SM Entertainment Showbiz and Celebrity Breaking News

K-pop boyband SHINee have made a comeback with their new single and album ‘Hard’.On June 26 at 6pm KST, the SM Entertainment boyband dropped their eighth studio album ‘Hard’ and a vibrant music video for its lead single of the same name.In the new visual, the members perform to the track from a trippy set modelled after the inside of a piano. In other scenes, solo shots of them glitch into one another as they dance.“Hard like a criminal, hard like the beat / Hard like ma flow (Mmm, tasty) / Yeah, strike a pose, take a bite / Who’s coming? / We go hard, oh, catch a fright?,” they chant on the chorus.Including ‘Hard’, the group’s new studio album comprises a total of 10 tracks.

Girls’ Generation‘s member YoonA has opened up about the long production process of her new K-drama series, King The Land.YoonA recently spoke to Allure Korea about King The Land, which is currently airing on South Korean network JTBC and available internationally on Netflix.During the interview, the actress revealed that filming for the series took 10 months to complete, the longest of any K-drama she has done before. “I think I’ve also forgotten what my everyday life without ‘King the Land’ is like,” she added, per Soompi.King The Land co-star Junho, of K-pop boyband 2PM, said that it was the first time he starred in a K-drama that was completely filmed in advance of its premiere.

K-pop agency SM Entertainment has launched a reporting centre for fans in order to protect its artists.On June 21, the agency took to Twitter to announce the launch of ‘KWANGYA 119’, which it describes as a “reporting center for protecting the rights and interests of SM artists”.The new website, functions as a messaging board where fans can report issues regarding artists under the label directly to SM Entertainment. Fans are able to report instances of defamation, including fake news regarding the agency’s idols, as well as copyright infringement, illegal ticket sales and “corrections and suggestions” for the company.안녕하세요.⁰SM엔터테인먼트입니다.⁰⁰SM 소속 아티스트의 권익 보호를 위한 신고 센터인 'KWANGYA 119' 사이트가 오픈 되었습니다.⁰https://t.co/nDLjraEL63⁰⁰‘KWANGYA 119’는 SMTOWN 아이디로 로그인 후 이용 가능하며, ⁰‘ARTIST 명예훼손 신고’ 외에도 ‘불법 티켓/저작권 침해 신고’와… pic.twitter.com/8FLgjLY7fF— SMTOWN (@SMTOWNGLOBAL) June 21, 2023All posts on the platform are private, though other users can see which artist each report is about, as well as the nature of the complaint.

Karina of girl group aespa has opened up about the amount of free time K-pop idols have.Karina spoke about how she spends her free time in newly released behind-the-scenes footage of the online talk show No Prepare, hosted by rapper Lee Young-ji. The K-pop idol had previously appeared on the May 19 episode of the series.In the newly released video, Young-ji brought up how Karina “finished all [levels]” of the mobile puzzle game Gardenscape, with an graphic adding that the K-pop idol has reached level 9926 of the video game.“Yes, I am the conqueror of that game,” Karina confirmed, per SBS Star. “In fact, I was ranked first in Korea.” Young-ji then asked the aespa member how she “makes time” to play games.“There’s plenty [of time]”, Karina responded.

Joy of K-pop girl group Red Velvet is set to resume her activities with the quintet after a short hiatus.Today (June 20), Joy’s agency, SM Entertainment, announced in a statement that the K-pop idol would be resuming all scheduled activities starting tomorrow (June 21) with the filming of TV Animal Farm.“Joy has been resting, and her health has improved a lot in the meantime, and after discussions with our agency and medical staff, she has decided to return to her activities,” SM Entertainment added.“We would like to thank all the fans who gave Joy lots of support and encouragement, and we will do our best to support Joy so that she can continue her activities in good health in the future.”In April, SM Entertainment announced that Joy would not be participating in any planned activities for the time being due to the “poor condition” of her health. “After consultation and examination [at a hospital, the medical staff advised that she needs treatment and rest,” the label said at the time.Joy had been unable to join Red Velvet on the vast majority of their ‘R to V’ world tour from May to early-June due to her hiatus.

