Yang Hyun-Suk and His Brother Resign from YG Entertainment

 

Following yet another scandal involving YG Entertainment artists, Yang Hyun-Suk resigned from the company June 14, 2019. Yang Hyun-Suk announced his resignation through a statement.

 

This is Yang Hyun-Suk.

I am so sorry to the fans who love YG and our agency celebrities.

I am also sincerely apologetic to all of our employees who are silently continuing to do their work throughout the downpour of criticism.

I have been patiently tolerating words about the current situation that are too disgraceful and humiliating to mention as they have been told indiscriminately as though they are the truth. However, I think it’s too difficult now.

I think that there can no longer be a situation where YG, our agency celebrities, and fans are experiencing harm due to me.

For 23 years, I have dedicated half my life and everything to growing YG.

The work of supporting the best music and the best artists was the greatest happiness for me. I have thought that this is the only ability I can contribute to fans and society.

However, I will step down from all of my positions and work at YG starting today.

I sincerely hope that there is no further harm to the YG agency celebrities I love, and to the fans who love them, because of me.

Currently, there are many experts at YG who have more capabilities and sense than me. I think that my stepping down will be a good opportunity for them to exhibit their abilities better. It is my sincere wish that YG can stabilize as soon as possible.

Lastly, I believe that the truth of the current media reports and malicious gossip will be revealed through investigations. Thank you.

 

Following Yang Hyun-Suk’s announcement, his brother, Yang Min-Suk, also resigned from YG Entertainment. Yang Min-Suk served as the company’s CEO. He, too, released a statement regarding his resignation.

 

To YG Family:

To all those who have all been putting in effort in this recent environment, I would like to express my apologies as well as my thanks.

I am deeply ashamed of myself [when I think of] everyone feeling uneasy and worried due to the continuous and provocative issues that have been happening from the beginning of the year.

Yang Hyun Suk and I have immersed ourselves in music activities and management and have silently endured all the speculations because we believe that the truth will surely come to light. However, as I’ve watched different situations continuously give the celebrities, who are unrelated to the recent issues, in our agency a hard time, I’ve realized that it is hard to overcome by just enduring.

In order for [the company] to solve these current difficulties, grow, and prepare for a new breakthrough, I believe a big change is needed. And in order for there to be no misunderstandings regarding Yang Hyun Suk’s decision to step down, I think there needs to be a clarification on my part. After careful consideration in the midst of these situations, I have decided to resign from my long-held position of CEO at YG Entertainment.

A while ago, during the commemoration for the 23rd anniversary of establishing [YG Entertainment], I shared with you that above all, we ourselves must first change in order to overcome the current difficulties. I sincerely hope that my decision will be the start of a big, new, and positive change for YG.

Thank you.

 

The resignations come after a series of scandals that have rocked the company since the beginning of the year. While YG Entertainment has had several scandals (either directly or through its artists) over the years, 2019 has been particularly brutal due to Seungri and Burning Sun and Seungri’s dismissal from the company, allegations of procuring prostitutes for businessmen, tax evasion, embezzlement, and drug use and obtainment. Scandals in past years include marijuana usage involving different YG artists including G-Dragon and T.O.P, Park Bom’s prescription medication issues, Daesung’s car accident, embezzling concert fees, embezzling fan club donations, and Seungri’s alleged drunk driving cases among other issues.

The recent issues with now-former iKON member B.I. seems to be tipping point as allegations of Yang Hyun-Suk threatening an informant (later revealed as embattled ex-YG trainee, Han Seo Hee) came about soon after B.I’s scandal broke. Han, through her lawyer, stated there are more YG artists that use drugs beyond those named in the media already.

With Yang Hyun-Suk and Yang Min-Suk, more information may be forthcoming including whether the pair still have stock in YG Entertainment. Currently, police plan to investigate Yang Hyun-Suk regarding the alleged drug use as well as police connections.

SBS 8 News shared a report suggesting Yang Hyun-Suk may be charged with concealment.

SBS 8 News said, “A police source has said if [Han Seo Hee’s] allegations are true, former agency head Yang Hyun Suk’s demands for her to reverse her testimony could be seen as a crime of intimidation. If it’s true that he helped remove drugs from a person’s system, he could possibly be charged with concealment of crimes.”   

 

—-Olivia Murray

 

On June 12, 2019, Dispatch reported that iKON’s leader, B.I, allegedly attempted to purchase drugs back in 2016. The report showed text messages and information that purportedly show B.I. tried to purchase LSD and that the police didn’t investigate the matter.

The Dispatch report showed the texts between B.I. and “A” (later revealed to be former-trainee Han Seo Hee) discussing marijuana usage and the purchase of LSD.

 

B.I: I want to use that [LSD] forever. Is it strong?

A: L (LSD) is a top-grade drug in Korea.

B.I: No, not that, haha. The strength of the drug.

A: I’m saying the drug itself is strong too.

B.I: Can I get as many as I want?

A: Yeah.

B.I: Should I get three? I have to save money. Can’t I get a discount if you buy it?

A: No, but once you try L, weed will seem like a joke to you. That’s how you get to cocaine. Then you’ll really get in trouble.

B.I: Haha, I won’t. I’m doing it because I want to be become a genius.

A: You’ll end up like OOO, haha.

B.I: I’m going to stick to one my whole life. To be honest, I XXXXing want to use it everyday, but XXXX, it’s expensive.

B.I: But when you take L does it do that? Seeing things like graphics and seeing illusions and everything?

***

B.I: Should I just buy in bulk? Haha, should I buy like 10?

A: Is it because you’re too lazy to buy it again?

B.I: Yeah, haha. That too, and also I just want to possess [LSD] worth about 1 million won (approximately $850).

A: You’re possessive about strange things.

B.I: XXXX. I’m debating if I should buy 10 or 1 million won’s worth.

A: 1 million won’s worth is only six. 10 would be 150 million won (approximately $1,270).

B.I: That’s expensive. Haha. No discounts for bulk purchases?

A: I’ll try asking. That’s why I’m telling you to buy a little bit because it’s your first time.

B.I: Haha, hey, that’s not me. I have to go all out from the beginning. That’s how men should be.

B.I: But try asking if I can get a discount for buying in bulk..

A: I’ll try asking.

***

A: Hey, don’t talk about drugs with anyone else.

B.I: Haha, I’m asking you since I’ve taken some with you.

A: If you keep doing that, I’ll be the one to get hit by Yang [Hyun Suk]. Be careful.

B.I: Can you get it immediately?

A: But you really have to watch your mouth.

B.I: For [LSD], I won’t get caught if I just watch my mouth. You have to do a spine examination [to detect LSD].

A: You think they won’t look at your phone? They look at all of your KakaoTalk messages.

B.I: Yeah, I know. I’m in XXXXing danger right now. Delete this for now.

A: Lol.

B.I: I’m a coward so delete it, XXXX. I’m in Macau.

B.I: I’m flying to Korea on Saturday, and I’ll have to buy some from you.

 

According to Soompi, Dispatch also obtained testimony from drug dealer “C” who  revealed B.I and Han were clients, leading to Han’s arrest. Upon Han’s arrest, the KakaoTalk messages between her and B.I were revealed which lead to a police investigation. Initially, Han revealed she delivered drugs to B.I in front of iKON’s dorm in August 2016, but she later changed her testimony to state she did not deliver drugs to him.

Dispatch later revealed that Yang Hyun-Suk, YG Entertainment’s founder, may have threatened Han to get her to change her story.

Initially, YG Entertainment denied the Dispatch report accusing B.I of drug use.

YG strictly manages its artists for drug use. B.I has nothing to do with the alleged 2016 drug case. Every two months, YG purchases a drug diagnostic kit from the US and performs drug tests on all artists. All members of iKON including B.I submitted to the urine test ahead all of their activities. Not one member tested positive for drug use.

After news broke regarding the allegations against B.I, the idol posted on Instagram that he has decided to leave iKON. In the message, he seemingly admits that he did think about purchasing drugs in the past. 

 

This is Kim Han Bin.

First, I would like to sincerely apologize for stirring up trouble due to my tremendously inappropriate actions.

It is true that I wanted to rely on something that I shouldn’t have had any interest in due to going through a hard and painful time. However, I was too scared and fearful to do it.

Even so, I am so ashamed and apologetic to fans who were greatly disappointed and hurt because of my wrong words and actions.

I intend to humbly self-reflect on my mistake and leave the team.

