B.A.P Zelo makes a fresh start with new music label, VLACKSQUAD

SOURCE: B.A.P 출신 젤로, 新 음악 레이블 블랙스쿼드에서 새 출발[공식]

Zelo, formerly of B.A.P, is making a fresh start with the new music label VLACKSQUAD.

On the 10th, VLACKSQUAD announced the signing of its first artist, Zelo, and released his new profile images through its official social media channels.

In the black-and-white profile photos, Zelo transforms his image from a sophisticated geek-chic style to a more homme fatale version with his upper body exposed. His visuals, which capture his identity as a pop artist, raise expectations for his upcoming activities with the label.

Since debuting with B.A.P in 2012, Zelo has consistently been active in music both as a group member and a solo artist. Not only does he has solid rap and performance skills, he is also capable of directing various aspects of albums and stage production, including songwriting, composing, and visual direction.

After completing his mandatory military service in the Republic of Korea Army in June last year, Zelo is beginning the second chapter of his music career as a solo artist under VLACKSQUAD. It is reported that he is currently in the middle of preparing various activities, including a fan concert and new songs. Following the release of his unique profile pictures, the public is now looking forward to what kind of new image he will present.

VLACKSQUAD is a label founded with a focus on hip-hop, R&B, and pop music, emphasizing a production environment where artists can showcase their musical identities. The label officially launched with the signing of its first artist, Zelo, and has begun communicating with the public to signal its strong start.

Currently, VLACKSQUAD is revealing the label's vibes by releasing various free-spirited content through its official social media.

Detail schedules and information regarding Zelo's solo fan concert and new songs will be announced on VLACKSQUAD's social media in the future.

Continue reading B.A.P Zelo makes a fresh start with new music label, VLACKSQUAD

'Everything except work is a hassle' ... IU shares her unique way of dealing with 'laziness'

SOURCE: "일 외엔 다 귀찮아" 아이유, 독보적 '귀차니즘' 해결법 (팔레트)

IU shared her way of overcoming laziness.

On the 10th, the 34th episode of IU's 'Palette' titled 'Would you like a 3-octave high note? (with WOODZ)' was uploaded to IU's Youtube channel. The guest for the episode was WOORZ.

In the video, WOODZ talked about 'Super Lazy,' the second track from his newly released album. He said, "To be honest, I actually have a very strong sense of laziness."

He added, "When I'm at home, I love doing absolutely nothing and just lounging around. I remember that track being the last one I wrote."

He explained the reason behind the song, "Writing it was really hard. At the time, I was filming a movie, working on mixing the B-tracks of my album, and preparing for both festivals and concerts all at once. I just wanted to rest at home. I really missed that laziness."

After hearing this, IU laughed and said, "That's different from the kind of laziness people usually talk about," adding, "For me, I find everything except work to be a hassle."

She confessed, "I know exactly how much I would fall behind if I let myself sink into laziness, so I'm always on guard. I just sit at the dining table. I don't solve anything, I just sit there."

She added, "I like being at home. I'm not the type of person who finds much joy in going out. That's why I'm envious of people like Seungyoun who live while enjoying the fundamental joys of life." 

Continue reading 'Everything except work is a hassle' ... IU shares her unique way of dealing with 'laziness'

Ji Changwook embroiled in another 'personality' controversy ... Stealing notebooks overseas too: "A repeat offender"

SOURCE: 지창욱, 또다시 불거진 인성 논란…해외서도 노트 강탈 "상습범이네"

Ji Changwook has once again sparked controversy after steals a fan's notebook.

Recently, a video titled 'Ji Changwook steals a notebook again' was posted on online communities and social media.

The video shows Ji Changwook in Paris, France, attending the Tom Ford fashion show during the 2026 F/W Paris Fashion Week.

In front of the venue, Ji Changwook responded kindly to fans who had been waiting for him by signing autographs while smiling warmly. However, after finishing the autograph, he only returned the pen and walked away while still holding the notebook in his hand.

