Latest news with #Produce101
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Ex-Wanna One Member Lai Guanlin makes surprise comeback as a director after announcing retirement last year
Ever since former member of Wanna One, Lai Guanlin, had announced his retirement from the entertainment industry last year in an abrupt post on a popular Chinese social media platform, fans had been wondering where he was. The celebrity recently shared a massive change in his life online, shocking fans worldwide. Lai Guanlin to get behind the camera Lai Guanlin, who has worked as an idol as well as an actor, has now announced in a sudden post online that he has taken a new direction in his career and will be continuing on as a director. According to Allkpop, the celebrity took to his social media account on a popular Chinese platform to share how he is going to be working as a director now after joining a production company in the country. His production company posted a message and statement announcing his joining. Their post read, 'Welcome, Lai Guanlin. Our first director that was born in the 2000s. He's passionate, energetic, sharp, and direct. He's definitely worth looking forward to. He has a natural talent when it comes to expression, determination to take on the world, and courage to go back to square one. He was born to be a creator. We're looking forward to seeing him meet everyone through his work, one step at a time. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Everybody Is Switching To This Enterprise Accounting Software [Take a Look] Accounting ERP Click Here Undo ' More about the idol-turned-actor-turned-director Lai Guanlin first began his career when he joined Wanna One. The star was promoted in South Korea after becoming one of the 11 winners of Produce 101 season 2. After the group disbanded, he shifted back home to China in order to pursue a career in acting. He went on to work in front of the camera for various projects like 'A Little Thing Called First Love' and 'Love The Way You Are'. Later on, Guanlin remained fairly silent about his whereabouts, but suddenly last year, he took to a popular social media platform in China to share that he had decided to retire from the entertainment industry.
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Jeon Somi to make a comeback with new single ‘EXTRA', fans have mixed reactions as the teaser is out
Jeon Somi, a former I.O.I. member, has been making headlines recently for finally making a comeback. The idol announced that she is preparing to release a brand new digital single in the coming days. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now While the news excited most fans, many raised concerns over the new song, resulting in the idol facing backlash. Jeon Somi announces a digital single and shares photos and teasers Jeon Somi is finally releasing new music, and while fans had initially shown excitement over the announcement, the idol has started facing backlash due to recent updates. On June 22, the idol dropped the first teasers and announcement of her upcoming single 'EXTRA'. The idol shared black and white shots of her sporting a short bob-cut hairstyle while wearing a sleek and sparkly all-black fit with statement earrings. She also leaked a line from the song lyrics to build up excitement amongst fans. The leaked lyrics read, 'Tried to give my hunnit to you, but you want that 101.' Netizens react, share mixed reactions After the particular lyrics of the song were released by the idol, netizens started reacting online. Many called the lyrics out for using AAVE (African American Vernacular English) and for not making any sense. One fan commented, 'Ban K-pop idols from AAVE, please,' while another shared, 'K-pop idols, stop being overly go with the AAVE challenge. GO!' A large majority pointed out that the idol should not have used AAVE in her lyrics as a mixed-race person. Some fans, however, defended the idol and even praised her for her lyricism as well. One commented how the lyrics are connected to the variety show that was responsible for her debut into the entertainment industry. They stated that, 'She's talking about Produce 101, hold on.' About Jeon Somi Jeon Somi debuted in 2014 with a cameo role along with her sister in the film 'Ode to My Father'. Later in 2016, while appearing as a contestant on the variety show 'Produce 101', the idol came out as one of the winners and debuted in the Korean music industry with the group I.O.I.
Korea Herald
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Jeon Somi to return with digital single in July: report
Jeon Somi is poised to make a comeback with a digital single in July, local media reported Thursday. Her agency The Black Label confirmed the news report on Friday, adding that she will put out the track 'Extra' on July 7. The label also unvieled a batch of black-and-white photographs of Jeon sporting a chin-length bob in platinum blonde. The upcoming single comes a year after her summer anthem 'Ice Cream,' a summer special dance number from 2024. On July 19, the performer will host a meet-and-greet in Seoul. She is planning a party-like event under the title 'Chaos.' Separately, speculations are rising that her former group I.O.I may reunite in time to mark the 10th anniversary of its debut. The group debuted in 2016 with 11 finalists from the audition show 'Produce 101.' Jeon was the top contestant of the project group, which disbanded in 2017.