Once again, I bow my head down and sincerely apologize to fans and the members. I apologize.

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by 김한빈 비아이 (@shxxbi131) on Jun 11, 2019 at 10:53pm PDT

 

YG Entertainment then confirmed B.I’s departure through a statement.

 

This is YG Entertainment.

We bow our heads and apologize for disappointing everyone with our artist Kim Han Bin’s problem.

Kim Han Bin is feeling heavy responsibility due to the impact of this matter. Taking the matter seriously, he has decided to leave the team and terminate his exclusive contract.

YG has become keenly aware of our responsibility for managing our agency artists.

Once again, we sincerely apologize for causing concern.

 

Following the announcement, iKONICs (iKON’s fanbase) petitioned to have B.I stay with iKON. Some fans took to social media to share how they feel about the situation and state that YG needed to take better care of their artists. However, the overwhelming response is that B.I learns from the incident and that he will bounce back after a period of reflection.

On June 14, 2019, police announced they will be investigating B.I’s alleged drug use. Similarly, they announced they will also investigate Yang Hyun-Suk for connections to the police.

“We’ve formed an exclusive team to investigate suspicions raised from B.I’s attempt to purchase and allegedly use drugs. It will include 16 members from the drug investigation unit and the legal support team,” director Na Won Oh of the Gyeonggi Southern Provincial Police Station said.

The police also announced Han Seo Hee will also be questioned.

Director Na said, “We believe Han Seo Hee will do her best to cooperate with the investigation as she’s shown her determination as the informant. If the situation changes and we need to investigate more people, more people will be added to the team. We’ll do our best to resolve all the suspicions.” As for YG’s alleged ties to police. When looking at the investigation report and the informant’s testimony, we’re unable to determine if the truth was hidden. We regret that B.I wasn’t called in for questioning and investigated thoroughly. We’ll carry out the investigation with the possibility of the suspicions regarding B.I’s drug purchase and use, the possible destruction of evidence, and the willful refusal of duty by the police officer who was in charge.”

 

More news is expected to break with the investigation. Stay tuned for updates!

 

—-Olivia Murray

 

On June 11, 2019, 2PM’s Chansung entered the recruit base camp for the 5th Infantry Division at Yeoncheon of Gyeonggi Province. He is the last member to enlist; Junho enlisted in May. In late May, JYP and Chansung both confirmed his imminent service. 

On his enlistment day, fellow 2PM members Jun.K, Taecyeon, and Nichkhun sent him off as shown on 2PM’s official Twitter account:

 

2PM’s eternal maknae Chansung was cheerful until the end! Come back safely! Hottest, let’s wait without crying! featuring all of the old boys who’ve gathered to send off the maknae.

The oldest hyung took a leave from the army to see him off, the second oldest hyung woke up in the middle of the night due to the thought that the maknae is leaving, and the third oldest hyung has returned to the army to see the maknae‘s face less than one month since his own military discharge.

Nichkhun also shared a message on his personal Instagram page that reads, “Maknae, return safely~~~ I can’t give you the energy of the military like the other members, but instead I’ll cheer you on~ Fighting!!!”

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

막내야 건강히 잘 갔다와~~~ 군대의 힘 애들 처럼 내가 줄수 없지만 대신 내가 응원 많이 해줄게~ 화이팅!!! ♥︎

A post shared by Nichkhun Horvejkul/นิชคุณ/닉쿤 (@khunsta0624) on Jun 10, 2019 at 11:48pm PDT

 

Chansung will be release from the military in January 2021. We hope he does well in the military!

—-Olivia Murray

 

South Korea currently boasts of having the fourth largest mobile game market in the world, and what we find unique is that over half of the gaming population play via their smartphones. (The country will rank higher than fourth place, if internet connections were also counted.)

South Korea is also credited as the first country to host esports events 20 something years ago, when the rest of the world had no idea what esports was. Korea’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism sponsored the World Cyber Olympics alongside Samsung and Microsoft. This obviously aided in making the country into a mobile gaming giant.

In 2018, South Korea is said to have 34.6 million smartphone users, and this is predicted to reach 39 million by year 2021, and currently has the highest number of smartphone users in Asia. It is also reported that 53% of South Koreans play mobile games, at least once a month – while console is at 19% and PC games at 37%. South Korea spent $5.6 billion on mobile titles in 2018 alone; making it one of the most thriving game industries in the world.

If you wish to know how the South Korea’s gaming culture began, you’d need to start with the local LAN game rooms – known in Korean as PC bang – where gamers of all ages sit in front of rows of computers to the world’s fastest internet, playing games until dawn, while dining or even smoking.

 

 

A large majority of South Korea’s professional esports stars (who make a fortune now) began their careers this way. The average South Korean mobile gamers are often middle-aged: mobile gamers are aged 21-35, followed by 36-50-year-olds. The figures prove that the high penetration rates and acceptance rates of mobile gaming culture in Korea are across all ages. The revenue per paying gamer in South Korea is among the highest in the world – second only to Japan.

In South Korea, around 40% of smartphone users spend money on mobile games, on power-ups (41%), playable characters (38%) and cosmetics/skins (35%). When it comes to which companies stand out in South Korea, local publishers lead the market. However, international gaming companies have been able to fulfill that need for players, which implies that foreign companies can enter the sector successfully.

It’s also interesting to note that none of the Korean companies rank among the top producers. China’s Tencent was ranked first, Japan’s Sony followed next with Apple of the U.S ranked third with $4.39 billion and Microsoft fourth with $4.19 billion.

Does this mean there’s more room for foreign gaming companies in the Korean gaming market? Most definitely. However, it’s important to note that the South Korean market does have a number of regulations which aim to protect younger players from excessive gaming time. Thus, it is important to design your game to ensure it is right for the Korean market, and complies with the country’s regulations. It would be safe to say that South Korea is currently a mobile gaming haven, and there’s more space for growth from its integrated games culture, for western studios as well. 

 

— J.Chung.

 

Former ZE:A member and award-winning actor Hyungsik (High Society, Strong Girl Bong-Soon, Suits) has reported to boot camp for his mandatory military service.

Hyungsik reported to his command post for four weeks of basic training June 10, 2019. From there, he will serve in the Capital Defense Command.

“I wanted to serve the position that I’m interested and good at,” Hyungsik told Hankook Ilbo in May.

Hyungsik had an opportunity to decide what post he may be the best for thanks to his appearance on Real Men, a show that gives celebrities a chance to experience life at different military bases. While on the show, he earned a unique nickname while he did tasks for the capital defense command post.

“I was even called ‘Sniper Park’ for my shooting skills at capital defense command force,” he said.

Hyungsik is tentatively scheduled to be discharged in January 2021. We wish him the best during his service.

 

—-Olivia Murray

 

Heize will be coming to North America starting June 26 for her first-ever U.S-Canada tour!

The songstress and Unpretty Rapstar 2 alumna, who is the voice behind the hit songs “Jenga,” “Shut Up and Groove,” “And July,” “Didn’t Know Me,” and “She’s Fine,” will begin her tour in Los Angeles, California and wrap-up the tour in Brooklyn, New York July 12.

Tickets for the tour have been on sale since June 5, 2019 on the Proper Form Events website. Tickets for the all-ages show (except for Toronto and Brooklyn that are 19+ and 16+, respectively) are available in three tiers:

• General Admission: $50 USD ($68 CAD)
• Hi-Touch(includes poster, early entrance, hi-five, and a “hello” with Heize): $125 USD ($170 CAD). Spots are limited!
• Meet & Greet(includes poster, lanyard, first entry, and a  photo with Heize in a group of four): $180 USD ($245 CAD- Limited)

Proper Form also notes that all sales are final; tickets are not refundable. Cell phone photos are allowed at the venues.

Check out the dates and locations for your chance to see Heize!

June 26, 2019	Los Angeles, CA	The Belasco Theater (Tickets)	7:00pm Local Time
June 28, 2019	Seattle, WA	Neumos (Tickets)	6:30pm Local Time
June 30, 2019	Berkeley, CA	Cornerstone (Tickets)	7:00pm Local Time
July 3, 2019	Houston, TX	Warehouse Live: The Studio (Tickets)	7:00pm Local Time
July 5, 2019	Atlanta, GA	The Loft (Tickets)	7:00pm Local Time
July 7, 2019	Boston, MA	Middle East Downstairs (Tickets)	7:00pm Local Time
July 10, 2019	Toronto, Ontario	Lee’s Palace (19+) (Tickets)	7:00pm Local Time
July 12, 2019	Brooklyn, NY	Music Hall of Williamsburg (16+) (Tickets)	7:00pm Local Time

 

 

—-Olivia Murray

A photo of Psy from his Instagram account @42psy42.

