gyu appeared on MIXNINE, but they did not survive past preliminaries. Do Ram was a former member of ALLDAYZ, while Ji Hyeok (Jelly-P) was a member of A6P.

 

Cheatcode

Four-member live girl group Cheatcode disbanded January 16, 2022 following their final live event, though their actual disbandment was revealed to be December 11, 2021.

The South Korean group consisting of Yenxi, Rookie, Mono, and Mio was active in the J-Pop and J-Rock scene during their short lifespan. They debuted as a duo (Yenxi and Rookie) on October 10, 2021 with the live performance of “I cheatcode YOU.” Mono and Mio were added to the group in November 2021.

Cheatcode was signed to à la mode.

 

CLC

Signed under Cube Entertainment, CLC debuted in 2015 as a five-member group consisting of Seunghee, Yujin, Seungyeon, Sorn, and Yeeun. In 2016, Elkie and Eunbin were added to the group.

In December 2020, Elkie filed a contract termination lawsuit against Cube Entertainment stating she wasn’t paid for her acting gigs and that the company stopped their “developmental support” for CLC, which is why group activities were on hold. Elkie also stated the agency affected her mental health. Cube confirmed her contract was terminated in February 2021.

While participating in Girls Planet 999 in 2021, Yujin stated “CLC will no longer be having group activities,” which Cube Entertainment did not confirm. Yujin placed third in the competition and is now fulfilling contract obligations with Kep1er.

Later in 2021, Sorn departed the group following the termination of her contract. In March 2022, Seungyeon and Yeeun left Cube after choosing not to renew their contracts. On May 2022, Cube Entertainment announced CLC officially disbanded.

During their run, CLC released eight Korean Eps and two Japanese releases. They were nominated for 29 music awards from several different institutions including Golden Disk, Soompi, Soribada, Gaon Charts, and MAMA, but only one three awards out of those nominations: Rookie Award, (2015, Korean Culture Entertainment Awards), The Next Rising Star of Asia Award (2018, Daradaily Awards), and Music Star Award (2019, Soribada Best K-Music Awards). However, their EPs Crystyle (2017) and No.1 (2019) and singles “Hobgoblin” (2017), “Me” (2019), and “Devil” (2019) all ranked in the top ten on Billboard’s World Albums and World Digital Songs charts.

 

D-Crunch/STOPES

Initially signed to All-S Company, D-Crunch debuted in 2018 with the single album “0806” and the song “Palace.” Between 2018 and 2022, D-Crunch released four mini albums (M112 (4colors), M0527, Across the Universe, and Daydream), two single albums (“0806,” “Addiction”), two digital singles (“Together Puppy Part.7,” “Pierrot”), and one Japanese single (“Are You Ready?”).

Prior to debut, the special sub-unit Geupsik-Dan pre-debuted featuring Dylan, Chan Young, O.V, Jung Seung and female trainees Karam and Hyeong Shin. They released the single “Geupsik” July 10, 2018.

D-Crunch’s second sub-unit, STOPES, released their mixtape 128√e980 January 28, 2021. The duo, made up of Hyun Wook and Jung Seung, released a second mix tape titled Tell Me: What You Want on November 12, 2021.

Before disbanding, three D-Crunch members departed from the group. In December 2020, Hyunwoo departed the group due to health reasons. In November 2021, Minhyuk departed the group while Dylan went on hiatus due to anxiety. Dylan completely departed the group October 21, 2022 prior to D-Crunch’s disbandment.

D-Crunch disbanded November 9, 2022 following a post by Ai Grand Korea on the group’s fan café.

In addition to Hyunwoo, Dylan, and Minhyuk, D-Crunch’s members included Hyun Ho, O.V, Hyun Wook, Hyun Oh, Chan Young, and Jung Seung.

 

FAINIT

FAINIT was a five-member group under FAINIT Entertainment. Consisting of Jinseo, SeoA, Idam, Liha, and Meanu, the group debuted with the single “KILLER” June 13, 2022, but they disbanded in late August or early September.

FAINIT was supposed to be the start of the fictional FAINIT UNIVERSE, and the members were supposed to transcend space and time and represent different cultures.

 

GIG

GIG (Good Influence Girls) was a pre-debut girl group under Entertainment CUP.

GIG was originally supposed to debut in November 2020, but the original debut lineup left the company. Entertainment CUP auditioned for new members and pushed the debut to 2021.

Beginning in March until April 2021, the members were introduced: GN (formerly of Whiteday), Dodo, Line, Yejin, Boma, and Chaehee were the members expected to debut, but Yejin and Dodo departed the group January 2022 due to inactivity. In March 2022, Entertainment CUP stopped posting content related to GIG, leading to the assumption the group disbanded.

 

G-reyish

G-reyish was an under-the-radar group that debuted in 2017 with the single “Turn Back Time.” Originally signed under Hyuk and Company, G-reyish transferred to Big Ocean ENM in 2021.

When G-reyish debuted, the group consisted of Hyunseo, Shinyoung, Yena, and Yeso. Hyunseo left the group in 2018 and was replaced by Hyeji. They released one mini album, 2021’s M, and six digital singles. Their last release was 2021’s “Breath (Blood Night).” They disbanded May 2022.

 

GIRLKIND/GIRLKIND XJR

Five-member group GIRLKIND debuted January 17, 2018 with the single “Fanci.” The group, which was made up of members Medic Jin, Xeheun, Jikang, Sun J, and Ellyn released a total of six singles, while their sub-unit, GIRLKIND XJR (Jikang and Xeheun) released the 2019 Makestar-funded mini album Life is Diamond.

Before their disbandment due to “internal issues,” GIRLKIND was a quartet following Sun J’s 2020 departure to focus on her studies at Gimpo University.

Before their debut, Xeheun, under her given name Seheun, appeared on 2016’s Produce 101. In 2021, Ellyn participated in My Teenage Girl before being eliminated in the first elimination round on episode three.

Prior to disbanding in August 2022, GIRLKIND held their GIRLKIND Tokyo Live 2022 concert series at Showbox in Shin-Okubo, Tokyo between April 16-May 7, 2022.

GIRLKIND was under NextLevel Entertainment throughout their run.

 

H!bana

Managed by To Hermitage, H!bana was a live girl group that debuted in October 2020.

Originally a duo, H!bana consisted of Rei (October 2020-January 2021) and Mashu (October 2020-July 2021), with Nanako and Cheery joining Mashu in April 2021 after Rei’s departure. H!bana became a duo again when Mashu “graduated” from the group to focus on her studies. In January 2022, Nanako was terminated from the group due to contract violations. Cheery opted to be a soloist, therefore ending H!bana.

H!bana was a Korean take on a Japanese idol group. Their single “Hibana” was originally released in Japan October 11, 2020 with a Korean version released a few days later. “Hibana” was the only single released by the group. During their run, they participated in live stages for various underground artists.

 

HINT (TURAN)

Formerly known as TURAN, HINT debuted in July 2013 under Star Pro Entertainment. In 2017, TURAN performed under the new name HINT under Swan Media Entertainment until they disbanded in September 2022.

As TURAN, the group debuted with “Shotgun” and “Bang Bang Bang.” For their debut, the group consisted of members Chae Un, Elisha, Lian, Sebin, Ryuji and LeeKyung. In 2014, the group was “rebranded” and consisted of Lian, ByeolA, Elisha, E-Hwa, Hyobin and Hyejin with Hyejin becoming the group’s leader. They released the mini album Mystery Member and the song “Mamma Mia” in 2015.

In 2016, TURAN, with a new lineup made up of Hyejin, Cherry, Nael, Haesol, Hanbi, Chae Un, and ByeolA, released a Chinese mini album titled Hello TURAN. During this time, the sub-unit TURAN BLISS. Member Elisha also released a solo track under the name Alyssa. The group was later reduced to five members: Hyejin, Haesol, Nael, Cherry, and ByeolA before rebranding as HINT and joined by new members U, Arra, and Sogeum.

As HINT, they released the re-debut track “TangTangTang” in 2017. The song was a Trot-inspired track was followed by “Pang Pang Pang” and “Walkie Talkie” in 2018.

At the end of 2017, U left the group and was replaced by another former TURAN member ByeolA, who, along with Sogeum, left the group in 2018.

Now as a five-member group, HINT made their final comeback with “Eh Oh” (2020), a track that was a more mature departure from their previous tracks. HINT went on hiatus afterwards before all the members announced the group’s disbandment September 27, 2022.

 

HOT ISSUE

Made up of members Nahyun, Mayna, Hyeongshin, Dana, Yewon, Yebin, and Dain and founded by S2 Entertainment in 2020, HOT ISSUE debuted April 28, 2021 with “Gratata” and the mini album Issue Maker.

Some of the HOT ISSUE members already had showbiz experience prior to debut.

Mayna, also known as Mena and her Spanish name Simone, was a contestant on Produce 101 China in 2018.

Hyeongshin (Yu Ha) was in the pre-debut group ALLS-GIRL and D-CRUNCH’s pre-debut co-ed sub-unit Geupsik-Dan. She, along with co-member Dain, appeared in 2020’s teen survival show CAP-TEEN.

Dana was a child actress in the early 2010s, appearing in Happy Ending (2012) and One Well-Raised Daughter (2013).

Yewon is the daughter of actor Park Junghak. Her older sister is musical actress Park Jiwon.

On September 29, 2021, HOT ISSUE released their final track, “Icons.” Despite the buzz surrounding the group, HOT ISSUE disbanded April 22, 2022, six days before their first anniversary.

 

I.C.E

When they debuted with “Over U” November 16, 2015, I.C.E was a four-member group made up of Kimmi (Eun-Mi), Da-Hye, Minju, and Yoo-Na. When Yoo-Na left in 2017, she was replaced by U-Jin; she departed in 2018.

In addition to “Over U,” I.C.E released two other singles: “Shameless” (2018) and “Oh My God” (2020).

On July 20, 2022, Kimmi, Da-Hye, and Minju all announced on Instagram I.C.E disbanded. The group was under HS Entertainment.

Kimmi and Da-Hye re-debuted as PCDM August 13, 2022. They are now under KEM Entertainment. As of November 2022, they’ve released two songs: “Oh My God” and “That’s It.”

 

JANUARY

In May 2022, the new girl group JANUARY was teased on Instagram. The four-member group was to be made up of three former Yellow Bee members Haru (Ari), Ryuhee, Soye, and new member Taehee. In July 2022, the group’s Instagram and Twitter accounts deleted all traces of the group, and the members unfollowed both accounts before they were deleted, indicating the group’s disbandment.

Haru returned to her former agency, Shin Entertainment Media, and to her former duo, Manito, with another former Yellow Bee member, Annie.

 

KAIROS

Formed by Howon University’s K-Pop department, KAIROS debuted with “No Limit” September 1, 2021.

KAIROS consisted of Kim Siwoo, Ha Seokhee, Lee Sunhak, Kim Youngkwan, Lee Junhyuk, Park Jungho, Kim Yoonsung, and Jang Junhyung. Youngkwan is set to debut in TM Entertainment’s upcoming male idol group East Shine. Seokhee appeared and Stars Awakening.

KAIROS’ social media accounts have been deleted, and they disbanded in 2022, though no month have been given for their exact disbandment date.

 

Kamisama

Signed with underground idol agency, à la mode, Kamisama was a Korean female J-Rock and J-Pop live trio. Members Tsuki, Tia, and Ai debuted at the à la mode Station Vol.1 live event November 21, 2021. They disbanded February 25, 2022 with an official announcement on Twitter. All traces of the group have disappeared since.

 

LST

LST debuted October 12, 2018. Between 2018 and 2020, LST, which was short for “Let’s Show Time,” released three singles: “I Wanna Go” (2018), “The Wolf” (2019), and “Dream” (2020).

LST went through different lineup changes during their run. When they debuted with “I Wanna Go,” the group consisted of KION, Dongkwon, Jigu, JN, and Sunwoo. At the end of 2018, Kibeom was added, making LST a six-member group. KION left in 2019, but Gabin and Gangbi were added to make the group seven members. Jigu left in 2019, leaving LST with six members.

On March 18, 2022, JN announced he left the group. On May 28 and 29, Gangbi and Gabin announced their departure from LST on Instagram. In his message, Gabin said LST disbanded.

Since the group’s disbandment, JN (Bae Jun-sung) signed with SoulMate Company. On June 10, 2022, Dongkwon (Shin Dong-kwon) signed with H Entertainment along with his former co-member, Jigu, though Jigu’s profile is no longer available under H Entertainment’s social media.

LST was under Hyunda Entertainment.

 

LUNARSOLAR

LUNARSOLAR was another group with a lot of buzz when they debuted in 2020. J-Planet Entertainment’s four-member girl group debuted September 2, 2020 with the single “Oh Ya Ya Ya” and the mini album Solar:Flare.

Consisting of members Jian, Yuuri, Eseo, and Taeryeong, LUNARSOLAR wasn’t short on talent. Jian (formerly known as TaeE) was once a member of female idol group S.E.T. She also competed on The Unit: Idol Rebooting Project (2017-18). Taeryeong competed on Produce 101 and Mixnine and was a member of female idol group A-Daily in 2018. She was also in the pre-debut group Blackmamba (ONO Entertainment). Meanwhile, Yuuri was a member of J-Pop group I’S9 (2013-15) and co-ed J-Pop group IsTaR (2017-18).

Following “Oh Ya Ya Ya,” LUNARSOLAR released their second mini album Solar:Rise and the single “Dadada” April 7, 2021. In December 2021, they released the holiday single “Christmas is You.”

On May 22, 2022, J-Planet Entertainment announced all of the members’ contracts with the company had been terminated and the group would disband. LUNARSOLAR released their final single, “Do You Wanna Get Down” on May 23.

