FIFTY FIFTY's Hana to halt activities due to poor health ... Group to promote with four members for now

SOURCE: 피프티 피프티 하나, 컨디션 난조로 활동 중단…당분간 4인 체제

FIFTY FIFTY's Hana will be taking a break from activities due to health issues.

On the 9th, ATTRAKT stated in an official announcement, "Hana recently visited the hospital due to persistent poor health and was advised that she requires sufficient rest and stability for the time being."

The agency stated, "After thorough discussions with Hana and the other members, it was decided that she will temporarily halt activities to focus on recovery through treatment and rest."

Accordingly, FIFTY FIFTY will continue their activities as a 4-member group for the time being.

The agency added, "We apologize for causing concern with this sudden news. We will prioritize the artist's health and do our best to make sure she can focus fully on her recovery."

FIFTY FIFTY debuted in 2022 with four members and their song 'Cupid,' which was released in February 2023, became a global hit that greatly increased their popularity. The track reached #17 on the U.S. Billboard Main Single Chart 'HOT 100' and remained on the chart for 25 consecutive weeks.

Continue reading FIFTY FIFTY's Hana to halt activities due to poor health ... Group to promote with four members for now

Lee Yikyung steps down following 'private life controversy' ... Fails to join 'Brave Detectives 5' → Kwak Sunyoung and Yoon Doojoon join as new MCs

SOURCE: [공식] '사생활 구설' 이이경, 결국 하차한다…'용형5' 합류 불발→곽선영·윤두준 새 MC 합류

Lee Yikyung, who had temporarily stepped down from 'Brave Detectives' following controversy regarding his private life, has now officially announced his departure from the show. 

On the 9th, TCast E Channel announced that 'Brave Detectives 5' will premiere on the 27th. 'Brave Detectives' is a crime variety show where detectives share the vivid details of investigation processes based on real cases they solved in the field. 

With the new season, 'Brave Detectives 5' will part ways with MCs Kim Sunyoung and Lee Yikyung after Season 4. Kwak Sunyoung and Yoon Doojoon will join as new MCs alongside long-time hosts Ahn Junghwan and Kwon Ilyong. Kwak Sunyoung, beloved for her solid acting skills and unique character, is expected to provide sharp case analysis. Meanwhile Yoon Doojoon, a member of the group Highlight and also an actor, is expected to bring passionate energy to the show.

'Brave Detectives 5' will premiere on the 27th at 9:50 PM (KST) and will also be available on major OTT platforms like Netflix, TVING, and Wavve. The web variety show 'Brave Detectives: The Chat 2' will be released every Friday at 7 PM (KST) on Youtube.

Continue reading Lee Yikyung steps down following 'private life controversy' ... Fails to join 'Brave Detectives 5' → Kwak Sunyoung and Yoon Doojoon join as new MCs

Controversy over being a 'gateway to become a celebrity' ... 'Single's Inferno' optician Woo Sungmin signs with an entertainment agency

SOURCE: [공식] 연예인 등용문 논란 불거졌는데…'솔로지옥' 안경사 우성민, 연예기획사 계약

'Single's Inferno 5' star Woo Sungmin has signed an exclusive contract with Big Friends, signaling the start of his full-scale activities. Previously, dating shows were facing criticism for being used by participants to gain recognition and popularity instead of to find love.

During his appearance on 'Single's Inferno 5,' Woo Sungmin had introduced himself as an optician. Later, he drew attention as it was revealed that he had appeared in several acting projects in the past.

Big Friends stated that they decided to sign an exclusive contract because they highly valued his calm yet sincere attitude, diverse charms, impressive smile, and strong presence. The agency stated, "We will provide full support so that he can pursue various activities in the future."

Prior his appearance on 'Single's Inferno 5,' Woo Sungmin had already been active as an actor, starring in works such as 'Solomon's Perjury,' 'Second 20s,' 'The Missing,' 'Twelve Nights,' 'Mission: Cross,' and more. With this contract, he is expected to expand his activities into a wider range of fields.

Big Friends, the agency Woo Sungmin signed with, is a management company that represent stars like Jung Mansik, Hong Yeji, Park Sehyun, and Seo Jaewoo. The company is actively discovering new talent and providing systematic management.

Continue reading Controversy over being a 'gateway to become a celebrity' ... 'Single's Inferno' optician Woo Sungmin signs with an entertainment agency

'Dating rumor with G-Dragon' Kim Goeun clarifies plastic surgery rumors: "It's actually an insecurity of mine"

SOURCE: '지드래곤과 열애설' 김고은, 턱 돌려깍기 성형 의혹 해명 "오히려 콤플렉스" (고니)

'Single's Inferno 5' Kim Goeun addressed plastic surgery rumors.

On the 7th, a video titled 'Chatting while doing 'Single's Inferno' sunburn makeup | Can we get this close...?' was posted on Kim Goeun's Youtube channel.

Kim Goeun said, "On the show, I realized my mouth looked really big. So did my teeth. People ask if I got veneers, but I've actually had braces twice. It would feel unfair to get veneers done," adding, "I just worked hard on teeth whitening."

She also clarified the plastic surgery rumors surrounding herself, saying, "Many people asked if I had contouring surgery. My jaw is naturally small due to genetics. Everyone on my mother's side is like that."

