HYBE establishes girl-group focused label 'ABD' ... Former PLEDIS executive Noh Jiwon as the CEO

SOURCE: [공식] 하이브, 걸그룹 특화 레이블 'ABD' 설립…대표이사는 플레디스 노지원

HYBE has established a new label, 'ABD,' specializing in producing girl groups.

On the 8th, HYBE announced the news, explaining that the name of the name ABD stands for the brand slogan, 'A Bold Dream.' The company said the label aims for creative ideas that are flexible and lively enough to 'imagine a D after A and B, instead of C.' The goal is to expand new areas of K-Pop based on a deep understanding of both fans and artists, while also pursuing the pure joy of music itself.

Noh Jiwon, who previously served as head of the artist planning department at PLEDIS Entertainment, has been appointed as the CEO. Having built experience in label management at PLEDIS Entertainment and MORE VISION, Noh Jiwon will oversee overall management and establish a stable foundation for the new label's growth.

ABD was established as part of HYBE's multi-label strategy, which strengthens the expertise and autonomy of each individual label. HYBE has enhanced its competitiveness in the global music market by building a system where each label operates independently based on their own unique colors and production capabilities. ABD also plans to establish itself as a specialized girl-group label by showcasing differentiated IP centered around a team and creators dedicated to produce girl groups.

The label will debut its first rookie girl group in the second half of this year. Han Sungsoo, who has produced various K-Pop artists including SEVENTEEN, After School, IZ*ONE, and TWS, will serve as the executive producer. He is set to lead the music, concept, and performance of the new girl group.

A representative from HYBE stated, "The establishment of ABD is a strategic move to secure greater IP diversity and further advance K-Pop production capabilities," and added, "Through this rookie girl group, we aim to present new musical attempts and concepts, bringing fresh changes to the global music market."

Continue reading HYBE establishes girl-group focused label 'ABD' ... Former PLEDIS executive Noh Jiwon as the CEO

Hwasa makes a surprising declaration: "I'm going to have three daughters"

SOURCE: 화사, "딸 셋 낳겠다" 깜짝 선언

Singer Hwasa shared her thoughts about her future plans for children.

In a video released on the Youtube channel 'Spicy Kim Young-ok' on the 6th, Hwasa sat down for a sincere conversation with veteran actress Kim Young-ok.

On this day, Hwasa responded to a question about her family, saying, "I'm the youngest in a family with three daughters." In response, Kim Young-ok said, "There's an old saying that daughters go out and somehow bring fortune home, while families with only sons end up losing things outside," praising families with many daughters.

Hwasa also made everyone laugh by talking about her sisters. She shared, "Both of my older sisters are married and have daughters. We used to promise each other, 'Let's all have three daughters each,' but after actually experiencing motherhood, my sisters said it's too difficult and they couldn't do it."

However, unlike her sisters, Hwasa revealed that her determination is still strong. She declared, "I will have three daughters on behalf of my sisters," and added, "I'm going to make it happen someday."

Continue reading Hwasa makes a surprising declaration: "I'm going to have three daughters"

WOODZ apologizes for 'unpaid staff recruitment' controversy ... "We confirmed it and sincerely apologize"

SOURCE: [공식] 우즈, '스태프 무급 구인' 논란 사과…"사실관계 확인, 송구스럽다"

Singer WOODZ (Cho Seungyoun) has apologized regarding the controversy over the unpaid staff recruitment for his concert in Germany.

On the 8th, a representative of EDAM Entertainment told MyDaily, "We have confirmed with the local concert organizer regarding this matter. We sincerely apologize for not thoroughly reviewing this matter in advance."

They continued, "Regarding the shortcomings in local concert operations, we will work closely with the local concert organizer to make sure necessary measures are taken," and added, "We will strengthen our communication with local partners in the future so that the entire concert operation process proceeds smoothly. We will also review matters more carefully and thoroughly."

Earlier, a recruitment notice for staff for WOODZ's concert in Germany was posted online. The notice stated that volunteers would be assigned duties like crowd control, merchandise booth management, and assisting show runners, yet stated that the role would be 'unpaid,' with only meals provided and access to the concert included.