 

Mamadol (M.M.D)

M.M.D was a six-member project group formed via the TvN reality show Mama the Idol (2021-22), a show focused on the return of former K-Pop idols who are currently mothers. The group featured Kahi (After School), Jungah (Jewelry), Byul, Yang Eunji (Baby VOX Re.V), actress Hyun Jyuni (Scarlet mojo-Pin),  and Sunye (Wonder Girls).

The project group released one single, “WooAh Hip” January 28, 2022.

 

Manito

Manito was a duo consisting of Ari and Annie and signed under Shin Media Entertainment. They debuted September 2021 with the single “Toritoridotori.”

Prior to being in Manito, Annie and Ari were members of Yellow Bee from 2019 to when the group disbanded in 2020.

Due to inactivity, the duo disbanded in early 2022, and Ari left the agency to join the girl group JANUARY under the new name Haru. Unfortunately, JANUARY disbanded prior to debut.

Since JANUARY disbanded, it appears Ari is back with Shin Media Entertainment. As of November 2022, it’s unclear if Manito’s disbanded or restructuring as Manito’s Instagram showed updated profile images for Annie and Ari in September. However, no other updates have been provided since.

 

MVP

PH Entertainment’s seven-member male idol group MVP (Most Valuable Player) debuted March 13, 2017 with the track “Take It” and the mini album Manifest. The group was made up of twin brothers Jin and Been, Gi Taek (MR.MR’s Ryu), Rayoon, Kang Han, P.K, and Sion.

In addition to “Take It,” they released two other singles: “Every Day” (2020) and “Good Day” (2021) before Rayoon announced the group disbanded February 16, 2022.

Prior to their disbandment, MVP had a Makestar set up to prepare for another comeback, but the company canceled the project January 20, 2022 after it met its goal.

 

N.CUS

On August 27, 2019, N.CUS debuted as a 12-member group with the mini album Matchless Love. The Kyuri Entertainment group then dropped to nine members after EOS, Soon, and Myeong departed December 18, 2020. As a nine-member group, N.CUS (No. Competitors Under the Sky) released the 2021 single album “Unripe Love” and the 2021 single “Shining Star” before becoming inactive.

On January 5, 2022, Hojin shared an Instagram post stating all of the N.CUS members except Seokjin terminated their exclusive contracts with Kyuri Entertainment, disbanding the group.

Prior to being in N.CUS, Myeong was a pre-debut member of NOIR. Hwan, who now goes by his given name Sunghwan, is currently in WeNU, a group that debuted November 2022. Hojin competed on the JBTC reality competition Burn It 30 in 2020. Hyeonmin (Min) is currently in the dance crew ARTBEAT.

 

NU’EST

NU’EST was active from March 15, 2012 to March 15, 2022, disbanding on their 10^th anniversary. The Pledis Entertainment quintet was made up of Ren, Aron, Baekho, Minhyun, and JR. For their Chinese sub-unit NU’EST M, Chinese rapper Jason Fu (JA) was added to the NU’EST lineup.

When NU’EST debuted with “Face,” they were one of the top groups to watch. Throughout the group’s run, NU’EST’s popularity remained consistent, but they mostly stayed under the radar until JR, Baekho, Minhyun, and Ren appeared on Produce 101 Season 2, with Minhyun making it into the temporary group Wanna One. Minhyun’s run with Wanna One and NU’EST’s appearance on the show helped the group earn more attention. Each of their releases between 2019-21 made it to the top 50 on Korean music charts.

Each of the NU’EST members had success outside of group activities.

• Aron was a television and radio personality. During his time in the group, Aron was the host of the Arirang radio show Music Access. He also hosted Aron’s Hangout and Night. Currently, he is a host on After School Club and a co-host on the podcast Korean Cowboys with Joel Lane.
• Baekho was a TV personality and musical actor. In addition to being a contestant on Produce 101 Season 2 (as Kang Dong-ho), he was also a contestant on King of Mask Singer and Battle Trip in 2018. In 2019, he was a cast member on Law of the Jungle, The Call, Let’s Go, Man Soo Ro. In 2021 and 2022, he held roles in the musical theatre shows Midnight Sun, Altar Boyz, and Currently, he is a soloist still signed under Pledis. His first EP Absolute Zero came out October 12, 2022.
• JR also appeared on Produce 101 Season 2 where he came in 14^th JR’s worked as an actor and TV personality throughout his career, appearing in the Japanese film Their Distance, Let Me Be Your Knight, Night Goblin, Shadow Singer, Master Key, UHSN, and Battle Trip among others. In 2021, he also hosted the radio show Royal Comics. Currently, he is signed to Evermore Entertainment as a soloist and actor. On November 8, 2022, he released his first EP Meridiem.
• In addition to singing and modeling, Ren also served as a radio host, TV personality, and TV and musical actor while in NU’EST. He ranked 20^th on Produce 101 Season 2 where he appeared under his full name Choi Min-gi. In 2017, he was a fixed cast member for Learning the Hard Way before becoming a fixed cast member on Hogu Chart and The Kkondae Live in 2018. With Aron, he also hosted the radio show Night from 2020-21. During this span, he also had lead roles in the musical theatre shows Everybody’s Talking About Jamie and Hedwig and the Angry Itch. He’s currently signed with BPM Entertainment as a soloist and actor.
• In addition to making it onto Wanna One with his ninth-place finish on Produce 101 Season 2, Minhyun’s also an actor, having had lead roles in Reckless Family 3 and Live On. Minhyun renewed his contract with Pledis Entertainment in 2022. He appears in the main role as Seo Yul in 2022-23’s Alchemy of Souls.

Throughout their time as a group, NU’EST was nominated for 81 awards, racking up 28 wins. On March 15, 2022, they released their final album, Needle & Bubble, a compilation album that commemorated their 10-year anniversary. “Again” was the lead single and final release as a group.

 

QODES

Formed by EJ Entertainment, QODES was a four-member hip-hop group with a gaming and science fiction concept. Each member was named after a letter in the Greek alphabet: Alpha (Kwak Ji-soo), Delta (You Kyung), Nu (Choi Yu-jin), and Lambda (Koma, Cho Ha-na).

When they debuted February 1, 2021, QODES released six singles as part of their “QODES QUEST” series of digital singles. EJ Entertainment’s plan for QODES was to release singles in wave each season (winter, spring, summer, fall), but the group went quiet following the first set of “QODES QUEST” singles.

During their short tenure, QODES made a splash in the K-POP scene with the MV for “LALALA.” The sexualized, queer-coded MV was praised featuring LGBTQA+ themes but panned for fetishizing the concept.

QODES quietly disbanded in 2022. Delta confirmed the disbandment via an Instagram DM.

 

REDSQUARE

While technically not disbanded, REDSQUARE was rebranded as IRRIS in 2022.

REDSQUARE debuted in 2020 under About Entertainment with the single album “Prequel” and title track “Colorfull.” Members Ari (now Yunseul), Green (now I.L.), Chaea (now Liv), Yehyeon were all former members of GOOD DAY. Lina was the only member not in GOOD DAY.

In December 2021, REDSQUARE moved from About Entertainment to ICONIC MnE.

When REDSQUARE rebranded as IRRIS, now under Mellow Entertainment, Yunseul, I.L, and Liv were joined by new member Nina. Lina is now a soloist under the name Blenn, while Yehyeon is now in the pre-debut girl group ALDL under the name Jein.

 

SIGMA

Sigma was originally a four-member group under PLUSWIN Entertainment. Former BIGFLO member Z-uK was unveiled as the first member April 2020 prior to the group’s debut. PLUSWIN and Z-uK announced that the SIGMA members would be selected via the SIGMA Project. The members were determined by 30% from the fan vote and 70% from the current members. Members Shu, R.Y.U, Chanhyo, and Ten were revealed during a livestream June 24, 2020. Ten, however, left the group in October 2020.

SIGMA officially debuted in Japan and South Korea January 26, 2021 with “Higher,” which was their first and only single. In February 2022, Shun and R.Y.U left the group; Chanhyo and Z-uK planned to continue as a duo. However, Z-uK is now a member of We:A and Chanhyo is in the group WeNU, so SIGMA’s suspected to have disbanded sometime this year.

 

SONOKI

Like H!bana, SONOKI (Soko no Kimi ni) was a Korean take on a Japanese live girl group. The quartet debuted July 25, 2020 with members Dchi (Do-hee), Hana, Yui (Jung Hye-gyo), and Aru. In November 2020, Yui graduated from the group and was replaced by Natsu (Yumehara Natsu).

SONOKI was supposed to have a graduation system much like the Japanese girl groups they were modeled after. In April 2022, the group was auditioning for new members before Aru left April 30. However, SONOKI disbanded July 3, 2022 following their final live show.

SONOKI released one mini album, Soko no Kimi ni. It was released physically November 2, 2021 and digitally on April 26, 2022.

 

TRAINEE A

BigHit Music formed Trainee A in 2021 beginning with the unveiling of trainees Junil, Inhyuk, Jihoon, Leo, James, Sangwon, and a “hidden” member (later be identified as JJ) in March. The squad quickly gained followers via their social media pages.

Since March 2021, Trainee A had trainees depart and added, starting with Junil leaving August 2, 2021. In January 2022, Woochan was unveiled as the newest addition after being a hidden member, while it was revealed Inhyuk was no longer a debut candidate. Thai actor Yorch was added as the newest trainee January 20. On August 25, Leo decided to leave the group.

On December 16, 2022, Trainee A’s production team announced the group’s SNS pages would “end their service.” On December 23 at 8pm KST, the trainees’ YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Soundcloud were all removed. The announcement caused fans of the trainees to wonder if the group disbanded. Yorch confirmed in an Instagram story the group did disband.

Prior to disbanding, Trainee A began busking in the United States. It’s unclear what members stayed with BigHit Music and who left the company.

 

TRCNG

TRCNG debuted in October 2017. The ten-member TS Entertainment group consisted of Jihun, Hayoung, Taeseon, Hakmin, Wooyeop, Jisung, Hyunwoo, Siwoo, Hohyeon, and Kangmin.

Unfortunately, like B.A.P, Sleepy, and Secret, TRCNG members Taeseon and Wooyeop filed a lawsuit  November 18, 2019 against TS Entertainment for child abuse and violence, which TS Entertainment denied. TRCNG continued as an eight-member group until January 2021 when TS Entertainment shut down. However, TRCNG members were still under contract despite TS no longer existing. On March 28, 2022, the TRCNG members posted on social media that their contracts were terminated and TRCNG disbanded.

Following disbandment, Jihun, Hyunwoo, Siwoo and Kangmin (now Ha-Min) signed with APR Entertainment in April 2022. They re-debuted as APR PROJECT in June 2022.  Hayoung (now Luke) joined 13 as a member of their music production team.

 

VENUS

Signed under MBK Entertainment and PocketDol Studios, VENUS was a three-member project Trot group that debuted August 6, 2019. The trio was formed in June 2019 following the conclusion of the reality survival program Miss Trot. Members Jung Dakyung and Park Seong Yeon are soloists, while Doo Ri was a member of the now-disbanded idol groups GBB and Sol.T.

Since the release of their debut single “Turn Signal” in 2019, VENUS was largely inactive. The group disbanded sometime in 2022.

 

WeGirls

In 2017 after Aftermoon Entertainment created a Makestar project to fund their first girl group, WeGirls. During the Makestar period, WeGirls’ nine-girl lineup consisted of Jaina, Hyeni, Yehana, Woori, Vivian, Julie, HaL Park, Lina, and Suha. However, following the Makestar project’s goal being met, Jaina (formerly Jina from Bob Girls), Woori, Vivian, Julie, Lina, and Suha departed the group. Cindy was added shortly after followed by E.You, Han Jung A (formerly in ZZBest, Hotties, and BADKIZ), Ellie (formerly in HOTTIES), Nina, and EunA to join Hyeni, HaL, and Yehana (formerly of Alice White). Cindy departed the group making WeGirls eight members. This eight-member lineup debuted with “On Air” August 31, 2018.

In February 2019, HaL departed the group to focus on acting. Hyeni left the group June 2019, while EunA departed in December.

In 2020, WeGirls underwent more lineup changes with the July departures of Nina and Ellie (expired contracts). In September, E.You left following the termination of her contract and became an actress under her given name Ko Ha Jung. On September 14, Aftermoon revealed they signed six new members: D, A, Y (Yerim), S, R (Rhai), and K.

In 2021, Aftermoon unveiled three more new members: Kimi (formerly of Bulldok, Scarlet, and Leader’S), Byeoljji (formerly in the pre-debut groups Ndear and MIDNIGHT and the dance team ZERO), and Hayoon (formerly of ILUV and Ndear), making WeGirls a ten-member group. However, they did not release anything under this lineup.

In February 2022, Yehana, who is now a soloist, revealed in an Instagram DM that WeGirls disbanded.

 

The Whales

The Whales debuted January 1, 2022 after placing sixth on JTBC’s audition show SuperBand 2.  The K-Rock group had five members: Jo Kihun, Jung Seokhoon, Yang Jang Semin, Kim Joonseo, Kim Hangyeom.

Joonseo used to be in a jazz trio called Q tet. Seokhoon and Kihun are session band members for IU, Sam Kim, and Ha Sungwoon among others. Seokhoon is also in the band Paper Brick. Semin was once the leader of Binari, while Hangyeom was a contestant on CAP-TEEN.

In April, Hangyeom left the group, leaving The Whales short a vocalist. Hangyeom’s departure caused The Whales to halt activities and performances while the group restructured prior to releasing their second single July 22.

In September, The Whales announced their disbandment on Instagram.

 

WSG Wannabe

WSG Wannabe was a 12-member project group born from Hangout with Yoo. The lineup was made up of Navi, Yoon Eun Hye, Lee Boram, Kota, Park Jinjoo, Jo Hyun Ah, SOLE, Soyeon, Uhm Ji Yoon, Kwon Jin Ah, HYNN, and Jung Ji So, all established singers and actresses in the Korean entertainment industry. They are the female counterpart of MSG Wannabe, a male project group that also came from Hangout with Yoo.

