Chie Izuno works full time at an office Branch. Though she’s 30, she’s very young at heart and kind of innocent. She tries hard to go into the dating field but finds herself struggling due to her weight and self-esteem issues. She meets up with one of the company’s investors, Jin Harada, a super sucessful and young business man. However Jin has a severe lack of social skills. Chie strives to make a deal with Jin in order to aide her in her goal to lose weight and gain confidence, she tells Jin she can help him with his own flaws. Where will this agreement lead them to, and can two total opposites and flawed individuals overcome their personal demons?
In three separate announcements, three groups will be down a member each in order to work on their mental health.
On January 8, 2020, Blockberry Creative stated LOOΠΔ’s HaSeul will not be with the group when they promote their # comeback. Blockberry Creative stated that HaSeul’s anxiety disorder started months ago and that she tried to meet with fans despite her struggles.
“According to the doctor’s diagnosis, HaSeul is currently suffering from repetitive anxiety disorder and must receive rest as well as focused treatment in order to recover fully,” the company said. “Back on December 14, HaSeul chose to stand on stage during Premier Greeting – Meet & Up due to her strong will to meet with the fans, but as her anxiety disorder conditions continue to persist, we have come to the decision that it would be best for her to focus on treatments instead of taking part in her schedules.”
Blockberry Creative added, “It will take some time for HaSeul to fully recover, and so we have decided that she will not participate in the group’s # comeback promotions. We ensure that this decision was reached after a lengthy discussion with HaSeul as well as her parents.”
The company added that LOOΠΔ will promote as 11 members until HaSeul feels ready to return.
Then, on January 11, 2020, Starship Entertainment announced that Jooheon, who is also known as Joohoney, will go on hiatus to work on getting his anxiety under control. The company posted the announcement of Jooheon’s leave on Twitter in a statement that is written in Korean and English.
[#MONSTA_X]
몬스타엑스 주헌 관련 안내드립니다. pic.twitter.com/8BzC2jmo9l— 몬스타엑스_MONSTA X (@OfficialMonstaX) January 12, 2020
“Joohoney recently visited multiple professional medical institutions for accurate diagnosis regarding anxiety symptoms,” Starship Entertainment said. “The results of the examination showed that due to anxiety symptoms, sufficient rest and stability are essential for him to make a full recovery. We have had a thorough discussion with Joohoney and Monsta X members and have decided to take continuous treatment and stability which focus on the restoration of Joohoney.”
Since Jooheon’s health comes first, it’s unclear when he will return. Starship stated Jooheon’s return will “be based on his recovery status and professional opinions, which will also be conducted through careful consultation with Joohoney and the members.”
Then, on January 13, 2020, WM Entertainment announced that Oh My Girl’s Jiho will also sit out promotions to seek help for her anxiety. WM Entertainment announced Jiho’s upcoming absence in a statement.
This is WM Entertainment.
We would like to share unfortunate news about Oh My Girl.
Since the second half of last year, Oh My Girl’s Jiho has been visiting the hospital for treatment due to frequent deterioration in health and anxiety symptoms.
However, Jiho’s anxiety symptoms have gotten worse recently, and she will not be able to participate in Oh My Girl promotions for the time being.
In order to prioritize Jiho’s health, we decided that she should take a break for the time being.
We will do our best to pay attention to Jiho’s condition and recovery, so that her absence from the group will not be long.
We ask that you continue to show Oh My Girl your warm love and support in the future.
Thank you.
Many fans are happy that companies are starting to take their artists’ mental health seriously. We hope HaSeul, Jooheon, and Jiho receive the help they need while taking all the time they need to feel well.
—-Olivia Murray
Following yet another successful world tour, Monsta X will be coming back to North America in 2020!
The North American leg of the group’s world tour won’t be until June and July, but cities have already been announced. Tickets will also go on sale January 17.
Will Monsta X be heading to a city near you this year?
|
Tuesday June 2, 2020 |
Minneapolis, Minnesota |
Armory – 7:30PM local time |
3PM local time |
|
Friday June 5, 2020 |
Detroit, Michigan |
Fox Theatre – 8:00pm local time |
3PM local time |
|
Sunday June 7, 2020 |
Washington D.C (Fairfax, Virginia) |
EagleBank Arena – 7:30PM local time |
3PM local time |
|
Wednesday June 10, 2020 |
Newark, New Jersey |
Prudential Center -7:30PM local time |
3PM local time |
|
Friday June 12, 2020 |
Boston, Massachusetts |
Agganis Arena -8:00pm local time |
3PM local time |
|
Sunday June 14, 2020 |
Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
Scotia Arena – 7:30pm local time |
3PM local time |
|
Tuesday June 16, 2020 |
Chicago, Illinois |
United Center – 7:30PM local time |
3PM local time |
|
Friday June 19, 2020 |
Atlantic City, New Jersey |
Borgata Event Center – 8:00pm local time |
3PM local time |
|
Monday June 22, 2020 |
Atlanta, Georgia |
Infinite Energy Arena – 7:30pm local time |
3PM local time |
|
Wednesday June 24, 2020 |
Sunrise, Florida |
BB&T Center – 7:30pm local time |
3PM local time |
|
Saturday June 27, 2020 |
Fort Worth, Texas |
Dickies Arena – 7:30pm local time |
3PM local time |
|
Monday June 29, 2020 |
Denver, Colorado |
Pepsi Center – 7:30pm local time |
3PM local time |
|
Wednesday July 1, 2020 |
Seattle, Washington |
Showare Center – 7:30pm local time |
3PM local time |
|
Friday July 3, 2020 |
Vancouver, BC, Canada |
UBC-Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre – 8:00pm local time |
3PM local time |
|
Monday July 6, 2020 |
San Jose, California |
SAP Center at San Jose – 7:30pm local time |
3PM local time |
|
Wednesday July 8, 2020 |
Phoenix, Arizona |
Arizona Federal Theatre – 7:30pm local time |
3PM local time |
|
Saturday July 11, 2020 |
Los Angeles, California (Inglewood) |
The Forum – 8:00pm local time |
3PM local time |
—-Olivia Murray
Another Korean celebrity has come out as a member of the LGBTQA+ community!
