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DECEMBER 23 - JANUARY 5
Welcome users and welcome 2020! After our year round up, we are back with your favorite part of the end of the week. Grab a seat with a cup of tea and read about news and releases from the past two weeks!
DECEMBER 30 - JANUARY 5
BY ROSEYCHU
MONDAY:
#1- We are able to start the week with good news from the world of Produce, which saw a lot of scandals in 2019. CJ ENM officials held a press conference that gave a lot of insight to the future. First off, the CEO apologized for the vote manipulations and said that the company will compensate the trainees as well as put all profits of MNET's survival shows towards a fund to protect the K-Pop industry. It was also announced that both X1 and IZ*ONE are able to start their activities once again! Of course, what exactly this means is up in the air but we hope all of this is a step in the right direction.
#2- Dating news was a hot topic for the week as firstly, TVXQ's Changmin was reported to be dating a non-celebrity who is younger than him. SM Entertainment confirmed the news. Congrats to him!
#3- Great news for Younha and BTS fans as the former will be releasing a new song titled "Winter Flower" on January 6th which features RM! Are you looking forward to this collaboration?
#4- Finally, in the world of Japanese entertainment, long time leader of AAA, Naoya Urata, has withdrawn from the group following his scandal in April. However, he plans to continue promotions on his own. How do you feel about this?
TUESDAY:
#1- The year ended on a 'hi'gh note as soloist Lee Hi had left YG Entertainment following her contract expiration. Many of her fans felt that she hadn't had enough promotions and were happy about this news, but what about you?
#2- Kang Daniel finished off the year right with a beautiful donation to a group that supports hearing-impaired children. We love to see it!
#3- GOT7 had an amazing year and it looks like 2020 will be even better for them! Jinyoung has officially been cast in the movie Yaksa! Are you looking forward to more acting from this talented man?
#4- Apink fans, get your wallets ready. On February 1st and 2nd, their 6th concert "Welcome to PINK WORLD" will be held at the Olympic Hall! We only wish we could attend!
#5- Looks like Japanese groups are continuing to disband as this time, Fullfull Pocket has announced the end of the group. We wish them all the best.
WEDNESDAY:
#1- The first day of 2020 provided K-Pop fans with lots of goodies in the social media world! First, members of DAY6 opened Instagram accounts, as well as former FIESTAR's Yezi and WayV's Kun! YouTube isn't lacking either as L of Infinite and AKB48's Minegishi Minami started their own channels! We are really looking forward to all the good content we will get to see.
#2- Due to their impending military enlistments, Cross Gene's Sangmin and Yongseok have decided to leave Amuse. We wish them all the luck in the world.
#3- 2019 for N.Flying was a standout year for them, and they're looking to continue flying high, adding former HONEYST's bassist Seo Dongsung to the group.
#4- We hate to see news like this but unfortunately, TWICE's Nayeon experienced a scary moment where her stalker followed her onto her flight. While security was able to stop him, the members showed a lot of anxiety from the incident. The flight information was apparently illegally sold. We hope Nayeon and the members are alright and that the stalker is brought to justice.
#5- iKONics, did you hear the news? That's right! During iKon's live in Kobe, Japan, the members revealed that they are preparing to release new songs! We really can't wait!
#6- More dating news was reported but they were swiftly denied by agencies. Victon/X1's Han Seungwoo and Apink's Jung Eunji were said to be dating after pictures of them supposedly on a date were released. Seungwoo's agency said that they have nothing more than a close senior/junior relationship.
#7- We're happy to see the new year begin with more donations! Comedienne Park Narae has given money to the Seoul Severance Children's Hospital which supports young patients. Our hearts are warm with the news.
THURSDAY:
#1- Dating news continues as one of the biggest shockers of the year was confirmed on both sides. Super Junior's Heechul and TWICE's Momo are officially dating! We wish them all the best!
#2- The year of the mouse is shaping up to be a good one as NMB48 has promoted 17 students to official members! The group is also opening recruitments for the 7th generation. Congratulations to these girls and good luck to those who apply!
#3- The "Empress of J-Pop" has become a mother! Ayumi Hamasaki gave birth to a son, as announced by her official fanclub. Congratulations to her!