During their run from July-August 2022, they released six single albums. The group also had three sub-units:  OASISO, 4FIRE, and GAYA-G.

 

XRO

XRO was a Hip-Hop duo signed to MAJOR9. They debuted July 16, 2020 as MAJOR9’s first male group. The duo was made up of Hiro and Jaechan.

Prior to debuting in XRO, Hiro appeared on Mixnine where he placed 47^th. He was also a former JYP trainee. Jaechan was a former contestant on Produce 101 Season 2 where he placed 55^th. Jaechan competed on Extreme Debut: Wild Idol where he placed 16^th.

XRO disbanded April 12, 2022 when Hiro opted against contract renewal. Jaechan will transition into acting and will appear in an HBOMAX series in early 2023.

 

ZPZG

ZPZG has the unique experience of disbanding twice.

When ZPZG initially debuted in September 2014, they were a quartet made up of Khan, N.K, Gyeom, and Ji Hoon and were active until 2016 when they disbanded the first time.

In 2019, ZPZG was revived with Ji Hoon being the only returning member. The group, now consisting of Ji Hoon, Hyo, Hwi, Taehwang, and Wonjun, re-debuted February 14, 2020. Ultimately, Ji Hoon either left or was removed from the group after he was excluded from September 2021 concept photos, making ZPZG a four-member group once again.

ZPZG disbanded again in June 2022 after J-Star Entertainment announced their artists would be reorganized as ABLUE and ANTARES.

 

This list will be updated if more disbandments are announced. Meanwhile, check out the YouTube or Spotify playlists featuring many of the groups above!

 

 

—-Olivia Murray

 

#kpopgroupdisbandment2022 #koreangroupdisbandment2022 #kcrush #disbandment #kpopgroupslostin2022 #kpop #kpopidol #AngleRus #APRIL #ZPZG #NUEST #XRO #CLC #H!bna #BCHCS/L.U.B/DIA #ICE #Greyish #SIGMA #HINT #DCrunch #STOPES #GIRLKIND #BlingBling #BlueFox #BotoPass #BVNDIT #Cheatcode #Fainit #HotIssue #January #WeGirls #TRCNG #WSGWannabe #SONOKI #TheWhales #RedSquare #ODES #kcrushamerica #MVP #Manito #NUESTM #Mamadol #MMD #LunarSolar #Kamisama #BugAboo #AmyX #LST #KAIROS #4seazn #Beonnew #AWEEK #N.CUS #VENUS #GIG

We enjoyed October’s K-Pop releases! Here are our favorites from the month (in alphabetical order). What songs were your favorites?

 

Led by producer/composer Hiroyuki SAWANO, who has provided music for movies, anime, TV shows and artists, the new team music project NAQT VANE released their second digital single, ‘VANE’, on November 2, 2022.

The song shares the same concept as NAQT VANE themselves: Creating an uplifting tailwind to encourage those who have a challenger spirit. Vocalist Harukaze’s strong yet gentle voice offers unflinching support, with an inspiring message for those of us who are trying hard to live our best life. In Japan, ‘VANE’ has been selected as the theme song for the historic Women’s Ekiden long-distance road relay, which is celebrating its 37th year.

Based on the concept that “the song that paves the way will never die”, the music video shows an ever-flowing stream of images referencing elements of “place” such as cities, commuter towns and countryside regions, along with symbols of “time” such as morning, noon and night. While the video to NAQT VANE’s debut single ‘Break Free’ used CG to portray a rich graphical world, this time vocalist Harukaze’s performance is front and center, and not to be missed. As if directly referencing the lyric “It’s raining outside, touching my raw nerve”, the video was shot outdoors in the pouring rain, and Harukaze’s deeply emotional side and artistic nature, which had remained veiled until now, have finally been revealed.

 

NAQT VANE / ‘VANE’ music video:

https://youtu.be/Ln77E49-MEI

In addition, NAQT VANE have also announced another new song, ‘TOUCH’, which has been selected as the ending theme to drama series ‘Yakuza Lover’. The series is streaming now worldwide on Disney Plus.

SAWANO, NAQT VANE’s overall producer, recently provided the song ‘Tot Musica’ for solo artist Ado, which was used in the hit movie ‘ONE PIECE FILM RED’. SAWANO has a strong fan base in North America, Europe and Asia, which he has built up through his work on numerous anime productions, along with his success as a solo artist that led to a headline performance at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai in 2019. Vocalist Harukaze, meanwhile, is fluent in English and has tried her hand at a wide range of musical activity, such as performing as the opener for Callum Scott’s first ever concert in Japan. When NAQT VANE inevitably begin to tour, it seems likely they will reach regions across the world.

Following their debut in September with ‘Break Free’, NAQT VANE are planning a steady stream of new material, so look out for future announcements. Stay glued to the group’s official social media accounts (https://bio.to/NAQTVANE) for more.

 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NAQTVANE

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naqtvane/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NAQTVANE

 

Release information

November 2, 2022

Second digital single

NAQT VANE / ‘VANE’

Download and streaming links: https://avex.lnk.to/NAQTVANE_VANE

Music video: https://youtu.be/Ln77E49-MEI

 

 

NAQT VANE profile

“A team project breathing a wind of change”

 

NAQT VANE is a team music project featuring vocalist Harukaze, who has returned to Japan after spending her school days in the United States, along with overall production from Hiroyuki SAWANO and artwork by Classic 6.

https://bio.to/NAQTVANE

 

Harukaze | Vocals

Born in Hokkaido in 1998, Harukaze left Japan at age 15 to attend high school and college abroad. While studying Music Business in Los Angeles, she got a taste of a music culture that was different from what she’d experienced in Japan, and began to make music with people she met in the local scene.

In 2018, she released her first single ‘Summer Time (Feat. Roz)’, followed by her second single ‘Mr. Secret’ and in winter 2020 the EP ‘Best Regards’, before returning to Japan to begin the next phase of her music career. She became involved in NAQT VANE after meeting Hiroyuki SAWANO in 2021.

Social media links: https://linktr.ee/harukaze

 

Hiroyuki SAWANO | Overall Producer

Born in Tokyo in 1980, Hiroyuki SAWANO is a highly celebrated composer and producer, providing compositions for music artists, TV shows, anime and movies.

In 2009, he released his first original album, ‘musica’.

In 2014, he began the project SawanoHiroyuki[nZk], undertaking star collaborations with renowned artists such as Akihito Okano (Porn Graffiti), Takanori Nishikawa, SUGIZO (LUNA SEA, X JAPAN), Sukima Switch, Sayuri, Aimer, Jean-Ken Johnny (MAN WITH A MISSION), Anly, ReoNa, Aina the End (BiSH), Yuuri, Taiiku Okazaki and more.

In 2019, he held a solo performance at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai, China, with an audience of more than 10,000 fans, marking his advance to the global stage.

After meeting vocalist Harukaze, he launched the team project NAQT VANE in September 2022, participating as overall producer. The group plan to release original music in Japan and around the world.

Official website: https://www.sawanohiroyuki.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/sawano_nZk

 

Classic 6

Classic 6 are a creative collective active in Japan and overseas. They undertake art direction and overall production for fashion, art, graphic design for music artists, video and venue production. With a focus on visual branding that emphasizes stories and concepts, they are constantly exploring new creative outlets as a collective across a wide range of genres.

 

#Harukaze #NAQT #projectNAQT #VANE #Classic6 #JPop #Japan #kcrushnews #SawanoHiroyuki #Harukaze #Ekiden #musicvideo #kcrushamerica #HiroyukiSawanoproducer #HiroyukiSawano

 

One of Japan’s fastest rising J-Pop acts YOASOBI confirm they’ll be releasing a new English language EP, E-Side 2, the follow up to last year’s acclaimed E-Side. Pre-order/pre-save HERE.

In celebration of the announcement, the duo shares “The Blessing” from the EP. Listen/share HERE. The song follows previously released track “The Swallow” which was released last week and also will be featured on the EP.

The focus track for the upcoming EP is “If I Could Draw Life,” theme song for the theater play “もしも命が描けたら(Moshimo Inochiga Egaketara).”

YOASOBI continue to go from strength to strength in the short window since their conception, being awarded the highly coveted “Artist of the Year” award at MTV’s Video Music Awards in Japan last year.

They have topped the Billboard Japan Hot 100 chart, reached #1 on the Billboard Japan Top Artists Chart and accumulated over 2.7 billion streams across releases.

The original Japanese version of “Into The Night” is ranked #1 on Spotify Japan’s “Most Streamed Songs in Japan in the Last Five Years” category, and the breakthrough hit has now surpassed 700 million streams.

This new music follows “好きだ [Sukida]” which was released earlier this year as part of their ongoing collaboration with Naoki Award-winning authors Rio Shimamoto, Mizuki Tsujimura, Miyuki Miyabe and Eto Mori.  “好きだ [Sukida]” is based on Mori’s original novel, Hikari No Tane (Seed of Light) A Story to Read When You First Profess Your Love, which tells the story of a high school student professing her love to her childhood best friend.

Comprised of composer Ayase and vocalist ikura, the duo is known for turning novels into music. Last year, YOASOBI released their first ever English language album E-Side, as well as a Japanese album THE BOOK 2—The sophomore album includes seven tracks release throughout the year, plus one song which has previously only been performed live.

YOASOBI—E-SIDE 2

1. The Blessing
2. If I Could Draw Life
3. Romance
4. The Swallow (feat. Midories)
5. Halzion
6. Just a Little Step
7. Haruka
8. Love Letter

 

#YOASOBI #JPop #TheBook2 #ESide2 #newrelease #Yoasobinewalbum #kcrushnews #IfICouldDrawLife #Japan #sophomorealbum #YOASOBIMTVArtistOfTheYear #BillboardJapanHot100 #kcrushamerica #Sukida #IntoTheNight #SpotifyJapan #Ayasecomposer #Ikuravocalist #Yoasobiduo #YoasobiEnglishversion

Yamato Releases Defining ‘Essentials’ EP on Japanese-Based Label Avex

Japan-based DJ/producer Yamato is dropping his biggest release of 2022 in Essentials EP. Having worked for Pioneer as a technical developer of Pioneer CDJ series, he has an unrivaled competitive advantage few other artists can touch. A keen sense of songwriting, a brand-savvy skillset, and an ability to surround himself with the right team makes it clear as to why he’s achieved so much in his internationally acclaimed career.

With over 30 million views on YouTube, Yamato not only began uploading to the platform early, but showcased clever live DJing video themes which resulted in the attention of a worldwide audience. Showcasing his incredible long-form DJ sets in a gorgeous setting using a multi-camera set up, Yamato was able to create lucious eye-candy videos that kept YouTubers coming back for more and demanding more of this content. The series has become one of several breaking points in a chain of successful stages this artist has journeyed through.

With the lockdown era coming to a close globally, Yamato’s goal with Essentials EP is to stir up energy within the listener and close the secluded, adverse chapter of their recent past.  Featuring vocal collaborators Mike Macdermid and Poe Leos, the experience is jam-packed with uplifting, positive melodies while still sticking close to the roots of Yamato’s signature sound.

Featuring Mike Macdermid, title track “Essential,” launches with a shining, heavenly disposition. Piano House and electro-inspired sound design backs up a moment capturing mood brought about through the lyrics. A build up hits and transitions the song to a melodic drop, taking the single to a peak moment. The section showcases deep house influences, as the previous sections rinse and repeat, giving Macdermid an ability to continue onward.

Yamato also released a music video for “Essential” today.

 

Yamato / Essential feat. Mike Macdermid  Music Video

https://youtu.be/jSKCSwD-jPo

Essential EP　https://yamato.ffm.to/essentials_ep

 

“Reflection,” smoothly segues from the mood that “Essential,” set, yet a different directive soon takes place as the track heads toward the first drop, delivering on a feminine rap-verse thanks to vocalist Poe Leos. The drop comes in with a thunderous dominance, thick rhythmic synth-work ricocheting through the speakers of the listener. As bitter as it is sweet, “Reflection,” symbolizes a diversified, well-written essence that earned its spot on the EP.

“YOU,” pushes the EP on a dark and mysterious turn, representing one of the most experimental and technical vibes across the 4-tracks. The vocaded topline connected alongside sophisticated, alluring soundscapes makes this track perfect the dancefloor, having all the bells and whistles fit for a club venue setting.

Final single “Neon Lights” is the 2nd collaboration with Mike Macdermid. Electric guitar strumming and a rock-inspired percussion influence is all organized within a slower-paced house music framework. The eased-while-upbeat feel acts as a natural closer, providing a reflective, full-circle moment that is intrinsically embedded through the design of this song.

 

Yamato EPK

Bio:

After only two years from the debut, Yamato won “WORLD DJ CONTEST 2013 JAPAN” hosted by Coca Cola. He was then asked by Avicii at the world contest, held in Ibiza, to perform with him at the festival in Budapest, Hungary, which led him to become the first Japanese DJ/producer to perform with Avicii.

With the backbone of having been a technical developer of Pioneer CDJ series, the superb skill and DJ style that utilizes Pioneer DJʼs CDJ is known to be a style that no one can imitate and it has been renowned and admired from all over the world, attracting audiences at big festivals and clubs in Japan and all over the world.

The performance videos series on YouTube has exceeded 30 million views, having fans all over the world and support from A-List names such as Afrojack, Laidback Luke, Lil Jon and many more.