 

Crazy about music, dancing & performing

Park Jae-sang, better known under his stage name Psy, stormed into the international music charts in 2012 with his worldwide hit single ‘Gangnam Style’. Although previously unknown outside South Korea, he was already a 12-year veteran of the domestic South Korean music industry at the time.

His signature unconventional appearance coupled with bizarre dance moves and explicit lyrics have been titillating South Koreans since his debut in 2001 with the aptly named album ‘Psy from the Psycho World!’.

Coming from a wealthy background, Psy initially had the means to release his own music but this changed in 2010 owing to financial difficulties and as a result, he joined YG Entertainment for the release of his fifth album ‘PsyFive’.

 

Putting K-pop on the world map

A screenshot of Psy from his music video for single ‘New Face’ released in 2017.

 

Little did he know that his follow up sixth album ‘Psy 6 (Six Rules), Part 1’ released in July 2012 featuring the song ‘Gangnam Style’ would become a worldwide sensation drawing attention not only to himself but to the Kpop genre itself.

He has mentioned in interviews before of how unexpected and surreal he found the whole experience to be and how the single’s popularity was beyond his wildest imaginings.

Nevertheless, the natural entertainer quickly capitalized on the opportunity to spread his music and Kpop in general to international audiences, making numerous appearances on American television and even signing with Scooter Braun of Schoolboy Records, the man behind superstars like Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande. Understandably, he has described his performance on stage alongside Madonna at New York City’s Madison Square Garden as the highlight of his career.

 

Building an empire

A photo of PNation’s stable of artists. From left: Hyuna, Psy, E’Dawn and Jessi.

 

After the phenomenal success of ‘Gangnam Style’, Psy released more music in the intervening years, including the single ‘Hangover’, a collaboration with Snoop Dogg in 2014, all of which attained commercial success, though nowhere near the scale of ‘Gangnam Style’.

He released a further two albums while under YG Entertainment before officially leaving the company in May 2018 and forming his own label PNation early this year.

Since then, he has signed established artists Jessi, Hyuna and E’Dawn with further plans to debut a Kpop group in the near future. According to the singer’s own words, he wishes to share the things he’s learned as his own producer, director and manager for the past 19 years to create a playground for passionate talents chasing their dreams.

 

Current activities

A promotional poster of Psy’s upcoming ninth studio album.

 

Currently, tickets are on sale for his upcoming series of concerts – Summer Swag 2019 – so Korean fans will be able to see him perform in a city closest to you.

To coincide with the annual concert, covering seven cities, the singer has also announced the forthcoming release of a ninth studio album this July.

As for future plans, the singer has put it succinctly in his own words during a candid interview with Billboard.com which we’ve shared the excerpt below:

 

“Next year is my 20th anniversary. When I debuted in 2000, at first people were laughing, secondly, they were watching, and then third they were participating. Every first of January, I’m thinking about announcing my retirement because the word I really like is ‘Good bye.’ Not just ‘bye,’ but ‘good bye.’ I made my appearances as a singer very happily, very energetically and with laughter. I want to leave in the same way. I want to make a ‘good bye’ eventually, and if I want to make a good bye, then I really got to be good until I say bye. That’s my goal — that’s the only goal. I want to be good until I say bye.”

 

  

—-Fie Fed

 

Following an alleged suicide attempt and a subsequent apology, Goo Hara has been released from the hospital. Following her release, Hara departed Korea for Japan to be under the care of her Japanese agency.

In January 2019, Hara’s contract with her Korean agency, Contents Y, ended.

Hara’s decision to head to Japan offers her more privacy as her Korean home was exposed to the public on the news. Those close to the former-KARA member fear for her safety if she remained home.

Hara’s alleged suicide attempt occurred May 26, 2019. However, Hara was saved due to a manager who decided to perform a wellness check on her. She regained consciousness while at the hospital May 28, 2019.

While hospitalized, the ongoing court battle between Hara and her ex-boyfriend, Choi Jong-Bum, regarding assault cases occurred. However, Hara was unable to attend due to her condition. However, another hearing is coming, and Hara will be prepared according to her representatives.

We hope Hara’s condition continues to improve and that she has the help and support system she needs.

 

—-Olivia Murray

 

On June 20, 2019, B1A4’s Jinyoung will report for his mandatory military service as a public service worker. In May, his agency, LINK8 Entertainment, initially denied he would be enlisting but later confirmed his upcoming service soon after when he received his service card.

“[Jinyoung] has received his draft notice from the Military Manpower Administration. He will be entering a recruit training center on June 20,” a representative from LINK8 said.

After news broke about his service, Jinyoung left a message on B1A4’s fan café:

 

Hello. This is Jinyoung.

It’s really hot these days, right? Are you all healthy and well? You know I’m always looking at what you send me, right? Thank you for always supporting me.

I received my draft notice earlier today, and I’ll be enlisting soon. I think you’ll be very surprised and worried. Still, I want to tell my fans directly first. I’ve been so grateful for all the undeserved love you’ve given me. I wanted to show you better sides of myself before I enlist, but it’s a shame that my health didn’t allow it. Whenever I saw the words of my fans who were waiting for me to do a lot of things, I felt so sad and apologetic.

You know what I always say, right? Let’s meet a lot for a long, long time. I’ll be leaving your side for a little while, but let’s be together for even longer than we have been until now.

Don’t worry too much. I’m sorry for worrying you. Let’s meet when we’re even happier. Everyone, promise that you’ll bravely eat a lot of delicious things and be well. I’ll definitely do that as well. Let’s be together for a long, long time while dreaming of even more things together.

I’ll become someone who always shows better sides of myself. Let’s meet again. Thank you!

 

Jinyoung’s service as a public service worker is due to a torn labrum in his shoulder. He received Grade 4 in the Military Manpower Administration’s physical examination which ruled him unfit for active duty. He will be the second B1A4 member to enlist. CNU enlisted January 22, 2019.

Since he wishes to enlist quietly, Jinyoung’s reporting time and location have not been revealed.

While Jinyoung is still considered a B1A4 member, he and Baro left B1A4’s label, WM Entertainment, June 30, 2018. However, while they are not performing with the group now as they are now signed with different agencies, Jinyoung and Baro along with WM Entertainment have not ruled out full-group promotions in the future.

Good luck to Jinyoung as he quickly approaches his enlistment date!

 

—-Olivia Murray

 

This past week, a new hashtag has joined the call-for-change movements in the US media; however, this movement started to march forward January 2019.

Born in Japan, #KuToo came kicking into the world as a protest regarding wearing high heels in the workplace. The petition, which was started by 32-year-old funeral parlor worker Yumi Ishikawa, has collected over 20,000 signatures.

“I’m hoping to get rid of the custom that someday women have to wear heels and pumps at work,” Ishikawa said in her tweet.

The #KuToo is a play on the words kutsu and kutsuu which mean “shoe” and “pain,” respectively.

Ishikawa’s campaign started when she posted on Twitter regarding her workplace’s 2-to-3-inch heel-requirement for women’s shoes how the height makes her feet hurt. The petition calls for high heels to not be required in the workplace due to health issues among other problems while sparking debates on gender equality in the workplace.

“It seems like men don’t really understand that wearing high heels can be painful and lead to injuries,” Ishikawa told Reuters. “But even if women aren’t hurt, I’d like such expectations to be considered power harassment.”

“It’s hard to move, you can’t run, and your feet hurt. All because of manners,” she added.

Kanako Otsuji, a member of the opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and an LGBT rights activist, agreed with Ishikawa, calling the dress code and forcing women to wear high heels “outdated” and equal to harassment.

Many people who support the petition agree with Otsuji’s assessment and consider the high-heel rule as an “abuse of power” toward women. Some signers liken the practice to “modern foot-binding,” while others have asked for dress codes to be loosened for both genders.

According to Reuters, high heels are not an explicit requirement for women working at Japanese companies, but due to social expectations and tradition, wearing high heels is a given for female workers.

“It’s the view that appearances are more important for women at work than for men,” Ishikawa told The Japan Times.