Taeyong from K-pop boyband NCT has been named Loewe’s newest global ambassador.Taeyong’s appointment as the Spanish luxury fashion house’s new global ambassador was announced today (June 20) by the brand on Instagram and its official website.In a collaboration Instagram post with Taeyong, Loewe said that it was “pleased to announce the start of an exciting new journey together”. The post was accompanied by new images of Taeyong in a Loewe outfit.A post shared by LOEWE (@loewe)Speaking to Women’s Wear Daily, Loewe creative director Jonathan Anderson spoke about the ambassadorship: “We love his idiosyncratic style.

Baekhyun, Xiumin and Chen have reportedly revolved their differences with K-pop agency SM Entertainment over their contracts.Today (June 19), South Korean news outlets Star News and Kpop Herald reported that SM Entertainment and EXO’s Baekhyun, Xiumin and Chen have worked out issues over the K-pop idols’ contracts.Earlier this month, the trio had filed to terminate their contracts with the agency over alleged “mistreatment and unfair contract terms”. At the time, SM Entertainment had refuted claims made by the three EXO members, while alleging that “outside forces” have been cajoling its artists to violate the terms of their contracts.According to a statement by SM Entertainment, per Star News, the two sides have managed to reach a mutually amicable agreement over the “misunderstanding” following careful discussions.“The company and the three artists [have] promised to solidify their relationship in the future by going through a process of mutually equal discussions and corrections,” SM Entertainment said, as translated by Koreaboo.The K-pop agency also said that there was no “outside forces” involved in the contract dispute between the company and its artists, and apologised for “causing concern with our [previous ] announcement”.Meanwhile, EXO are set to make their long-awaited return in July with their new album ‘Exist’.

Song Yuqi of K-pop girl group (G)I-DLE has opened up about why she turned down SM Entertainment in order to join CUBE Entertainment.The Chinese-born singer recently made a guest appearance on the South Korean TV show Radio Star, alongside Epik High‘s Tablo, during which she shared more about her journey to becoming a K-pop idol. Yuqi spoke about how she had always been interested in K-pop and K-drama.“I’ve been a fan of today’s another guest Epik High’s Tablo for ages; from the time when he sang the soundtrack for Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo,” Yuqi said, per SBS Star.

EXO have dropped a music video for their new song titled ‘Let Me In’, the pre-release single from their upcoming album ‘Exist’.Today (June 12) at 6pm KST, the K-pop boyband unveiled a cinematic music video for their pre-release single ‘Let Me In’. The new ballad marks EXO’s first music release as a group in two years, since 2021’s ‘Don’t Fight The Feeling’.In the new visual, the boyband appear in pairs through a series of picturesque settings, slowly finding their way towards one another as a meteor strikes the Earth.

Johnny Suh, of K-pop boyband NCT, will take a break from activities after sustaining an injury.Johnny Suh’s label SM Entertainment has revealed that the singer injured his collarbone last night (June 11), after hitting a studio door during the filming of unspecific content. The K-pop idol was immediately sent to the hospital to be examined.“According to the results, his right clavicle is fractured, and he received medical advice that he should wear a brace to secure the relevant area and to minimize movement until recovery,” SM Entertainment told The Pop Herald, as translated by Soompi.“Johnny will temporarily halt all his scheduled activities and focus on treatment and recovery, and we will inform you of Johnny’s return to his scheduled activities at a later date,” the K-pop agency added.“We sincerely apologise for causing concern to fans with sudden news.

Onew of K-pop boyband SHINee is going on hiatus ahead of the group’s upcoming comeback.Onew’s label SM Entertainment announced today (June 9) via its fan community platform Kwangya Club that the K-pop idol would be going on a temporary hiatus ahead of the group’s long-awaited comeback. The statement has also since been published on Twitter by SM Town USA.In the statement, SM Entertainment said that Onew had “visited the hospital after experiencing health issues”, with doctors advising the K-pop idol that he “will be needing medical care and rest”.“After careful and extensive discussion with Onew and the group, a decision was made to have Onew focus on recovering for the time being,” SM Entertainment said, adding that the singer would be “unable to participate in the upcoming concert and album activities”.The K-pop agency also stated that SHINee’s upcoming concert and album activities will proceed with the boyband’s three other members: Key, Minho and Taemin.“We will do out best to assist Onew to meet the fans again in good health and will inform you as soon as he is recovered and able to return to the stage,” SM Entertainment added.