Ji Changwook also had a previous history of stealing a fan's notebook in 2024. At the time, during a stage greeting for the movie 'Revolver,' he signed a fan's notebook but returned only the pen and walked away with the notebook, amusing people with his clumsy behavior.

The video of that moment quickly spread on social media and even became a hot topic under the title 'Ji Changwook personality controversy.' In response, his agency posted a playful announcement to find the fan who was the victim of the 'notebook stealing incident.'

<We are looking for someone>

We are looking for the fan who reached out their hand in confusion after Ji Changwook stole their notebook during the 'Revolver' stage greeting on August 7.

If you are the person whose notebook was taken, or if you know who it is, please leave a comment! (We may ask for verification to confirm your identity)

*The stolen notebook was returned to its owner on the day of the incident, but we apologize for not noticing your reaching hand at the time.

Now, about two years later, Ji Changwook was caught walking away with a fan's notebook again. Fans reacted with comments like "He's a repeat offender," "This time, it happened overseas. How is he going to return it?", "A new type of notebook theft," "His autograph is precious to himself," "He's really cute," and more.

Meanwhile, Ji Changwook will star in the new JTBC drama 'Human X Gumiho' (working title). This drama is a fantasy romantic comedy about Gu Jahong (Jeon Jihyun), a seductive being who bewitches humans, and Choi Seok (Ji Changwook), a human who attracts supernatural creatures, as they meet at the crossroads of fate. It is scheduled to start filming in March.

Continue reading Ji Changwook embroiled in another 'personality' controversy ... Stealing notebooks overseas too: "A repeat offender"

Spotted with Xi Jinping and President Lee Jaemyung ... Park Jinyoung suddenly resigns from JYP → Dreaming of something even bigger

SOURCE: 中시진핑x이재명 대통령과 포착…박진영, 돌연 JYP 사임→더 큰 꿈 꾼다

Last September, Park Jinyoung was appointed co-chairman of the Popular Culture Exchange Committee directly under President Lee Jaemyung. About six months later, in March this year, news of his resignation as an internal director at JYP has drawn attention to his next moves.

Last year, Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoonsik announced Park Jinyoung's appointment during a briefing, saying, "He is one of South Korea's representative singers who has worked hard to globalize K-pop," adding, "He will help create South Korea a place where culture flourishes, where people around the world enjoy can enjoy our popular culture more, and we, in turn, also experience diverse culture from various foreign cultures."

Regarding this, Park Jinyoung also shared on social media, ""As someone in the entertainment industry, taking on government work is burdensome and concerning in many ways, so I thought a lot about it." He added, "However, I realized that K-pop is facing a very special opportunity right now. I decided to take on the role because I felt we must make the most of this chance."

He continued, "I will organize the need for institutional support that I felt while working in the field and make sure effective support is provided," adding, "I will work hard so that junior artists can get better opportunities. I will also do my best to help K-pop take another leap forward so it can become a place where people around the world understand and exchange with one another."

His activities soon extended to the international stage. Last November, Park Jinyoung attended the dinner for the South Korea-China summit as co-chair of the Popular Culture Exchange Committee under President Lee Jaemyung and met Chinese President Xi Jinping. At the time, Park Jinyoung posted on his social media, "I was truly happy to be able to meet and speak with President Xi Jinping. Thank you for listening so attentively and sharing kind words." He added, "I hope we can have more discussions so that people of both countries can grow closer through popular culture."

Park Jinyoung previously stated on a variety show, "I have already created a five-year roadmap for K-pop." As a producer who has created many singers who are loved by the nation, he still seems to be worrying about the future of K-pop. Amidst this, the news that he will step down from his position as an internal director at JYP Entertainment in March has drawn even more attention.

On the 10th, JYP Entertainment announced, "Park Jinyoung has resigned from his position as an internal director and will not undergo the reappointment process at the shareholders' meeting on the 26th." As Park Jinyoung plans to focus more on his creative activities as an artist, nurturing junior artist, and new external activities for the K-pop industry, the public is cheering him on as he takes another step toward a bigger dream.

