Author: Denise Coley
K-Pop idols have been a core aspect in the spread of the Korean wave, ALSOfamously known as Hallyu wave. The 2nd generation of K-Pop groups, ranging from around 2003 to 2011, was amongst the most contributors to the global spread of Hallyu wave. Some of these groups have surpassed the 7-year K-pop group curse and are still ongoing to date. Others that had gone on hiatus have made a comeback confirming why they are still the legends of K-Pop. Below are some of the best 2nd generation K-Pop groups. 1. BIGBANG (빅뱅) Currently consisting of 4 members, BIGBANG…
From writing and composing songs to becoming a sensational figure and label in the K-Pop industry, JUNNY has made such an unmatchable impression as an artist. The Korean-Canadian singer and songwriter is not only making a buzz in the South Korean peninsula only but globally as well, especially with the “Not About You” hit single. Join KCrush America Magazine as we unwind with JUNNY and get to know him more. 1. The “Color Me” single, alongside Chung Ha, is amongst your hit collaborations. How did this come to be and how was the experience? 청하와 함께 했던 “Color…
After the remarkable achievements in 2022, which includes officially debuting as a group, music chart topping hits, as well as performances at prestigious events from the likes of 2022 Asia Artist Awards, the 65th annual The Japan Record Award, and the 73rd NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen (Kouhaku Song Festival), Japanese group, BE:FIRST are back with their first single of 2023, ‘Boom Boom Back’. The single will be made available on 13 February 2023, Monday, on all major digital streaming platforms. With a new year, BE:FIRST welcomes a new approach with a global team on ‘Boom Boom Back’ which includes…
On February 9, 2023, the Seoul Central District Court heard former B.A.P member Kim Himchan’s appeal stemming from a 2018 sexual assault case. Kim, who was initially sentenced to 10 months in prison and 40 hours of sexual violence education courses back in February 2021, admitted to the charges in April 2022 during one of his appeal cases. For what is expected to be the last in the appeals process for this particular case, the Seoul Central District Court upheld the initial punishment of 10-months in prison. In addition to the prison stint, Kim must complete 50 hours of…
South Korean actor Yoo Ah-in’s currently being investigated for illegal propofol use. On February 8, 2023, TV Chosun’s News9 revealed a top actor has been under investigation for alleged propofol usage. Before the report, Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency called in Yoo for questioning over alleged violation of the Narcotics Control Act. Yoo’s agency, United Artists Agency, confirmed Yoo is being questioned and will cooperate. This is UAA. Recently, Yoo Ah In underwent police investigation pertaining to propofol. He is actively cooperating in all investigations regarding this, and we plan to proactively address the aspects that are a problem. We…
The facet of co-ed group is a rare phenomenon in the K-Pop world. However, the existing co-ed groups have showcased their diversity and earned respect in the K-Pop entertainment industry. Some of the legendary groups that laid a solid foundation for the co-ed groups include CHECKMATE, which is disbanded. Other foundational co-ed bands such YOUNIQUE UNIT, URBAN ZAKAPA, and Nasty Nasty have been inactive for over 5 years. Nonetheless, the following co-ed groups are quite underrated despite their immense capability and skill. 1. K.A.R.D (카드) This group has taken K-Pop to another realm with unmatchable lyrical pieces, beats,…
On the 11th, singer LEE JIN HYUK’s solo concert “2023 LEE JIN HYUK LIVE CONCERT [4eVer]” will begin. LEE JIN HYUK released his preparations for the concert through V-Day contents a week before the concert, and from the 8th, released D-Day countdown videos in various ways that fit the performance concept, raising expectations for his first solo concert “4eVer.” LEE JIN HYUK said, “I’m excited to fill the stage with V-Dan at my first solo concert ‘4eVer’, adding, “I’m going to show you various stages, so I hope you enjoy it excitedly.” The performance name “4eVer” means to be…
The 4th generation of K-Pop groups is made up of bands that debuted from 2017 to date. With the successful globalization of the 3rd generation groups, the ensuing 4th generation are taking the world by storm. Not only are these newbies further spreading the Hallyu wave, they are putting Korea on the global map and scooping international endorsements and ambassadorships along the way. Below are some of the best 4th generation K-Pop groups. 1. Stray Kids (스트레이 키즈) Stray Kids was birthed through the Stray Kids reality show by JYP Entertainment in 2017. Nonetheless, this talented boy band…
After the 1st and 2nd generations of K-Pop groups successfully set a foundation for the Hallyu wave, an upsurge of K-Pop bands sprung up during the 3rd generation. The 3rd generation, which is the timeline between 2012 and 2016, comprises of top bands that are currently taking the world by storm. The is also comprised of diverse groups, including co-ed groups and more girl groups joining to compete for their share in the K-Pop entertainment industry. Here are some of the best 3rd generation K-pop groups. 1. BLACKPINK (블랙핑크) Formed by YG Entertainment, BLACKPINK debuted in August, 2016…
On February 7, 2023, actor and singer Lee Seung Gi announced he and actress Lee Da-in will marry in April. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 이승기 Leeseunggi (@leeseunggi.official) Lee Seung Gi’s message reads: Hello, this is Lee Seung Gi. It seems that I have many reasons to write long posts this year. Today, I am relaying the most important decision of my life. I have decided to spend the remainder of my life with Lee Da In, whom I love, not just as a couple but as a married couple. I proposed,…