When it comes to workplace equality, Japan hardly has a leg to stand on as the country lands 110^th out of 149 nations in the latest World Economic Forum rankings on gender equality regarding the treatment of women based on educational attainment and health hazards.

In response to Ishikawa’s petition, Health, Labor and Welfare Minister Takumi Nemoto opposed a potential dress code change.

“It is socially accepted as something that falls within the realm of being occupationally necessary and appropriate,” Nemoto said. “Whether the employers’ requirement to wear high heels is an abuse of power or not depends on whether the requirement goes beyond the social understanding of what is necessary and appropriate.”

“It’s abuse of power if a worker with a hurt foot is forced [to wear high heels],” he added.

Echoing some of Nemoto’s statements, there are naysayers to Ishikawa’s campaign.

“I’ve been asked why I need to make such a big deal about this – can’t I just work this out with your company?” Ishikawa said. “Or that I’m selfish, that this is just part of etiquette.”

She also points out the international media pays more attention to her campaign than domestic media.

“Japan is thickheaded about gender discrimination,” she told Reuters.

Ishikawa hopes her campaign will cause fashion designers to create more practical and comfortable business-acceptable shoes.

“Shoes are so every day,” she said. “People can more directly see the issues of people’s dignity and rights, and so shoes may lead to a better world.”

Of course, she ads that because she’s not a fan of high heels at her job, she says others should have the right to choose if they are appropriate for them.

“Of course, if you want to wear them, please go ahead,” Ishikawa said in a tweet.

 

 

—-Olivia Murray

The Voice of Vietnam is a reality television singing competition, creating opportunities for singing enthusiasts to shine on a professional performance stage. It spent five seasons and the sixth season began on April 14, 2019. All four coaches from the previous season did not return, leaving the panel to be renewed with Ho Hoai Anh, Thanh Ha, Tuan Ngoc and Tuan Hung.

The Battles Episode 8 of The Voice 2019 on June 2, 2019, officially returned with the team of coach Ho Hoai Anh including 15 contestants divided in 5 repertoires. But the act of Four Princes, Vu Duc Thinh – Ðinh Nho Khoa – Hoang Dinh Quan – Nguyen Tung Hieu burned their hearts out on the stage. With the mash-up of four songs “Tinh Don Phuong – Cham Day Noi Dau – Tra Sua – Qua Lau”, four talented boys made the whole cinematic stage excited because of their good-looks and the ability of attractively performing. The handsome quartet brought a lively and fun mash-up repertoire that made the coaches, on hot seats, dance.

As the only woman in the coach panel, coach Thanh Ha praised: “I really like this performance, you all do very well, really satisfy both my ears and eyes.”  Coach Tuan Ngoc also stated that this is a song that makes him very happy.  Coach Tuan Hung shared: “One more time you make this auditorium jubilant. The hardest part is finding your own point, then finding a common song so that you all can perform together. I am sure that this act will receive a lot of girls’ admiration after the broadcast. ”  This male star also predicts: “Who knows after The Voice of Vietnam program, our four princes can become a boy band loved by the audience.”

Sharing about training with the group of four hot boys, coach Ho Hoai Anh said that this is the group that he let them be most free, he just puts up the form of the song and teaches some more ways on how to sing, there are many parts they made by themselves.

 

 

As coach Ho Hoai Anh said, Nho Khoa is able to write his own music. By choosing Tra Sua (Milk Tea) song, composed by him and his friend Orange (Khuong Hoan My on X Factor), he also wants to introduce the ability of composition of another group member (group Quyt & Nho)

“You need to try to write more, maybe it hasn’t reached the maturity as your nature, but try not to lose it’’, said Ho Hoai Anh.

About Duc Thinh, coach Ho Hoai Anh said: “Duc Thinh, you have passed the experience of a group, so all of your performances are calculated very accurately. That’s why I don’t have to worry about you much, but it is also the thing that I worry about because you have to do something unexpected, unexpected for yourself and for me”.  Dinh Quan is considered by coach Ho Hoai Anh that he is normally quiet and gentle but today he is really cool on the stage. And Tung Hieu still retains his good form, the verse is very firm and clear but the biggest obstacle is that his mouth shape when singing needs more time to adjust.

There are no successful stars without talent and hardship. Therefore, all contestants in the program will have to go through a lot of challenges to be able to achieve the highest position. These are people who have real ability and convey enough elements to pursue a professional path. After broadcast, these contestants have received positive feedback from TV viewers. Most viewers give compliments for Four Princes’ good voices and youthful performances.

Is it that these four guys will go on or will they have to stop?  Let’s follow the track The Voice of Vietnam 2019, to get many surprises.

 

—-Hu Yen

 

BROOKLYN has just announced a live show in Lyon, France! He will be performing as the main guest at Korea Days 2019 on May 11th. BROOKLYN will showcase new music and do a fan signing at the event.

 

BROOKLYN – Live in FRANCE [Announcement]: https://youtu.be/lwpl8_YRU8g

 

About BROOKLYN:

BROOKLYN started making waves in K-Pop throughout 2018 with his much loved debut single Nothing I Won’t Do. He started making appearances in Seoul, South Korea and went on to perform in North America with two sold out nights in Vancouver, including a headline spot at Vancouver’s first ever K-Pop Con. BROOKLYN’s personally penned music has already amassed millions of streams worldwide. As a solo act, his voice stands out as one of the most refreshing and promising updates to the K-Pop music scene. Fans can look forward to BROOKLYN’s Spring 2019 comeback, plus a lot more this year!

 

Here’s hoping that he has a great show!

 

 

 

—-Denise Coley

A still of Kwon Sang Woo from the 2018 Kdrama ‘Queen of Mystery 2’.

 

Riding the Hallyu wave

Best known across Asia for his lead role in the Kdrama ‘Stairway to Heaven’, South Korean actor Kwon Sang Woo first started out as a model in the ‘90s, before landing acting roles and finding success with his starring role in the romantic comedy ‘My Tutor Friend’ in 2003.

He epitomized the ‘mom-zzang’, i.e. ‘great physique’ trend which was popular at the time and enjoyed regional popularity following the success of ‘Stairway to Heaven’ but suffered through a slump during the years after as his subsequent movies and dramas failed to win over audiences.

 

Mr. Tears comes full circle

Promotional poster featuring Kwon Sang Woo from his movie ‘The Accidental Detective’.

 

In 2010, the actor known as ‘Mr. Tears’ – a fan-given moniker due to his many crying scenes from ‘Stairway to Heaven’ – finally regained box office success with the Korean War film ‘71: Into the Fire’. The revival of his career was further cemented with the commercial success of his ensuing works such as Kdramas ‘Daemul’, ‘Queen of Ambition’ and ‘Medical Top Team’.

He also solidified his presence as a Hallyu star with his participation in cross-border productions such as the 2012 romantic comedy ‘Shadows of Love’ which co-starred Chinese superstar Cecilia Cheung and action film ‘CZ12’ with mega star Jackie Chan.

The content family man

Photos of the actor with his wife and kids from a 2018 pictorial in Marie Claire magazine.

 

Last year, the 42-year old actor celebrated the tenth anniversary of his marriage with fellow actress Son Tae-young. The happy couple commemorated the milestone with a beautiful pictorial which included their two children, a son and a daughter, in Marie Claire magazine.

After weathering vicious comments and scandals over the years from when his marriage was first announced, the actor now seems contented and at peace, revelling in the joy of fatherhood and the stability of his acting career.

Add to that the financial security from his growing business interests – the actor has a cafe, a cosmetics firm and owns substantial properties – it’s no wonder that the actor has become more comfortable in his skin over the years, reflecting a hard-won maturity from his years in the entertainment industry.

.

Current activities

A still of the actor with his co-star from ‘Queen of Mystery 2’ in an interview on KBS World.

 

Kwon Sang Woo’s recent works have featured the actor reprising his comedic, crime-busting roles in the movie ‘The Accidental Detective 2’ and drama ‘Queen of Mystery 2’ in 2018. Both works were spawned from the box office and tv ratings success of their first installments and were received well by audiences.

Fans will soon have the pleasure of watching him on the big screen as he is currently in the midst of filming the movie ‘Hitmen’. The action comedy tells the tale of a special agent, played by Kwon Sang Woo, taking on a vastly different career direction as a webtoon writer in the next stage of his life.

