"Bang Sihyuk and NewJeans Are Separate Issues" Yoon Ilsang Reiterates His Stance in Response to Malicious Comments

Composer Yoon Ilsang has commented on malicious comments from NewJeans fans. On November 13, a video titled "Why didn't you talk about it? Thoughts on Bang Sihyuk and NewJeans | Producer Yoon Ilsang EP.21 Honssul5" was uploaded to Yoon Ilsang's YouTube channel, 'Producer Yoon Ilsang iLSang TV.' In the video, the production team stated, "So far, die-hard NewJeans fans have come to the YouTube channel and left many malicious comments asking, 'Why don't you talk about Bang Sihyuk's trial?'"Yoon Ilsang said, "If Bang Sihyuk did something wrong, he will be punished. But that is a separate issue from NewJeans. You shouldn't mix the two issues. Their essence is different." He also expressed regret over NewJeans' prolonged hiatus, saying, "I still hope NewJeans will do well. Even now, it's a shame to see time passing like this. There are fresh voices and dances that can only come from that age, and those things won't come out as time goes by." He continued, "What is truly regrettable is that

Im Siwan to Release First Solo Album "The Reason" on December 5

Actor and singer Im Siwan will release his first mini album, "The Reason," on December 5, according to SMArt, the music label under SM Entertainment, on November 14. The album will feature five tracks, including the title track of the same name, and will be produced by Kangta, the executive producer of SMArt. SMArt stated, "The album will showcase a different side of Im Siwan as a solo artist, capturing his previously unrevealed musical tastes and delicate sensibilities." "The Reason" will be available for pre-order both online and offline starting November 17.

Will BTS Tour Generate $600 Million?... K-pop Growth Shifts from Albums to Concerts

The fandom structure that drives revenue in the entertainment industry follows a pyramid model of Mass-Light-Core. The core audience, which forms the most dedicated fan base, accounts for approximately 80% of total revenue. On November 14, Heungkuk Securities released a report titled "2026: Stage Reopening," analyzing that, instead of album sales, which had driven the growth of the four major K-pop companies in Korea, live performances are now leading revenue growth and contributing to the expansion of the core fan base. Album Sales Surge During the Pandemic Now in DeclineAlbum sales for the four major Korean entertainment companies surged during the pandemic, but entered a period of adjustment after peaking last year. This year, annual album sales are projected to reach about 57 million units, down 9.5% compared to the previous year. This is because the main axis of fandom consumption is shifting from albums to concerts and merchandise (MD). From a revenue perspective, this change is

Min Heejin Expresses Support for Members' Return: "NewJeans Must Remain as Five" in First Statement

Min Heejin, former CEO of ADOR, stated that she respects the decision of all NewJeans members to return to ADOR, describing it as "a choice made after deep consideration." She emphasized, "NewJeans must remain as a five-member group," and expressed her support for the members' return.On the 13th, through an official statement, Min said, "The decision the members made yesterday to return together must have come after much deliberation and discussion," adding, "I respect and support their choice." She continued, "I can start anew anywhere, but I believe that under any circumstances, NewJeans must be preserved as a group of five," and added, "I hope the members become stronger and NewJeans becomes an even better group in the future. Above all, I wish happiness for all five members." She also addressed the ongoing legal dispute between herself and HYBE. Min explained, "Multiple lawsuits have been ongoing simultaneously, making this a difficult period for all of us," and clarified, "The law

"Must Care for Parents..." Park Suhong's Elder Brother Tearfully Pleads as Prosecutors Seek 7-Year Sentence

Park Jin-hong, the elder brother of broadcaster Park Suhong, who was sentenced to prison in the first trial for embezzling tens of billions of won from his brother's agency funds and other sources, pleaded for leniency during his appeal, after prosecutors requested a seven-year prison term. On November 12, prosecutors requested this sentence during the final hearing for Park's embezzlement charges under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes, held at the 7th Criminal Division of the Seoul High Court (Presiding Judge Lee Jaegwon). For his wife, who was indicted alongside him, prosecutors sought a three-year prison term. In the first trial, prosecutors had also requested seven years for Park and three years for his wife. Prosecutors stated, "Despite repeatedly embezzling large sums of money over an extended period, Park falsely claimed he used the funds for Park Suhong and concealed how the money was spent, resulting in no restitution for the victim." They added

NewJeans' Minji, Hanni, and Danielle: "We Have Also Decided to Return"

NewJeans members Minji, Hanni, and Danielle have announced their intention to return to ADOR. On November 12, Minji, Hanni, and Danielle released an official statement, saying, "After careful discussions, we have decided to return to ADOR. One of our members is currently in Antarctica, which delayed our communication, and since ADOR has not responded yet, we had no choice but to make this announcement separately." Earlier that day, ADOR stated, "NewJeans members Haerin and Hyein have expressed their intention to continue their activities with ADOR." Minji, Hanni, and Danielle added, "We will continue to bring you sincere music and performances."

[Breaking] NewJeans Danielle, Hanni, and Minji Also Return... Full Group Comeback

HYBE Girl Group Cats Eye Reveals "1,000 Death Threats... It's Overwhelming"

HYBE revealed that Cats Eye, the girl group it nurtured in partnership with Geffen Records under Universal Music Group in the United States, has received multiple death threats online since their debut last year. Cats Eye shared these experiences in an interview with the BBC, which was released on November 11 (local time). The group expressed that the threats have also targeted their families, weighing heavily on their minds. Member Lara said, "I try to tell myself that it doesn't affect me, but when 1,000 people send death threats, it's a huge shock. Even if nothing actually happens, it's overwhelming." Cats Eye is a global girl group produced by HYBE by incorporating the K-pop training system in the United States. The members were selected through the audition program "The Debut: Dream Academy." The six members come from diverse nationalities and backgrounds: Manon (Switzerland), Sophia (Philippines), Daniela, Lara, Megan (United States), and Yoonchae (South Korea). Among them, Lara