RIIZE Lightstick, From Allegations of Plagiarism to Alleged Curses?

 

A photo, suspected to be a fanlight for the group RIIZE, has been uploaded to the official RIIZE account, sparking a storm of complaints from fans.

On the 5th at noon, RIIZE's SNS X (formerly Twitter) posted a photo with the caption "RIIZE OFFICIAL FANLIGHT will be released in April," along with a silhouette.

In the photo, the silhouette shows a hand with the thumb and index finger extended upwards. RIIZE often adopts this hand gesture.

The RIIZE fandom, known as 'BRIIZE,' pointed out that the expected silhouette of RIIZE's lightstick is similar to that of a particular group's lightsick. Epik High's 'Park Kyu-bong,' released in November 23, is a lightstick shaped like a raised middle finger.

Furthermore, in some countries, this hand gesture is used to insult others. In Japan, the gesture of raising the thumb and index finger means 'curse' and is considered one of the world's finger etiquette rules that should be avoided.

In response, fans have continuously raised issues on 'Kwangya 119,' a platform established for SM Entertainment artists' rights protection and gathering fan opinions.

Moreover, keywords such as "RIIZE fanlight" and "too shabby" have been trending on social media and real-time trends. Netizens are expressing reactions such as "I understand what the lightstick tries to represent, but there could have been better alternatives," "Considering there is a Japanese member in the group, was it necessary to choose this shape?" and "Isn't this plagiarism?"

In particular, when choosing the fandom name, RIIZE once clashed with fans' opposition when they tried to use the name 'SUNZ,' which sounds similar to sexual words in Chinese, and had to revise it once.

Meanwhile, RIIZE plans to release a single and mini-album in the second quarter of this year. They are also gearing up for a fan concert tour starting on May 4th and 5th.

theqoo

-It's so bad, please change itㅠㅠㅠ

-Don't be stubborn and change it quickly.

-Seriously, isn't that the shape of finger that used to be used on variety shows? What's with using that as an official light stick? It's so lame.

-Please change it quietly like when you changed the fandom name.

-I didn't know it means 'curse' in Japan. If that's the case, they should definitely change it if they plan to promote globally.

-Seriously, change itㅋㅋㅋㅋ It's so badㅠㅠㅠ

-Please change it, I can't bear to carry that around. This is just too much.

-It's seriously shocking how bad it is... Change it quickly.

-What the hell, change it. What is that?

-Was the fandom name changed too...? What was it originally?

-I can't even imagine carrying that lightstick around; it's embarrassing.

-Oh, seriously, I was looking forward to it since it's been a while since I became a fan, but what's this? It's so... damn... If they're going to promote, isn't this too lacking in effort? It's killing my desire to buy.

-No sincerity at all, seriously, what is this?

-Seriously, I was excited to go to their concert with the light stick, but this crap pops out. So frustrating. Please, just change it.

-Let's just go for something normal. This is seriously bad.

-That journalist must definitely be a BRIIZE.

-Seriously, the design is terribleㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ It's so amazing that it got approved.

-Nice job, journalist.

-But what if they're already producing it in the factory? What do they do, release version 2 or just scrap it?

-If I were a fan, I'd be angryㅠㅠㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ Change it a bit... It looks more like a prop for a variety show.

-I love RIIZE, but I really don't want to hold those at their concert.

-But seriously, why did they design it like that? I still don't understand.

-It looks like they made the design without much thought, so it's really funnyㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-Since it made it to the news, just admit it's not right and change it... It's the first time I've sincerely wished for a change, even though it's not my idol...

Continue reading RIIZE Lightstick, From Allegations of Plagiarism to Alleged Curses?

LE SSERAFIM's EASY ranks 99th on the Billboard Hot 100

 

Billboard Hot 100: #99(new) EASY, LE SSERAFIM (@le_sserafim).

— chart data (@chartdata) March 5, 2024

‘EASY’ by LE SSERAFIM debuts at #99 on this week's Billboard Hot 100.

It marks their first chart entry. pic.twitter.com/2EjGdGYPQL

— Pop Base (@PopBase) March 5, 2024

theqoo 

-Whoa, that's crazy. It could've charted even higher if it was released on Friday, though.

-That's amazing. Congratulations! Both the fans and the members must be really glad to hear this news.

-Oh... I didn't expect that, congratulations!

-Whoa... A song released on Monday is charting on Billboard Hot 100. Congratulations!

-LE SSERAFIM made itㅠㅠㅠ

-Oh, congratulations!! I didn't expect it to make it into Billboard Hot 100...

-I thought they wouldn't make it into Billboard Hot 100 since the song was released on Friday... It's amazingㅠㅠ

-Whoa... I didn't know this was possible...

-Kya!! Jjang-SSERAFIM, congratulations!ㅜㅜ

-They did it!!! Jjang-SSERAFIM, congratulations! Let's rise even higher!