The movie boasts a stellar cast, which includes actors Lee Yi Kyung – known from his starring role in the drama ‘Welcome to Waikiki 1 & 2’ and ‘Sky Castle’ actor Jung Joon Ho, and is set to delight audiences with a blend of comedy and realism.

  

—-Fie Fed

 

The Japanese female vocal group Kalafina officially disbanded March 13, 2019.

The group, which consisted of Keiko Kubato, Wakana Ōtaki and Hikaru Masai, reportedly planned on disbanding in May 2018 following their 10-year anniversary celebrations, but instead, Kubato departed the group and their company, Spacecraft Produce. Spacecraft Produce, in turn, announced Kalafina would continue as a duo, but Masai eventually left the company in October 2018.

Prior to Masai and Kubato’s departures, composer Yuki Kajiura left the company in February following contract disputes.

The fourth member, Maya Toyoshima, left the group in 2009.

In August 2018, Ōtaki announced she would be working on her solo career with plans to debut in 2019. She began her solo concert tour September 24, 2018. Her first solo album, Wakana, was released March 20, 2019.

According to the statement Spacecraft Produce released, the company tried to relaunch the group and examined the possibilities to create a unit, but then ultimately decided to announce the group disbanded.

Following the disbandment news, Kubato and Masai released a joint statement on the FictionJunction website (translation provided by chibalein on Tumblr).

 

To our important fans,

We are very sorry that we didn’t take the responsibility last year, when we passed our 10th year, to express our feelings that needed to be expressed in our own words and ended up addressing the issue this way.

In the 10 years of Kalafina, there was a harmony only the three of us could create, there was the musical world spun by Kajiura-san… moreover, because you were waiting for us, we could keep on going.

Furthermore, thanks to the many outstanding works we encountered, we were able to deliver our music in various places. Each and every accumulation will never disappear, and we couldn’t ever forget them. Last year, our one big decision was to “stop walking [as a group] for a while in order to pursue our own individual music careers”. We feel very sorry that this information had this kind of timing, but we want you to please watch over the paths we chose.

To everyone who have supported us until now, we appreciate it from our hearts… Thank you.

March 14th 2019

Keiko. Hikaru

Kajiura also chimed in to express her surprise over the disbandment.

About the report of Spacecraft’s “Regarding the disbandment of Kalafina”:

Yesterday, Spacecraft released a report about “the disbandment of Kalafina”, although it was very sudden and somewhat surprising that they haven’t used “hiatus” but the strong word “disbandment”, the three members undeniably have stopped their activities a long time ago. Above all else, as the former producer of Kalafina and as an individual person, I continued to feel very sorry for being unable to properly address the issue to everyone who supported Kalafina until now.

As for the former Kalafina members Keiko and Hikaru, when I reached out to them, they felt the same way after all and since they wanted to use the opportunity to greet everyone, therefore I gathered their messages and provided a temporary* place on my website.”

 

After the news of the disbandment came down, speculation for why Kajiura left Spacecraft and why Kalafina ultimately disbanded began.

According to Weekly Bunshun Digital, Kalafina dissolved due to management issues. The publication shared information from an “anonymous industry insider” that said the group broke up thanks to their company’s president who “began showing favoritism to a Takarazuka Revue member and was trying to put her into a higher position at the company. In doing so, he tried to lower Kalafina founder Yuki Kajiura’s position.”

Bunshun continued by saying, “One of the men involved in Kalafina’s management, referred to in the article as ‘Mr. M,’ had Kajiura’s respect. He tried to object to Ōnishi’s actions, which turned Ōnishi against him. One day, Ōnishi became furious at Mr. M and accused him of being a ‘spy.’ Mr. M left the company in June 2017. After that, the Takarazuka Revue member whom Ōnishi had been favoring was put in charge of managing Kalafina at the studio.”

The favoritism and the fact that Kajiura felt that the Takarazuka Revue member didn’t know what she was doing was the rumored reason Kajiura left the company.

The source also stated that there was discord between the Kalafina members: “Keiko was the most popular and became stuck up because of it, which Hikaru and Wakana resented. But Kajiura and Mr. M held the group together.”

Regardless of what the truth is in the matter, Bunshun did share that there may be hope for a Kalafina revival. The source shared that Kubato and Masai have showed interest in working with Kajiura again. Bunshun was tentative about Wakana as she is still under contract with Spacecraft Produce.

While it would be nice for Kalafina to come together again, rumors should be taken with a grain of salt. Meanwhile, fans of the group will continue to hope for a return.

 

—-Olivia Murray

SJ Label announced that Super Junior’s upcoming comeback will feature nine members; Kangin and Sungmin will not be part of the group promotions.

While SJ Label did not announce when they plan to release their ninth studio audience, they did announce that  Leeteuk, Heechul, Yesung, Shindong, Siwon, Eunhyuk, Donghae, Ryeowook and Kyuhyun will participate while adding that Kangin and Sungmin will participate in their own individual activities through a statement.

 

Hello, this is Label SJ.

We are giving a notice regarding Super Junior’s group activities that are scheduled to take place in the second half of this year.

After a discussion with the members, we have decided that nine members including Leeteuk, Heechul, Yesung, Shindong, Siwon, Eunhyuk, Donghae, Ryeowook, and Kyuhyun will be participating in upcoming promotions for Super Junior’s ninth studio album.

Kangin and Sungmin, who will not be participating in group activities, plan to promote with individual activities in the future.

The exact comeback date for Super Junior is currently being discussed. Since this is their first studio album in a long time after all of the members have completed their mandatory military duties, we ask that you show a lot of interest and support. Thank you.

 

Each Super Junior member completed their mandatory military service. Kyuhyun completed his service this past May.

Kangin’s absence from group promotions is due to a variety of scandals that have plagued the star over the years including two DUIs and an alleged assault (the charges were dropped). However, he is set to appear in the Web drama What Happened to Mirae? With each scandal, ELF, Super Junior’s fandom, has asked for him to be removed from the group.

 

 

Sungmin has not promoted with Super Junior since getting married in December 2014. Some of the criticism stems from him getting married when Super Junior was holding concerts in Japan and that he deceived fans leading up to his marriage announcement. His marriage has been a sore spot for fans, and those fans have called for his removal since.

Since Super Junior’s comeback announcement, however, some fans have called for a boycott of the group until Kangin and Sungmin are officially removed from the lineup. These fans uploaded a “boycott manual” that people should follow in hopes of having their demands met.

 

 

“We demand Kangin and Sungmin’s departure… Kangin and Sungmin damage Super Junior’s image as a whole. Kangin and Sungmin’s departure should no longer be delayed and we agreed there needs to be stronger action taken,” the statement reads in part. “We announce to indefinitely boycott Super Junior and all members’ activities until the agency release a clear statement.” The list of demands state:

1.YouTube, Instagram V App: Cancel subscriptions, do not view. Cancel SUMTOWN subscription and don’t watch any of their videos.

2. Twitter: Unfollow all members and the group account, don’t participate in any events connected to the official accounts, and no using hashtags related to group members.

3. Twitch: Cancel subscriptions and don’t watch any live broadcasts.

4. Freezing Communities: No posts and comments allowed.

5. Music: Stop streaming on Melon, Genie, Bugs, etc.

6. TV: Do not watch any TV programs with Super Junior members in them.

7. Albums: Do not buy any albums.

8. Offline Events: Don’t attend any events or shows related to the group.

9. Goods & Merchandise: Do not buy any goods or merchandise.

 

 

Those in support of removing Kangin and Sungmin have spread their petition and boycott manual through various social media platforms including Nate Pann, Twitter, Facebook, and KakaoTalk among others.

SJ Label or SM Entertainment have yet to respond to the demands or confirmed any removals or plans to remove the singers from their rosters.

In other Super Junior news, the group will perform in Saudi Arabia July 12 and 13 at Al Johara Stadium in Jeddah. It will be the group’s first-ever performance in the country. The news was announced on Jeddah Season’s official Twitter page.

 

أهلًا بـ @SJofficial في #موسم_جدة ? pic.twitter.com/TvOP9uDepI

— موسم جدة | Jeddah Season (@JED_SEASON) June 2, 2019

 

—-Olivia Murray

 

On June 1, 2019, Chinese-born Spanish YouTuber Kanghua Ren, who goes by the name ReSet, has been sentenced to 15 months in prison following a prank he filmed for his YouTube channel. In addition to the prison term, he was also ordered to pay a fee of $22,300 USD, and he was banned from YouTube for five years.