On January 11, 2020, Wa$$up’s (2013-2019) Jiae posted a message on her Instagram story that stated she loves both men and women, along with a message stating “I have a lovely girlfriend so..! happy.” On January 12, she followed up her message with a “love is love” post.
Jiae’s announcement means she joins a growing list of Korean celebrities proudly announcing their LGBTQA+ status, giving a little hope to the community in Korea. Back in August, Idol School contestant Som Hein came out via Instagram as well.
Here’s to new beginnings and acceptance into the new year!
Photo Cr. DKPopNews
—-Olivia Murray
EXO-L received some shocking but happy news on January 13, 2020 when EXO’s Chen announced he and his non-celebrity girlfriend will be getting married soon. This news was layered with news that he will soon be a father!
“It is true that Chen’s bride-to-be is pregnant,” an SM source stated.
SM Entertainment also confirmed the marriage news in their own statement.
Hello. This is SM Entertainment.
Chen has met someone precious to him and will be getting married. The bride is a non-celebrity, and the wedding will be held privately with only their families in attendance.
To respect their families’ opinions, the wedding and everything related to it will be held privately, so we ask fans and reporters for their kind understanding.
Chen will continue to work hard as an artist.
We ask you to send Chen lots of blessings and messages of celebration.
Thank you.
Chen shared the news in a handwritten message.
Hello, this is Chen.
I am writing this because I have something to tell our fans. I don’t know how to start this, and I’m very nervous. Although these words are not enough, I’m writing this letter because I want to honestly tell our fans, who gave us so much love, first.
I have a girlfriend I want to spend the rest of my life with. I was worried and concerned about the situations that would arise as a result of this decision, but I had been discussing with the agency and our members because I wanted to announce the news at least a little bit earlier so I wouldn’t surprise you with the sudden news.
Then, a blessing came my way. I am also taken aback, as I cannot do what I had planned with the agency and members, but this blessing has given me more strength.
I couldn’t lose any more time thinking about when or how I should announce this, so I mustered up my courage.
I’m really thankful to my members for genuinely congratulating me after hearing this news, and I deeply thank our fans for sending me so much undeserving love.
I will never forget this feeling of gratitude, do my best in my place without changing, and return the love you have given me.
Thank you always.
While rumors circulated online, SM Entertainment denied that Chen already married his bride-to-be and that his fiancée is seven-months pregnant. Chen nor the company revealed the pregnancy stage.
We extend congratulations to Chen and his soon-to-be bride!
—-Olivia Murray
Following Awkwafina’s historic win for “Best Actress in a Motion Picture, Comedy, or Musical” category, another historical win occurred!
Bong Joon Ho’s global hit film, Parasite, became the first Korean film to win the “Best Foreign Language Film” award during the 2020 Golden Globe Awards. The film topped France’s Les Misérables, the United States’ The Farewell, Spain’s Pain and Glory, and France’s Portrait of a Lady on Fire.
“The film was released in October in the United States with box office results,” Bong said after winning the award. “I was surprised but thought it was inevitable.”
Parasite, which is a dark comedy about a poor household that hatches a scheme to become employees of a wealthier family by pretending to be highly qualified for the tasks.
“This film is about the rich and poor and about capitalism — and the U.S. is the heart of capitalism. I thought it was a natural response,” Bong said. “While parasite has a very political and social message, it is such a familiar and universal story thanks to the incredible charm these actors have.”
The film was a Box Office hit in the United States and abroad, and it was a hit during the Cannes Film Festival. Parasite also became 2019’s best reviewed film of the year.
Parasite also earned nominations for “Best Screenplay” and “Best Director” during the 77th annual awards show but lost to Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and Sam Mendes’ 1917, respectively.
Congratulations to Boon Joon Ho and Parasite for making history!
—-Olivia Murray
Celebs, like anyone else, are not immune to illnesses and disabilities. For this article, you will find a list of some of the Korean celebrities who have illnesses of different forms. I decided not to add the ones who have not publicly declared their illnesses. Some of the listed here have lifelong conditions that need to be treated for life.
Meniere’s disease
Han Ji-min
Yoo Ji-tae
Ménière’s disease is a disorder of the inner ear that is characterized by vertigo – ringing in the ears, hearing loss, and various other hearing disabilities. Usually, only one ear is affected but over time both ears may become affected. Episodes can vary, and may last from 20 minutes to several hours. The hearing loss and ringing in the ears can become constant over time.
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
Lee Seung-hwan
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common causes of vertigo, a disorder arising from a problem in the inner ear. Symptoms are repeated, periods of vertigo with movement of a spinning sensation upon changes in the position of the head. Each episode of vertigo typically lasts less than one minute. Nausea is commonly associated.
Allergic contact dermatitis
Kim Jung-eun
Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a form of contact dermatitis that is an allergic response caused by contact with a substance; the other type being irritant contact dermatitis (ICD).
The first sign of allergic contact dermatitis is the presence of the rash or skin lesion at the site of exposure. Depending on the type of allergen causing it, the rash can ooze, drain or crust and it can become raw, scaled or thickened. It is also possible that the skin lesion does not take the form of a rash but it may include blisters, vesicles or redness.
Sepsis
Bae Yong-joon
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that arises when the body’s response to infection causes injury to its own tissues and organs. Severe sepsis is caused by poor organ function or insufficient blood flow. Common symptoms include fever, increased heart rate, increased breathing rate, and confusion. There may be symptoms related to a specific infection, such as a cough with pneumonia, or painful urination with a kidney infection.