Park Jinyoung debuted in 1994 and has been active for over 30 years as a singer, composer, and producer. Although he is stepping down from his role as an internal director at JYP, his challenge toward K-pop and popular culture is still ongoing.

Continue reading Spotted with Xi Jinping and President Lee Jaemyung ... Park Jinyoung suddenly resigns from JYP → Dreaming of something even bigger

The truth behind Mingyu's 'flirting' controversy at a club

SOURCE: 클럽 뜬 세븐틴 민규 ‘플러팅’ 논란의 실체

A video of Mingyu visiting a local club right after SEVENTEEN's Asia tour has spread online and put him under scrutiny. Some netizens maliciously edited the footage and raising 'flirting allegations,' leading to a ridiculous situation.

On the 8th, after finishing a concert at the Singapore National Stadium, Mingyu was spotted at a club in Tanjong Pagar.

Some netizens initially misidentified the location as a club in Hong Kong, but it was later revealed that Mingyu, along with Vernon and The8, had simply gone there to relax after finishing their schedule in Singapore.

The video currently spreading on social media shows Mingyu enjoying himself dancing at the club. He appeared to be casually enjoying the music and dancing with acquaintances and fellow members. The video also captures a moment where he talks to someone who appears to be a female DJ.

However, some netizens maliciously edited the clips of Migyu dancing at the club, claiming that he intentionally approached a woman and 'flirted' inappropriately. The controversy seems to have died down after SEVENTEEN's fans released other videos showing that Mingyu was simply enjoying the music at the club without any other intentions.

Ahead of SEVENTEEN's concert in Singapore, Pledis Entertainment held a 'SEVENTEEN-themed Party' with a famous DJ at a well-known local club on the 6th, creating an open atmosphere for the tour.

COMMENTS:

-What's the problem.....?

-Pledis-ya, just sue them already.

-Have fun. Go and keep having fun even if you get criticized for it.

-It's strange how there are three members there, but only one is getting hate.

-I mean... Why is going to a club something to get criticized for?

-Even if he just went to hang out, what's the issue?

-Y'all... He's almost 30 now...

-Idol fans these days seem to be really chill.

-He didn't do anything bad, so what's the problem?

-Can y'all even see anything in that video...? It's so red, I can barely see anything.

-Stop f*cking harassing Mingyu..ㅜㅜ....

-I guess he just stood out the most because he's tallㅋㅋ

-Where exactly is the controversy supposed to be here?

-He's 30. Let him live his f*cking live. Even my mom doesn't monitor me this strictly.

-What the hell... This article is so malicious.

Continue reading The truth behind Mingyu's 'flirting' controversy at a club

Heeseung, ENHYPEN, BELIFT Lab show a new model of 'win-win'

SOURCE: 희승·엔하이픈·빌리프랩 ‘초유의 상생’ 새 모범 보였다[종합]

Top-tier group ENHYPEN and their agency BELIFT Lab are expected to draw attention by introducing an activity system that is never seen before in the history of Korean idols.

Heseung will transition into a solo artist through his current agency, BELIFT Lab. As a result, ENHYPEN will reorganize from a 7-member group to a 6-member group. This is essentially the first case where a top group chose 'coexistence' instead of 'conflict' or 'feud.'

The 'win-win declaration' by Heeseung, ENHYPEN, and BELIFT Lab, which completely breaks the norms in the industry and fandom, was officially announced on the global fan platform Weverse on the afternoon of the 10th.

Regarding this 'mutually agreed independence' that has never seen in the industry before, BELIFT Lab stated, "We had deep discussions with the members about the direction ENHYPEN should move toward in the future. During this process, we confirmed that Heeseung has a very clear musical vision he wishes to pursue, and we have decided to respect his choice."

The explanation that "Heseung did not want to put his own ambitions first within the team, and the other members were also very considerate of him" has created fresh reactions within the K-pop industry. An insider commented, "It means the entire group acknowledged Heeseung's personal musical vision, and the agency supported that choice 'systematically.' This is a 'symbolic moment' showing that K-pop has reached a more mature stage."