In a now-removed video shared on YouTube January 2017, Ren filmed himself removing the cream from Oreo cookies and replacing it with toothpaste. Ren then fed the toothpaste Oreos and gave the equivalent to $25 USD a homeless Romanian man in Barcelona, Spain. Ren said he recorded the prank as part of a “challenge.”

The man, identified as 52-year-old former pastor Gheorghe L., vomited after eating the Oreos. Ren filmed the man vomiting while commenting, “Maybe I’ve gone a bit far, but look at the positive side: this will help him clean his teeth. I think he hasn’t cleaned them since he became poor.”

Ren, who is a gamer, has 1.2 million YouTube subscribers. His video sparked outrage in Spain, but it didn’t stop the video from being watched “thousands of times” while Ren raked in nearly $2000 USD from the video’s advertisements.

After public outcry, Ren didn’t help improve his public image by showing further detachment in recognizing why the prank was wrong. He returned to Gheorghe’s location the next day to ask how the cookies “went down” and followed the comment by saying, “People exaggerate over jokes in the street (played) on a beggar, when surely if it’s done to a normal person they wouldn’t say anything.”

After more outrage from the videos, Ren and a friend returned to the man again and offered to sleep with him on the streets. At this point, authorities were called to prevent Ren from harassing the man again.

During this period, video viewers created a Change.org petition in hopes of getting Ren’s videos removed.

In 2018, authorities caught up with Ren and charged him with a “crime against moral integrity.” Spanish prosecutors wanted Ren to serve two years in prison and pay restitution to the victim. Prosecutors and Spanish police also revealed that Ren tried to pay off the victim so he wouldn’t speak of the incident.

In a seemingly unrelated incident, Ren was also ordered to return to China in 2018 as well.

Spanish police also said that Ren has targeted other “vulnerable people” in the past, and that the prank featuring Gheorghe L. was not an isolated incident. Investigations revealed that Ren also tried to give sandwiches made with cat feces to the elderly and children.

“I do things for showmanship, people like anything morbid,” Ren said in court.

According to the South China Morning Post, Ren will likely not serve prison time. Two-year sentences are generally not implemented in Spain for first-time offenders in non-violent crimes.

As of June 3, 2019, Ren’s YouTube pages are still online. Following the sentence, Ren has yet to comment.

 

 

—-Olivia Murray

 

Chansung will soon be joining fellow 2PM members Wooyoung and Jun.K when he enlists for his mandatory military service as an active-duty soldier June 11, 2019.

Chansung and the MCs for MBC every1’s Video Star hinted that his military service will be soon during the May 21, 2019 episode. On the show, the MCs wished him luck during his service, and Chansung relayed a message to fans wishing them well while he is away.

“I didn’t go to the military yet and will go soon,” he said. “Miss me always, smile, and don’t cry just because I’m not here. To talk about small things—I hope your bus comes quickly on your way home from work, I hope the balance on your transportation card is always enough, and I hope you get a taxi right away on your way home from a work dinner.”

 

 

On May 31, 2019, JYP Entertainment confirmed that Chansung will enlist in June through an official statement.

 

Hello.

This is JYP Entertainment.

This is an announcement regarding 2PM’s Chansung.

2PM’s Chansung will be enlisting active duty into the army on June 11 and will diligently carry out his military duty. Respecting his wish to enlist quietly, his enlistment time and location will not be revealed.

Thank you.

 

On June 1 and 2, 2019, Chansung held his second solo fan meet, “TMC: Too Much Chanformation,” at the Yes24 Live Hall in Seoul. During the fan meet—an event that featured his solo song “Treasure,” a surprise appearance by Nichkhun, and performances of select 2PM hits along with stories about Chansung’s activities and life— he shared a letter with fans regarding his upcoming military service.

I sincerely thank you,” he began. “All of you made me into a shining person. I’m going to continue to be thankful. Meeting the 2PM members is my life’s biggest blessing, and meeting all of you is my biggest joy. I want to hurry up and promote as a whole group with 2PM. I hope you guys won’t be sad. I hope you’ll smile.”

With Chansung’s enlisted June 11 and Junho expected to enlist later this year, all of the 2PM members will be finished with their mandatory service. Nichkhun is not a Korean citizen, so he will not enlist. Taecyeon was discharged from his service May 16, 2019.

We wish Chansung the best during his service.

 

—-Olivia Murray

 

Budapest, Hungary: Seven seconds was all it took for The Mermaid (Hableany) to sink into the Danube River according to the police investing a boat crash that killed seven South Korean tourists and left 21 missing May 29, 2019 at 9:05pm local time (3:05pm EST).

According to the seven survivors—all of them South Korean—their tourist boat, The Mermaid, was struck by a river cruise ship, Viking Sigyn, while both watercrafts were traveling in the same direction heading toward a bridge.

“I saw that big cruise ship coming closer to us, but I had never imagined it would ram our boat,” Ms. Jeong, a 31-year-old survivor, said. “The people plunged into the river in the darkness and shouted `Help me!’ while floundering in the waters. But I couldn’t do anything for them.”

The Mermaid, a small sightseeing boat, was about to wrap up it’s nighttime tour of the Hungarian capital of Budapest. CCTV footage reportedly shows that the Viking Sigyn hit the smaller ship, causing it to capsize and sink.

 

 

“The (Mermaid) for some reason, turns into the way of the Viking. And the Viking, as it bumps into it, pushes it… and within seven seconds … (Mermaid) sinks,” Pal Gyorfi, a spokesman for the Hungarian national ambulance service said.

“Our boat was turned over in an instant and began sinking,” a survivor, Ms. Yoon, said. “All those on the deck fell into water and I think those staying in the cabin on the first floor couldn’t probably get out of the ship swiftly.”

Survivors said about 20 people where on the boat’s deck while the rest were waiting in the cabin area.

Police said that the seven victims they found in the murky waters weren’t wearing life vests and that the seven victims they rescued had hypothermia but are in stable condition. Police said there are 19 South Koreans including a child and two Hungarian crew members still missing. Hope has faded they will be found alive.

“I wouldn’t say there is no hope, rather that there is a minimal chance [of finding survivors],” Pal said. “This is not just because of the water temperature, but [also] the strong currents in the river, the vapor above the water surface, as well as the clothes worn by the people who fell in.”

Yoon said that the ship that struck them continued to sail by without stopping to rescue people. A 60-year-old victim, Ahn, said rescuers were only able to save those clinging to objects or holding hands with people clinging to lifeboats.

Rescue and recovery efforts have been hampered by heavy rain, murky waters, and swift currents.

“We have to say that circumstances are working against us,” Hungary’s foreign minister Péter Szijjártó said.

Because of the currents and flooding that’s not predicted to go down until June 4, 2019, Hungarian authorities contacted Serbian authorities to help them search the length of the Danube River in hopes of finding remains.

A floating crane has been called in to lift the tourist boat from the bottom of the Danube River. The rough and muddy waters have made this task difficult. Szijjártó said that zero visibility has made it “impossible to get near the wreck.”

“Those who were trapped in the hull or were stuck underneath can be lifted only once the wreckage is pulled out,” a Hungarian police statement said.

So far, out of the seven deceased victims, two have been identified, and fingerprint experts are working on identifying the remaining five according to Yonhap News.

64-year-old Yuriy C. from Odessa, Ukraine has been identified as the captain of the Viking Sigyn. Yuriy was taken into police custody and questioned and preliminarily charged for reckless misconduct in waterborne traffic leading to mass casualties. Yuriy is described as an experienced captain. Authorities added that he is still under investigation.

South Korean and Hungarian authorities have been cooperative with each other as search and recovery efforts continue.

For South Korea, this latest boating accident is a painful reminder of the Sewol Ferry accident five years ago that killed 304 people, many of whom were students.

 

—-Olivia Murray

 

W24 is a Korean 5-member band, signed under JARMY Entertainment. The band’s name is an abbreviation for World 24 Hours, which can be interpreted that they’ll produce and cater music to the world, at all times. W24 made their debut on March 8th, 2018, with their first mini-album Singing Dancing, and their second digital single SOSIME was released in October in the same year.

W24 might not be familiar to many of you as of yet, but they currently have a very solid fan base in South American countries, mostly due to the fact that Howon was born in Chile (and grew up in Peru) and able to interact with the fans in Spanish – while the rest of the members Jong-gil, Aaron, Yunsoo and Jiwon were all born and raised in Korea. Jong-gil was the one mostly responsible for putting the band together.