-They released the song on Monday and yet they still managed to make it into the Hot 100. Congratulations!

-Whoa... I'm sure it could've ranked even higher if it was released on Friday, though. Anyway, congratulations!!

-And the song wasn't even released on Friday!!ㅋㅋㅋ That's crazy. I wasn't expecting much at first, though.

-I don't think releasing songs on Monday was a bad idea after all. They showed that it's possible to make it into the Hot 100 even though the song is not released on Friday.

-Let's rise even higher, fighting!!

-Wow, congratulations!! Let's release songs on Friday from now on...

-Now we're talking!

Continue reading LE SSERAFIM's EASY ranks 99th on the Billboard Hot 100

BTS Jungkook's 'Standing Next to You' Ranks 87th on Billboard Hot 100 for 17 Consecutive Weeks

 

5→ 50→73→80→72→99→79→97→70→76→87→85→94→81→61→81→87

Left and Right (17 weeks)

Standing Next to You (17 weeks)

Seven (15 weeks)

3D (9 weeks)

Too Much (6 weeks)

theqoo

-Wow!!! Congratulations!

-Jungkook, congratulations!

-Wow, Jungkook, congratulations! It's the same as the duration of "Left and Right" charting. Let's aim for 18 weeks of charting! 💜

-Let's hold on for one more week and go for a climb on the chart, Jungkook!

-Wow, 17 consecutive weeks on the chart, Jungkook, congratulations! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

-Wow, finally tied with "Left and Right"! Congratulations, Jungkook! Let's aim for 18 weeks!!

-Amazing! Congratulations! 🎉🎉🎉

-Congratulations, let's go further!

-Really impressive! Even during military service.

-Let's go for one more week, congratulations Jungkook!

-Wow, 17 weeks is incredible! Congratulations!

-Amazing!! 17 consecutive weeks on the Billboard chart!!!! Congratulations Jungkook! 🎉🎉🎉

-Wow, congratulations! 17 weeks in a row, Standing Next to You is on fire! 🎉🎉🐰

-17 weeks in a row, congratulations! Let's aim for 18 weeks next week and set a new record!

-Wow, that's impressive.

-'Seven' was released on July 14th and has been on the Billboard Hot 100 chart ever sinceㅋㅋㅋ

-It feels like... Jungkook is in a league of his own.

-Jungkook, did you hear the news? Congratulations!!

-Jungkook is so amazing💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

Continue reading BTS Jungkook's 'Standing Next to You' Ranks 87th on Billboard Hot 100 for 17 Consecutive Weeks

It Has Been Reported That Baekhyun Had an Influence on Taemin's Decision to Not Renew His Contract with SM Ent.

 

Lee Soogeun's Contract Expires On the 17th --> Taemin's Contract Will End in Late March, Leaving SM ... Moving to Big Planet Made

Taemin, who debuted as the youngest member of SHINee in 2008, has been with SM for 16 years, signing multiple contract renewals. It's anticipated that he will move to Big Planet after his exclusive contract with SM expires at the end of this month. However, he plans to continue group activities with SHINee under SM.

It's been reported that Baekhyun, a former EXO member who left SM, had advised and influenced Taemin's decision to move. A source stated, "Taemin decided to move to Big Planet under the influence of his close friend Baekhyun."

Baekhyun left SM this year and co-founded the agency INB100 with fellow EXO members Chen and Xiumin. During this process, he also sought advice from his close friend and senior in the music industry, MC Mong. Big Planet is a company where MC Mong was previously known to hold a position as an executive.

Kang Jung-hyun, including An Sung-hyun, the husband of Sung Yuri, and other figures implicated in the suspicion of actual ownership of Bithumb, have been indicted on charges of embezzlement mediation. MC Mong has been identified as a key witness to uncover the circumstances surrounding the transfer of 5 billion KRW between An Sung-hyun and Kang Jung-hyun. The prosecution alleges that in January 2022, An Sung-hyun received 20 billion KRW in cash under the pretext of a security deposit in exchange for acquiring a 5% stake in Big Planet Made Entertainment, an entertainment planning agency where MC Mong served as an internal director, to facilitate a 20 billion KRW investment from Kang Jung-hyun.

Big Planet is a company embroiled in controversies surrounding investments and cryptocurrencies. Although Big Planet denied last year that MC Mong was not an internal director, the prosecution has identified him as one and is currently summoning him. MC Mong failed to appear three times, resulting in a fine of 6 million won.

MC Mong fined 6 million won for failing to appear as a witness

MC Mong fined 6 million won for refusing to appear as a witness... "Trauma from trials"

'Cryptocurrencies scam witness' MC Mong fined for non-appearance at trial

theqoo

-Did they become close while working together as a unit?