On February 11, 2023, former BIGBANG member Seungri will be released from prison after completing his year and a half sentence for nine charges including habitual gambling, solicitation of illegal prostitution, the spread of illegally filmed sexual content, embezzlement, threatening, and assault. He was initially sentenced to a three-year prison term, but an appeal dropped his stint to a year and six months. Seungri was serving his military term when he was initially sentenced. He was transferred from a military prison to a civilian prison once his sentence was reduced. Since 2019, Seungri’s name has been tied to two…
Another former idol’s getting married! Former Nine Muses member Minha announced on February 5, 2023 that she and her non-celebrity fiancé will be getting married in May. On her Instagram, she shared a letter announcing the happy news. Hello, I’m Minha. I have a story that I want to convey with my heart to many people who always support me, so I am writing a handwritten letter after a long letter. I’m getting married in May, spring, which is the season I love. Meeting him at the end of my 20s, when I was going through a lot of changes,…
Japanese idol group Cho Tokimeki♡Sendenbu, who became a worldwide sensation with over 2 billion plays of their song ‘Suki! ~Cho ver~’, have released a digital EP titled ‘Zettai dayo’, their first new music release in three months. The title track of the EP was first unveiled at a special live performance at Tokyo’s famous Nakano Sun Plaza venue on December 24 and 25, 2022, a pair of shows titled Cho Tokimeki♡Sendenbu no Doki Doki Christmas Party 2022. ‘Zettai dayo’ is Cho Tokimeki♡Sendenbu’s first winter ballad, a love song set to a glittering melody that playfully laments the coldness of…
The remaining two LOONA members that didn’t file for contract nullification have finally filed their injunctions. ViVi and Hyunjin filed their injunctions February 3, 2023. The injunction asks for the validity of their contracts to be suspended. Unlike with the previous members, Blockberry Creative (BBC) acknowledged ViVi and Hyunjin filed their cases. “The reports regarding LOONA’s ViVi and HyunJin are true,” BBC said. ViVi and Hyunjin’s contracts are similar to Kim Lip, Heejin, Jinsoul, and Choerry’s contracts, so there is an expectation they will win their cases. HaSeul, YeoJin, Yves, Go Won, Olivia Hye lost their cases since they…
Congratulations to solo singer Ben and her husband Lee Wook! The pair welcomed their first child, a daughter, on February 1, 2023. Ben shared a post on Instagram that read: An angel is born. She’s such a small, cute, and precious existence. A lot of people asked if I was giving birth to twins, but as you can see, the baby was really big compared to my body. After giving birth and recovering a bit alone, I wanted to see my mom, and I wondered if I had really given birth. I cried because I was overwhelmed with all…
Following Chuu’s expulsion and fellow now ex-LOONA members Kim Lip, Heejin, Jinsoul, and Choerry winning their contract termination lawsuits, Blockberry Creative (BBC) has opted to escalate issues further by petitioning the courts to have Chuu, Kim Lip, Heejin, Jinsoul, and Choerry barred from the entertainment industry. The Korea Entertainment Management Association (CEMA) revealed BBC filed a petition in December to have Chuu’s entertainment activities suspended. In their petition, BBC stated Chuu violated her contract by agreeing to a pre-contract with BY4M STUDIO in 2021. CEMA also revealed BBC submitted a petition to force Kim Lip, Heejin, Jinsoul, and Choerry…
The K-Pop boy band sphere is quite diverse, especially with the numerous entertainment agencies that have sprung up to battle giant agencies in a battle for a market share in the entertainment industry. Apart from famous boy bands such as BTS, EXO, MONSTA X, and Stray Kids among others, there are other boy groups that are just as worthy, if not more, of the attention and praise that these reputable fellow boy bands have. Below are some of the most underrated K-Pop boy bands. 1. VICTION (빅톤) The 6-member boy band debuted in November, 2019 with the Voice…
South Korean actor Park Bo Gum has signed with ‘THEBLACKLABEL’. “We are thrilled to welcome Park Bo Gum who has strong influences not only in South Korea but also overseas” said THEBLACKLABEL, calling Park Bo Gum a well-respected and loved public figure. THEBLACKLABEL also commented, “We will leverage our capabilities and knowledge to the fullest extent to further expand his career as an actor.” Park Bo Gum first debuted with the movie “Blind” in 2011 and built on his filmography with a diverse range of TV series (‘Wonderful Mama’, ‘Wonderful Days’, ‘Hello Monster’, ‘Encounter’, ‘Record of Youth’) and movies…
Gaining popularity thanks to her unique mic skills and her tracks based on hip-hop and R&B, rising young Japanese artist LANA released her single ‘PULL UP’ on November 30, 2022 – and now it is going viral on TikTok. The track is based upon the Jersey Club genre, which is setting TikTok alight with a rush of dance videos from all around the world. Over the distinct rhythm style associated with that genre, the track’s melancholy melody is given a fresh finish with LANA’s iconic singing voice. In December, right after the song was released, a wave of young…
K-Pop sensation ENHYPEN to headline music festival with major supporting acts including KANG DANIEL, and others making their U.S. arena debut GRAMMY Museum® to host a stage at three-day expo featuring Q&A panel discussions and showcase exclusive performances from artists Tickets for events at Mandalay Bay Convention Center and Michelob ULTRA Arena on sale now at webridgeexpo.com We Bridge, the inaugural three-day cultural expo and two-day music festival event celebrating Asian entertainment and culture, is coming to Las Vegas April 21-23 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center and Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. K-Pop superstar…