The posting drew criticism as the position was 'unpaid' despite requiring detailed qualifications, including proficiency in Korean/German/English, K-Pop concert experience preferred, and knowledge of lighting and sound systems.

The person who uploaded the notice later announced that applications had closed. Responding to criticism about the unpaid situations, they said, "The company is recruiting unpaid volunteers in exchange for allowing them to watch the concert. I posted this thinking it'd could be a good opportunity for fans of that artist. I would appreciated it if only those interested apply. Interpretation work is paid," which further fueled the controversy.

Meanwhile, WOODZ is scheduled to hold concerts in Berlin, Germany on June 7 and Frankfurt on June 12. Ticket prices are set at 245.9 EUR (~420,000 KRW) for VIP seats, 110.9 EUR (~190,000 KRW) for priority seats, and 90.9 EUR (~150,000 KRW) for general seats.

Continue reading WOODZ apologizes for 'unpaid staff recruitment' controversy ... "We confirmed it and sincerely apologize"

WOODZ's VIP seats cost 420,000 KRW, but overseas concert staff recruitment are 'unpaid'

SOURCE: 우즈, VIP석은 42만원인데…해외 콘서트 스태프는 ‘무급’ 논란

Singer WOODZ (real name Cho Seungyoun) is facing a controveersy over unpaid staff recruitment for his overseas concerts.

Recently, an online community shared a job posting recruiting staff for WOODZ's concert in Germany.

The posting listed qualifications such as 'Proficiency in Korean/German/English,' 'K-Pop concert experience preferred,' and 'Knowledge of lighting/sound equipment.'

However, controversy arose because they also stated, "Unpaid, meals provided, and includes concert viewing." Despite assigning tasks such as crowd control, merchandise booth management, and show runner duties, the positions were being offered as unpaid volunteer work.

In particular, ticket prices for the concert are being sold for around 420,000 KRW for VIP seats, 190,000 KRW for priority entry, and 150,000 KRW for general admission.

The application for the position has already closed now. The person who posted the notice explained, "I'm posting this on behalf of a friend who is in charge of the WOODZ's concert in Germany."

Addressing the criticism about the unpaid positions, the person who posted it said, "It seems the company is recruiting unpaid volunteers in exchange for allowing them to watch the concert," and added, "I posted this thinking it'd could be a good opportunity for fans of that artist. I would appreciated it if only those interested apply. Interpretation work is paid."

Meanwhile, WOODZ is set to hold his world tour 'Archive. 1' in Berlin, London, Frankfurt, and Paris this June.

Continue reading WOODZ's VIP seats cost 420,000 KRW, but overseas concert staff recruitment are 'unpaid'

Oh My Girl's Hyojung reveal her future family plans: "I want to have three kids"

SOURCE: 오마이걸 효정, 출산 계획 밝혔다 “아이 셋 낳고 파”

Oh My Girl's Hyojung shared her thoughts on marriage and childbirth.

On the episode of tvN STORY 'Intern Babysitters' that aired on the 7th, Hyojung appeared as a childcare assistant for Ahn Junghwan.

In this episode, Hyojung took part in a childcare experience caring for the 'Jjang-gu brothers.' The brothers acted cute and warmly approached her as soon as she arrived. Seeing this, Ahn Junghwan joked, "Their speech suddenly became way cuter. They weren't talking like that earlier. I guess they only like pretty aunties."

While eating together, Hyojung asked Ahn Junghwan, "What is it like to be married?" In response, Ahn Junghwan answered, "So you've been thinking about marriage," to which Hyojung replied, "Now that I'm in my mid-30s, I've started thinking about it."

When asked if she wanted children, Hyojung honestly answered, "I have a niece/nephew and they are so beautiful," and added, "I want to have children too. I want to have three."

Meanwhile, 'Intern Babysitters' is a program that follows veteran entertainer Lee Kyungkyu and former footbal player-turned-entertainer Ahn Junghwan as they experience various childcare situations.