EXO are working on a new reality show, their label SM Entertainment has confirmed.Today (June 8), K-pop agency SM Entertainment said in a statement to South Korean news outlet Newsen that all active members of EXO are set to film a brand-new reality show together in Korea.On the same day, seven members of EXO – namely Xiumin, Suho, Baekhyun, Chen, Chanyeol, D.O. and Sehun – were spotted together at Gimpo Airport by Dispatch.

SHINee are set to release a new single, ahead of their upcoming 8th studio album ‘Hard’.At 12am KST today (June 8), SHINee announced that they would be releasing a brand-new single titled ‘Hard’ this weekend. The boyband will first release a teaser for the song’s upcoming music video on June 9.A day later on Saturday (June 10), the boyband will unveil the music video for ‘The Feeling’.

aespa.aespa’s label, K-pop agency SM Entertainment, announced today (June 7) in a statement on social media that member Giselle will not be in attendance at Governors Ball 2023. The girl group are set to perform on the festival’s second day, alongside headliner Odesza, Rina Sawayama, Lauv, Finneas and more.“We are sorry to inform aespa’s US fans that Giselle will not be able to join the group for their upcoming Governors Ball performance due to health issues,” SM Entertainment said in its statement.

NCT Dream have surprised fans with a teaser for their upcoming track ‘Broken Melodies’, out later this month.On June 3, the NCT sub-unit wrapped up the last of their ‘The Dream Show 2: In Your Dream’ encore concerts in Seoul, which was also live-streamed to fans globally. At the end of the show, the group announced that they had a special gift for fans, before unveiling the teaser for their upcoming song titled ‘Broken Melodies’.The teaser clip, which was later shared by fans in attendance on social media, features a short snippet of the song over a photo of NCT Dream.

NCT member Taeyong has made his long-awaited solo debut with his mini-album and single ‘SHALALA’.On June 5 at 6pm KST, the idol unveiled his first mini-album ‘SHALALA’ and the music video for its lead single of the same name. The flashy video game-inspired visual sees Taeyong jumping the metaverse after successfully hacking into a massive computer system.

Baekhyun, Xiumin and Chen have filed antitrust complaints against longtime label and K-pop agency SM Entertainment.The trio’s attorney Lee Jae-hak, from the Seoul-based law firm Lin, announced in a statement today (June 5) that the three EXO members have lodged a complaint with South Korea’s antitrust regulator over SM Entertainment’s “unfair” contract terms, per Yonhap News Agency.“On behalf of my clients, I submitted a complaint to the Fair Trade Commission against SM Entertainment yesterday,” Lee said in a press release. He added that they are seeking the authorities’ intervention in “the company’s act of abusing its dominant position in business”.According to Yonhap, Baekhyun, Xiumin and Chen’s complaint addresses issues such as the duration of SM Entertainment contracts, as compared to those from other K-pop agencies, and how the company establishes the starting point for exclusive contracts.The complaint by the three EXO members comes just days after Baekhyun, Xiumin and Chen notified SM Entertainment through their lawyer Lee that they would be terminating their contracts with the agency, citing “mistreatment and unfair contract terms”.SM Entertainment later refuted claims made by the trio on various issues.

Baekhyun, Xiumin and Chen of K-pop boyband EXO have stated their intentions to continue being members of the group despite their ongoing dispute with SM Entertainment over their contracts.Yesterday (June 1), Baekhyun, Xiumin and Chen notified SM Entertainment that they would be terminating their contracts with the agency through their lawyer Lee Jae-hak. In their statement, the trio cited “mistreatment and unfair contract terms”.In a new statement today (June 2), released through the trio’s legal representation, Baekhyun, Xiumin and Chen said that they are seeking to continue their activities as members of EXO despite their ongoing dispute with SM Entertainment.“Separate from settling legal issues with SM, we wholeheartedly thank the fans who have sent love and support to EXO over such a long time,” the statement reads, per Korea JoongAng Daily.

SM Entertainment has addressed the claims made by the legal representative of EXO members Baekhyun, Xiumin and Chen. Earlier today, the trio had notified the company that they would be terminating their contracts due to “mistreatment and unfair contract terms”.In their original statement, through legal representative and lawyer Lee Jae-hak, the three EXO members alleged that SM Entertainment had repeatedly failed to furnish the three K-pop idols with payment data over the past 12 to 13 years.

