Tuesday, March 10, 2026

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Apologizes for blocking traffic for MV shoot ... Lisa compensates Thai shop owners with 'one month's salary'

SOURCE: MV 촬영으로 통행 막아 죄송…리사, 태국 상점들에 '한 달 치 급여' 보상

BLACKPINK Lisa's generous gesture is becoming a hot topic.

On the 2nd (local time), Hong Kong's South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that Lisa paid 20,000 THB (about 750,000 KRW) to each shop owner in exchange for occupying the streets of Chinatown in Bangkok while filming her new MV, 'Rockstar.'

Lisa filmed the 'Rockstar' MV fon Yaowarat Road in Bangkok, Thailand, from 2 AM to 5 AM on May 3. Although the filming took place during hours when most shops were normally closed, all businesses in the area temporarily halted operations for the filming.

As a result, Lisa reportedly paid 20,000 THB (about 750,000 KRW) in compensation to each shop owner who couldn't open their business. She also offered 1,000 THB (about 37,000 KRW) to passersby as an apology for the inconvenience caused.

The 20,000 THB compensation is said to be more than a typical month's wage in Thailand, which is drawing significant attention to Lisa's generous gesture.

Meanwhile, 'Rockstar' is the first solo song released under LLOUD, the company Lisa established for her solo activities. After its release on June 28, it has ranked high on the US Spotify Global Chart and is also gaining great popularity in South Korea.

https://www.news1.kr/entertain/music/5468878

Bangkok's Chinatown:


Lisa's MV:


Even though the filming took place at night when shops are usually closed, they had to close earlier than usual and accommodate lightings. That's why Lisa compensated them with the equivalent of a month's salary (This article is from 2024)

COMMENTS:

-I think this is what you should do when you're renting out the whole street. Good good.

-Whoa... I just visited Bangkok recently. You're telling me that she actually cleared that crowded street for a shoot? Lisa's status is truly incredibleㄷㄷㄷ

-Crazy. She's a superstar.

-That is impressive.

-This way it's a win-win for everyone. I think people wouldn't complaint either.

-She could've just compensated them for a week, but a whole month?? The nearby shops hit the jackpotㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-World-class stars are different.

-Lisa is seriously so cool and kind. She's absolutely the best.

-Lisa is so intelligent. Being considerate is also a form of intelligence.

-So the average monthly salary there is 750,000 KRW...




Continue reading Apologizes for blocking traffic for MV shoot ... Lisa compensates Thai shop owners with 'one month's salary'
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AOMG introduces its first-ever girl crew, 'KEYVEATZ' ... Set to debut in late April




SOURCE: AOMG, 창사 이래 첫 걸 크루 '키비츠' 선보인다…4월 말 전격 데뷔

AOMG's first-ever girl crew, KEYVEATZ, will officially debut at the end of April.

On the 10th, global label AOMG announced, "Our first girl crew has finalized the team name KEYVEATZ and its five-member lineup. KEYVEATZ is currently speeding up final preparations with the goal of debuting in late April. Please show us your anticipation and interest."

KEYVEATZ is gaining attention as the first girl crew introduced by AOMG since its establishment and is drawing attention as the next act in AOMG 2.0’s rebranding project, "Make It New." Along with their outstanding skills and trendy personalities, KEYVEATZ plans to build its own distinct artistry and team identity.

Previously, the faces of three members were revealed through the "2025 AOMG Global Crew Audition" casting film, raising expectations. Although all information, including their names, has not yet been disclosed, the three members captured the public's attention with their attractive visuals and trendy vibes alone. In fact, the casting film video surpassed 7 million views across the official channels in about a week.

As the three members proved their buzz through the casting film, they are now joined by two new faces, raising anticipations. People are also curious about the meaning behind their unique team name KEYVEATZ and how it will be expressed through their music and performances.

While preparing for their official debut in late April, KEYVEATZ plans to continue communicating with fans by regularly releasing diverse content through AOMG's official accounts.

Continue reading AOMG introduces its first-ever girl crew, 'KEYVEATZ' ... Set to debut in late April

Monday, March 9, 2026

'Offering a sponsor, telling me to strip...' Lee Jaeun shares stories of agency scams and intimidation she experienced

SOURCE: "스폰서 제안하며 옷 벗으라고…" 이자은, 기획사 사기·협박 피해 전해

Lee Jaeun opened up about the unfair treatment and fraud she suffered at the hands of an agency official during her rookie days.

On the 29th, Lee Jaeun shared through the Youtube channel 'Make Us New CBS,' saying, "I wanted to film movies. I didn't want to live a life like a movie, but I ended up living one."

She recalled, "During my rookie days, I went around to audition in different agencies. There was this one agency, where the man who called himself the CEO sat and talked to me about the entertainment industry. I felt something strange about his gaze."

She continued, "He told me, 'You can't make it alone in this world,' and said I would need a sponsor and a help from the company. He asked if I worked out and said he would register me at a gym and a dermatology clinic in Gangnam. Then, he told me he would set me up with a sponsor."

At the time, Lee Jaeun said she was shocked and confused by what she heard. She confessed, "He lowered the office blinds and told me that he needed to 'verify' me first before setting me up with a sponsor. He told me to take off my clothes and then he started undressing himself. Then, he lunged at me. I was so scared that I ran out crying. It was extremely shocking."