 

Yamato Highlights

• Worked for Pioneer as a technical developer of Pioneer CDJ series
• DJ performance video series on his YouTube channel has over 30 million views
• Has plays Ultra Japan, Ultra Singapore, EDM Japan, Summer Sonic, Zouk Out, Waterzonic, and many other events
• First Japanese DJ/producer to perform with Avicii in Budapest, Hungary
• Won Coca Cola’s: WORLD DJ CONTEST 2013 JAPAN
• Has performed hundreds of shows around the globe

 

Yamato Socials

Spotify     Apple Music      Facebook      Instagram      Twitter     YouTube

 

 

#Yamato #DJ #YamatoProducer #Yamatonewrelease #kcrushnews #EssentialEP #EDM #WorldDJContest2013Winner #MikeMacdermit #AvexJapaneseLabel #PioneerCDJSeries #PoeLeos #kcrushamerica #AviciiInBudapest

 

Trigger Warning: Article contains video shared from Itaewon that night. Viewer discretion advised.

Two days following the deadly Itaewon Halloween celebration, we’re learning more about the deceased as Seoul authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crush that killed over 150 people and injured over 140 in an alleyway including 26 people from 14 countries, two of which were American college students. Other foreign citizens were from Uzbekistan, Iran, Norway, and China according to Al Jazeera.

Among those deceased include actor and singer Lee Jihan. Lee, 24, appeared on season two of Produce 101 in 2017 and had a role in 2019’s Today Was Another Namhyun Day. He was set to appear in the MBC drama Season of Kkokdu in January 2023 where he was playing the ex-boyfriend of the main female lead. Lee finished filming his scenes in September.

Lee’s agency, 935 Entertainment, confirmed Lee’s passing in a statement shared on Twitter.

935엔터테인먼트&9아토엔터테인먼트 입니다. pic.twitter.com/3Qgmu69hXo

— 935Entertainment (@935ent) October 30, 2022

 

“We are sad to deliver such news today, but Lee Jihan has passed away in the crush in Itaewon last night,” the statement said.  “We would like to express our deepest condolences to his family, who are saddened by the sudden tragic news, also to everyone who loved him.”

Lee’s funeral will take place November 1 at the funeral hall of Myongji Hospital.

 

Celebrity Initially Blamed

Initially, rumors circulated that the crush occurred after a celebrity was spotted in one of the bars and people wanted to go see the individual. Some reports indicate AfeecaTV BJ Kei was the celebrity in question, but he set the record straight.

“Before writing this, I want to express my condolences to the victims. It was so heartbreaking,” Kei wrote on AfreecaTV.

“A lot of people are making comments saying that the accident occurred when many people gathered because of me,” Kei continued. “I’m sure those who watched my broadcast would understand, but some people are actually spreading unreasonable stories and false facts.”

Kei was present in Itaewon filming a live broadcast near the scene of the accident.

“The spread of false information was so severe that AfreecaTV even asked me to tell them the exact details and informed all the routes and times I had been yesterday. I think you will realize the truth after looking through all of that.”

Witness Accounts Describe Fear, Chaos

Descriptions of the chaos that occurred October 29 reflect the fear many felt that night. According to some reports by survivors, the stampede may have occurred with some pushing at the top of the narrow alley by the Hamilton Hotel. Videos circulating on the popular Korean social media site theqoo show moments when people are shoved from the top of the alley while someone shouts “push.”

❕CONTENT WARNING❕

New Footage released captures the moment the Itaewon crowd gets pushed down the alley.

Netizens comment that many people started pushing each other, which caused more chaos. pic.twitter.com/gouCujUeuK

— GLOBALMYEON (@globalmyeon) October 30, 2022

Korean YouTuber Seon Yeo-jung attended the Halloween event in Itaewon.

“I was at the scene and I saw everything so clearly,” Seon said. “When I was out of breath and things turned gray in front of my eyes, many thoughts suddenly went through my mind like a flash. I thought I would die from being tangled or suffocation if I tripped and fell down while being pressed like that. When I was able to witness the scene, many people had already fainted on the ground, and no one knew what was going on.”

Seon added, “There were people behind my back shouting ‘Hey, push! We’re stronger. I’ll win’. Even if I went through the crowd on the right side, I didn’t just move as I wanted, but it felt like I was being pushed away.”

 

 

 

Actor Yoon Hong-bin was also present in Itaewon that night.

“Some people were shouting not to push while the others were shouting to push,” Yoon said in a now-deleted Instagram post. “The police were only on the main street and people were crowded without any order at the back on the international cuisine street. I went outside to smoke, and I saw people being rushed to the ambulance. Many more were being transported so the officers were performing CPR on the street because they couldn’t possibly take everyone on ambulances.”

Yoon added, “I could hear people pleading with their loved ones to open their eyes while performing CPR but only one person was resuscitated on that street where I was performing CPR. I also couldn’t save the person I was helping.”

South Korean officials allege there wasn’t an indication crowds in Itaewon would get out of control.

On Saturday, over 100,000 people were present in Itaewon, Seoul’s nightlife center. The Halloween event was Itaewon’s first since COVID-19 restrictions were lifted months earlier. According to Seoul police, 137 officers were sent to manage the crowd. Over 7,000 police officers were sent to another part of Seoul to monitor protests.

“The police just weren’t there,” said Maeng Geun-yeong, a private security guard posted at Prost Pub & Grill. “If police had been at the scene in advance, the accident could have been prevented. This happened because police were not deployed.”

This tragedy had early signs and was entirely preventable,” said Yoon Hong-bin. “I know how hard the police are working but it’s a shame that no one thought to dispatch them in the middle to guide people to walk from one side.”

While some feel a stronger police presence may have helped prevent the surge, others feel that an enhanced police presence may have made matters worse.

“This was not a problem that could have been solved by deploying police or firefighters in advance,” said Lee Sang-min, South Korea’s minister of Interior and Safety, who oversees police nationwide.

 

 

While the incident continues to be investigated, South Korean officials are left wondering what could have been done to prevent this tragedy and what can be done to prevent future tragedies.

“I hope everyone could work towards making sure this does not happen again, focusing on how this happened,” Yoon Hong-bin said.

South Korea enacted a mourning period until November 5, 2022. During this period, a number of music releases, dramas, and other entertainment-related shows and performances have been postponed or canceled as citizens take time to reflect on the second deadliest disaster since 2014’s Sewol ferry incident.

 

Photo credits: (1), (2), (3), (4), (5)

 

—-Olivia Murray

 

#LeeJiHancondolences #YoonHongbin #Producer101Season2 #koreannews #SeonYeoJung #Itaewonhalloweenevent #MyongiiHospital #kcrshamerica #condolences #korea

 

On Sunday October 29, 2022 local time, a Halloween celebration in Seoul’s Itaewon district ended in tragedy as reports of a stampede and people injured hundreds while others suffered from “cardiac arrest” symptoms. As of Sunday evening, 149 people are dead with the death toll expected to climb.

Currently, the cause of the rush, which occurred near the Hamilton Hotel, is unknown and under investigation. Some local media stated the panic occurred after an identified celebrity was reportedly in one of the bars in the area, but these reports remain unconfirmed.

Itaewon is Seoul’s nightlife and club center. The popular destination was holding their first Halloween celebration since COVID-19 restrictions were lifted in South Korea. “Tens of thousands” of people were estimated to be in the area at the time. Visitors to the Itaewon area were clad in Halloween costumes to celebrate the night’s festivities.

Choi Cheon-sik, an official from the National Fire Agency, reported that many of the victims appear to be women in their 20s with at least two being foreign nationals.

South Korean president Yoon Suk-yeol presided over an emergency response meeting Sunday following the tragedy.

“The top priority is transporting and rescuing the patients and providing prompt medical treatment for the affected people,” Yoon told the meeting.

Video and photographs show pedestrians and emergency personnel administering CPR and medical assistance to those injured. Bodies covered in makeshift shrouds also lined the streets before being taken to a makeshift morgue set up near the area. Hundreds of ambulances also lined the streets to administer aid and take victims to hospitals.

“I turn the corner to the main street and there’s two or three ambulances, a fire truck and in the middle are like five or six bodies on the ground on one side of the street,” Grant Hauck, a visitor to the area, told USA TODAY.

The Seoul metropolitan government texted emergency alerts to citizens telling them to clear the area and head home.

“It’s always crowded, but nothing like this has ever happened before,” said bartender Ju Young Possamai.

“I’ve been to a lot of Halloween parties in Korea,” Possami said. “I never thought that something like this could happen in Korea, especially in Itaewon.”

This story is still developing and pends an investigation.

We send our condolences to the lives lost during this incident.

 

Photo cr. Korea Times

 

—-Olivia Murray

 

#itaewoncondolences #halloweenpartyitaewon #itaewonstampede #barcrowd #korea #seoul #unknowncause #kcrushnews #presidentyoonsukyeol #itaewonstampede #kcrush #nationalfireagency #october2022 #bartenderjuyongpossamai

 

 

With their second single ‘MASCARA’, XG made a huge impact on the music scene, reaching number one on the iTunes song chart in 17 countries & territories and entering the Spotify  ‘Viral50’ in 21 countries & territories.

Solo vocal performances by CHISA, JURIA and HINATA were recently released, showcasing their exceptional vocal skills. These have received rave reviews from around the world.

Today, a new video from HINATA entitled ‘Welcome to My Party‘ has been released. In this video, Hinata talks about her hometown, her hobbies and the type of music she likes to listen to.

The video is a must-see for XG fans, revealing a lot of previously unreleased information about the girls. It also includes footage of the girls as children as well as personal insights direct from the girls themselves.

The ‘Welcome to My Party’ video is expected to be released for each of the seven XG members, so stay tuned for more updates on the XG girls.

 

Welcome to My Party from HINATA

https://youtu.be/j5WRE1nOw7g

 

XG

XG is a seven-member HipHop/R&B girl group consisting of JURIN, CHISA, HARVEY, HINATA, JURIA, MAYA and COCONA.

On March 18 2022, they became 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.  The group’s name, “XG”, 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/@xg_official

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 are debuting from the new production group XGALX.

 

#XGALX #Mascara #CHISA #JURIA #HINATA #XtraordinaryGirls #kpop #jpop #HARVEY #MAYA #COCONA #JURIA #kcrush #kcrushnews #XGALXproject #listentoyourheart #WelcomeToMyPartyXG

 

The world’s first Ghibli theme park’s set to open in Nagakute, Aichi Prefecture Japan.

Ghibli Park will open the first three of its five themed sections on November 1, 2022. The park features areas themed around Spirited Away, Castle in the Sky, My Neighbor Totoro, and Howl’s Moving Castle among other walkable attractions.

While Ghibli Park is a theme park, guests should not expect rides or costumed characters walking around the park. Instead, Ghibli Park promises a calming experience that celebrates nature and the outdoors and their significance in Ghibli’s works. The attractions feature the whimsy and realism of Studio Ghibli’s films.

“We didn’t want people to forget Ghibli’s works,” Goro Miyazaki, Hayao Miyazaki’s son, said.

The attractions are walkthrough displays featuring Studio Ghibli’s recognizable figures. Throughout the park, guests can take pictures almost anywhere. A large wing inside the warehouse displays 14 scenes from 13 Ghibli films with each space providing characters and sets guests can interact with and use as backdrops for pictures. For instance, visitors can sit inside a train with Spirited Away’s No Face and take pictures with him if they choose.

 

 

In addition to the three areas (Hill of Youth, Dondoko Forest and Ghibli Grand Warehouse) set to open, guests will also find houses nestles inside the forest located in the Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park. Visitors can also screen 10 short Ghibli animations inside Ghibli Grand Warehouse, though they will only be allowed to screen one short per visit. There will also be a café and gift shops on property.

In spring 2024, the Valley of Witches and Mononoke Village will open.

 

 

Ghibli Park’s expected to be a major tourist attraction for Aichi. Tickets will be available via a lottery system when the park opens. Tickets cost between 1,000 to 2,500 yen ($6.75-$17 USD).

If you visit Japan, will you go see Ghibli Park? We can’t wait to see what everything looks like when the park’s open!

 

For more information about Ghibli Park, visit the website!

 

Photo Credits: (1), (2), (3)

 

—-Olivia Murray

 

#GhibliPark #StudioGhibli #Aichi #HillofYouth #DondokoForest #GhibliGrandWarehouse #SpiritedAway #CastleInTheSky #GoroMiyazaki #HayaoMiyazaki # Nagakute #AichiPrefectureJapan #Japan #kcrush #kcrushamericamagazine #MyNeighborTotoro #HowlsMovingCastle #themepark #asianthemepark #JapaneseThemedpark #Expo2005AichiCommemorativePark #November2022

 

The highly anticipated nuptials of figure skating queen Kim Yuna and Forestella’s Ko Woo Rim will be held October 22, 2022!

“Kim Yuna and Forestella’s Ko Woo Rim will hold a private wedding ceremony with close family and friends on October 22,” representatives for the pair said. “Please send them warm congratulations.”

Kim and Ko originally confirmed their relationship back in July after Korean media source The Fact revealed the two may be dating.

According to BEAT Interactive, Ko’s agency, Ko’s Forestella groupmates will perform a congratulatory song during the wedding.

Kim and Ko’s wedding will be held at Seoul’s Shilla Hotel.

“We ask that you send lots of congratulations to Ko Woo Rim, who is making a new start,” BEAT Interactive said in a statement.

In an Elle Korea interview earlier this year, Kim said she’s starting a new chapter in her life.

“I’ve been an athlete since I was seven years old in Korean reckoning. The period up to my retirement as an athlete certainly feels like one of the chapters. After entering my 30s, it feels like a new life is starting again in many ways.”

Prior to the wedding, the couple unveiled their wedding photos. Check them out below!

 

 

 

 

Congratulations to Kim and Ko on their wedding and new life chapters!

Photo credits: (1)

 

—-Olivia Murray

 

#figureskating #nuptials #KimYuna #ForestellasKoWooRim #koreanwedding #marriage #SeoulShillaHotel #kcrush #kcrushamerica #KimandKocongratulations #koreanweddingfashion #KimYunaweddingphotos

 

After years of debate regarding if BTS should enlist in the military or not due to their cultural impact, BIGHIT MUSIC announced via a press release all BTS members will start enlisting beginning at the end of 2022.