AsiaOne
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- AsiaOne
Ju Hak-nyeon leaves The Boyz after seen drinking with Japanese former AV actress, Entertainment News
Ju Hak-nyeon from The Boyz has left the K-pop boy group. South Korean publication News1 said in a report published yesterday (June 18) they had obtained a letter of inquiry sent from Japanese tabloid paper Shukan Bunshun to The Boyz's management agency One Hundred about him drinking with Japanese adult video (AV) actress-turned-influencer Asuka Kirara. He was reportedly seen hugging her at a Tokyo bar last month. While the 26-year-old admitted to meeting her, he firmly denied engaging in prostitution. "I am deeply reflecting on my actions and once again sincerely apologise to those who were disappointed or hurt because of me," he said in a handwritten note yesterday (June 18). Asuka began her AV career in 2007 and retired in 2020, also launching a music career in those years. One Hundred's statement released yesterday, as translated by Soompi, reads: "As soon as we were informed of issues involving Hak-nyeon's private life, our company immediately suspended his activities and took time to thoroughly verify the facts. "As a result, we have come to recognise the seriousness of this issue and have clearly determined that it is no longer possible for us to maintain the trust in him as an artist. After sufficient discussions with the members of The Boyz, we have made the final decision for Hak-nyeon to depart the team and to terminate his exclusive contract." On June 16, One Hundred had announced that he would be taking a hiatus for "personal reasons". Hak-nyeon was a contestant on Produce 101 season two before he debuted with The Boyz in 2017. He isn't the first one to leave the group. In 2019, Hwall, whose real name is Hur Hyun-jun, departed due to health issues and is currently pursuing solo activities. There are 10 remaining members: Sangyeon, Jacob, Younghoon, Hyunjae, Juyeon, Kevin, New, Q, Sunwoo and Eric. [[nid:719268]] syarifahsn@
Forbes
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Cosmosy On Y2K Inspirations, Being 6th-Generation K-Pop Idols
cosmosy As part of Spotify's celebration for May's Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month this month, the streaming service hosted an event at its New York headquarters with an industry panel of Asian-American execs, a spread of pan-Asian street food, a DJ set from Angie, and the debut U.S. performance from the new girl group cosmosy, who are helping usher in a new era of global-pop to the world. Created by BLACKPINK's former creative director at YG Entertainment SINXITY, cosmosy is the female quartet that is only two singles into their careers but already making moves around the world. The cosmosy members Amei, Kamión, Himesha, and De_Hana all hail from Japan but were trained in Korea under the K-pop system and sing in a mix of English, Japanese and Korean, all appealing to the mainstream music market. As further proof of their blended pop-culture backgrounds, De_Hana and Kamión initially rose to recognition after competing on Produce 101 Japan The Girls, a local spin-off of Korea's Produce 101 singing competition series that created chart-topping acts like IZ*ONE and Wanna One. The show provided them with early opportunities to get comfortable on stages where their fellow K-pop and J-pop idols would perform. Bringing together expertise across two of the world's largest music markets, the entertainment wing of major Japanese mobile carrier NTT Docomo Studio & Live teamed with Sony Music Korea in partnership exclusively for cosmosy. Local representatives from Sony Music and The Orchard, as well as publicists around the world, are also supporting the group with an attentive crew overseeing the girls in New York. A beautiful blend of voices speaking in English, Japanese and Korean surrounds the quartet, ensuring the group has handheld fans to cool down with after performing or ensuring their selfie lighting is perfect with their phone's own flashlight. With such a specific worldview, cosmosy and their team have labeled the group as the first act in the 'sixth-generation of K-pop.' While there's debate among fans and critics about what defines a new generation of Korean-pop acts, it's generally agreed upon that the fifth era of K-pop idols began around mid-2023 as major labels debuted their latest artists like ZEROBASEONE, xikers and BABYMONSTER. With cosmosy's buzz single 'zigy=zigy' released on December 31, 2024, and official debut single 'Lucky=One' dropping this April, the group has made a bold declaration that not only zooms into a new era of K-pop but showcases how the definition of the music scene is expanding in exciting ways. Mixed with the excitingly artistic and creative styling that goes into cosmosy's visuals for their mass-appeal pop music, it all comes together in an exciting way of envisioning pop music's future as so many people work together towards one goal, blending different styles, cultures and languages. Learn more about cosmosy, their inspirations, and take on the new generation of K-pop below. Jeff Benjamin: Congratulations on the release of 'Lucky=One.' How does it feel to have made your debut while busy with promotions? himesha: Now that we are participating in promotions, it is starting to feel like we actually debuted. de_hana: We are very busy, but we enjoyed and are enjoying every moment of it. Jeff Benjamin: Fans took notice of the very strong visuals and live performances for 'Lucky=One.' How have your experiences been? a'mei: I'm very happy that our fans noticed us as cosmosy. We were also able to meet other idol fans and it made me realize that I want to work harder and let more people know about us. himesha: In