June K-Pop Led By Girl Groups and Audition Stars

The month of June in K-pop has been largely dominated by girl groups and audition stars.

As of June 27, on the largest K-pop music chart Melon, audition stars Roy Kim, Kim Ye-rim, Ulala Session and Huh Gak are ranked at 4,5,6 and 9. Sistar is at 1, 8 and 14 while Girl's Day is at 12, After School 15, 4minute 16 and Dal Shabet 22.

Roy Kim's "Love Love Love" is in contention with Sistar at the number one spot despite not having had a single TV appearance since the release of the song on June 25. Ulala Session's song that was released on June 26, the first since the death of team leader Im Yoon Taek, made an immediate impact. "I'll Be There" alludes to the deceased member in its lyrics. Kim Ye-rim's "All Right" features her unique vocals and has made a splash in the rankings.

Sistar's "Give It To Me" has been steady at the number one spot since the release of their second album on June 11.

The current domination of K-pop by girl groups and audition stars looks to continue through July. John Park and Kang Seung Yoon are set to come back in July, as well as A-Pink, 4minute and Jewelry.

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'More 2NE1-Big-Bang on TV?' YG Artists to Go On More Shows

For 4 years, YG Entertainment maintained a once-a-week TV appearance policy for all artists under contract. Now, they are going to move away from it and increase the frequency of their TV appearances, including both music shows and variety shows.

On June 28, YG CEO Yang Hyun Suk announced that "Starting from 2NE1 in July, we will increase TV appearances."

"The previous once-a-week policy was devised to enable our artists to work internationally and domestically at the same time. For expanding K-pop and its overseas market, it was definitely a move in the right direction. But, unfortunately, many fans in Korea were not able to see their favorite artists as often as they would have liked. That is one thing I am sorry for toward the fans, the constant international tours by Big Bang and 2NE1," said Yang.

He added, "We are going to increase the number of appearances on music shows, starting from 2NE1's comeback song 'Falling in Love' in July. We will also have serious discussions about giving a green light on variety shows."

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BTOB and their Sasaengs

BtoB and the Big Bad Sasaengs

If you’re confused about the controversy involving BtoB last week, you aren’t the only one. Although then situation had been evolving for some time in Korea, its introduction to the international fans was somewhat sudden. Out of the blue apologetic posts from BtoB members started appearing on their fancafe and, unfortunately, the posts were vague enough that they only added to the confusion in the international fan community. What finally ended up being explained through translation and deduction was an issue that had been developing between the BtoB and their fans for a while.

The first hint of trouble was the post by the Cube Entertainment staff asking fans to reign in their behavior while patronizing the Cube Café. This is a reasonable request, just because it is a public space doesn’t mean patron’s behavior should be unruly. They also asked for fans to send gifts for BtoB to the staff instead of trying to gift them at the café in person, also perfectly reasonable. Unfortunately, what this message seems to have been alluding to was an increase in the saesang-like behavior of some of BtoB’s fans.

There were other clues that would have led fans in the Korean community to suspect that something was amiss but the hints involved the inner workings of the fan-run fancafes and the politics of music show attendance, so there wasn’t a clear way for the issues to come to light in the larger fan community. Two big events that culminated in Cube and BtoB finally taking action were the creation of a fake Twitterunder Changsub’s name and the sudden closing of multiple BtoB fancafes.

The Twitter was confirmed to be fake quickly because the account was harassing other fans and BtoB members on the website, and posting personal information about the boys that shouldn’t be public. This was clearly the work of a saesang fan with inside information, which is nothing new, but it was the harassment of fellow Melodies (BtoB’s fans) that became the real issue.

It was eventually revealed that most of the BtoB fancafes that had closed down had done so because of bullying and pressure from other large fancafes supposedly run by a specific group of sasaeng fans. In other words, it was an in-fandom fighting situation. This isn’t anything new either – I’m sure you can think of several fandoms famous for their internal conflicts — but it was BtoB’s involvement with these particular fans that came into question because of it.

In sum, the charge being brought against BtoB is that they were too friendly to sasaeng fans — earning them the title “sasaeng-dol” – and that their behavior has led to the harm of their own fans. This relationship was brought up because it just so happens that many of the individuals being accused of harassment and bullying of other Melodies are “fans” that are well known by BtoB, to the point of being on a first name basis. The same group of people is in the front row of all the music shows and is regularly present at BtoB’s events.