It is extremely rare for an artist to 'become independent and go solo' while still remaining in the same agency. In the past, member changes in groups are usually caused by the departure of that artist from the agency or the end of their contracts.

The method BELIFT Lab chose allows both ENHYPEN and Heeseung to operate simultaneously under the same label. This is expected to become an example for idol management systems in the future. The agency also expressed their hope that 'this decision will be a chance for a new leap forward for both ENHYPEN and Heeseung."

On the same day, Heeseung also shared his own statement and reached out to communicate with fans.

He said, "Thanks to the members whom I've shared countless emotions with and to ENGENE (the fandom), I was able to take steps toward a dream that once seemed unreachable," expressing sincere gratitude and promised to reunite with fans on stage soon through his solo album.

COMMENTS: 

-The main vocal suddenly leaves the group and the fan sign gets canceled out of the blue... How is this a good example? Aren't the fans still in shock right now??

-I mean... What the f*ck is happening, Heeseung-ah?

-He could've just debuted solo while still being in the group...

-HYBE's media play is kind of scary.

-I feel bad for the 6 ENHYPEN members. I wonder what they're thinking after reading this article.

-'K-pop has reached a more mature stage'ㅋ HYBE's media play is honestly so disgusting.

-Are you sure they're not tying him down so he doesn't leave for another agency?

-The only thing I can think about is.. 'What the hell are they even talking about...'

-Don't joke around. Are the fans a joke to you?

-Whose idea was this? Oh my goodness... It's like they're mocking the fans at this point. It's like they're just fanning the flames..

-Can't they just stay quiet? Why do they even have to do media play for something like this?

-I think BELIFT Lab is a dumbass. Look at all these media plays.

-Is HYBE a dumbass or what?

-You dumbasses... Do you think media play solves everything, BELIFT?

-He's the main vocal... It's like Jungkook leaving BTS...

Continue reading Heeseung, ENHYPEN, BELIFT Lab show a new model of 'win-win'

'34 y.o.' Soyou declares she's 'giving up on marriage' ..."I planned to freeze my eggs, but now I don't even want to have kids"

SOURCE: '34세' 소유, '결혼 포기' 선언했다…"냉동난자도 계획, 아이 낳기 싫어져" (알딸참)

Soyou opened up about her thoughts on marriage.

On the 10th, a video titled, 'Started giving advice to Soyou... but got counter-attacked' was posted on the Youtube channel 'Alddal Cham.'

In the video, Heo Kyungwan responded to Soyou's comment about giving up on marriage by saying, "As an Oppa, I'm against that."

He said, "The happiest time in my life was when I was 35. I felt everything was perfect. I didn't feel behind because of my age and I was so full of energy. Age doesn't matter for women. Honestly, you can do more bench press more than I can."

In response, Soyou replied, "It's not like I decided to not get married. My life goal was never to be a top star singer or the Beyoncé of South Korea. My dream was to become a good wife and mother." She continued, "Since I was young, I dreamed of a happy family. I wanted to have the smell of soybean paste stew ready when the family came home, having the kids calling 'Mom' as we ate, and just do housework and raise kids. But during COVID, I saw little kids saying things like 'We don't have masks,' and that made me realize I didn't want to bring children into a world like this."

She added, "I originally wanted to have kids early, so I planned to get my body in the best shape and freeze my eggs by the time I turned 30. But I later found out that it doesn't just end there, you have to give yourself shots in the stomach every day. I have a severe phobia of needles, so if I had to inject myself every day, I just couldn't do it."

Soyou stated, "If I'm not going to have kids, then why get married? Once I stopped wanting kids, the thought of marriage disappeared too." Sitting next to her, Heo Kyunghwan joked, "I've seen lots of people, both men an women, say things like that, but then they get married out of the blue."

Soyou clarified, "It's not that I don't want to get married. I just don't really think about it. But I do want to date."

Continue reading '34 y.o.' Soyou declares she's 'giving up on marriage' ..."I planned to freeze my eggs, but now I don't even want to have kids"