She added, "That's actually an insecurity of mine. This area sinks in a lot and looks like a shadow, so I enhance it with makeup. Back then, I even used to apply highlighter there, too."

She also shared her insecurity, saying, "When I go to the dermatologist, some doctors suggest putting fillers in this area. However, I decided not to get such procedures and just cover it with makeup instead."

She continued, "I never expected people to say I had 'V-line jaw surgery.' I've often been told that I have slim face, but no one ever accused me of having 'V-line surgery.' I think I looked that way because I had a lost of weight at the time."

Continue reading 'Dating rumor with G-Dragon' Kim Goeun clarifies plastic surgery rumors: "It's actually an insecurity of mine"

Seo Youngeun leaves Kep1er ... "Will continue as a 6-member team."

SOURCE: 케플러 서영은, 팀 탈퇴 "앞으로 6인 체제 전환"

Seo Youngeun has decided to leave Kep1er after an 8-month hiatus.

On the 6th, WakeOne and KLAP Entertainment announced through their official social media, stating, "rom now on, the group will continue activities as a six-member team consisting of Choi Yujin, Xiaoting, Kim Chaehyun, Kim Dayeon, Hikaru, and Huening Bahiyyih. Along with this, Seo Young-eun, who has been part of Kep1er’s precious journey since their debut in 2022, has concluded her activities with the team."

They continued, "The company and Seo Youngeun have had long discussions about the direction of her future activities. This decision was reached after careful discussion. The Kep1er members also respect Seo Youngeun’s wishes based on their mutual trust and are sending her their support."

Furthermore, they added, "We would like to express our deep gratitude to Seo Youngeun, who showed more sincerity and passion than anyone as a member of the team, and we will wholeheartedly support her future endeavors. Kep1er will open a new chapter as a six-member group and will do their best to repay Kep1ian with even better music and performances. We ask for fans’ warm encouragement and unwavering love for Seo Youngeun, who will walk a new path, and for Kep1er, whowill continue its activities as six members."

Meanwhile, Kep1er is a girl group formed through the Mnet survival program 'Girls Planet 999.'

Continue reading Seo Youngeun leaves Kep1er ... "Will continue as a 6-member team."

'Everyone is Fighting Their Own Worthlessness'... Go Younjung seen with blood dripping from her nose

SOURCE: '무가치함과 싸우는' 고윤정, 코피 뚝뚝

Go Younjung is transforming into a new character in 'Everyone is Fighting Their Own Worthlessness.'

On the 6th, JTBC released still cuts of Go Younjung, the lead of the new weekend drama 'Everyone is Fighting Their Own Worthlessness.'

'Everyone is Fighting Their Own Worthlessness' follows the story of a person's journey to find peace after being consumed by jealousy and envy because they're the only one struggling while surrounded by successful friends. Go Younjung will show her new side as she plays the role of Byun Eun-ah, a character with clear, innocent-looking face and sharp, piercing eyes.

Byun Eun-ah is a producer at the film company 'Choi Film' and is known in the industry by the intense nickname 'The Axe.' She earned this nickname because of her sharp reviews that snap people to attention instantly as if they were hit in the head with an axe. Although she shows firm confidence and never feels intimidated, even in front of her sly CEO, she has a sense of emptiness and anxiety that she can't tell anyone is hidden behind that sharp edge. In particular, her sudden nosebleeds that appear without warning are expected to spark viewers’ curiosity about her hidden story.

In the drama, Go Younjung appears with a simple look with plain clothing and bare face, realistically portraying the daily life of a film producer. Her eyes, which seem calm yet shine sharply, capture the insight of the 'Axe PD' who views the world critically, while also transparently reflecting the complex emotions hidden beneath the surface.

The production team stated, "Go Younjung is holding the center of the drama by stably portraying the character’s complex traits. Her delicate acting, which deeply captures the character’s inner self, will leave a lasting impression on viewers."

The drama is scheduled to premiere in April.

Continue reading 'Everyone is Fighting Their Own Worthlessness'... Go Younjung seen with blood dripping from her nose

"Eyeing YouTube's Territory" ... HYBE and Spotify join forces

SOURCE: “유튜브 넘본다” 하이브·스포티파이 맞손

Entertainment group HYBE is entering the video podcast market through a partnership with the global audio and music streaming platform Spotify.

On the 6th, HYBE announced that it has signed a global content partnership with Spotify and will launch a dedicated video podcast channel. Under this partnership, HYBE will plan and produce the video content while Spotify will distribute it to a global audience.

HYBE noted the growing influence of video podcasts in the global music market. Through Spotify’s platform, which has over 751 million users worldwide, the company plans to naturally introduce K-pop to users as they explore and discover content.

HYBE will launch the official channel and reveal the channel name on March 23. The content will operate in an omnibus format where artists from HYBE’s labels and creators from various fields discuss about music and everyday life. The first videos are scheduled to be released starting in April.

The production of the content will be handled by HYBE Media Studio (HMS), HYBE’s internal video production team. Using its accumulated video production system and professional staff, HYBE plans to cover the broader culture of K-pop through the video podcast format.

Gautam Talwar, General Manager for Spotify’s Asia-Pacific region, said, "Through this partnership with HYBE, we aim to bring audiences closer to artists’ personalities and creative processes." A HYBE representative added, "Through this new format, we will continue expanding our points of connection with fans."

Continue reading "Eyeing YouTube's Territory" ... HYBE and Spotify join forces