This is where the line gets blurry and the real issue, in my opinion, appears. How much intimacy with your fans is too much? This is essentially the question BtoB has had to ask themselves since this issue blew up. If a fan happens to get lucky and meets BtoB multiple times at fan signings and special events it would only be natural that they may be remembered by the idols. Being a regular attendant of music shows is also understandable, there isn’t anything about watching your favorite group perform – even if it is on a regular basis — that makes you a sasaeng.

However, the line between dedicated fan and sasaeng is crossed when a person puts their personal desires above the well-being of other people and knowingly begins to cause harm. BtoB is facing blame because they didn’t seem to realize that they were interacting with sasaengs. Perhaps it is because the naiveté of their rookie status, but they claim that they were just being nice to people they saw as dedicated fans, and there isn’t anything inherently wrong with that.

Although sasaengs and idols conduct will always be an issue, more important should be the focus on fan relationships with each other. As BtoB ended stating in their posts on their official fancafe, the focus of this situation should be the harm caused by one fan to another, not whether or not sasaengs were involved. If the members feel that way, why did the focus end up on the group and their relationship with fans instead of on fans relationships within a fan group?

Cube’s decision to make all of the members delete their Twitters – the ones that had them anyway – certainly implied that they don’t trust the members of BtoB to control their interactions with their fans appropriately. There is a feeling among the international fandom, at least, that Cube is placing too much blame on BtoB when the company and managers should have had better control over the situation themselves.

Another aspect is that these issues were largely brought to light by fans being affected by the bullying and likewise they contacted BtoB directly through their fancafe to voice their concerns. Many of the fan’s messages blamed BtoB for what was happening, hence the “sasaeng-dol” term appearing. Honestly, to many fans it probably looked like BtoB really was to blame because of how much privilege and information the sasaeng fans had managed to gain. Since no one had all of the information they needed to assess the situation fairly BtoB ended up taking a lot of blame for harm they never intended to have a hand in causing.

This entire situation could have been solved in a very similar manner without involving so much blame in the first place. Fans could have just as easily let BtoB know about the inner-fandom conflicts without saying “this is your fault for being nicer to some fans than others.” BtoB, if they truly mean what they said, would have acted just as quickly and efficiently to protect their fans from harm without the groups own reputation being on the line. This is a good lesson in how much responsibility fans place on idols. As Heechul of Super Junior has said, it isn’t his place to be responsible for his fans lives, so don’t blame him when something goes wrong.

BtoB has handled this situation as well as they possibly could have and it is all blowing over quickly. Within a week the worst of the situation seems to be over as BtoB has firmly stated that they will no longer acknowledge the group of supposed sasaengs that caused all the trouble in the first place and that any staff member caught interacting with these “fans” or in any other way aiding some fans more than others will be fired.

This should be a wake-up call for all K-pop fans. Attacking other people that share a common interest with you makes absolutely no sense. By putting their selfish desires to be the closest people to BtoB before their human decency a group of individuals that were probably originally fans just like you and me has managed to hurt multiple people, including the group they claimed to love. BtoB did nothing wrong by being friendly and it is a shame that they will have to distance themselves from their fans now because of their company’s reaction to this situation.

What did you think of this situation, readers? Where do you think the blame lies?

(Cube Entertainment)

ohkpop

MBLAQ Lee Joon Finally Clears Up Dating Rumors With HyunA

Fans of MBLAQ and 4Minute probably remember the dating rumors that sprung up around the time of HyunA's solo release "Bubble Pop."

At that time, it was reported that a flight attendant had witnessed the idol singer getting a little too friendly on an airplane with her music video co-star Lee Joon following the filming.

Almost immediately rumors began to spread that the two were dating.

Now, two years later, Lee Joon has finally cleared things up from the misunderstanding.

On June 25 the MBLAQ singer appeared on Hwashin: Controller of the Heart, a variety talk show on SBS, where he was asked to explain the airplane situation to the viewers.

The emcees mentioned that the rumors started when word spread that Lee Joon and HyunA were engaging in 'skinship' (Korean expression for a public display of affection or any other intimate touching between two people) on an airplane.

At the time, J.Tune Entertainment, MBLAQ and Lee Joon's agency explained the situation by saying the two entertainers were in the middle of the music video shoot.

However, as it was pointed out on Hwashin, no airplane seen ever appeared in the "Bubble Pop" music video.

Lee Joon, in a cool and calm manner, explained, "HyunA and I did sit next to each other. We're friends so it's be weird to sit apart anyway."

He also said that the misunderstanding began when the two posed for an in-flight picture together.