Crohn’s disease
Yoon Jong-shin
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which causes inflammation of your digestive tract that can lead to abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss and malnutrition. Inflammation caused by Crohn’s disease can involve different areas of the digestive tract in people. The inflammation caused by Crohn’s disease often spreads deeply into the affected bowel tissue. Crohn’s disease can be painful and may lead to life-threatening complications.
Hemolytic anemia
Kim Hee-sun
Hemolytic anemia is a disorder in which red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be made. The destruction of red blood cells is called hemolysis. Red blood cells carry oxygen to all parts of the body. Hemolytic anemia will require regular blood transfusion.
Claustrophobia
Rain – Jung Ji-hoon
Claustrophobia (noun) is the fear of confined spaces that can be triggered by many situations or stimuli, like elevators crowded to capacity, windowless rooms, and hotel rooms with closed doors and sealed windows, bedrooms with a lock on the outside, small cars, and tight-necked clothing can induce a response in those with claustrophobia. It is typically classified as an anxiety disorder, which often results in panic attacks.
Myelitis
Tiger JK – Seo Jung-kwon
Myelitis is inflammation of the spinal cord which can disrupt the normal responses from the brain to the rest of the body, then to the brain. Inflammation in the spinal cord, can cause the myelin and axon to be damaged resulting in symptoms like paralysis and sensory loss.
Anemia
Krystal Jung
Anemia is a condition in which you lack healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to your body’s tissues. Having anemia can make you feel restless and out of energy. There are many forms of anemia, each with its own cause. Anemia can be temporary or long term, ranging from mild to severe.
–J. Chung.
If you watch award shows, you may have caught the 2020 Golden Globes January 5, 2020. If you did, history was made in the “Best Actress in a Motion Picture Comedy or Musical” category!
Actress and rapper Awkwafina (Nora Lum) won the Golden Globe in the category for her portrayal of Billi Wang in the film The Farewell. The Farewell, which is directed by Lulu Wang, is about a Chinese-American family that chooses to keep a terminal diagnosis from Billi’s grandmother, Nai Nai, who is based in China.
“I’d like to dedicate this to my dad, Wally. I told you I’d get a job, Dad,” Awkwafina said during her acceptance speech. “To my grandma, my best friend, the woman who raised me. And to my mother, Tia, who I always hope is watching from somewhere above, and I hope that she’s watching now.”
Awkwafina is the first woman of Asian descent to win the award in this category; she’s also the second woman of Asian descent to be nominated in this category. In 2019, Constance Wu, who starred in Crazy Rich Asians with Awkwafina, was nominated for the award but ultimately lost to Olivia Coleman for her role in The Favourite.
This year’s nominees in the “Best Actress in a Motion Picture Comedy or Musical” category included Ana de Armas (Knives Out), Cate Blanchett (Where’d You Go, Bernadette), Beanie Feldstein (Booksmart), and Emma Thompson (Late Night).
Awkwafina’s win puts her in great company with other actors and actresses of Asian descent to win at the Golden Globes:
- Sandra Oh: In 2019, Oh won the award for “Lead Actress in a TV Series” for her role on Killing Eve. Oh became the first actress of Asian descent to win multiple Golden Globes. In 2006, Oh won the “Best Supporting Actress in a Series, Miniseries, or Motion Picture for TV” award for her role as Cristina Yang on Grey’s Anatomy. She has also earned five Emmy nominations for the same role.
- Yoko Shimada: In 1981, Shimada, who is of Japanese descent, won the “Lead Actress in a TV Series” award for her role in Shogun.
- Ben Kingsley: Kingsley, who is British-Indian, won two Golden Globes in 1983 for his role in Gandhi. He scored the awards for “Best New Actor” and “Best Lead Actor in a Drama.”
- Haing S. Ngor: Ngor, who is Cambodian, won the “Best Supporting Actor” role for The Killing Fields.
- Aziz Ansari: The Indian-American actor won the “Best Lead Actor in a Comedy or Musical” award in 2018 for his work in Master of None.
Awkwafina’s selection is another step in the right direction for Hollywood and awards shows that often do not celebrate the talents of minority actors, actresses, musicians, and directors. Her historic win and her inclusion in a small number of other talents of Asian descent will hopefully inspire other Asians and minorities to dream big.
Congratulations, Awkwafina!
You can catch Awkwafina in the upcoming Comedy Central series, Nora from Queens, starting January 22.
—-Olivia Murray
2019 is finally gone, and if it was as bad for everyone as it was for some of us, perhaps it’s a blessing! But, the year did gift us with some decent songs. Here is our list of the top 100 songs from 2019. We didn’t rank the songs this year because that’s too hard and tastes are subjective, but we placed them in alphabetical order. We hope you enjoy our selections!
If you have Spotify, you can also check out the complete playlist!
—-Olivia Murray
2019 hasn’t been a kind year for JYP Entertainment’s super girl-group TWICE. With Momo being wrapped up in dating rumors and Mina halting activities to deal with an anxiety disorder, the girls have not had it easy. In addition to Momo and Mina dealing with their own struggles, Nayeon has been dealing with a scary situation involving a German “fan” allegedly stalking her.
Between September and October, a German “fan”* of TWICE started posting online that he was trying to find Nayeon to talk to her. At first, people found this person’s posts as harmless, but recently, his actions have become alarming as he continues to post erratically regarding his plans to find her. Since December, he’s been in Korea, and he’s even managed to “run into” other TWICE members in his pursuit of reaching Nayeon.
While in Korea, the man visited placed Nayeon has been known to visit in hopes of finding out more about her and her family, and he’s even passed out messages to shopkeepers asking them to deliver his message to her. Some ONCEs managed to get the man to identify his plans online including how he plans to wait outside J.Y. Park’s home in hopes of reaching Nayeon. He also revealed that he won’t stop pursuing Nayeon until she “gets to know him properly” while hoping she will fall in love with him, marry him, run off to Australia, and have children with him.