She added, "Even though it's not common now, things like this happened all the time back then. I was completely devastated." The host, Joo Younghoon commented, "In the past, former members of crime organization or bar owners often ran entertainment companies. I was once dragged somewhere because they wanted me to write a song."

Lee Jaeun also shared that she was scammed multiple times afterward and suffered financial damages. At the time, she developed panic disorder and started going to church with her older sister.

She also shared another story about living in a situation close to confinement. She said, "There was someone I met through the CEO of my agency at the time. He said he would acquire the company and asked me to sign a new contract. When I looked at it, the contract included support for casting as well as living expenses, housing, and a car."

She continued, "At first, he seemed like a gentleman, but there were gangsters around him and he gradually started using scary language. He only provided me a hotel to stay in. He said he would handle casting efforts. It was like I was almost confined."

Lee Jaeun said she couldn't even report the situation because she was afraid her family would be harmed. She recalled, "There were people watching me. They even knew where I went and who I met," adding, "I wasn't in my right mind either."

She added, "When I saw my pitiful reflection in the mirror, I suddenly I had to act. So, I ran outside without thinking, but even the taxi driver seemed like he might be involved with them, which scared me. I had been gaslighted. My delusions got even worse at the time." She emphasized, "When things were hardest, the only one I could hold onto was God. I think that was when I prayed the most."

Regarding why she chose the path of acting, she said, "As an actor, you have to express and empathize with people's pain. Until then, I thought my life wasn't difficult. However, after entering university, I struggled a lot financially."

Continue reading 'Offering a sponsor, telling me to strip...' Lee Jaeun shares stories of agency scams and intimidation she experienced
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Wendy makes a surprise appearance at a 12-year fan's wedding ... Keeps her promise to sing a congratulatory song: "I secretly contacted the groom"

SOURCE: 웬디, 12년 팬 결혼식 깜짝 등장…축가 약속 지켰다 "신랑에 몰래 연락" [엑's 이슈]

Red Velvet's Wendy warms hearts by keeping a promise to sing at a fan's wedding.

On the 8th, photos and videos began spreading across X and online communities saying that Wendy made a surprise appearance at a long-time fan's wedding to sing a congratulatory song.

The moment was even more touching as it was revealed that Wendy had arranged it secretly by contacting the groom in advance while keeping it a surprise from the bride, who is her fan.

Wendy recalled her first meeting with the fan, saying, "I debuted in August 14, and that's when I first saw her. It's been almost 12 years already. At the time, she was in the 12th grade. She would come to support me at events while bringing gifts like lozenges or Lemona."

She continued, "She would come to me and say things like, 'Unnie, I have to take the CSAT so I might not be able to come,' 'Unnie, I got a job,' and 'I got a boyfriend.' One day, she asked me, 'If I get married in the future, could you sing at my wedding?' and I remember replying, 'Of course I'd sing for you.' When my album came out last September, she told me she was getting married and asked if that promise was still valid. I said, 'Of course, I can sing for you,' (and now I came to keep that promise.)"

On that day, Wendy sang 'Chapter You,' a track from her 3rd solo album released last September, as the congratulatory song.

A friend of the bride who attended the wedding shared their emotion, saying, "(The bride) had no idea Wendy Unnie was coming and even chose 'Chapter You' as her exit song. Then Wendy Unnie appeared and sang it live... Ah, I'm tearing up again just thinking about it."

Another person added, "It's true that the bride gave her the wedding invitation at a fan signing, but she never even thought about contacting the agency. She was just happy to share the news of her marriage. The real tear-jerker is the fact that Wendy Unnie saw the invitation and contacted the groom herself to make the performance happen."

Meanwhile, Wendy held the encore concert of her first world tour 'W:EALIVE' at Ticketlink Live Arena in Olympic Park, Songpa-gu, Seoul, from February 28 to March 1.

Continue reading Wendy makes a surprise appearance at a 12-year fan's wedding ... Keeps her promise to sing a congratulatory song: "I secretly contacted the groom"

HEARTS2HEARTS reaches first 100 million streams on Spotify with debut song 'The Chase'

SOURCE: 하츠투하츠, 데뷔곡 '더 체이스'로 스포티파이 첫 1억 스트리밍

SM Entertainment's HEARTS2HEARTS has surpassed 100 million streams on Spotify with their debut song 'The Chase.'

As of the 9th, 'The Chase' has surpassed 100 millions on the world's largest music streaming platform, Spotify, once again confirming HEARTS2HEARTS' strong global popularity.

HEARTS2HEARTS not only secured their first song with 100 million streams with 'The Chase,' but also drew attention by setting the record as the first K-pop girl group that debuted in 2025 to achieve this milestone.

Released in last February as the title track of HEARTS2HEARTS' first single, 'The Chase' carries a confident message of 'I will create my own path forward,' along with feelings of excitement and curiosity about the new world ahead. The song received great love from listeners for portraying the group's first steps towards their dreams with a dreamy and mysterious atmosphere.

HEARTS2HEARTS is currently continuing successful comeback promotions with their new song 'RUDE!' which ranked #3 on Melon TOP 100, #1 on the HOT 100, and #3 on the Daily Chart, while also winning first place on music broadcast show.

Continue reading HEARTS2HEARTS reaches first 100 million streams on Spotify with debut song 'The Chase'
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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
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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