my case, the happiest thing is that I found one of my fans in the audience holding my name board during the music shows, and I was glad I noticed it with so many other fans [in the crowd]. Even now, it feels like a dream that it happened. kamión: Through this 'Lucky=One' promotion, our fans and followers increased — it was more than expected. I was amazed and surprised. Jeff Benjamin: While we know de_hana and kamión have TV experience from Produce 101 Japan, how did that compare to the live music shows? kamión: Back when we were on Produce 101 Japan, we had the chance to perform on the same stage as M Countdown in Korea. But this time, I stood there as a member of cosmosy on the actual M Countdown music show; the experience felt different. Previously, there were eight members on stage, while now it's just four, so I felt more attention was on each of us individually. I was nervous and excited. de_hana: It had been a while since I was back on that same stage. During Produce 101 Japan, I was more focused on improving myself, and I think my fans are starting to recognize how much I've grown since then. With cosmosy, I feel a real sense of belonging as part of a team, like we're one unit. But back then, the others felt more like rivals than teammates. Jeff Benjamin: You also met fans while working in Korea. How was that experience? a'mei: Meeting my fans for the first time was when it really hit me: 'I've debuted as a member of cosmosy.' I was so excited. There were so many happy moments, like talking with fans and receiving gifts and handwritten letters. I've actually read one letter from a fan every day. It always moves me; sometimes, I get teary-eyed just reading. kamión: It was my first time meeting fans face-to-face in such a close setting and it made me so happy to see their smiles; that connection meant a lot to me. I have Japanese and global fans, too, so I really hope I can meet them soon. At our pop-up event, 'Follow cosmosy in Seongsu,' one fan who's supported me since Produce 101 Japan came to see me. She was shaking and crying while talking to me — her love was so heartfelt that I almost cried too. himesha: Seeing my fans in person and hearing their words of support made me feel even more emotionally connected to them. I was especially touched when I saw name boards during our music show performances or when fans came running to see us after we finished performing. My fans come to every broadcast and cheer us on — one even cried when she met me at our pop-up event. That moment was deeply moving to me. de_hana: I met both Japanese and Korean fans at our pop-up event, 'Follow cosmosy in Seongsu,' and the letters I received were filled with kind words that gave me so much strength and motivation to keep going. One fan made a keyring included with her handwritten letter. They also showed me the same penguin plushie I had with me during my Produce 101 Japan audition. I remembered them right away and I was so grateful to reconnect. himesha: cosmosy features a unique worldview based on the 'end-of-the-century' [Y2K] vibe of 1999, combined with a multi-layered content strategy that resonates with Gen Z and Gen Alpha. This sets us apart from the simpler narrative-based worldviews of past K-pop groups, offering a new idol model that combines fan participation and immersive storytelling. Jeff Benjamin: Speaking of that time, cosmosy's content reminds me of some classic anime or mangas. Can you share any favorite childhood anime or suggest some for fans? himesha: I love Tamagotchi, it's an animation and a game you can play on the Nintendo. But a recommendation I want to make is The Promised Neverland. It's really fun, in the fantasy genre, and there's even a movie! A "Tamagotchi" electronic pet toy is displayed in a toy store on October 25, 2017 in Paris, France. ... More Tamagotchi is a virtual electronic animal which means "cute little egg" and simulates the life of an animal. (Photo) Inosuke Hashibira, Tanjiro, Natsuki Hanae, Nezuko Kamado, Hiro Shimono and Zenitsu Agatsuma attend ... More the World Tour Premiere Of Crunchyroll's "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba - To The Hashira Training-" at Regal Union Square on February 10, 2024 in New York. (Photo byfor Aniplex of America/Crunchyroll) a'mei: Since elementary school, I've liked and recommend Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Natsume's Book of Friends, and Yo-kai Watch. de_hana: I really like Aikatsu! - Idol Academy and Pokémon! The atmosphere seen at the YO-KAI WATCH 2 preview event at Siren Studios on September 8, 2016 in ... More Hollywood, California. (Photo byfor Nintendo) Performers dressed as Pikachu, a character from the Pokémon media franchise managed by The Pokémon ... More Company, march during the Pikachu Outbreak event at night on August 8, 2019 in Yokohama, Japan. (Photo by) kamión: Lala's Style Book [Fancy Lala], The Promised Neverland — I have all 20 volumes at home — and Jewelpet. Japan's toy maker Segatoys and character giant Sanrio unveil the new animal characters and its toys ... More "Jewelpet" — 33 animal characters with jewels names targeting girls customers — at the company's toy exhibition in Tokyo, on January 15, 2008. (Photo credit: YOSHIKAZU TSUNO/AFP via Getty Images) Jeff Benjamin: What else is coming for cosmosy this year? And what else do fans need to know at this time? kamión: We are preparing our next single. Please look forward to it! himesha: We hope to further reach our global fans and promote more globally. The cosmosy universe might be a bit difficult and hard to understand, but we hope you'll enjoy it, look for the hidden elements, and see it in a positive light! We'll be trying out more fun concepts in the future, so please look forward to them.