Baekhyun, Xiumin and Chen, members of the K-pop boyband EXO, have notified SM Entertainment that they are terminating their contracts with the agency.Today (June 1), lawyer Lee Jae-hak, the legal representative for Baekhyun, Xiumin and Chen, said that they trio are terminating their contracts with SM Entertainment due to “mistreatment and unfair contract terms”, per Korea JoongAng Daily.Lee claimed that SM Entertainment had repeatedly failed to furnish the three K-pop idols with data on how they were being paid since they made their debut in 2012. “It is the artist’s most basic right to demand clear and precise proof of how payment has been made, and SM Entertainment is required to abide by the law,” Lee said.

NCT has been named Ferragamo’s newest global ambassador.Jeno’s appointment as the Italian luxury fashion house’s new ambassador was announced today (May 29) by the brand on Instagram.In its post, Ferragamo noted that the NCT member is its “first global male ambassador”. The brand also said that the new partnership “seals the relationship between Ferragamo and Jeno, who have started building ties prior to this announcement”.“We’re driven by the same passion in our creativity and feel fortunate to have him join Ferragamo,” said the brand’s creative director Maximilian Davis in Ferragamo’s statement.Meanwhile, Jeno added that he is “very excited to create a synergy with the brand and [is] looking forward to disclosing our future projects”.

K-pop boyband SHINee have shared plans for their upcoming concerts and music releases this year.On May 28, SHINee held the second night of their 15th anniversary fan meeting in Seoul, which was also streamed worldwide via Beyond LIVE. During the event, SHINee revealed that they plan to make several comebacks in 2023.Among those comebacks are a previously announced release coming up in June, which will be accompanied by a three-night concert.

aespa have released a music video for ‘‘Til We Meet Again’, from their third mini-album ‘MY WORLD’.aespa’s new music video for ‘‘Til We Meet Again’ features archival footage of the girl group performing the song during one their ‘SYNK: Hyper Line’ concerts. The clip also includes footage of the quartet in Sydney and behind-the-scenes footage from various music video shoots.“‘Til we meet, ’til we meet again / When you and I drеam together / It’s a nevеr-ending story / Please cherish it until we meet again,” aespa sing on the sentimental pop ballad.aespa first premiered ‘‘Til We Meet Again’ during the Seoul show of their ‘SYNK: Hyper Line’ tour in February, alongside ‘Salty & Sweet’, ‘Thirsty’ and ‘I’m Unhappy’.

NCT.Yesterday (May 24), SM Entertainment announced that Shotaro and Sungchan would be leaving K-pop boyband NCT after three years with the group. The entertainment agency later revealed plans to re-debut the pair in a new boyband, alongside SMROOKIES members Eunseok and Seunghan.Shotaro and Sungchan have since addressed their departures from NCT in new handwritten letters.

NCT Dream may face charges in South Korea for allegedly pushing and injuring a fan.According to South Korean news outlet Korea JoongAng Daily, the incident occurred on February 20 at Incheon International Airport. At the time, NCT Dream were returning from an overseas event and fans had reportedly crowded their airport to see the boyband.On that day, the bodyguard, an unnamed man in his 30s, allegedly pushed a fan and caused them to “hit a wall and break her rib”.

SM Entertainment has announced its plans to launch new IP in 2023, including a two boybands and girl group.The plans were announced by SM Entertainment’s CEO Jang Cheol-hyuk in a new YouTube video. The first new group the K-pop agency plans to launch is the latest and final NCT sub-group, which is widely expected to be the Japan-based NCT Tokyo.“To this end, we plan to increase the proportion of Japanese members [in NCT],” Jang said.

NCT, SM Entertainment has announced.The K-pop agency announced on NCT’s social media accounts today (May 24) that Sungchan and Shotaro will be “closing their chapter with NCT”, and also confirmed future plans for the two idols.“We express our deepest apologies and appreciation for the fans that have been supporting and early waiting for them to debut as part of a new NCT group,” SM Entertainment said. Instead, the duo are set to re-debut in a “new boy group that will launch in 2023”.“After careful consideration and discussion with Sungchan and Shotaro in preparation of SM 3.0, we have come to a decision that would best refeclt the artists’ thoughts and each of the group’s artistic and musical direction,” the K-pop agency added.Elsewhere in its statement, SM Entertainment also touched on the upcoming Japan-based NCT sub-group, also known as NCT Tokyo.

aespa have announced the Europe, US and Latin America legs of their 2023 ‘SYNK: Hyper Line’ world tour.Today (May 19), aespa revealed that they will be going on a tour of Europe, US and Latin America later this year, as part of their 2023 ‘SYNK: Hyper Line’ world tour. The US leg will kick off in Los Angeles on August 13.Following which, the girl group will plays shows in Dallas, Miami, Chicago and more over the next month, before wrapping things up in New York City on September 5.