TWICE and Nayeon have been under police protection, but the man has not stopped his pursuit and still tries to interact with the K-Pop star on vLive and various other means.
“We have informed you that we are now under investigation for the production and distribution of malicious rumors. As soon as the final ruling comes out, we will also tell you that we are preparing to proceed with a civil action against those who will be charged,” JYP Entertainment said. “I repeat that we will continue to take all possible stern measures without any prior cause.”
However, police protection has not prevented the situation from escalating.
On December 31, 2019, TWICE were on a flight from Japan to Korea. An alarming Instagram story appeared on TWICE’s account with the message “Please go home. Please stop. I beg you.” Fans that managed to catch the video prior to deletion said the voices featured in the video sounded distressed, and fans scrambled to figure out what was going on that such a message was posted and quickly deleted.
Fans soon got confirmation of what was happening when Nayeon’s stalker posted on Twitter that he was “attacked” by TWICE’s managers on the flight while he attempted to give Nayeon love letters. JYP Entertainment also confirmed the man was on the flight in their own statement.
Hello this is JYP Entertainment.
Today [December 31] when boarding a return flight from Japan to Korea, a stalker of TWICE member Nayeon attempted to approach her numerous times after boarding. We were able to respond to the situation right away, and [Nayeon] wasn’t harmed, but she is currently quite discomfited and anxious.
Due to the incident, Nayeon is currently under police protection. We warned the stalker several times to halt his actions, but he ignored our warnings and attempted to force his way through and raised his voice, escalating the situation with problematic behavior.
As a result, we will be taking the highest level of legal action available to us against [the stalker].
Furthermore, we are also investigating the illegal dissemination of our artists’ flight schedules and information. Especially after this recent disturbance, we are searching for a way to put an end to such activity as soon as possible.
We sincerely apologize to the other passengers on this flight for the disturbance caused by this incident. We will ensure that such an issue doesn’t happen again.
Thank you.
Following the flight, it’s unclear if any legal actions were taken against the man following Nayeon. However, given how he continues to post on social media, no legal actions were taken.
Cases like this often have frightening endings. In May 2016, J-Pop singer Mayu Tomita was stabbed 60 times by an obsessed fan after police didn’t take her stalking reports seriously. She is still recovering and struggles with eating, singing, and using her hands. The incident also left her partially blind. Tomita’s stalker admitted he stabbed her because she rejected his advances.
Fans have pointed out that the man following Nayeon has alluded to serious actions, including death, on a Reddit page revealed to be his.
K-Pop fans who’ve watched the social media posts and erratic behavior unfold need to stop reaching out to this man and stop giving him attention. They are, however, encouraged to forward messages to JYP Entertainment and Korean authorities in order to help them fight this issue in a safe way.
“We ask fans to actively report to us about the issue, and we will take the best measures possible to ensure the safety of our artist,” JYP Entertainment said.
Hopefully people will do the right thing and report this man and his behaviors to the appropriate authorities in order to protect Nayeon and TWICE. Doing so may help them while also attempting to give the man any mental health help he may need.
* He will not be named as this person already has too much attention.
Photo Credit: UHD Wallpaper
—-Olivia Murray
In July 2019, Shinhwa’s Minwoo was accused of sexual harassment following an incident at a bar June 29, 2019.
According to the initial report, Minwoo went up to two women and forcibly kissed them.
“I went too overboard with jokes while using informal, friendly terms, and there were no other intentions,” Minwoo said during his police interrogation.
Minwoo’s agency, Liveworks Company, released a statement stating the police report has been withdrawn after all parties involved discussed the occurrence. However, police opted to investigate further.
On December 31, 2019, the case has officially been resolved with Minwoo being cleared of any wrongdoing. Liveworks Company released a statement confirming the news.
Hello. This is Liveworks Company.
Regarding the incident related to our singer Lee Min Woo that was reported through the media in July, the prosecution recently closed the investigation with the conclusion that no suspicions were found.
We once again relay our apologies for causing great concern to fans. Thank you.
The case was closed by the investigating prosecutors. According to the police, the case could not be closed in July because it’s hard to close a case partway through an investigation despite the victims withdrawing their complaint.
—-Olivia Murray
If you were a fan of 9Muses, you have some exciting news to celebrate as former member Sungah (2013-2017) announced she is expecting a baby this coming March!
Sungah made the announcement made the announcement on Instagram by sharing an ultrasound photo.
“Hello, this is Yoon Chuk Bok (Blessing). I’m going to be a mom in March. I’m awaiting this with an excited heart,” Sungah said in the message.
View this post on Instagram
안녕하세요 윤축복이에요? 저 3월에 엄마돼요♥️ 셀레이는 마음으로 기다리구있어요 헤헤 이제 #27주 #쥐띠맘 #극성맘예약 #임밍아웃
Sungah, who married DJ DaQ in May 2018, stated she is 27 weeks along. She did not reveal what she’s having, but we’re hoping for a strong, healthy child! Congratulations to Sungah and her husband!
—-Olivia Murray
Following months of speculation, JYP Entertainment and Label SJ finally confirmed what many fans suspected: TWICE’s Momo and Super Junior’s Heechul are dating!
Rumors surrounding the pairing started in August 2019 when Netizens started releasing “proof” and media shared insight that Momo and Heechul were seeing each other. However, both parties’ companies denied the dating rumors.
“The dating reports are false, and the two are just close friends with a senior-junior relationship,” JYP Entertainment said August 6, 2019.
On August 17, Heechul denied the rumors as well during an Ask Us Anything broadcast.
Early in December, the dating rumors heated once again, but Heechul, at the time, denied the allegations while stating he wishes to keep his relationship status private.