-Taemin isn't a kid, why bring up such nonsense?

-Ah, I just wished he stayed with SMㅜㅜㅜ

-This can't be a coincidence.

-It's not particularly unusual to seek advice from someone who has the experience of leaving SM Ent. first, right? He's a man in his 30s, he knows how to decide his own path.

-A man in his thirties who has been in the entertainment industry for more than a decade isn't just going to listen to what one friend says. He probably made the decision himself for the better.

-Even though he's in his thirties, sure, people might have given advice around him, but he would have made the decision himself.

-He's an adult, he must have decided on his own.

-Taemin isn't in middle school, he's a 33-year-old adult, he must have chosen on his own.

-He's not a child, he must have done it on his own.

-Taemin is over thirty years old.

-Is Taemin a child? He's senior to Baekhyun and knows more about this industry. Who's saying Baekhyun led everything, is he a consultant?

-Just because he moved companies once, all sorts of articles are popping upㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-Taemin isn't a childㅋㅋㅋ This is really absurd.

-Really, what a bunch of nonsense... He's not even a kindergartener, it's all his decision.

-Wait, why didn't MC Mong attend...;; Instead of paying 6 M KRW, just go, I don't get it.

-It's funny that Baekhyun is not even in that companyㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-No problem with moving after the contract ends, why all the fuss?

-Who do they think is the fool here? Taemin has been in the entertainment industry longer.

-What's the point of these articles? After all, if the contract is over, he can move to another agency, listen to advice from people around him, and decide on his own.

-Taemin is a senior to SHINee in both joining the company and debuting in the entertainment industry... 

-It's kind of strange. If he went to a better company or started his own, the reaction wouldn't be like this. 

-No, even if Taemin's contract is over, who cares where he goes with whose advice?

-I don't understand why they're making a fuss about him leaving SM. Shouldn't he leave if he wants to? What does it matter where he goes?

-Taemin is in his thirties... Not a child.

-Oh, I thought SHINee would stay in SM.

Continue reading It Has Been Reported That Baekhyun Had an Influence on Taemin's Decision to Not Renew His Contract with SM Ent.

SHINee Minho and Key, continue with SM for 16 years 'together'... Hints at re-signing

 

According to news reports from News1 on the 5th, Key and Minho are currently closely communicating with SM about renewing their contract. This would mark their fourth contract renewal.

Earlier, it was reported exclusively by News1 that SHINee's youngest member Taemin would be leaving SM after 16 years of partnership. On the other hand, with their contract expiration approaching, Key and Minho have been leaning towards renewing their contract with their current agency, thus indicating their intention to continue their relationship with SM.

Key and Minho are also actively engaged in individual activities. Key has been appearing on variety shows such as 'Amazing Saturday' and 'Crime Scene', while Minho has been pursuing acting alongside his activities, meeting audiences through the movie 'New Normal' last year.

Since their debut in 2008 with "Replay," SHINee has gained popularity with hit songs such as "Love Like Oxygen," "Juliette," "Ring Ding Dong," "Everybody," "Sherlock," and "Dream Girl."

Meanwhile, there is speculation that SHINee's eldest member Onew may become a free agent once his contract with SM ends.

Regardless of SHINee members' individual contract statuses with SM, it has been announced that the group will continue their full activities through SM in the future.

theqoo

-That's a relief ㅠㅠ

-Minho is doing well as an actor and Key is doing well in variety shows, so it seems like SM has grabbed them

-Just once, let the two of them form a unit!

-They're smart.

-They're wise, for real ㅋㅋ

-Only the 91 line is leftㅜㅜ

-Their fourth renewalㄷㄷ

-They're smart ㅋㅋㅋ Even though fans may think differently, honestly, SM takes great care of SHINee.

-I didn't think Key would leave. Even though he complains a lot, you can feel his affection for the company.

-Those who complain a lot about their company are usually the ones who stay for a long time anyway. Anyway, I support them.

-Wow, it's their fourth renewal..

-Key is the type of employee who doesn't quit despite nagging about everything.

-I think those two will stay with SM for a long time.

-Key seems to match well with SM, where his abilities are well supported.

-Personally... I think this is a wise decision.

-SHINee is better with SM.

-Key seems to fit perfectly with what he's doing now. He doesn't seem to need to change agencies for a refresh.

-Whether they renew or not is their own choice and freedom, but well done.

-They did well. Still, SM is better than smaller agencies.

-Good choice, very wise.

-They don't seem to have any dissatisfaction with the current situation. The two of them are solid; Taemin seems to want to do more, as seen in interviews.

-Key seems the most resolute, so I think he'll negotiate a renewal with very good conditions.

-Since they're given a lot of activities, they probably won't leave.

Continue reading SHINee Minho and Key, continue with SM for 16 years 'together'... Hints at re-signing