WayV, the Chinese sub-group of K-pop boyband NCT, have announced the European leg of their Fanmeeting Tour ‘Phantom’.WayV will head to two European cities as part of their wider 2023 Fanmeeting Tour ‘Phantom’. In less than a month, the boyband will perform at London’s Eventim Apollo on June 8, followed by the La Seine Musicale in Paris on June 11.According to WayV’s official Twitter account, only five of the group’s six members will be in attendance at the fanmeeting: namely Kun, Ten, Xiaojun, Hendery and YangYang.

NCT member Taeyong has announced his solo debut and teased it with a brand-new trailer.The idol dropped the trailer video on NCT’s official YouTube channel, where he revealed the name of his upcoming solo debut mini-album: ‘SHALALA’. Due out on June 5 at 6pm KST, the new project will mark Taeyong’s first official solo release.The clip features the NCT rapper and singer playing the keyboard and writing lyrics as he grooves along to the music before revealing the name of the record.

Super Junior, is set to go on tour this year.Super Junior D&E – comprising Donghae and Hunhyuk – announced their upcoming 2023 ‘DElight Party’ world tour today (May 15) through the duo’s newly opened social media accounts.The pair’s 2023 world tour will kick-off with a two-night concert in Seoul, South Korean on June 24 and 25. Following which, Super Junior D&E will head on the Asia leg of the tour over the next three months, including shows in Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and more.In their official announcement, Super Junior D&E also said that more dates will be revealed in the future.

NCT member Johnny Suh has revealed that K-pop boyband NCT 127 are working on new music.In a newly released video by the Associated Press, recorded on May 7, Johnny told the new agency that both NCT and its sub-group NCT 127 are in the midst of recording new albums.“We are starting to record our new album for NCT 127, also the whole NCT, so you guys can look forward to that,” he said. “I don’t know how fast it’s going to come out, but we’re working on it.”Elsewhere during the interview, Johnny also gave a shoutout to the new NCT sub-unit, NCT DOJAEJUNG: “Right now DOJAEJUNG is out so if you guys support us, hopefully you guys are supporting them.”Last week, SM Entertainment released a preview of its upcoming music releases, up until the third quarter of 2023.

SM Entertainment has released a preview of its upcoming music releases for the third quarter of 2023.Today (May 11), SM Entertainment released an earnings report for the first quarter of 2023. In it, the K-pop agency previewed plans for its line-up of upcoming releases in the next five months, up until the third quarter of the year.According to the report, NCT member Taeyong is set to release his first mini-album in the second quarter of 2023.

NCT member Doyoung as its newest ambassador.Dolce & Gabbana announced the appointment though its official Instagram account in a series of posts featuring the K-pop singer in outfits and accessories by the brand. In its announcement, Dolce & Gabbana noted that Doyoung would be the brand’s ambassador in Korea and Japan.“I’m truly excited to become part of the great Dolce & Gabbana family,” Doyoung said of the ambassadorship.

Lucas Wong has left K-pop boyband NCT and its Chinese sub-group WayV.Today (May 10), Lucas took to his personal Instagram account to announce that he is leaving both NCT and WayV. The news comes about a year and a half after the singer halted all activities following a cheating and gaslighting controversy.In his statement, Lucas said that his decision to leave NCT and WayV comes “after a long period of consideration”.

aespa have addressed the public management dispute within their agency SM Entertainment.Earlier this year, SM Entertainment found itself in a management dispute between its founder Lee So-man and SM’s top executives, including its CEO Chris Lee. At the time, HYBE had planned to acquire Lee So-man’s stake in the K-pop agency, while Chris Lee and his team described it as a ““hostile takeover”.During the saga, Chris Lee had claimed in a now-deleted video that new music from aespa had been delayed due to Lee Soo-man’s insistence on lyrics about sustainability.