I just want to be careful because I don’t want to hurt my fans,” Heechul said on Where Are You Going, Ddaenchul? “[Fans] have supported me since I started my career, so I don’t want to disappoint them. I know I may break their hearts if I date or get married so I’m also thinking about that.”
However, on January 2, Market News reported the pair are dating again, and this time, the couple’s agencies confirmed the news by stating Momo and Heechul recently started dating after being good friends.
“Kim Heechul and Momo were always close celebrity senior-juniors, but recently they have begun to meet each other with good feelings,” Label SJ said.
JYP Entertainment added, “After looking into it, we can confirm that the two celebrities started as close senior-juniors, but recently developed feelings for each other and are meeting each other.”
Congratulations to the newly announced couple! Hopefully, fans will not give you grief.
—-Olivia Murray
Congratulations are in order to start off the New Year!
On December 31, 2019, former Super Junior member, Hangeng (2005-2009), married Hong Kong-American actress Celina Jade in New Zealand.
The pair met back in 2017 at the Golden Rooster and the Hundred Flowers Awards. The couple dated privately before making their relationship public in February 2018. They announced their relationship in similar “hello, my girlfriend,” “hello, my boyfriend” posts on Weibo. Similarly, they announced their marriage via “hello, my partner in life” messages on the same social media platform.
Wedding invitations for the nuptials circulated online in November, but representatives for the pair played coy when asked to confirm or deny the marriage news.
Hangeng is currently active in China as a singer and actor. Celina Jade (Celina Horan) is active in both the United States and China as an actress, singer, and model. In the US, she’s known best for her role as Shado in the CW television series Arrow.
Congratulations to the newlyweds! Finally, some good news to usher in the New Year!
—-Olivia Murray
After eight years with the agency, Lee Hi will be parting ways with YG Entertainment.
“With the end of Lee Hi’s contract coming and after considerable discussions with Lee Hi, we’ve decided to cheer on our different paths,” YG said in a statement. “We wish to express our gratitude to Lee Hi for making a name for herself for the past seven years as a YG artist, and we will always be sincerely supporting her. We ask for even greater cheers and support from fans as Lee Hi embarks on a new beginning and activities.”
On December 31, 2019, Lee Hi posted a message on her Instagram announcing her departure as well.
Hello, everyone. This is Lee Hi.
I’m here to greet you with news that is new and little unfamiliar on the last day of 2019. As of the end of this year, I will be leaving the nest of YG, a place I have been with for a long time.
As we have spent so much time together, I have so many memories when I look back. At 16 years old, I went to audition with a dream that was so big that it almost appeared reckless, I was able to join YG, an agency I’d looked up to when I was younger, and with the help of great people, I completed and released my first single “1.2.3.4” and album “First Love.” The memory of my first day in the recording studio and being amazed at hearing my own voice. That October, when I was monitoring the album I’d released with a racing heart. Everything is still fresh, like it happened yesterday.
Even when I was just starting as a singer, I thought time was going by so fast, and now I’ve gone from one album to three albums. I was 17 years old and I am now 24. It still feels like time is going by so fast, and though I feel a little sad on one hand, those times have also remained as precious memories I will never forget.
Of course, it wasn’t always easy, but I think I was actually quite lucky in a lot of ways. The staff, who always worked hard for me behind the scenes and who are like old friends and family to me, and the amazing things we built together will be something I will never forget.
As this is a decision I made after a long period of thinking it through, I want to sincerely thank the many people at YG who supported my decision and new start, and I will do my best to repay everyone with better music. As I am leaving the agency that I spent 8 years with, which is a long time, and was there for my growth, I will be even more prudent when choosing the next agency I will be with, and I hope to greet you soon with good news.
I hope the new year will be filled with even better things.
Lee Hi (Lee Hayi), who recently celebrated her seventh anniversary since debut, signed with YG Entertainment in 2011 after placing second on K-Pop Star’s first season. She was slated to debut in the girl group SuPearls, which also consisted of fellow K-Pop Star contestants including Lee Michelle, but YG disbanded the group to focus on Lee Hi’s solo career.
As we all head into new beginnings at the start of 2020, here’s to hoping Lee Hi will also find an agency that will adequately show off her talent!
—-Olivia Murray
Thank you for your time. Could you introduce yourself and your brand to our readers?
I am Ayoung Kim from Cahier. I want to state that Cahier is a brand that awakens feminine vibes for all females. We provide graceful silhouettes and intricate designs that fit well with modern people’s lifestyles, and the most feminine and luxurious style only Cahier can offer.
Ours is a suggestion of feminine and urban goods that are wearable, with variations of curvy cuts and soft, elegant silhouettes. And fine couture details using ruffles, trimmings and appliqués make up our designs, where glamorous but understated practicality and creativity coexist.
Please share with us how you became a fashion designer.
I majored in Fine Arts and moved to France for my studies after graduating university in Korea. Since I had studied Fine Arts for quite a long while, and because I had to select my major for my graduate studies, I really pondered about it, whether I could become a so-called “artist”.
As I took time to reflect on myself, I was in a world of my own and felt extremely lonely, then thought that I’d want to work on something that I could communicate with people with. Rather than be by myself away from the rest of the world, I wanted to be in touch in people through my work.
After figuring out what I can do the best, I transferred to Ecole de la Chambre Syndicale de la couture Parisienne and began to dream of becoming a fashion designer.
For 11 years, I studied and worked in Paris, and gained a broadened mind and sense through diverse experiences within the European culture.
How did the brand name Cahier come about?
Cahier refers to a “notebook” in French; also meaning “Exercise book”. Ever since I majored in painting, so I was habitually drawing in my exercise book – the brand indicates the passion and contemplation that are in the note book.
How were you inspired to create your most recent collection?