"We were also taking a selca (self-camera, or self-portrait) when I think a flight attendant misunderstood it as skinship," he said.

Lee Joon has a reputation in the music industry for being an honest idol who is trustworthy and polite, so his explanation, albeit two years late, is believable and has gained the attention of many fans.

Netizens have, per usual, taken to the message boards to share their opinions. This time there was nothing but praise for the honesty and scandal-free private life of the young singer.

"I can trust Lee Joon 100%," read one comment, and others expressed the same sentiment. "Truth Joon can't lie."

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Weekly Roundup – June Week 4

All the important Korean Entertainment news from this week in one place: This is your Weekly Roundup! 

-Only a few weeks after her happy wedding, Baek Ji Young suffered from amiscarriage. Soompi and her fans all over the world sent their condolences for this deeply saddening news.

-Se7en and Sangchu are currently being investigated for visiting an adult massage parlor while serving their military duty. Sangchu has claimed responsibility, but there were rumors that Se7en was kicked out of his own fan cafe. This has, obviously, stirred everyone up in a frenzy, including actor Choi Philip who went on a rant on Twitter. Guess this isn’t the “happy ending” they were wanting. 

-Our favorite agency, Core Contents Media, decided once again to not do what the other agencies were doing and admitted that Soyeon got a bit done on her face. Just a wee bit.

-Girl’s Day‘s agency had to explain that in the “Female President” music video,Yura is not naked, but thanks for noticing that we tried really hard to make it look as if she’s pretty much naked.

-Roy Kim and Park Soo Jin may or may not be dating. Regardless, with the news older women rejoiced that Roy Kim would even consider someone eight years older. Huzzah!

-Han Go Eun may or may not be dating a military physician. What’s with the denials and secrecy? Be open, everyone else is.

-Figure Skater Yuna Kim taught Ryan Seacrest how to ice skate. If you’re going to learn, you might as well learn from the best. 

-The beautiful Han Hyo Joo showed that she has a beautiful heart as well by donating about $30,000 to a non-profit organization

-K-Pop’s creep, the CEO of World Entertainment, was sentenced to six years in prison for sexually assaulting minors. Let’s hope we never hear from this guy again.

Next…An idol group brings in politics! Yeah right…

soompi

Taecyeon and So Yi Hyun Look Hot in Police Uniforms for “Who Are You” Stills

Ok Taecyeon (of 2PM) and So Yi Hyun have sported police uniforms in newly released stills for the upcoming tvN drama, “Who Are You.”

Both Taecyeon and So Yi Hyun look strong and charismatic in their uniforms. So Yi Hyun pulls off the policewoman look as she glows in confidence and beauty. Taecyeon’s muscular body and handsome looks also shine more in the uniform. Both stars revealed that it is their first time wearing uniforms while acting.

“Who Are You” is a supernatural melodrama about Si On (played by So Yi Hyun), a girl who awoke from a six-year coma and has the ability to see ghosts and Gun Woo (played by Ok Taecyeon), who only believes in practical and tangible things that can be seen and touched. Both Si On and Gun Woo only have one thing in common–being a policeman. As they clash and argue about many things while trying to work together as a team, they grow to understand each other and later on, fall in love.

“Who Are You” will air its pilot on July 29 after “Dating Agency: Cyrano” comes to an end.

soompi

Number 1 EXO 'Teamwork Is Our Biggest Strength'

Pretty wolves are taking K-pop by a surprise.

EXO is a 2nd year 12-membered idol group that has pretty looks and powerful performances. With a Korean team and a Chinese team, EXO has two spin-off groups EXO-K and EXO-M with 6 members each. Coming back with "Wolf" after a 14-month hiatus, EXO took the number one spot on all three music shows on major networks. It was their first number one trophy since debut.

"We really did not see it coming. We were always jealous of other artists who are nominated for the number one spot. We had to fight to keep the tears in because we had a performance scheduled immediately after the show," said Exo.

EXO has seen great results overseas as well. Their new album placed number one on Billboard World Album Chart and Hong Kong HMV Weekly Chart.

There is also a growing concern over their rapid success. EXO members, however, understand the criticism and accept it as it is.

"We are great beneficiaries of SM Entertainment and all the popular artists who have gone before us. We will continue to stay humble," said Baekhyun and Sooho.

EXO says that teamwork comes before popularity. "We are trying to learn from all our senior artists who have been able to maintain their teamwork for several years through the thick and thin."

"If you like even just one flavor of the twelve we have to offer, then we consider it a success. Until we become an idol group that represents Asia, continue to root for us!"

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