The news came following BTS’ successful Yet to Come in Busan concert.

“The members of BTS are currently moving forward with plans to fulfill their military service,” starting with the eldest member, Jin, who is turning 30 this year, BIGHIT MUSIC told ABC News Monday.

In South Korea, all able-bodied men are required to serve in the military before they are 28-years old, though men who “excel in popular culture, art, and sports” can defer enlistment until they are 30-years old. Jin, BTS’ oldest member, was able to defer his service until 2022.

“I think the country sort of told me, ‘You’re doing this well, and we will give you a little bit more time,'” Jin told Rolling Stone in 2021.

Over the years, fans have petitioned for BTS not to serve in the military due to their cultural and financial impact on South Korea. After South Korean president Moon Jae-in appointed BTS as a special envoy for public diplomacy, ARMY and other K-Pop fans rallied again in hopes of granting BTS an exemption. The group did earn deferment privileges.

Some South Korean government personnel have been in favor of BTS skipping their mandatory service including Culture Minister Hwang Hee and politician Noe Woong Rae, while other officials have pointed to their enlistment being “desirable” in order to “preserve the image of fairness.”

BTS did not ask for special exemptions.

Jin will be the first member to serve and is expected to officially enlist in November after he applied to cancel his enlistment extension. The elder member will wrap up his solo activities in late October prior to enlisting.

During the Yet to Come in Busan concert, Jin teased his solo work.

“I got the opportunity to work with someone I like, so a single will come out soon,” Jin told fans.

Following Jin, the rest of BTS are expected to enlist in order throughout 2023-24, though enlistment times have not been announced. Jungkook, who is the youngest, is expected to enlist last. BIGHIT MUSIC does expect the group to get back together “around 2025.”

While BTS’ enlistment will have an impact on South Korea’s finances (the country stands to lose “billions”), the anticipation of their 2025 return should alleviate the country’s worries as fans will be excited to see one of the world’s most popular groups back together. BTS’s short-term loss could stand to be one of South Korea’s gains in the future.

Meanwhile, BIGHIT’s announcement caused BTS to trend on social media with a mix of well wishes and sadness. One thing is clear is fans will wait for BTS and will be excited to see the members back and better than ever in the future!

The “best is yet to come.”

 

—-Olivia Murray

 

 

 

#BTS #BTStoenlist #BTSmilitaryservice #koreanmilitaryservice #kpop #kpopidol #BIGHIT #BIGHITMUSIC #BTSEnlistment #BTS2022Enlistment #kcrushnews #kcrushmagazine #popmusic #iheartradio #koreanmusicchart #BTSJintoenlist #southkorea #ABCNews #BTSBusanConcert #Billboard #kcrushamericamagazine

 

DREAMCATCHER [Apocalypse: Broken Halloween] 2022 World Tour offline and online concert is set to take place on October 29th, 7:00PM, and October 30th at 4:00PM KST on online streaming platform with MyMusicTaste. Ticket sales will open today at 7:30PM KST on Melon Ticket for the offline concert and MyMusicTaste for online streaming.

Dreamcatcher will hold both online and offline at the same time, joining more audiences and communicating with Insomnia (official fandom name) worldwide. Through this Halloween concert, Dreamcatcher not only prepared a set list that can clearly show the group’s color and charm but also plans to complete a performance that can be enjoyed together with a sense of realism, including a rich band session and the stage of the recently released seventh mini-album “Apocalypse: Follow Us.”

The recently released seventh mini-album “Apocalypse: Follow Us”, is proving its global influence with records. Shortly after its release, it topped the iTunes Worldwide Album Chart and topped the top album charts in 21 countries, including the United States, Britain, Australia, Brazil, Chile, Denmark, Indonesia, and Finland, boasting the true value of steady growth.

In addition, Dreamcatcher’s to hold a European tour in Germany, Netherlands, Poland, UK, and France sequentially from November 14th, following the domestic Halloween concert, signaling a meeting with fans through active activities until the second half of this year.

Tickets for DREAMCATCHER [Apocalypse: Broken Halloween] 2022 World Tour’s online streaming will be available through MyMusicTaste. Information regarding ticketing for the shows can be found on : ttps://mmt.fans/bFfB

DREAMCATCHER [Apocalypse: Broken Halloween] 2022 World Tour
October 29th, 2022, 7:00PM (KST) & October 30th, 2022, 4:00PM (KST) – MyMusicTaste

Dreamcatcher’s seven members: JI U, SU A, SIYEON, HANDONG, YOOHYEON, DAMI, GAHYEON

MANAGEMENT AGENCY) About DREAMCATCHER COMPANY:
Established in 2008, DREAMCATCHER COMPANY is a South Korean record label and entertainment agency founded by the prominent production duo E-tribe. Since the debut of its first artist Nassun, the company has grown in size over the years, producing artists and idol groups under its own name. V.O.S, Dalshabet, and DREAMCATCHER are the major artists that are currently associated with the label. Recently, the company also launched subsidiary labels HF Music Company, Dreamcatcher Company, and D1CE Entertainment and is garnering much attention and recognition from the public as the rising creator of future K-pop artists.

PROMOTER) About MyMusicTaste:

MyMusicTaste is a fan initiated live event making service that brings fans, artists and promoters from all over the world together in one place to create a valuable and meaningful concert experience for everyone involved. MyMusicTaste puts the power in the fans’ hands, allowing fans to request their favorite artist’s concert in their city. With the mission to connect and amplify the voices of fans all over the world, MyMusicTaste successfully promoted concerts of artists such as EXO, GOT7, MONSTA X, The xx, Machine Gun Kelly, and more in over 57 different cities. With the simple idea–empowering fans to bring their favorite artist’s concert in the city of their choice based on fan demand–MyMusicTaste is challenging the $27 billion concert market through cutting-edge technology and sophisticated, user-friendly service. Currently, www.mymusictaste.com supports more than 30 countries and offers 15 different languages.

 

 

NEMOPHILA is going to attend a huge music festival called, “AFTERSHOCK FESTIVAL 2022” in California in the United States from March in 2022.

They also announced their live performance tour, “North American Tour”. The tour will start from March in 2023. The venue of the first 3 live performance shows in the United States have been announced. The tickets of the shows will be sold at 10:00 am (US TIME) on the 11th of October on the website for every venue.

Also, NEMOPHILA announced the release of their latest album called, “Seize the Fate”. This album will be released worldwide on the 14th of December 2022.  Their song, “Seize the Fate”, which is also the same title as the album, will be released digitally on the 7th of October. This release is prior to the release of the album.

https://ssm.lnk.to/NEMOPHILA_top

The booking for the purchase of the CD and LP vinyl in the United States will begin on the 7th of October:

https://velocityrecords.com/

This Japanese heavy metal girl band NEMOPHILA has been getting so much attention from around the world. We definitely can’t take our eyes off of it!

 

[ Live Information ]

NEMOPHILA “Seize the Fate” North American Tour

On Wednesday, the 8th of March 2023, at the GREAT AMERICAN MUSIC HALL in California.

https://gamh.com/

On Thursday, the 9th of March 2023, at ECHOPLEX in Los Angeles.

https://theecho.com/

On Sunday, the 12th of March 2023, at LUNARIO in Mexico City.

http://www.lunario.com.mx/

 

[ Profile of NEMOPHILA ]

NEMOPHILA is a Japanese heavy metal girl band. Their cover song of IRON MAIDEN on YouTube has been viewed over 3 million times so far. Their band name has become so famous among heavy metal fans around the world.

They released the CD titled, “OIRAN – EXTENDED EDITION”, in the UK in 2021. This CD was a great hit and successfully sold 10,000 copies. This figure is quite remarkable for overseas sales as a Japanese band.

The tickets for their solo live performance in Los Angeles called, “Whisky a Go Go” in 2022 quickly sold out. They will perform at “AFTERSHOCK Fes” in the United States this year again.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvoAeGZoC8giXP59NOZABIA

https://nemophila.tokyo/

 

#OIRAN #NEMOPHILA #JapaneseRockBand #SeizeTheFateNorthAmericanTour #heaveymetal #IronMaiden #ECHOPLEXLosAngeles #GreatAmericanMusicHallCalifornia #LunarioMexicoCity

 

The K-Pop star drops first body of work in four years with eventful music video 

LISTEN TO “ONE BAD NIGHT” EP HERE

WATCH THE MUSIC VIDEO FOR “3D WOMAN” HERE

October 5, 2022,  South Korean singer and songwriter, JAMIE,  released her EP, “One Bad Night,” along with a bubbling music video for focus track “3D Woman.” This body of work marks her first EP in over four years since jiminxjamie and is available on all digital streaming platforms via Warner Music Korea.

In the focus track of the EP, “3D Woman,” JAMIE’s strong vocals are layered over a trap infused beat to deliver an unforgettable audio-sensory moment.  JAMIE has taken off her girl-next-door persona of the past and emerged as a much more edgy and mature woman for this track, with lyrics like, “They watch me when I’m walking but they listen when I’m talking.”  She’s an empowered woman who knows herself and gets what she wants, and this catchy hook and rhythm are a power move that will have you singing and dancing along to her beat.

Right out the gate, JAMIE throws us into the club with a contagious first track, “GIRLS.” With a heavy and consistent bass pounding away, this opening number sets the tone for the entire EP: “Girls just want to have fun. Girls just want to get drunk.” With steady choruses and a spirited verse with cadence and flow that perfectly match the beat, “GIRLS” is an exciting track perfect for a night that has barely begun, with fun that’ll never seem to end.

The third track continues this lively, party energy with “In My Bag.” What immediately jumps out from this track is the extremely rhythmic beat. By taking the tempo down a notch, JAMIE’s carefree lyrics and spunky, almost aggressive delivery give off the perfect attitude of a woman who doesn’t have time to care tonight. She’s got her bag, and whether or not you have yours isn’t her problem.

Track four is a turning point in the EP, and although softer and slower than the first three tracks, “Bedtime Story” still brings its own unique vibe and energy. This track takes on a more R&B mood, allowing JAMIE’s impressive vocals to really shine through. Featured artist, GEMINI’s buttery verse is the cherry on top to this groovier, late-night ride. Overall, we get a subtle, layered bass line that meshes with JAMIE’s captivating singing and smooth lyrics to capture the yearning we all feel for that special someone.

The EP ends on a much more solemn note with its track “Honesty.” The soft piano and guitar instrumentals paired with JAMIE’s beautiful vocal performance create a sobering wakeup call after the alcoholic bender that was the rest of this EP. Despite the raw emotional depth this track centralizes on, it serves as a comforting end to “One Bad Night.” Providing a much needed (and deserved) sense of closure, this final track fully showcases JAMIE’s maturity and range as an artist.

Paired with the EP is a psychedelic music video for its title track “3D Woman.” The scene begins with pulling up to an exclusive warehouse-turned-nightclub and are thrown into a picture of debauchery: bleached blondes, leather, pole-dancing, drinks, and heavy, heavy jewelry. One simply can’t help but stare at this hedonistic scene where good girls turn bad, and boys are seduced and tossed aside. You might get a kiss, you might not, but JAMIE won’t kiss and tell, that’s for certain.

“One Bad Night” EP Tracklist:

1. GIRLS
2. 3D Woman
3. In My Bag
4. Bedtime Story (feat. GEMINI)
5. Honesty (0822)

As a globally recognized artist, JAMIE has been releasing her handful of hit songs over the last few years, and she’s grown into one of the most featured artists hailing from Korea. In early 2021, JAMIE was included in the remix of American hip-hop artists Saweetie and Doja Cat’s “Best Friend” alongside South Korean-Japanese rapper CHANMINA, garnering over 13 million plays on Spotify. Other notable global collaborations include “Family“ by David Guetta, Ty Dolla $ign and A Boogie Wit da Hoodie, and Numbers with CHANGMO which have all dominated the charts on its release. JAMIE has built an unparalleled repertoire, showcasing her chameleonic musical abilities and maturity in EPs like the coming-of-age “19 to 20”, the genre-hopping “jiminxjamie“ and the soon-to-be-released new body of work is destined to be a stand out once again. With buoyant, charismatic, mischievous charms, and inimitable vocal talent, which can be seen in her first English single “Pity Party”. The critically-acclaimed singer-songwriter continues to enchant her growing international fanbase (under Warner Music Korea), as she currently boasts 1.6 million followers on Instagram and millions of streams on multiple platforms.

 

For more information about the EP, please visit JAMIE’s social media.

 

Photo Credit: Warner Music Korea

 

ABOUT JAMIE

JAMIE, also known as Park Jimin, is a multi-faceted South Korean singer and songwriter. She rose to fame at a young age of 14 through winning the first season of the South Korean talent survival show “K-Pop Star” in 2011, and became a member of the K-Pop duo 15&. In addition to her activities in the vocal duo, JAMIE also released two well-received solo extended plays, 19 to 20 and jiminxjamie in 2016 and 2018, respectively. With her vibrant and playful personalities, JAMIE has further found success in the hosting world as she has won a place in the heart of K-Pop fans all around the world through her role as the MC on the long-running idol variety show, After School Club. In August 2019, JAMIE signed to Warner Music Korea as the first Korean artist to join the roster, where she continues to share more of her music and stories through her stunningly powerful vocal performances. She’s since then released a plethora of global music hit collaborations which only cements her reign in the K-Pop genre.

 

Connect with JAMIE:

Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTok | Spotify

 

#JAMIE #kpop #ParkJimin #SouthKoreansingersongwriter #WarnerMusicKorea #OneBadNight #3DWoman #kcrushnews #kcrushamerica #Koreanvocalist #kpopstar

 

Japanese rock band tricot, who are currently touring 20 towns in 10 countries on their UK/European tour, have released new song ‘Aquarium’.