#4- It looks like BIGBANG's Daesung will not be charged after an investigation on the ongoings in his building while 56 others will be.
#4- We're happy to see some military discharges in 2020 as on January 2nd, 2PM's Jun.K was released while Infinite's Sunggyu will be out on the 8th of this month. The latter will also be on Knowing Bros!
#5- This day was blessed with comeback and debut reports. First, SM confirmed SHINee's Taemin's comeback but said the schedule was not completely planned yet. SM also announced the debut of a new girl group for this year! SM groups are not backing down as Super Junior will release a repackage of their album "Time Slip" in late January. Finally, if you believe YG, BLACKPINK is preparing to make a comeback soon. We are shaking with anticipation for all of these releases!
#6- BIGBANG's Taeyang is looking to help those in need as well as he will hold a donation flea market on January 18th to benefit the Love Snail organization. Items from other YG artists will be on sale!
FRIDAY:
#1- Baek Yerin's year is going to be great! Her first solo concert "Turn On That Blue Vinyl" is reported to occur on February 8th and 9th! You go girl!
#2- Following last year's appearance by BLACKPINK, Coachella is going to be great with performances by Epik High and BIGBANG! The announcement sparked rumors about TOP, G-Dragon, Taeyang, and Daesung's contracts, but YG couldn't comment in it. Do you think they will re-sign?
#3- It was recently reported that Song Joongki had left Blossom Entertainment and it looks like he has settled in with a new agency, HISTORY D&C! In more agency related news, Heo Chanmi has signed with FirstOne Entertainment and will open a YouTube channel soon. Speaking of social media, former f(x) member Luna has opened an official Twitter account! We will be paying attention to all in the upcoming year!
#4- Three more members have been added to StarFioreNerd! The group now has seven members. Let's cheer them on!
#5- IU was a big force in singing and acting in 2019, will 2020 be the same? She was confirmed to join Park Seo Joon in Lee Byung Heon's movie 'Dream'!
#6- Red Velvet is always stunning wherever they go, and now you can be just as stunning. Yeri will release her own lipstick called 'Colette'! Will you be grabbing one?
#7- Rapper Yezi is coming back! Apparently, she will make her comeback later this month. We want to hear it as soon as possible!
SATURDAY:
#1- We started the day with some bad news. First off, Monsta X's Joohoney did not participate in a few events due to his condition while NCT 127's Haechan will not take part in the group's Fukuoka arena tour due to health issues.
#2- Wang Jyunhao and Hidaka Mahiro have left OUI Entertainment. They joined the company in the later half of last year.
#3- HOT DOG CAT's Kaworu Yuzuriha has been dismissed from her group following her crowdfunding to start a business in the cosmetic surgery industry. She says she wants to help people just like how the surgery has helped her.
SUNDAY:
#1- Saturday night proved to be controversial as a TV program exposing sajaegi in the K-Pop industry aired. NU'EST W's company, Pledis, denied rumors of chart manipulation while Major 9 Entertainment claims that their 6-hour interview was cut maliciously. We are hoping these things can get cleared up.
#2- There seems to be something going around as Stray Kids' Seungmin will sit out his next few scheduled events as he has been diagnosed with Influenza A. Get well soon!
DECEMBER 23 - JANUARY 5
BY MIATHEIKONIC
#1- RED VELVET - PSYCHO
Red Velvet released their final "The ReVe Festival" album with its lead track "Psycho". As the song name tells, it is crazy, singing about couples that fight so much but are made for each other. The upbeat tempo has us hooked to this song as much as the girls' astonishing visuals in the gothic styled MV. Don't miss out on this release and give it a listen!
#2- DONGKIZ - ALL I NEED IS YOU
Rising boy group, Dongkiz, marked the start of 2020 with happy news of Kyoungyoon's return to the group after he took a hiatus due to health issues. "All I Need Is You" was the first song he participated in after his hiatus. It is a funky single with an ear-worm chorus. The music video is retro as the group divulges who the person they need the most is. If you are as interested as we were to find out, check this song out!