We were lucky to able to attain an interview with the boys who are currently extremely busy, since their album’s to be released out very soon, so we hope this would be a great opportunity for our readers to get to know W24 better. We would also like to express a massive thank you to the members of W24 and their management for offering their precious time for the interview.

 

*Thank you very much for taking the time out for an interview with KCrush America. Please briefly introduce yourselves to our readers.

Jong-gil: Hello~ This is Kim Jong-gil and I am the team’s drummer.

Howon: I’m Jeong Ho-won, and the main vocalist of W24.

Aaron: This is Park Aaron, the keyboard player of the team.

Yunsoo: Hello, this is Kim Yunsoo and I am the guitarist!

Jiwon: Hi ~ I am Park Jiwon and I play the bass.

 

*Tell us how you were formed as members of W24.

Jong-gil: I knew our CEO since I was young, and he said that he wanted to start a band that made fresh music and offered me to join. I agreed, since the company’s vision and idea for the band and music was what I had envisioned. 

Howon: I was just attending college like everyone else during the summer of 2017, and was offered to take an audition to join the band by a senior. I took part in the audition and became the last member to join.

Aaron: When I was a freshman at college, I helped Jong-gil on his graduation project and then was asked by him to join the band. I made the decision to join because the team’s musical direction fit my vision. 

Yunsoo: When I was serving in the military, I was introduced to the band through an acquaintance of mine. I made the choice to join the band without hesitation, since the band’s vision matched my own. 

Jiwon: I was asked to audition by Aaron, who was my colleague at my uni. I went along and did the audition because I thought it would be fun, and got in the band, just like that.

 

 

(Main Vocal: Ho Won)

 

*When and how did you start music? Which artists or musicians were you the most influenced by?

Jong-gil: I first got interested in drumming when I was younger, after seeing an older bro playing drums at my church because he looked so cool. The artist that inspired me is Drummer Lee Sang-min. While I was growing up, I listened to a lot of Michael Jackson’s music.

Howon: My hobbies and interests have always been singing. I’ve never learned how to sing professionally but I began getting vocal and music lessons when I got admitted to our company. Since we’re a band, I think I enjoy listening to bands like The 1975 and DNCE.

Aaron: I taught myself to play the piano and got to play at the church service when I was in my last year of middle school. I loved playing piano so much which naturally got me into music. In the beginning, I was heavily influenced by Black Gospel acts like Israel New Breed, Kirk Franklin and Jazz pianist Keith Jarret. These days, I listen to a lot of Synth-pop bands.

Yunsoo: I started learning the guitar from a teacher who taught an afterschool program, when I was in my first year in middle school. Thanks to the teacher, I got interested in playing the instrument and still at it to this day. The artist that influenced me the most would be Stevie Ray Vaughan. Watching him perform for the first time had a huge impact on me, which enabled me to study and play blues music. Most recently, watching a lot of John Mayor’s musicality and live performances have been an influence on me.

Jiwon: I began music when I got into a school band in my third year of middle school, because I thought it’d be great to become popular. I officially started doing music when I got admitted to High school and preparing to get into college. I would listen to bassist Marcus Miller’s music a lot, and was very influenced by him. I am currently listening to a lot of songs by The 1975 and Imagine Dragons.

 

*Which W24 song are you the most attached to, and why?

Jong-gil: The song that will be released soon, is something that I like the most. You’ll know why when you hear it. LOL.

Howon: I like Sosime the most out of all our songs. It took us quite a long time to produce the song, and spent vast effort into it, which makes it all the more special for me. 

Aaron: Make a Fuss! When you’re feeling down, this can quickly get you in a great mood when you either listen or play it. Our second mini album that is due to be released, has a few tracks that I am attached to, in a different way than the previous stuff we’ve done. 

Yunsoo: The single that is to be released. Ha ha. I think it’s because the more we work on the music, we feel ourselves gradually improving and developing. Please wait and anticipate other songs that we haven’t been able to reveal to you yet.

Jiwon: Nowadays, I like Beyond Measure – 무수히 the best. It’s uplifting to perform the song and I feel rewarded when I watch the crowd scream and jump to the tune.

 

 

(Drums: Jong Gil)

 

*Which album or song do you listen to the most frequently?

Jong-gil: Milky Day’s album OOL and Lauv’s albums are what I’m listening to the most these days.

Howon: I’m listening to Henry’s Untitled Love Song a lot, because I really love its rhythm and lyrics.

Aaron: Map of Soul: Persona by BTS, along with albums by Lauv and Jannavi.

Yunsoo: Zedd, Grey – The Middle, Lauv- Drugs & The Internet, and records by The 1975.

Jiwon: I listen to Sincerity is Scary by The 1975, and the album the song is listed in.

 

*Tell us your charm, in just one word.

Jong-gil: When I converse with people, I tend to react well and concur what they have to say, as well as expressing my own thoughts. 

Howon: Since I’m a bit of an introvert, I express my thoughts, only after I look at smallest detailed things. At times, I hear people make remarks that I am intensive, but there are others who like my attention to details.

Aaron: I have a cheery and positive personality, and tend to stay that way in any kind of situation.

Yunsoo: I am kind of sensitive when it comes to both my music and how I live my life. However, I find there are people who actually understand that about me and approve of it too.

Jiwon: I’m normally very shy and quiet, but when I get in the midst of the fans who like me, I tend to act cute, at times.

  

 

(Guitar: Yun Soo)

 

*Do you have any habits that you’d want to fix?

Jong-gil: I want to fix the habit of frowning my nose.

Howon: I tend to shake my legs when I feel nervous or uneasy. I want to fix that.

Aaron: I sleep all the time!!! I’m not sure if this would be classified as a bad habit but I sleep so much and well just anytime, anywhere.

Yunsoo: I’m too sensitive. And because I am this sensitive, I tire myself out sometimes. So, it’s a tendency that I want to get rid of.

Jiwon: When I’m in front of the camera, my facial expression becomes uneasy and my speech gets slightly slurred, most probably due to nervousness. I want to become less nervous and more natural.

 

*What is your favorite food or beverage?

Jong-gil: Samyang ramen, Braised short ribs, Gamja-tang, Tteok-bokki… How can I choose just one?

Howon: Lomo Saltado, which is a Peru cuisine, is my favorite. It has meat, rice and potatoes all in one. And I like Fruit Ades the best, for beverages. 

Aaron: Steak and ice Americano.

Yunsoo: It’s so difficult to select my fav food, because I generally eat anything and don’t have anything that I dislike. I do like an Americano, for beverage though.

Jiwon: For food, my fav is Tteok-bokki. And for beverage, Cold brew!

 

 

(Keyboard: Aaron)

 

*Who do you respect the most in the world?

Jong-gil: My dad and Dr. Lee Guk-jong.

Howon: Jesus! I respect Jesus Christ the most!

Aaron: Jesus for me too!!

Yunsoo: My mom, dad and our CEO.

Jiwon: My father. I grew up watching him putting his all into everything that he does, and I’ve always wanted to be like him.

 

*Where do you think is the best place to travel or visit in Korea?

Jong-gil: Banpo Hangang Park at sunset.

Howon: I’ve never been yet, but I heard that Jeju Island would be the best. Even on screen, it looked so cool.

Aaron: I personally love the city, so I reckon Seoul is great for travelling.

Yunsoo: I haven’t been able to do much travelling, ㅠㅠ so I’m not too sure… Where would be the best location?

Jiwon: Jeju Island! Because of its mountains, ocean and scenery ~ the food is great too, so it’s perfect for a trip.

 

*What kind of a person is your ideal type?

Jong-gil: A woman who is able to make wise decisions, respects her elders and loves babies.

Howon: Someone who’s easy-going, expresses her opinions well and honest.

Aaron: A person who doesn’t clash with me, and knows how to adjust to my personality.

Yunsoo: First, someone who is strong enough to lead me. And has pretty eyes.

Jiwon: Someone who has a nice smile, and works hard at what they do.

  

 

(Bass Guitar: Ji Won)

 

*Outside of Korea, which country or venue would you most wish to perform?

Jong-gil: We would love to perform starting from North America to South America.

Howon: I want us to perform at the music festival Lollapalooza in Brazil. 

Aaron: There are just too many to mention: South America, China, the States, Europe, Japan…

Yunsoo: Want to perform in the U.K and America, and would love to watch other artists perform there too – not only to learn from them musically but learn their overall attitude to music.