‘Aquarium’ is a straight-ahead, bright and poppy song with a twist, built on the foundation of tricot’s characteristic unusual time signatures. It is a song about ditching the presumptions around what love and relationships are supposed to be. Curiosity, guilt and other emotions do not necessarily need to have negative connotations, and this idea is expressed through a positive musical arrangement. The lyrics are filled with metaphors and declarations, with lines that roughly translate as “It takes an ugly shape, for real”, “The world is in reverse, and I can’t be trapped by other people’s assumptions”, and “I will unbuckle my armor and hesitate no more” – somewhat unusual phrases that ride an energetic J-rock sound.

A lyric video for ‘Aquarium’ has also been released on tricot’s YouTube channel. Meanwhile, the song has already received airplay on radio stations in the UK such as Good Music Radio and KFM Radio, along with other stations in Germany and the US, creating a strong welcome for the band in each country.

This is tricot’s first overseas tour since their successful shows in the UK in 2018. Performances in London and Amsterdam sold out ahead of the tour, while shows in Belgium and some other places were upgraded to larger venues after tickets sold out.

Fans who attended the concerts on the tour so far have posted excited comments online in various languages, such as “That was the best show of the year”, “It was a technical and incredible performance” and “tricot’s music can’t be beat”.

 

 

tricot ‘Aquarium’ Download and streaming links:

https://tricot.lnk.to/Aquarium

 

tricot ‘Aquarium’ lyric video:

https://youtu.be/DkhVYip3Ofw

 

■ tricot profile

Japanese rock band tricot formed in the historical and cultural city of Kyoto on September 1, 2010. The band have developed an unusual and distinctive sound that consists of harmonic pop melodies and emotional vocals with complex rhythm. While they are sometimes referred to as a math-rock band, the members themselves are in fact not familiar with the genre; they have arrived at a unique sound of their own imagining.

tricot’s headline concerts often sell out. They have toured in many countries around the world and successfully held a total of 109 shows overseas, including three tours of Asia, two tours of Europe, a supporting slot for Pixies in the UK, and further tours in the US and UK. These dedicated musicians have an active career and devoted fan base throughout the world.

 

Official website: https://tricot-official.jp/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tricot_band

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tricot_band_jp/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8Xp4bKmRn8cmAzi0cc66KQ?sub_confirmation=1

 

 

The English version of NAQT VANE’s debut song ‘Break Free’ was released on September 30. This English version was produced in tandem with the original Japanese version released earlier in September, so that music fans around the world could enjoy the message of hope behind the song’s lyrics.

NAQT VANE launched in September as a fresh new team project breathing a wind of change. Their debut single ‘Break Free’ carries an encouraging message of “a new self” and “liberation” and is dedicated to everyone living in the era of the wind – a flexible world of freedom and diversity with a lifestyle unbound by material things or status. The project combines the unmistakable music of producer Hiroyuki Sawano, whose compositions for anime, movies and TV shows are beloved by fans in Japan and around the world; and Harukaze, a highly skilled musician with a unique singing voice whose worldview was shaped by her school days spent in the United States.

In the new English version of ‘Break Free’, bilingual singer Harukaze’s English skills are put to great use – and above all, the lyrics have been tweaked to suit the English language, so listeners can enjoy a slightly different vibe from the original version. Whether you have already heard ‘Break Free’ or it’s your first time, check out ‘Break Free (English Ver.)’ for another chance to ride the tailwind.

Since the first announcement that Sawano would launch new team project NAQT VANE as overall producer, the reaction from fans has been overwhelming. Just two weeks after their debut in September, their new songs ‘VANE’ and ‘TOUCH’ were selected as theme songs to TV shows in Japan, making the group hot property.

In addition, vocalist Harukaze will perform as the opening act for singer-songwriter Calum Scott when he performs his first ever concert in Japan at Tokyo EX Theater Roppongi on October 18.

Overall producer Sawano recently composed the song ‘Tot Musica’ performed by Ado for the movie ‘ONE PIECE FILM RED’. He has numerous fans across North America, Europe and Asia thanks to his work on many celebrated anime productions, and in 2019 he delivered a successful solo performance at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai, indicating his commitment to the global stage. Vocalist Harukaze is also fluent in English, so it seems likely that the group will set their sights on touring in various regions around the world.

This is a group for all those who face up to life’s challenges every day, as they ride the tailwind to the future. There are doubtless many out there who can relate to a group like NAQT VANE, and this feels like the start of a whole new movement – keep your expectations high as they embark on a truly special career.

 

——————————-

NAQT VANE official Twitter: https://twitter.com/NAQTVANE

NAQT VANE official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naqtvane/

NAQT VANE official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NAQTVANE

——————————-

 

NAQT VANE ‘Break Free (English Ver.)’

Released September 30, 2022

Download and streaming links: https://avex.lnk.to/BreakFree_Eng

 

 

Debut digital single

NAQT VANE ‘Break Free’

Released September 16, 2022

Download and streaming links: https://avex.lnk.to/NAQTVANE_BreakFree

 

NAQT VANE / ‘Break Free’ (Official Music Video):

https://youtu.be/mvW3c7Ot9sk

 

NAQT VANE profile

https://bio.to/NAQTVANE

 

“A team project breathing a wind of change”

This is a project for everyone living in the era of the wind, a flexible world of freedom and diversity with a lifestyle unbound by material things. NAQT VANE began activities with the intention of “breathing a new wind into each story and finding a place of our own”.

The project allows overall producer Hiroyuki Sawano to achieve a new form of expression, while vocalist Harukaze was inspired by meeting Sawano to quit her day job and go back to her true roots to pursue her life as an artist.

 

Harukaze | Vocals

Born in Hokkaido in 1998, Harukaze left Japan at age 15 to attend high school and college abroad. While studying Music Business in Los Angeles, she got a taste of a music culture that was different from what she’d experienced in Japan, and began to make music with people she met in the local scene.

In 2018, she released her first single ‘Summer Time (Feat. Roz)’, followed by her second single ‘Mr. Secret’ and in winter 2020 the EP ‘Best Regards’, before returning to Japan to begin the next phase of her music career. She became involved in NAQT VANE after meeting Hiroyuki SAWANO in 2021.

Harukaze social media links: https://linktr.ee/harukaze

 

 

Hiroyuki Sawano | Overall Producer

Born in Tokyo in 1980, Hiroyuki Sawano is a highly celebrated composer and producer, providing compositions for music artists, TV shows, anime and movies.

 

In 2009, he released his first original album, ‘musica’.

 

In 2014, he began the project SawanoHiroyuki[nZk], undertaking star collaborations with renowned artists such as Akihito Okano (Porn Graffiti), Takanori Nishikawa, SUGIZO (LUNA SEA, X JAPAN), Sukima Switch, Sayuri, Aimer, Jean-Ken Johnny (MAN WITH A MISSION), Anly, ReoNa, Aina the End (BiSH), Yuuri, Taiiku Okazaki and more.

In 2019, he held a solo performance at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai, China, with an audience of more than 10,000 fans, marking his advance to the global stage.

After meeting vocalist Harukaze, he launched the team project NAQT VANE in September 2022, participating as overall producer. The group plan to release original music in Japan and around the world.

Official website: https://www.sawanohiroyuki.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/sawano_nZk

 

 

Classic 6

Classic 6 are a creative collective active in Japan and overseas. They undertake art direction and overall production for fashion, art, graphic design for music artists, video and venue production. With a focus on visual branding that emphasizes stories and concepts, they are constantly exploring new creative outlets as a collective across a wide range of genres.

 

Live information

Calum Scott ‘BRIDGES’ ASIA TOUR 2022

Tuesday, October 18, 2022

Tokyo EX Theater Roppongi

Special guest: Mitch James

Opening act: Harukaze (from NAQT VANE)

National Coming Out Day: LGBTQA+ Celebrities

Representation matters!

As many cultures fight for their rights to be seen and represented, the Asian community is still under-represented in the celebrity world, especially in the Western world. In both the Eastern and Western entertainment scenes, the Asian and Asian-American LGBTQA+ community still fights for representation. Being able to feel seen and represented in entertainment and in the media is right everyone should have without fear of racism, sexism, and homophobia, but society is nowhere near defeating their biases, though some countries are trying. However, there are Asian, Asian-Pacific Islanders, and Asian-American stars who are out and representing their communities despite the stigmas they may face. Here are some of the stars who are out and active in the entertainment industry in honor of National Coming Out Day October 11.

 

Alec Mapa

Alec Mapa, who is gay, is a comedian, actor, and writer who appears on stage and screen. While Mapa’s best known for his roles on Ugly Betty (Suzuki St. Pierre), Half & Half (Adam Benet), and Desperate Housewives (Vern), he’s also known for his Broadway roles including his breakout role as Song Liling in M. Butterfly after he replaced BD Wong in the role. He also cohosted the Logo network’s dating game show Transamerican Love Story.

Mapa, whose career spans nearly four decades, has been married to Jamison “Jamie” Hebert since 2008. They adopted a child in 2010.

 

Angel Lama

Angel Lama’s journey toward her identity caused her to be isolated growing up. She used to be bullied because of her attraction to boys. She struggled to make friends and became more withdrawn, leading her to drop out of college. However, since transitioning, Lama’s made history!

Angel Lama became Nepal’s first trangender beauty pageant contestant in 2021 when she competed in Miss Universe Nepal. Lama made it to the finals during the competition.

 In 2018, she competed in an LGBT+ pageant and crowned Miss Pink Nepal.

Lama formerly worked for the Blue Diamond Society which fights for LGBT+ rights.

 

Aquinas

South Korean rapper and songwriter Aquinas (Kang Minsoo) came out as bisexual in 2021. The former High School Rapper and Show Me the Money contestant posted a now-deleted image of the bisexual flag with “I’m bisexual” written in Korean and English.

During a SPOTV interview, Aquinas said it was frustrating to hide his sexuality and that he “wanted to give courage” to his queer fans.

“In our society, LGBT+ people are still discriminated against and criticized,” Aquinas told SPOTV. “I thought that if I made this confession at a young age, LGBT+ people would gain courage and be comforted.”

Aquinas stated he wants to make music that focuses on the LGBTQA+ community.

 

BD Wong

American actor BD Wong is openly gay. Wong, who is a Tony, Drama Desk, Theatre World, Out Critics Circle, and Clarence Derwent awards winner has been active as a screen and theatre actor since the 1980s. On stage, he is known for his role as Song Liling in M. Butterfly (a role later taken over by Alec Mapa). In television and film, he’s known for his roles as Dr. Huang in Law & Order: SVU (2001-2015), Dr. Henry Wu in the Jurassic Park films, Li Shang in Mulan (1998) and Mulan II (2004), Ngapoi Ngawang Jigme in Seven Years in Tibet (1997), Father Ray Mukada in Oz (1997-2003), and Whiterose/Minister Zhi Zhang in Mr. Robot (2015-2019).

 

Bowen Yang

Bowen Yang became the first East Asian cast member in Saturday Night Live’s history in 2019. Yang, who is openly gay, was originally a staff writer for Saturday Night Live before becoming a full cast member. He is also known for the podcast Las Culturistas and his Twitter lip-sync videos.

 

Choi Hanbit

Choi Hanbit is an actress, dancer, and model who was a member of the disbanded girl group Mercury. Choi, who is transgender, underwent sex reassignment surgery in 2006.

Choi is South Korea’s first transgender supermodel. Choi’s life-long dream was to be a model, but she faced prejudices along the way.

She appeared on Yoo Jae-suk’s Jinsil Game in 2005 prior to sex reassignment surgery. Then, she appeared on Korea’s Next Top Model, Cycle 3 where came in tenth place. Since appearing in the modeling shows and in Mercury, Choi has expressed an interest in becoming an actress. She’s currently a model for several beauty brands in South Korea including 935 and is a dancer for different productions.

 

Eugene Lee Yang

Try Guys member Eugene Yang released a moving video about his coming out journey in 2019.

In addition to being an Internet celebrity, Yang is a producer, writer, actor, activist, and director.

After graduating from college in 2008, Yang worked as a freelancer producing music videos and writing commercials. Between 2013 to 2018, Yang worked for Buzzfeed creating videos that were both humorous and rife with social commentary. Here, the Try Guys got their start.

When Yang, Ned Fulmer, Keith Habersberger, and Zach Kornfeld’s contracts ended with Buzzfeed, the quartet—which is now a trio—established 2nd Try LLC where they continued as the Try Guys. In addition to their videos, the group also released the book The Hidden Power of F*cking Up.

In 2024, Yang is set to release a two-part novel called The Unders. The YA fiction duo is set to be a queer fantasy epic. Yang will also star as Ambrosius Goldenloin in Netflix’ 2023 animated adaption of Nimona.

 

Geena Rocero

Geena Rocero is a transgender model and activist. She is the founder of Gender Proud, a media production company that focuses on sharing the stories of the transgender community. She is also the producer of Beautiful as I Want To Be, a Web series that focuses on the trans community.

Rocero made history in 2020 when she was named as the first trans-woman to be one of the Playboy Playmates of the Year. The article featured in the magazine that year was nominated for the 2020 GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Magazine Article. Also in 2020, Rocero was named as one of the top 100 Most Influential Asians by Gold House.

In 2021, Rocero made her directorial debut for the documentary series Caretakers about Filipino Americans during the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

George Takei

A favorite celebrity among many, George Takei has taken the Internet by storm in recent years. Takei, who has been openly gay since 2005, is best known as Hikaru Sulu, the helmsman of the USS Enterprise in the Star Trek series.

Takei is a multi-award winner for his work on human rights, especially those related to US-Japanese relations. Takei lived with his parents in the US-operated internment camps during WWII. He also had family killed in Hiroshima when the US struck the city with an atomic bomb.