#3- MOMOLAND - THUMBS UP
The Momoland girls ended their 2019 with "Thumbs Up". The song exudes bright and positive energy and is exactly what we need to finish the year and leave all bad things behind. Significantly different than their earlier releases, it showcases their funky, EDM side with powerful choreography and a refreshing chorus! Did you already listen to it and give it a thumbs up? You know what to do if you haven't already!
#4- MORNING MUSUME '20 - LOVEPEDIA & RELATIONSHIPS. NO WAY WAY
After "Kokoro & Karada", Morning Musume '20 continued releasing singles from their 68th single album. Last week, we had a chance to hear "LOVEpedia" and "Relationships. No Way Way". It appalled us how different the songs are from one another despite both being upbeat dance tracks with addictive choruses. The songs gave different feelings, "LOVEpedia" is a cute song about the beauty of love while "Relationships. No Way Way" is a powerful song about growing stronger after a breakup. Give a listen to both, you won't get them out of your head afterwards!
#5- SOHN YERIM - PROBLEM
Sohn Yerim is back with another great, soulful single, "Problem". This time, instead of the melancholic pianos we usually hear in her releases, we got a taste of a dramatic single. Drumbeats marked parts where her voice goes higher. To make sure the whole release wasn't done in a dramatic tone, the simplistic music video did a good job of balancing the outcome. Welcome Yerim's change of sound warmly and give it a listen!
#6- TST - COUNTDOWN
TST, JSL Entertainment's promising boy group, made their official comeback with the 4th single album "Countdown" almost a year since their last release. The title track of the same name is an upbeat, melodic, EDM track featuring powerful raps mixed with the group's refreshing vocals. The music video showcases the group's strong suit — their choreography — in various colorful scenarios where the music video was set. Give this song a listen, it will surely make you dance!
#7- LOL - BLAAAW
Avex Trax's co-ed group, lol, released their rock-themed single just before Christmas Day. "Blaaaw" shows the members performing an enticing choreography while capturing us with their voices and bright smiles from the stage. This energetic single is sure to make you smile and lift your mood, so check it out!
DECEMBER 23 - JANUARY 5
BY MELTROSZ
#1- TWICE is the best-selling Korean artist on Oricon for 2019, and the fourth-best overall! We look forward to a better year for them in 2020!
They were also able to pass 8 million total album sales in Korea and Japan, making them the first Korean girl group to do so.
Their "Feel Special" album also topped Hanteo's year-end chart for girl group album sales!
#2- K-Pop artists dominated this year's Oricon album year-end chart with BTS's "Map of the Soul: Persona" and TWICE's "#TWICE2" entering the top 10!
#3- A few hours after their song "Psycho" dropped, Red Velvet topped all real-time charts, achieving a real-time all-kill! A couple of days later, they also topped daily charts, achieving a certified all-kill!
The girl group also surpassed Destiny's Child and The Pussycat Dolls as the only girl group to reach #1 on the U.S. iTunes Album Chart three times in a year!
They are also the girl group with the most albums to top the Worldwide iTunes Album Chart in history with four albums!
In local news, "Psycho" reached 100,000 hearts on MelOn in only 7 days, making it the fastest girl group song to reach the milestone! See the other songs' record here.
#4 - Gaon posted their 2019 year-end album sales review! This year had 24 million more sales compared to last year, showing an 8% increase. BTS also had the highest number of album sales with over 6 million copies sold. Seventeen and TWICE had 1.4 million and 1.1 million copies sold, respectively.
#5- Jackson Wang's first album, "Mirrors", won a total of three awards from NetEase Cloud Music 2019 Awards: Popular Album of the Year (Chinese language), Popular Album of the Year (Pop music), and Popular Collab Song!
#6- SuperM's "Jopping" reached 50 million views only three months after its release!
#7- Golden Child won their first-ever music show trophy 851 days after their debut with "Wannabe"!
#8- BLACKPINK's 2019 world tour "BLACKPINK In Your Area" rakes in 44.2 billion won in revenue and 226,292 attendees, being listed as the most successful world tour for K-Pop girl groups in history!