Continue reading Oh My Girl's Hyojung reveal her future family plans: "I want to have three kids"

RIIZE Anton's father, Yoonsang, says his second son is also preparing to become an idol ... "His older brother opposes it"

SOURCE: ‘라이즈 앤톤 父’ 윤상, 둘째도 아이돌 준비…“형이 반대한다” 

Singer Yoon Sang revealed that following his eldest son's debut with RIIZE, his second son is now also preparing to become an idol.

On the episode of KBS 'Problem Child in House' that aired on the 7th, the OG sweet-voice boyfriend trio Lee Hyunwoo, Yoon Sang, and Kim Hyunchul appeared as guests.

During the show, Yoon Sang talked about his eldest son, Anton, who is currently active as a member of RIIZE. He said, "At first, I opposed it because there was no guarantee he would debut," and added, "When he suddenly said he wanted to come back to Korea, it gave me a headache. I thought, 'I didn't live apart from my family all those years just for this.'"

Yoon Sang was afraid that he might be blocking his son's dream, saying, "I told him to come to Korea for now." At the time, Anton had been a competitive swimmer for over 10 years, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, swimming pools were closed and he was no longer able to train.

Explaining what eventually changed his mind, Yoon Sang shared, "He kept sending me so many songs that he had composed himself. I could feel how serious he was about music and realized that I couldn't stop him."

Ultimately, Anton succeeded in debuting with RIIZE, and seeing that inspired Yoon Sang's younger son to dream of becoming a singer as well. Yoon Sang revealed, "My second son is five years younger than him. With his older brother becoming an idol, how could he focus on studying?" and confirmed that his second son is also preparing to be an idol.

Yoon Sang then joked, "Now, Anton is the one who opposes it. He tells his younger brother to focus on studying," making everyone laugh. He added, "But still, shouldn't I give them equal opportunities? If he finds it too hard or realizes that it's not his path, he can always go back to studying."

Meanwhile, Yoon Sang married Shim Hyejin in 2002 and has two sons. His eldest son, Lee Chanyoung, was active as a swimmer in the United States before debuting in 2023 as a member of RIIZE under SM Entertainment.

Continue reading RIIZE Anton's father, Yoonsang, says his second son is also preparing to become an idol ... "His older brother opposes it"

Hong Jinkyung declares her daughter, Rael, will not pursue college ... "I could tell since she was 4 that she had no interest in studying"

SOURCE: 홍진경, 딸 라엘 대학 진학 포기 선언…"4살 때부터 공부 뜻 없는 거 느꼈다"

Model and entertainer Hong Jinkyung has made a bold decision regarding her daughter Rael's college plans.

On the 7th, a video titled 'Hong Jinkyung's shocking announcement to completely overhaul her Youtube channel' was posted on her Youtube channel, 'Zzin_Genius.'

In this video, Hong Jinkyung discussed the future direction of the channel's content in the age of AI together with Nam Changhee and MC Gree.

During the conversation, the production team asked Hong Jinkyung, "Are you changing the direction because Rael lost interest in going to college?"

Hong Jinkyung honestly replied, "Right now, Rael doesn't really want to go to college, and I don't particularly want to send her either," drawing attention.

When the production team followed up by saying, "But when she was in 5th grade, didn't you say that you definitely wanted her to go to college?"

Hong Jinkyung said, "If there's something specific she wants to learn, of course she should go. But going to college just because everyone else is going? I think that's truly meaningless."

She continued, "I think it's better to start pursuing what you really want to do at an early age," emphasizing her belief that personal direction and goals are more important than a college degree.

She also joked, "That girl has no interest in studying anyway. Absolutely none," and added, "I noticed it when she was about 4 years old. I thought she might change as she grew up, but in that regard, she's been remarkably consistent," drawing laughter.

Regarding Hong Jinkyung's realistic views on education and her honest remarks, netizens reacted positively with comments like, "I think that mindset really fits today's era," "It's better than forcing your child to go to college," and "She's a mother who respect Rael's opinion," and more.

Continue reading Hong Jinkyung declares her daughter, Rael, will not pursue college ... "I could tell since she was 4 that she had no interest in studying"