Each season, we pick a character for homage, according to the current social issues. For our first ever fashion show, we chose Cleopatra as our concept. Since Korea is so well-known for cosmetic surgery and the obsession on outer beauty is so competitive, appearance has become the thing to judge people on. The females only seem to have one image – one goal in mind, these days.
Cleopatra is known to symbolize beauty to all females. In reality, she was close to being homely in appearance but was considered very prolific in her speech and highly intelligent.
She was not in the way what we consider beautiful these days – so I wanted to use her to showcase a different form of beauty through this collection. I hoped that the people who were at the show to think that they want to wear the outfits.
Which designer do you respect the most?
Gabrielle Chanel. She had a definite philosophy and life embedded in her brand – had the courage to lead, rather than following the trend. I respect the fact that she has the power to draw in people and her confidence to claim that she herself is fashion – “I don’t do fashion, I AM fashion.”
Who would you want to collaborate with?
We’d like to collaborate with brands or styles that are different to our brand’s image and what we’ve never experienced before. We want to recreate a new image with the house we collaborate with.
Do you have a model that you want to work with?
We want to work with Korean actress Kim Min-hee, rather than with a fashion model. We consider her as our muse; her dreamy eyes and gestures to match. She fits in so well with the image of Cahier. Unfortunately, she’s currently not working.
When do you feel the most rewarded?
After launching my brand, by chance, I saw someone wearing Cahier… I think that was a very emotional moment for me. I feel the most rewarded each time our clients say that our outfits are lovely.
What kind of environment do you tend to work it?
We normally work during dawn when we have to prepare for a collection. I think the calm time at dawn gives out a lot of inspirations.
Could you lend a word of advice to aspiring designers?
It’s been already 5 years since the launch of Cahier. There are many brands that were launched around the same time as us that no longer exist currently. I think a lot of passion and courage are needed to run a fashion brand business. And a vast amount of endurance and mind control to overcome when you’re met with difficulties. Anyone can start a brand, but it’s important to have the strength to retain the brand’s unique style until the very end.
I currently teach classes at university, so I get to meet people who are planning to become fashion designers. But many of them tend to think that being a designer is a glamorous and graceful career. They think that way from just seeing things from the surface. However, fashion designers do more labor than an average laborer and have to spend endless time working each season.
I want to advise that you need conviction to give up on everything else to pursue this career, and only when you are fully convinced about yourself and gained trust, should you start working towards your goal.
What do you think you will be doing in 10 years-time? Please tell us your dreams and aspirations for the future.
A role of a designer is not to be swayed by or follow the consumers, but to offer a new kind of style to the people. With the latest trend in mind, I want to provide diverse moods of clothing and feminine luxury that only Cahier can express. Fast fashion is currently taking over the fashion world, but Cahier strives to become a brand that will gain more of its worth as time goes by, and something that people would want to leave behind for the next generation.
—J. Chung.
Christmas day is a holiday in Korea and an important one, not just for Christians (of all denominations) who make up approximately 30% of the country’s population but also for those without religion.
Although Christmas does not have the long history it has in Western countries, there is a convention of “Christmas cakes” established by the baking industries and a strong notion that Christmas is a time to be spent with your loved ones.
When it comes to Christmas carols, recordings of traditional carols have been frequently done since the 1960s in Korea. In surveys about favorites, it is found that Koreans prefer the more modern and secular carols. The most listened-to Christmas tunes in Korea according to a survey carried out from 2016 to 2018 were: Mariah Carey’s All I want for Christmas is you, Last Christmas sung by Ariana Grande, Straight No Chaser’s Text me Merry Christmas and Kelly Clarkson’s Underneath the tree.
These days, however, it is not hard to hear comments along the lines of “Christmases just don’t feel the same anymore.” One of the reasons it doesn’t feel as “Christmassy” as before is that Christmas carols are almost unheard in the streets and shops now, because of copyright issues.
It is not illegal to play music in public, as long as it is not done for free. This does not mean that shops can play music (including carols) without the fear of a fine.
Since August last year, shops must pay fees in order to play copyrighted music. This includes imported music, found on licensed files and discs.
The fees are not heavy. Shops are to pay 3 to 20 dollars every month, depending on their size. The same rule of shop size applies also to gyms. Gyms must pay larger sums, from 10 to 60 dollars, depending on their size.
There are exceptions to this law; shops of sizes under 50 square meters may play music without being charged. That would be about 40% of the cafes, coffee shops, pubs and bars, etc.
The freedom to play music without paying any fee is also given to shops of certain categories, including bakeries, convenience stores, restaurants and clothes stores. As long as these venues are “small”, that is. There is a blurred line and it is not clear how big a venue has to be in order to be imposed a fine or a regular fee for playing music.
There are several organizations in Korea, involved in work to do with copyrights. One aspect of their endeavors is to find any infringement of copyrighted material and taking legal measures.
Recently they have attempted to ban all copyrighted music from all venues, including the smaller shops. An appeal made to the Constitutional Court ended in their failure, with the Court ruling that the status quo is constitutional.
In short, smaller shops are relatively free to play music, while bigger cafes and bars should pay a small monthly fee to play music, including carols. It still stops a lot of them from playing music, so the streets of Korea are becoming quieter every year.
–J. Chung.
On December 27, 2019, singer-songwriter Raina (Oh Hye-Rin) opted to leave Pledis Entertainment following the expiration of her exclusive contract with the company. Pledis Entertainment confirmed the news via a statement.
Raina’s exclusive contract with Pledis has come to an end as of December 27, 2019. We discussed the matter of her contract with renewal in length with Raina, and ultimately came to a settlement not to renew.
After debuting as the main vocal of After School in 2009, Raina has always showcased her best side while also promoting in unit group Orange Caramel, as a solo artist, and more. We would like to relay our word of thanks for trusting in us and continuing on in her journey with us for the past 10 years.