Jiwon: We want to be on stage at rock festivals abroad, since I think it’s so cool to watch my fav bands perform in major venues by interacting with the audience.

 

*Share with us your hopes and plans for the future. Please leave a comment for your fans too.

Jong-gil: It’d be meaningless for us to work hard to create music and perform if there is no audience there for us. So, we’re so very appreciative of your love. The members of W24 will never take that for granted and will do our best to work to make you proud with great music. Thank you!

Howon: We’d like to thank all of our lovely fans who have supported us and loved us until now. We are currently recording our next album and will film our music video very soon so we hope you guys are excited! Thank you!

Gracias a todos nuestros fans por esperarnos y amarnos hasta el dia de hoy. Estamos grabando nuestro siguiente album y estamos muy ansiosos y emocionados por eso. Esperamos verlos muy pronto otra vez en nuestro siguiente concierto. Gracias!

Aaron: Hello ~~ everyone. Thank you for supporting us while waiting for so long for our next album to be released! Soon, we will be back with great news on new material! Please watch this space and we ask for all your support and prayers please ~ We want to stay around and make good music that connects with people, for many days to come. Ha ha. Thank you so very much!! And for our fans in South America, we have a tour planned there in the near future, so please be patient ~! Gracias~!

Yunsoo: We still have a long way to go, but we’re so grateful to have fans who support and love what we do! We’ll definitely be back with fab music, and strive to become a band that encourages and provides healing to our listeners. In return, we will be energized by them too!

Jiwon: We’d like to wholeheartedly thank everyone who shows love and support. Please watch us become better as a team, as we work harder to achieve our goal to bring you better music. We want to perform in front of all of you, all around the world. Thank you!

 

 

— J. Chung.

 

Berry Good’s Daye is the latest alleged perpetrator of bullying in a week that’s seen Hyolyn and Jannabi’s Yoo Young Hyun experiencing the same accusations (Yoo later admitted to the claims and departed his group).

In an online message on Nate Pann, Netizen A claimed the Daye (Kim Hyun Jung) assaulted and sexually harassed her while they were in the sixth grade together.

“I am a school violence victim of Kim Hyun Jung, currently active as Daye in Berry Good,” Netizen A wrote. “During that time, I was thirteen years old and in my sixth grade. It wasn’t just me that Kim Hyun Jung harassed and bullied but others as well. And it also wasn’t just in physical ways that she hurt people, but also but also sexually degrading language as well.”

Netizen A continued, “Just because of the fact that I was close with the guy that she liked, she first began to make me into an outcast. She tripped me, hit the back of my head and laughed during class, used a broom to brush through my hair, pulled my underwear and encouraged other male students to do the same, and even fondled my breasts.”

JTG Entertainment, Berry Good’s agency, released a statement denying the claims.

“We checked directly with Daye regarding the post that described her as school bully, and we found that it is not true at all,” the agency said. “We are going to take strong legal action against this anonymous post about Daye and school violence.”

“I don’t know in what mindset they are saying that ‘it’s completely false,’” Netizen A retorted. “If you can’t remember anything, I can explain more in thorough detail.” She also posted an image as proof she and Daye may have known each other.

Following JTG’s statement, Netizen A took her story to the May 31, 2019 episode Entertainment Weekly (begins at the 14:00 mark) and provided more details about the alleged bullying.

“In 2012 when I was 13 years old, Daye and 7 others surrounded me after calling me over. They even sneered after examining the photos my friends and I took together. My friends have also been cursed at by Daye for no reason,” Netizen A said.

I wanted to hide it and forget it, but I thought about it and got angry after seeing the headlines that Daye is going to take legal action after the first victim post. I really would like for her to apologize. Rather than come to a settlement and give me money, I’d like her to apologize and reflect,” Netizen A said about why she posted her allegations.

Another alleged victim also came forward with claims as well.

Daye, who is currently on hiatus due to health issues, released her own statement regarding Netizen A’s claims and the claims of the other alleged victim. In her statement, she denies the allegations.

 

Hello, this is Berry Good’s Daye.

Firstly, I’ve been searching several times each day for every malicious comment, article, reply, and post on Nate Pann written by those claiming to be a victim, and I read them and have thought a lot.

Above all, many people have been hurt by these incidents, including my family, friends, and those around me. It even made me wonder if I was a perpetrator worthy of evoking such serious criticism. So, because of my various thoughts, I wasn’t able to do anything or say anything.

I am writing this to quickly acknowledge what is true and to correct what is unfair and false.

In regards to the first person who claims to be a victim, I have never committed violence towards them, and I have never even joked with them to the point that they might feel sexual humiliation, as they said.

It’s true that at the time in the sixth grade, the person who claims to be a victim and I had a fight over something trivial. As I was angry about that, I went to their home to try to come to a solution about the incident, and I received an apology.

We even reconciled about this while we were in elementary school. Also, it wasn’t a case where I one-sidedly approached and tormented her; there was a clear context. Due to our conflict with each other we got in a verbal argument over something trivial. After this incident was resolved, I never one-sidedly tormented or was violent towards the person claiming to be a victim.

In a few posts, there are people saying that I transferred schools a lot, and that the reasons were that I was forced to transfer or that it was to clear my image. However, I can say that my student record is clean.

I frequently changed schools because we moved or because of my father’s work since the time I was in kindergarten, and while I was in high school, I transferred due to situations related to my life as a trainee such as the dorms and training.

The claims of the poster are to the level that there would have had to have been a committee held about school violence. And a part that raises doubt is why they didn’t come find me before and request an apology if they have so angry with me for 10 years, as they write in their post. I feel that what they truly want to achieve through criticizing me with others through this kind of post is not an apology for the pain they’ve experienced, but rather to just negatively affect my activities and bring pain.

As they wrote the post anonymously and hid their personal information, I have not been able to make any apologies or ask any questions. If they really desire an apology and want to straighten out the things they remember from elementary school, I respectfully request that they at any time send me a message and personally reveal their identity.

People have even gone to the personal social media accounts of people who have written posts for me to explain and protect me. They have uploaded screen captures and written ‘Even the friends of Kim Hyun Jung are low class’ and revealed their names, faces, and identities. I think the act of uploading this, and also of adding false information in posts based on one-sided memories and claiming they’re the truth, is undeniably another crime.

In regards to the second person who wrote an additional post claiming to be a victim, this is something I have a clear memory of as well.

To explain everything, my friend’s younger sibling was bullied severely by the person claiming to be a victim. They committed violence and also filmed offensive videos and threatened them by saying they would erase them in exchange for money. Their money was taken several times. The things the writer claimed in their post to have been a victim of are the exact things they did themselves.

It was an incident in which my close friends, who could not stand seeing their friend suffering so much psychologically, went together to retaliate in the same way in order to help their friend.

I wasn’t there when the violence happened, and I remember that there was a report filed about the incident so a committee on school violence was held. At the time, the people who committed violence each admitted to their mistakes and received strict punishments and disciplinary actions, and the incident came to a close.

I can say that I don’t even know the face of the person who wrote this, as I wasn’t there at the time, and my school record is also clean. Due to this post by someone who claims to be a one-sided victim, people around me who are working hard in their lives have had their identities exposed and family members are being hurt.

I will take strong legal action against posts written with the intention of causing harm instead of hoping for a sincere apology by publicizing things that have not been confirmed to be true. As for the people who are claiming to be victims, I said this above but I respectfully request that you share your contact information and personal information through a private message. Through a conversation, I will quickly acknowledge and apologize in regards to the parts that are to be apologized for. I express my apologies to the many people who were hurt through this, including my family, colleagues, the staff at my company, and members, as well as apologize for evoking criticism and causing concern.

I hope that there will be no further harm done through such use of societal pressure and a lack of going through legal procedures. Also, as I said above, if there is further damage, I plan to respond strongly through legal action.

 

베리굿 다예입니다. pic.twitter.com/Th5C6C7U5F

— 베리굿(BerryGood) (@BerryGood2014) May 31, 2019

 

The alleged victims have not responded to Daye’s comments publicly as of June 3, 2019.

Meanwhile, Berry Good recently came back with the single “Oh Oh” off their single album Fantastic. Promotions for the single were cut short due to Taeha’s departure and the company not being able to rearrange the music to allow for her absence.

As a reminder, all parties are innocent until proven guilty.

 

—-Olivia Murray