 

Harisu

Lee Kyung-eun, known mononymously as Harisu, is South Korea’s first transgender entertainer and the country’s first person to change her gender legally.

Harisu got her start in the entertainment industry following her successful DoDo Cosmetics commercial in 2001. From this commercial, she’s stemmed into music and acting, performing in both Korean and Mandarin and active in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, and South Korea. Prior to breaking out in the Korean entertainment industry, Harisu lived and worked in Japan. She studied to become a hair stylist but performed as a nightclub singer before being discovered by a talent agency.

In addition to acting and singing, Harisu is also a writer having published an autobiography (Eve from Adam) and an essay collection titled Haris Beauty.

 

Hayley Kiyoko

Singer, dancer, actress, and LGBT activist Hayley Kiyoko Alcroft came out as a lesbian when she was a sixth grader.  As a singer, Kiyoko uses her music to tell her story about coming to terms with her orientation.

Kiyoko was a founding member of The Stunners in 2007; they disbanded in 2011. Since, she’s performed solo and has had a successful career so far, earning several award nominations for her music and acting. As an actress, she’s appeared in Lemonade Mouth (2011), The Fosters (2014), Hello, My Name is Frank (2014), and Jem and the Holograms (2015).

 

Holland

Holland (Go Tae-seob) debuted with his song “Neverland” in 2018. His stage name is derived from Holland, Netherlands to pay tribute to the country as it was the first one to legalize same-sex marriage.

Prior to his debut, Holland chose to come out as gay, a risk he was willing to take in order to become a figure that others in the LGBTQA+ community can relate to and for whom he could create meaningful music. He is considered South Korea’s “first openly gay K-Pop Idol,” though others coming up on this list can also claim the title.

 

Jake Zyrus

Jake Zyrus is a singer and entertainment formerly known as Charice Pempengco. Zyrus transitioned in 2017.

Zyrus has been active in the Filipino entertainment industry since 2005 but has been known internationally since 2007 following appearances on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and The Oprah Winfrey Show. In 2010, his album Charice entered the Billboard Top 200 at number eight, making it the first album by an Asian singer to make it into the top ten. Zyrus also appeared on Glee in 2010 as Sunshine Corazon, but his role was limited to a few appearances. Zyrus also served as a judge on The X Factor: Philippines and appeared on several TV shows in the Philippines and abroad.

 

Jameela Jamil

English actress and TV presenter Jameela Jamil came out as queer in 2020. She made the announcement following backlash she received after being cast as a judge in the series Legendary, which highlighted modern-day ball culture.

Jamil is known for her roles as Tahani Al-Jamil in The Good Place and Mary MacPherran/Titania in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law. She’s hosted several shows and provided her voice to several characters over the years.

Jamil is also an activist, with much of her activism going toward helping to promote healthy weight and diet culture, often fighting against fad and dangerous diets while helping to promote positive self-esteem.  

 

Jenny Shimizu

American model and actress Jenny Shimizu was the first Asian model to walk the Prada catwalk. She is also the first minority to open a Prada show. The former mechanic was discovered by an agent at a nightclub.

In addition to modeling and acting, Shimizu’s known for her relationships with Ione Skye and Angelina Jolie. She’s been married to Michelle Harper since 2014.

 

Jiae (Wa$$up)

Former Wa$$up member Jiae came out as bisexual in 2020. She posted a photo on Instagram that said “I love man [sic] and.. woman.” She followed up with a post that said “I have a lovely girlfriend So..! Happy.”

While Jiae, who is now a soloist, received many well-wishers, she also received several hate comments to which she rightfully condemned. Back in February 2022, Jiae also posted about the struggles she’s having with music agencies since coming out.

“As for who I am, a bisexual. The society would not give me the same chance as others do,” Jiae said.

Jiae, through the support of fans, released her first solo single and album October 8, 2022.

 

Jo Kwon

In 2020, Jo Kwon mentioned in an interview that he* considers himself “genderless.”

“Being genderless is my weapon. In the past, I was afraid of having a neutral image,” Jo Kwon said during his Newsis interview. “If people said I looked like a girl, I would pretend that wasn’t true. But now, I’ve come to accept who I am. I have a weapon that will help me keep on going for a long time, ahead of the genderless era.”

Jo Kwon performs as a soloist and as a musical actor. Since the group did not officially disband, he is still a member of 2AM.

 

Kim Dae-eun

Figure skater Kim Dae-eun is South Korea’s first openly gay athlete. She is the first openly gay athlete to complete in the South Korean national championships. Kim uses her platform to speak out about LGBTQ rights and visibility in South Korea, making her a role model for the LGBTQ community in the country.

 

Kwon Do Woon

Trot singer Kwon Do Woon came out on the 10^th anniversary of his debut.

“I wanted to speak up as a representative voice of sexual minorities and wanted to open up the prospect of coming out more widely in the entertainment industry. I hope to continue representing the LGBTQ community in my role,” Kwon said.

Kwon, who appeared on TBS’ National College Student Trot Contest in 2009, released his debut album in 2010. He is also an active guest on YouTube and Naver’s NAMOLLADIO radio show.

 

Lilly Singh

In February 2019, Canadian YouTuber, actress, and talk show host Lilly Singh came out as bisexual.

✅ Female
✅ Coloured
✅ Bisexual

Throughout my life these have proven to be obstacles from time to time. But now I’m fully embracing them as my superpowers.

No matter how many “boxes” you check, I encourage you to do the same x

❤️🧡💛💚💙

— Lilly (@Lilly) February 25, 2019

Singh, whose YouTube name was IISuperwomanII, was once named one of the top YouTubers and has been nominated for and won several awards for her social media work.

In 2019, Singh became the first openly bisexual and first South Asian and Indian person to host an American late night talk show when she hosted A Little Late with Lilly Singh. While her show only ran for two seasons, the show was received positively by critics and viewers alike.

 

LIONESSES

LIONESSES is K-Pop’s first openly LGBTQA+ male group and the second K-Pop group to be made up of members who are part of the LGBTQA+ community (LADY is the first). The group debuted November 2021 with the song “Show Me Your Pride,” which tackled coming out and facing homophobia. Each song has been LGBTA-friendly because the group aims to be role models and a safe space for queer youth.

LIONESSES released their latest comeback “Boy with Strange Love” September 30, 2022.

 

Maman

Park Miyoung, who is known by her stage name Maman and formerly as Magolpy, is openly lesbian. She is a former SM Entertainment trainee who was once under Jerry Entertainment. She is the first gay singer in South Korea.

After Maman came out during an interview, Jerry Entertainment tried to refute her assertion by claiming she was joking, but she denied this causing the company to fire her. She hasn’t been active in the entertainment industry since the release of “Obvious Story” in 2015.

 

Margaret Cho

Stand-up comedian, actress, and musician Margaret Cho is openly bisexual, though she has stated that “’pansexual’ is technically the more correct term.”

Cho has been known for her stand-up comedy since the 1990s. From 1994-95, she starred alongside BD Wong, Amy Hill, and J.B Quon in All-American Girl, an ABC comedy series that made history as the second television show to star an all-Asian cast (Mr. T and Tina was the first in 1976). The show received poor ratings and criticism regarding the Asian and gay stereotypes present in it, and Cho was often criticized for her weight and for being both Asian and not Asian enough. The dieting she took part in for the show caused her to go into kidney failure, and the stress from the show and the show’s ultimate failure lead her to drugs and alcohol.

After getting sober, Cho’s career took off. She started landing acting and hosting gigs, and her stand-up career flourished. In addition to acting and comedy, Cho has released music and even appeared on The Masked Singer. Her comedy style is raunchy and focuses on substance abuse, body image, her bisexuality, and Asian American stereotypes.

 

Maulik Pancholy

30 Rock and Weeds actor Maulik Pancholy came out as gay in a 2013 Out magazine interview and has been married to his partner Ryan Corvaia since 2014.

As an actor, Pancholy has lent his voice to Phineas and Ferb and has appeared in the films Hitch (2005), 27 Dresses (2008), and Horrible Bosses (2011), as well as the TV series Only Murders in the Building (2021), Mira, Royal Detective (2020-present), and Sanjay and Craig (2013-16).

As an activist, Pancholy was named to President Barack Obama’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in 2014 and is an active participate in the Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Los Angeles, the New York City Anti-Violence Project, and OutRight Action International organizations.

 

MRSHLL

When he debuted in 2018, Marshall Bang, who goes by the stage name MRSHLL, was Korea’s first openly gay male R&B and K-Pop singer.

Early in his life, MRSHLL was active in church, choir, and often posted cover songs online before being diagnosed with laryngopharyngeal reflux, which caused him to stop singing and enroll in cosmetology school in Los Angeles.

In 2012 while he lived in New York, he was invited to compete on The Great Rebirth – Star Audition: The Next Big Thing 3. Despite his throat condition, he competed. His condition improved and he stayed in South Korea to pursue his music career. He later signed with Feel Ghood Music but departed the company in 2019 to become an independent artist.

MRSHLL is still active in the music scene. In 2021, his EP XYZ was named one of the top 15 K-Pop albums of 2021 by Harper’s Bazaar. In 2022, he released “Heart Beating” with Tia Kofi.  

Navinci (Hansol, ToppDogg)

In 2017, Kim Minsung (Navinci), formerly ToppDogg/XENO-T’s Hansol, came out as asexual.

Navinci debuted with ToppDogg in 2013 and was the group’s main dancer and face of the group. He left the group in 2017 and opened his own YouTube channel where he uploads dances and cover songs.

 

Nico Santos

Filipino-American actor Nico Santos is openly gay. Santos, who is best known for his roles as Mateo in Superstore and Oliver in Crazy Rich Asians, is a theatre, film and TV actor as well as a stand-up comedian. In 2018, he was nominated for a Critics’ Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. Santos is also set to appear in Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 3 in 2023.

As of 2022, Santos is engaged to Zeke Smith, a participant on the reality show Survivor.

 

Rex Lee

Rex Lee is a Korean American actor best known for playing Lloyd Lee in Entourage and Eliot Park in Young & Hungry.

Lee has been out since he was 22-years old. The actor was once an aspiring pianist and a children’s theater actor. Prior to his breakout roles, Lee had supporting roles in Dave’s World (1994) and Suburgatory (2011-13) among others.

 

Rostam

Vampire Weekend founding member and  American record producer, musician, singer, songwriter, composer and Discovery member Rostam Batmanglij has been out since 2010.

Stereogum considers Rostam as “one of the greatest pop and indie-rock producers of his generation.” The multi-time Grammy-award nominee is the son of cookbook author Najmieh Batmanglij and brother to filmmaker Zal Batmanglij. From 2006-16, the Columbia University graduate was part of Vampire Weekend and produced several of their albums. Since 2009, he’s also been in the group Discovery. Since 2011, Rostam’s performed solo.

 

Sinae, Sahara, Binu and Yuna (LADY)

K-Pop group LADY debuted in 2005 and disbanded in 2007. All four members, Sinae, Sahara, Binu, and Yuna, are all transgender. The group released three songs: “Attention” (debut), “Ladies Night,” and “In the Da Club.” LADY’s music was released in both South Korea and Thailand.

Currently, Sinae is active on YouTube doing ASMR and muckbang videos. The other former members cannot be found on social media currently.

 

Som Hye-in

Former Idol School contestant Som Hye-in revealed she is bisexual in 2019. Her reveal made her the first bisexual K-Pop singer at the time.

Following her appearance on Idol School (she left due to health reasons), Som became a model and a soloist. She currently has a YouTube page. She is currently managed by Balcony Hunter.

Did we miss anyone on our list? Let us know in the comments below!

*Note:  While Jo Kwon has said he is genderless, he has not said that he has changed to them/they pronouns. Jo Kwon is referred to as “he” since there isn’t an indication of a pronoun change.

 

—-Olivia Murray

 

#SomHyeIn #JoKwon #AlecMapa #AngelLama #Aquinas #BDWong #BowanYang #ChoiHanbit #EugeneLeeYang #GeenaRocero #GeorgeTakei #Harisu #HaleyKiyoko #Holland #JakeZyrus #JameelaJamil #JennyShimizu #Jiae #Wa$$up #KimDaeeun #KwonDoWoon #LillySingh #Lionesses #Maman #MargaretCho #MaulikMancholy #Mrshll #Navinci #Hansol #ToppDogg #NicoSantos #RexLee #Rostam #Sinae #Sahara #Binu #Yuna #LADY

 

We’re back with the fifth addition of our popular series! Thanks to your response, we have discovered many more celebrities to include into our database.

Back in 2018, 2019, and earlier in 2022, Kcrush published articles about biracial celebrities with Asian backgrounds. We’re revisiting those articles and including more celebrities that have Asian backgrounds. Of course, we encourage our readers to share others we may have missed!

 

Anji Salvacion

Up-and-coming Filipino singer, actress, and television personality Anji Salvacion is of Filipino and Russian descent.

Salvacion was a frequent competitor on the singing contest and beauty pageant stages growing up. In 2019, she auditioned for Idol Philippines and was eliminated in the Do or Die Round. In 2021, she landed a starring role in the miniseries Unloving U while also lending her voice for the OST and the OSTs for Marry Me, Marry You and My Sunset Girl. She was also a main performer on ASAP Natin ‘To. Between 2021-22, she appeared on Pinoy Big Brother season 10, where she ultimately won the competition. She also released her first single “Dalampasigan” and first EP Kasingkasing Dalampasigan.

 

Anne Curtis

Filipino-Australian actress, singer, model, and television personality Anne Curtis’ career got started at the age of 12. While living in the Philippines, Curtis was approached by a talent scout to enter a child’s beauty pageant. Her mother took Curtis to different talent agencies, and from there, her career started to blossom. Curtis made her film debut in Magic Kingdom: Ang Alamat ng Damortis in 1997. From 1997-98, she had a role in the TV drama Ikaw Na Sana.