Raina has had varying degrees of success in the K-Pop industry. As a member of After School and Orange Caramel and as a solo singer, Raina has shown she is a multi-dimensional performer capable of holding her own.
Upon her departure, Pledis Entertainment wished Raina luck.
In the meantime, you can catch Raina on her own YouTube channel, I’m Raina. Hopefully, she will find a new agency soon!
Photo credit: Kpopsurgery
—-Olivia Murray
Sadness has descended upon Bollywood this holiday season as actor Kushal Punjabi, 37*, passed away in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. According to sources, Punjabi’s passing was suicide by hanging.
On Thursday December 26, 2019, Punjabi’s parents tried reaching out to their son, but he did not respond. His parents then reached out to others close to Punjabi in hopes of locating him.
The parents then informed Punjabi’s friends, when he did not respond to their calls. [His parents] entered the flat [in Pali Hill] using a duplicate key late night,” Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone IX) Paramjit Singh Dahiya said.
According to the deputy commissioner, Punjabi’s parents found their son deceased.
“They then informed the police,” the deputy commissioner continued. “A suicide note was found in which the actor held no one responsible. A case of suicide has been registered.”
Punjabi’s passing shocked his friends and others in the Bollywood industry. Fellow actor and Punjabi’s close friend, Karanvir Bohra, took to Instagram to express his surprise.
“I know you are in a happier place, but this is unfathomable,” Bohra said.
Actor Karan Patel said, “never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that you will bid your final goodbye to life in a way that will send a chill down our spines every time we think of you.”
“Who would have thought that behind that bright, happy smile lay a troubled mind,” TV celebrity Rohit Roy said. “I am so, so sorry. We couldn’t be there when [you] probably needed us all the most. Rest in peace my brother. Like most, I’m still in shock… can’t begin to fathom the pain you must have been in to [choose] such a painful end for yourself.”
Earlier in the year, Punjabi expressed excitement about his life, as well as his love for being a stay-at-home dad after his son was born.
“I cut down on work to be with my son,” Punjabi said. “I realized that if it’s just work that we are living for, you won’t do anything else. I agree that the money is good, but your youth will never come back. I loved the stay-at-home dad phase when my son was born.”
While Punjabi is married, the couple were reportedly separated. In the note left at his death scene, he asked for his assets to be split between his sibling, parents, and son.
Punjabi was known for his roles in Lakshya (2004), Kaal (2005), and Ishq Mein Marjawan (2018). He is survived by his parents, a sibling, and his son, Kiaan. May he rest in peace.
*There are conflicting reports regarding Punjabi’s age. Some media report he is 37 while others state 42.
If you or someone you love is struggling with depression, there is help.
United States
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Crisis Text Line: A 24/7 nationwide text-messaging hotline. Text 741741 to talk to a trained counselor.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-8255- Available 24 hours every day.
The Trevor Project: Call 1-866-488-7386. Crisis and suicide prevention services available to the LGBTQ+ community.
Trans Lifeline: Call (877) 565-8860. Crisis and suicide prevention services for trans and non-binary individuals.
Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1 for help. Text 838255 for text-based services. This service aids veterans.
Canada
Kids Help Phone: Call 1-800-668-6868. A 24-hour service for youths 20 and under.
The Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention: Assistance is available in French and English. However, they are not a crisis center, but they do have links to crisis centers in each Canadian province.
Trans Lifeline: Call (877) 330-6366
Youthspace: This service helps people aged 30 and under. Text them at 778-783-0177. The service is available from 6pm to midnight PST.
For a complete list of suicide and crisis lifelines available in many countries, please visit Wikipedia’s list of resources.
Photo credit: Hindustan Times
—-Olivia Murray
FTisland has lost another member.
Song Seung-Hyun, the group’s guitarist, opted to not renew his contract with FNC Entertainment. The entertainment company announced Song’s departure via a statement.
Hello, this is FNC Entertainment.
Our agency recently renewed our contracts with Lee Hong Ki, Lee Jae Jin, and Choi Min Hwan of FTISLAND.
Regarding the direction of the group, we will speak with the members after all of them complete their mandatory military service. We will do our best to support the FTISLAND members so that they can continue to make music and partake in a variety of fields that bring out their individual strengths.
Member Song Seung Hyun will be ending his activities with the group when his exclusive contract ends on December 31. Song Seung Hyun, who has also pursued an acting career through plays, musicals, short films, and web dramas on top of his activities as FTISLAND, has decided to focus primarily on his activities as an actor following the end of his contract.
This decision was made after long and deep discussions with not only our agency, but the other members as well. Our agency and the members respect the difficult choice made by Song Seung Hyun, and we ask that you give your warm support and encouragement to Song Seung Hyun, who has been with us for the past 11 years.
Thank you.
Following Song’s departure, Song posted a letter to fans on Instagram.
Hello, it’s Seung Hyun. Before anything else, I first want to sincerely apologize again to all of our fans Primadonna who must have been surprised.
I joined FTISLAND as a new member for the Japanese indie album “I BELIEVE MY SELF” and started Korean promotions in February 2009. Since then, I’ve been so happy for 10 years to receive your love and be able to share love with all of you. Somehow it’s already been over 10 years.. I spent a really long time worrying and painfully thinking about this before I made this decision and I made this difficult choice through conversations with my members and our respect for each other. To be honest, I’m not sure what to say next.. I wanted to tell my fans this while standing in front of you, but I wasn’t able to do that, and so I once again apologize sincerely.
I’ll never forget my memories from when I joined FTISLAND. They were such senior artists to me, and I think I started off feeling pressure over whether I’d be able to do a good job, as well as feeling a nervous excitement.
I think it was all possible because I met my members. I was very lacking and naive, but they took good care of me and embraced me with love.
I didn’t want to cause issues for the team and I worked very hard so that our team could shine even a little bit brighter, and I think that’s been my driving force that’s allowed me to be together as a band member up until now.