BLACKPINK's "Kill This Love" becomes the group's fourth music video to hit 700 million views on YouTube in only 275 days!
#9- Billboard listed their "Top 25 Best K-Pop Songs of 2019" with EXO's "Obsession" topping the list!
#10- BTS won their thirty-eighth daesang with the digital daesang at the 34th Golden Disc Awards while ITZY won the "Best New Artist Digital Bonsang"!
#11- In entertainment news, Suzy won the "Top Excellence Award" for her role in the hit TV series "Vagabond" at the 2019 SBS Drama Awards!
#12- Wang Yibo's new single, "无感", sold more than 10 million copies in under 11 hours, setting a new record for the distribution platform, "NetEase"!
DECEMBER 23 - JANUARY 5
BY ROSEYCHU & GALAXY
Admins have been asking users if they have experienced any errors or malware issues recently. They also apologize for the errors that have been occurring.
Here are all the awards that were added to the system these past two weeks! You can request them here (don't forget to follow the instructions in the OP)!
Congrats to Team Redsmiths (Dr. Satan, sm maid, Kimbo, Nara, Bchip) who were able to overcome the challenges in Akidoki's game, The Winter Battle.
Also led by Akidoki, we saw a new game in Christmas Cart, where users had to choose gifts based on each of the given person's personality. rosie dominated the game and took home the gold.
Finally, Jack's Workshop finished with winners softest_bun, lira, and Bchip! We thank Riri for such a great idea.
The Guardians of Winter event led by Riri and sooz was a major success! We thank each and every user who participated in it! Look out for all of our events for 2020!
We thank the Graphics team for their hard work during the winter event! We wouldn't be here without all of you!
Moderators picked their User of the Month for January 2020! This month, it was a well-deserved win for Kimbo! Congrats once again!
The OP rules were edited to be more clear and accurate. Please review them here.
Shop+ fans, get your charitable fingers ready! All Shop+ items are finally giftable! Send a CD or lightstick to a friend today!
Did you know that the Press Team launched a blog on January 1st? If you haven't seen it yet, it's time for you to click on this link!
While we are working on fixing small issues, we will continue double-posting articles on both the forum AND the blog
(minus this article, which will be posted here only).
However, we will stop posting on the forum very soon, so please start checking out the blog and leaving comments there from now on!
We also announced the forum's new Instagram page at the beginning of the week! Click on this link and follow us now!
If you need to catch up on the articles that the Press Team posted in the past two weeks, here is a recap for you:
- Movie Review: "My Friend Bernard (Mug Travel)", by Nara
- Song Review: Jeong Seung Hwan - "My Christmas Wish", by Nara
- Anime Review: "The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya", by meltrosz
- Movie Review: "Tokyo Godfathers", by BlueNose
- Book Review: David Logan - "Lost Christmas", by Akidoki
- Movie Review: "Christmas in August", by Nara
- "In Case You Missed It - 2019 round-up", by Galaxy, miatheikonic and Nara
- Donghua Review: "Mo Dao Zu Shi: Qian Chen Pian" by Polaris_Tae
Chinese lyrics:
Your Woman Sleep with Others - 曾經的女人啊 你在哪裡 你在哪裡 (Where Is My Ex?) by Vanilla Cupcake
Japanese lyrics:
Happiness - Ain't No Limit by Lurkette
Korean lyrics:
EXID - 아끼지마 (The Vibe) by yooamygirls
Red Velvet - In & Out by Vivi
Red Velvet - Remember Forever by Vivi
WJSN - 야광별 (LIGHTS UP) by Vivi
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Hallyu+ is actively recruiting staff. If you want to contribute to the forum's growth and join our amazing team, don't hesitate and apply now!
We are searching for new members for the following teams: Moderators, Events, GFX, and SM Team (video makers for our Press Division).
And that's all folks! As always, we appreciate your stop by, and we also appreciate the comments you are soon going to drop about this week's ICYMI. See you next week!
GFX BY CAROL DANVERS
PROOFREAD BY WITHJUYEON
A BIG THANK YOU TO ROSEYCHU WHO SUPERVISED THE TEAM FOR THIS ARTICLE
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