In 2004, Curtis’ career flourished when she moved to the media company ABS-CBN. She started to land starring and supporting roles in film and TV in the early 2000s, including the title role in Kampanerang Kuba (2005), All About Love (2006), Maging Sino Ka Man (2006), and landing a role as a VJ for MTV Philippines. In the late 2000s, she was one of the hosts of Showtime! and starred in The Wedding (2009), Babe, I Love You (2010), and In Your Eyes (2010), with Showtime! and In Your Eyes earning her awards.

For her acting career, Curtis was nominated for almost 90 acting awards, winning 56 of them.

While active in the acting scene, Curtis also released three studio albums: Annebisyosa (2011), The Forbidden Album (2014), and Forever Young (2016).

Curtis was active in the acting industry up until 2020 when she decided to take a hiatus to focus on married life and her new family. She is married Erwan Heussaff. They share daughter Dahlia who was born in 2020.

Curtis’ sister, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, is also an actress.

 

Brandon Lee

The late Brandon Bruce Lee is of Cantonese-Eurasian and Swedish, Irish, and English descent. Lee is the son of the late martial artist and actor Bruce Lee and teacher, martial artist, and writer Linda Lee Cadwell.

While Lee’s career started in the 1980s with film and TV roles in Legacy of Rage (1986), Kung Fu: The Movie (1986), Kung Fu: The Next Generation (1987), Laser Mission (1989), Showdown in Little Tokyo (1991), and Rapid Fire (1992), he is most known for his role as Eric Draven in the 1994 film The Crow.

While filming The Crow, the 28-year-old actor and martial artist had most of his scenes filmed before being fatally wounded by a prop gun on the set. For his role in The Crow, Lee won a best actor award during the 1995 Fangoria Chainsaw Awards. He was also an inductee into 2021 Asian Hall of Fame.

 

Chanty

Chanty is a Filipino-Argentinian singer, actress, and model. Signed under MLD Entertainment, she is a member of the girl group Lapillus. Lapillus debuted June 22, 2022.  Prior to her K-Pop debut, Chanty was an actress in the Philippines.

 

Chloe Bennet

Chloé Wang, known professionally as Chloe Bennet, is Anglo-American and Chinese. The actress and singer has been active in the United States and China, and eagle-eyed K-Pop fans may recognize her for her appearance in BIGBANG’s “Tonight” MV (2011).

Prior to her breakthrough roles in Nashville and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, Bennet, while using her given name, pursued a singing career in China while living with her grandmother and studying Mandarin. In 2011, she released two U.S. singles: “Uh Oh” and “Every Day in Between.” When she came back to U.S to pursue a Hollywood career, she switched her name to Chloe Bennet to avoid casting difficulties as an Asian American.

 

Christina Chong

American and English actress Christina Chong has a Chinese father and an English mother. Chong originally got her start in musical theatre before switching to acting. Between 2008 and 2021, Chong had guest-starring roles in several television series including Doctor Who (2011), 24: Live Another Day (2014), Of Kings and Prophets (2016), and Bulletproof (2018), and she held roles in the films W.E (2011), Johnny English Reborn (2011), and Tom and Jerry (2021). As of 2022, Chong has a main role playing La’an Noonien-Singh in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.

 

Danielle Marsh

Known just as Danielle, Danielle Marsh is an Australian-South Korean signed with ADOR. She officially debuted in the K-Pop group NewJeans August 1, 2022, though she pre-debuted July 21, 2022 when the group released “Attention.” In 2011, Marsh appeared on the reality show Rainbow Kindergarten on TvN. Marsh’s Korean name is Mo Ji-hye.

 

David Sakurai

David Sakurai is a Danish-Japanese actor, martial artist, scriptwriter, and director. The Denmark-born actor learned acting and filmmaking in Japan but returned to Denmark so he could work with directors that use his native language. Sakurai is known for his role as Tomy Tani in Liza, the Fox-Fairy (2015). He’s appeared in several films including Iron Fist (2017), Unbroken: Path to Redemption (2018), and Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018).

 

Élodie Yung

Parisian-born Elodie Yung is Cambodian and French. Yung is active in both France and America as an actress in both TV and film. Prior to acting, Yung earned a law degree and had her sights set on becoming on judge but decided to pursue acting at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art prior to turning 30.

Yung is known for her film roles in District 13: Ultimatum (2009), The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011), G.I. Joe: Retaliation (2013), The Hitman’s Bodyguard (2017), and Secret Society of Second-Born Royals (2020). For TV, she’s known for her roles in La vie devant nous (2002-03), Les Bleus (2006-2010), Daredevil (2016), and The Defenders (2017). As of 2022, she stars as Thony De La Rosa in the Fox show The Cleaning Lady.

 

Erwan Heussaff

French-Filipino content designer Erwan Heussaff is best known for the blog The Fat Kid Inside. He is the producer for the short Let It Simmer. He’s also appeared on Survivor Philippines. Heussaff is married to Anne Curtis.  

Germaine De Leon

Germaine De Leon is white and Filipino and has been active as an actor in both the U.S and the Philippines. In the U.S, De Leon had a role in season six of Showtime’s DEXTER as Nick the mechanic. His breakthrough roles include spots in Walkout (2006) and Buried Alive (2018). De Leon is currently based in the Philippines.

 

Huening Siblings

Huening Bahiyyih, Huening Kai, and Jung Lea are of Brazilian-American/German and Korean descent. All three are active or previously active in the K-Pop industry.

Bahiyyih is the youngest of the trio and is currently active in the group Kep1er. In 2021, she was an active participant in the survival program Girls Planet 999 where she ranked second overall to earn her spot on Kep1er. She is currently signed with IST Entertainment.

Kai, who is known professionally as Heuningkai, is TXT’s maknae and signed under Big Hit Music. He made his idol debut with the group March 4, 2019. In addition to being active in the Korean market, Kai made appearances in Chinese television shows X-Change Season 1 and Shibo Quanjia Dou Lai Sai in 2006 and 2009, respectively.

Lea was a member of VIVA from 2017 until their quiet disbandment in 2019. Since 2020, Lea’s been active as a model and YouTuber. Like her brother Kai, Lea also made appearances in Chinese television shows X-Change Season 1 and Shibo Quanjia Dou Lai Sai in 2006 and 2009, respectively.

The Huening siblings are the children of Brazilian-American, Chinese-based entertainer Nabil David Huening.

 

Kyla Massie

Former PRISTIN member Kyla Massie is Caucasian and Korean. She made her Korean debut March 21, 2017 when PRISTIN released the single “Wee Woo” and the mini album Hi! PRISTIN. She left for the United States in October 2017 when she was receiving treatment for a concussion. PRISTIN officially disbanded in 2019.

In September 2019, Massie opened her own YouTube channel where she featured songs from her American debut mini album Watch Me Glow in 2020.

 

LEIA

Larissa Ayumi Cartes Sakata, known professionally as LEIA, is a Brazilian-Japanese singer and rapper. She is currently under DR Music and performs in the idol group BLACKSWAN. In 2019, she was known under the stage name Larissa when she was briefly a member of RaNia before their “disbandment” and restructure as BLACKSWAN.

She is K-Pop’s second Brazilian idol after Victor from AboutU. Her stage name is a reference to Star Wars’ Princess Leia, paying homage to her father’s love for the movie franchise.

 

Lily Jin Morrow

Lily Morrow, known professionally as Lily, is Australian-South Korean. The JYP-signed artist is currently in the girl group NMIXX, which debuted February 22, 2022.

In 2014, Lily placed fourth overall on K-Pop Star. In 2016, she played Sarah in The Weatherman’s Umbrella. In addition to her work with NMIXX, Lily has performed on OSTs for Orange Marmalade (2015) and has four English song releases between 2014-2016: “Trampoline,” “Out of This World,” “Find It,” and “The Weatherman.”

 

Nancy Jewel McDonie

Nancy Jewel McDonie, known professionally as Nancy, is Korean American. Nancy originally got her start on Korea’s Got Talent in 2011 where her group, Cutie Pies, reached the semi-finals. She also appeared on the TV shows The Unlimited and Mak Ee Rae Show: Just Do It Expedition, both in 2012. In 2016, she competed on the survival show Finding Momoland where she competed for the chance to debut in MLD Entertainment’s group Momoland. She ultimately won the competition and debuted with the group November 10, 2016. Also in 2016, she was named to the project girl group Sunny Girls.

In addition to her work with Momoland, Nancy also performs as an actress and TV personality. She is the former co-host of Pops in Seoul (2017-18) and was a contestant on Idol Star Athletics Championships (2018-20) and King of Masked Singer (2020). As an actress, she played Nancy in the web series Some Light (2017) and is slated to appear in the Filipino mini-series The Soulmate Project as Bina. The project’s been postponed since the Covid-19 pandemic.

If there’s anyone we missed, let us know! Of course, continue the discussion in the comments below! Stay tuned for part six coming soon!

 

—-Olivia Murray

 

 

#biracialcelebrities #AnjiSalvacion #AnneCurtis #BrandonLee #NancyJewelMcDonie #LilyJinMorrow #LarissaAyumiCartesSakata #LEIA #KaylaMassie #HueningBahiyyih #HueningKai #JungLea #GermaineDeLeon #kcrush #ErwanHeussaff #ElodieYung #DavidSakurai #DanielleMarsh #ChristinaChong #Chanty #ChloeBennet #kcrushamerica #kasianpop #actors #asianactresses #korean #fillipino #chinese #koreanamerican

 

The international phenomenon celebrates his 10th anniversary

WATCH “VEIL” MUSIC VIDEO BY LAY ZHANG HERE

Chinese pop sensation, LAY (Lay Zhang) delivers a brand new music video today, Veil, the focus track from his upcoming EP, West. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of LAY’s debut as an artist, the superstar will be doing live shows overseas before making his way to North America. Concerts in Malaysia and Singapore to be held next month have been announced as part of his global “Grand Line 2: Infinite Lands”. Also set, is an appearance as a headlining act on November 26 at the Live Nation mega-festival MetaMoon, taking place at Barclays Center.

The music video perfectly plays on the already dreamlike quality of the track. It starts out on a bustling street as the sounds of the erhu begin to permeate. Suddenly, the dancer appears and as Mahjong pieces fly in the air, we are transported into a dream. Viewers are then greeted with the artist dancing lively to match the restless trap beat. Eventually, the global star literally does ‘illuminate the room’ as the visuals change with vibrant lights and more stunning choreography. The dreamlike aspects remain throughout the video as we jump between various scenes including a brightly lit city street and a serene forest until the video ends with a return to reality.

LAY has been on a whirlwind the last two years after joining forces with Steve Aoki and will.i.am for the 2020 hit cross-cultural collaboration Love You More, reaching #1 on the QQ Music China chart. He then released a string of hits with an album, an EP, cross-genre collaborations and solo singles overseas further propelling his international star power. LAY’s most recent release was a global collaboration with American hip-hop artist 24kGoldn on the single Dawn to Dusk, which received over 2 million streams on Spotify alone. He has been and continues to be a household name in Asia. In 2020, LAY released the hit album LIT and its title track of the same name. The digital album made over 30 million yuan in just 7 minutes 19 seconds after its release on QQ Music in China. In 2021, he released an EP EAST on his birthday that featured his renowned “M-POP” style telling a story of spiritual growth in his career using oriental elements and symbolic identities.

The Chinese icon is one of the most beloved stars in the region with a loyal and highly engaged 51 million followers on Weibo and over 14.1 million followers on Instagram. As a solo artist, LAY’s career has skyrocketed from tremendous success becoming the highest-ranked Mando-pop star on Billboard 200 chart and the first Chinese artist to enter the iTunes Top 60 in the U.S. with his third solo album NAMANANA. Outside of music, he is a powerhouse in the acting world of TV and film, hosted multiple top-rated reality shows in Asia and is one of the most awarded artists in China.

 

 

ABOUT LAY

LAY (Lay Zhang) is a multi-talented Chinese artist, producer, singer-songwriter, actor, dancer, fashion muse, and philanthropist. He is China’s current top #1 idol becoming the highest-ranked Mandopop star on Billboard 200 chart and the first Chinese artist to enter the iTunes Top 60 in the US with his third album NAMANANA. His big screen debut was the romantic-comedy film Ex-Files 2 and he won the Best Movie Original Soundtrack at 16th Top Chinese Music Awards for the film. His first solo single What U Need? debuted at #4 on China V Chart and Billboard’s World Digital Songs. His EP Lose Control stayed at #1 on Billboard’s China V Chart for 6 weeks in a row, reached #1 on the Gaon Album Chart, and reached #4 on Billboard’s US World Albums Chart. His second album Lay 02 Sheep broke five records on QQ Music, reaching Diamond Record in 9 hours and 11 minutes. His third album NAMANANA debuted at #21 on Billboard 200, ranking first on World Albums and Independent Albums chart. In 2019 he released a digital EP titled Honey and its title track of the same name in June. The EP reached over 1.87 million digital sales in just three minutes after its release on QQ Music in China. In 2019, LAY was invited as China’s Promotional Ambassador to attend the 61st Annual Grammy Awards. He reached unprecedented success when tickets for the concert at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai, China had sold out in eight seconds, while the stop in Nanjing, China had its tickets sold out in twenty-five seconds. He debuted in the music industry as a K-Pop idol with best-selling group EXO.

Photos:  (Credit: Zhang Yixing Studio)

 

#LayZhang #LayZhangVeil #VeilMusicVideo #LayZhangWestEP #newEP #Chinese #kpop #EXOLay #songwriter #Chinesesinger #ChinaVChart #GaonChart #QQMusic #kcrush #promotionalambassador #Namanana #dancer #MetaMoonMusicFestival #SteveAoki #Mandopop #Mandoidol #Billboard200chart #MPop #LayLoveYouMore #GrandLine2InfiniteLandsTour #kcrushnews #ZhangYixingStudio