Recently, our team has gone through a lot. Sad things.. good things.. I think there have been a lot of moments in my life with mixed feelings. I’ve been able to gather courage and finish our performances successfully all this time,
and I’ve been able to wait, and all of that and the fact that I’ve been able to come this far are because of our fans who wait and give me strength through their unconditional love.
At some point, the pressure I felt turned into nervousness. By the time I realized that the nervousness and uneasiness were gnawing away at me bit by bit,
I saw how my mind and body had become as exhausted as they could be and I felt loneliness and uneasiness.
This is a very difficult decision that I made after talking for a long time with the members and agency staff, but I was so fearful over the thought that there will be definitely be fans who are disappointed by me because of my choice.. Also the biggest thing I feel is sorry.. I’ve had mixed feelings that I can’t express in words.
However, this time I’m trying to gather the strength and look back for myself, Song Seung Hyun. More so than a work-related ambition over wanting to achieve a personal dream, I want to look back on my original self and console the parts of me that are hurt while recharging. After much worrying about it, I’ve made this decision with the mindset that I want to put in an effort just for me.
I was so happy. I’ve been so grateful. I’ll miss it so much. And I’m really so sorry. I think that during my time in FTISLAND, I dreamt the most amazing dream that no one could even dream of.
I was happy to be able to dream that dream together with all of you.
Now I’m going to work hard at going forward for myself. I’m not able to be with the FTISLAND members until the end, but I’ll be with them in spirit and hoping that we shine brighter and do well. I hope that we’ll be healthy in both mind and body, and that we’ll all become mature artists.
Thank you for reading my long post. And once again, I was really happy as FTISLAND’s member and guitarist.
Finally, Hong Ki, Minhwan, Jaejin. We really worked hard and did well! I think we did a good job at prevailing. I believe that you’ll become an even greater team in the future, and thank you for making memories in each and every moment that I will never forget.
Also, I sincerely thank our CEO Han Sung Ho too for supporting me so that I could join the team and keep working hard at our promotions all that time. Also, thank you to all of our FNC staff, you’ve worked hard.
Thank you.
The remaining FTisland members—Lee Hong Ki (who is currently serving his mandatory military service), Choi Min-Hwan, and Lee Jae-Jin—also posted supportive messages to Song on Instagram.
View this post on Instagram
사랑하는 승현이!! 앞으로 더 성장할 너의 꿈을 무조건 응원한다!!ㅎㅎ 너무 고생했고 많은 추억만들어줘서 고맙고 잊지말자!!ㅎㅎ 내일 보자 � 사랑한다 내새끼 ❤️
In his post, Hong Ki said, “Our beloved Seung Hyun!! I’m definitely going to support your dream as you continue to grow!! You’ve worked so hard, thank you for making many memories with me, and let’s not forget them!! See you tomorrow. I love you, my kid.”
Choi said, “Our Seung Hyun who I’ve spent over 10 years with as we cried and laughed.. when I look back now, I see so many things that have happened and so many memories. The thing I want to say more than anything else is that as a member and as a friend, you worked harder than anyone during that time, I’ve been so grateful, and I love you. We’ll always support Seung Hyun’s future, and we’ll keep protecting this spot and wait as we remember the days we stood on stage together! I’ve been so grateful for the times we’ve been together, and I love you a lot, Seung Hyun!!”
Finally, Lee Jae-Jin posted a hand-written message:
To Primadonna,
I’m worried about our fans who must be very surprised by the sudden news, and I’m very sorry. It seems we weren’t able to keep our promise to always be together or your request that we protect FTISLAND, and so I have a very heavy heart. I’m sorry to be expressing the feelings in my heart like this in a post.
Our Seung Hyun is leaving the team now to start a new journey. As someone who has been with him for a long time as a fellow member and brother, I’m upset and my heart aches over us going separate ways right now, but I am going to support Seung Hyun’s decision, which he made after a long time of worrying about it.
I want to use this letter as an opportunity to once again say thank you to Seung Hyun, who has always been cheerful and taken responsibility and has always worked hard.
We’re going through yet another farewell before our recent wound has healed, but I’m going to put off that pain for now.
We will protect our spot and firmly go forward for the sake of our Primadonna who will be having an even harder time than anyone else and for Seung Hyun.
We will continue to remain like this and wait together so that he can come back at any time.
I hope that on the new journey that Seung Hyun is taking, he will spend a meaningful time finding himself and be truly happy.
Everyone, please support him and wait for him together with us!
I believe that after getting through a cold winter, a warmer spring comes.
I love you and thank you.
– FTISLAND’s Lee Jae Jin.
Hong Ki, Min-Hwan, and Jae-Jin renewed their contracts with FNC Entertainment.
Song is the second member to leave this year. Choi Jonghun left the group and retired from the entertainment industry following the KakaoTalk scandal with Jung Joon-Young. Choi was sentenced to five years in prison; he is appealing his sentence.
Song joined FTisland in 2009 after Oh Woo-Bin departed the group.
We wish Song Seung-Hyun the best in his actor career!
—-Olivia Murray
FTisland’s Lee Jae-Jin will be enlisting in the New Year!
FNC Entertainment confirmed that Lee will enlist January 21, 2020. After completing basic training, Lee will serve as an active-duty soldier.
Lee will be the second FTisland member to enlist. Lee Hong-Ki enlisted September 30, 2019.
Fans will have an opportunity to see Lee prior to enlistment, however. On January 11, 2020, he will hold his first-ever solo fan-meeting. Lee’s “2020 Lee Jae-Jin’s Dinner Show without Dinner” will be held at Olympic Park K-Art Hall in Seoul. The show will feature his singing skills in addition to games and chats with fans.
Hopefully fans will have fun during his fan-meet. We wish Lee the best when he enlists!
—-Olivia Murray