Latest news with #HYBE
CBC
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- CBC
Labubus: Small dolls with big impact
Storybook characters turned toys and popularized by K-pop stars, Labubus have become the latest big thing partly because the buyer doesn't know what they're going to get until they open the box.
Time of India
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
BTS military hiatus linked to HYBE insider trading case, staff from Source Music, BigHit, Belift Lab get suspended sentences
In a stunning turn of events, BTS' mandatory military enlistment - which sent shockwaves through fans and markets alike in 2022 - has now led to insider trading convictions within their own company. While all seven members - Jin, SUGA, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook - reunited in June 2025 after completing their duties, this news of HYBE insider trading related to their hiatus has hit fans hard. Three employees from HYBE and its affiliated labels have been sentenced for using confidential information about the group's hiatus to sell company stock before the news became public. On July 22 KST, the Seoul Southern District Court's Criminal Division 13 (Presiding Judge Kim Sang Yeon) handed down suspended prison sentences to three individuals who sold HYBE shares just before BTS revealed their break from group activities due to enlistment, beginning with the eldest member, Jin. HYBE insider trading case Among those convicted was a Source Music employee, Mr. Kim (37), who received a 10-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, along with a hefty fine of 231 million KRW (approx. $167,000 USD). Former BigHit Music employee Mr. Lee (33) and former Belift Lab staffer Mr. Kim (41) were each sentenced to six months in prison, also suspended for two years, with fines of 51 million and 65 million KRW, respectively. The insider trades occurred just ahead of BTS' bombshell June 14, 2022 announcement video, where the group confirmed a temporary hiatus as all seven members prepared to serve in South Korea's military. Following the video, HYBE's stock plummeted nearly 25% — its worst single-day fall on record. The court's verdict The court didn't mince words: "In the entertainment industry, an artist's group activity directly impacts company revenue. The suspension of BTS's activities was highly sensitive, material information." The judge added, "This crime gravely undermines the integrity of capital markets and warrants strong condemnation from society." About BTS The group, upon reuniting, has traveled to the USA for a two-month boot camp to regroup and begin working on their upcoming album. According to the members, the new album is slated for release in spring 2026. Currently, all members - except Jin, who is on his solo world tour - are together in Los Angeles. Rumours are also circulating that Jungkook may soon embark on a solo tour of his own. For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here.
Pink Villa
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
BOYNEXTDOOR gives out free No Genre albums at supermarket, faces sales manipulation allegations
BOYNEXTDOOR, a fifth-generation K-pop group, released their 4th EP, No Genre, in May 2025, showcasing their growth and versatility as artists over the past two years. Despite their talent and devoted fan base, the group's album sales seem to be less than what they expected. Recently, they have been at the center of controversy after their albums were spotted being given away for free at a supermarket, as shared by a Nate Pann user. Is BOYNEXTDOOR giving out free No Genre albums to inflate sale numbers? According to post in the online discussion portal Nate Pann, the HYBE LABELS -owned BOYNEXTDOOR gave out No Genre albums as freebies with the purchase of instant rice worth over 20,000 KRW (14.41 USD). This move sparked intense reactions from netizens, including allegations of sales number manipulation. Notably, No Genre sold over 1.16 million copies in its first week– between May 13 and 19. This marked a significant achievement, showcasing the group's growing popularity. However, with the free album distribution issue coming to light, fans are doubting the authenticity of their million-seller status. Critics pointed to HYBE's alleged practices of pushing out album sales, which involves bulk sales to distributors with return clauses, potentially inflating sales numbers. Fans weigh on other possible reasons for BOYNEXTDOOR free album distribution The accusations of album sale number manipulation led to the undermining of hard work of Jaehyun, Sungho, Riwoo, Taesan, Leehan and Woonhak. Many accused their agency, KOZ Entertainment, for the plight of the boys. Weighing on the probable reasons for the move, they predicted them trying to get rid of unsold albums in this way. They criticized the unethical practice and even called the group "flop." According to some, the reason might be potential promotional partnerships with the rice company. While mostly the reactions were negative, some dedicated ONEDOORs (BOYNEXTDOOR's fandom) defended their favourite artists, dismissing the allegations as unfounded. As per them, many spread hate by saying, "When it [HYBE groups] sells out it's hybe payola and when it doesn't it's nugu." The fans clapped back at such people, stating, "BOYNEXTDOOR DID A GREAT JOB AND YA IT'S TRUE OUR FANDOM IS SMALL BUT STRONG."
Time of India
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Tomorrow X Together at crossroads with their contract; Band members drop MAJOR hints amidst new album launch
If you're a K-pop fan, you know the drill - the dreaded seven-year mark that makes or breaks groups. Tomorrow X Together (TXT) is right there, standing at that crucial crossroads where bands either stick together or go their separate ways. The five-member group - Yeonjun, Soobin, Beomgyu, Taehyun, and Hueningkai - debuted in March 2019 under HYBE's BigHit Music, which puts them smack in the middle of contract renewal season. In the K-pop world, this is when groups typically make the big decision about their future. The statistics are pretty brutal too - out of hundreds of K-pop groups that debuted since 1996, only nine have managed to renew their contracts without losing a single member. Album Drop with Hidden Messages TXT just released their fourth full-length album "The Star Chapter: Together," and honestly, the timing couldn't be more perfect (or strategic, depending on how you look at it). The album's theme? Being together. Subtle, right? Leader Soobin didn't mince words during their press showcase in Seoul: "As we always work as a team, being together with one another truly holds significance". by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like AirSense 11 – Smart tech for deep sleep ResMed Buy Now Undo The album is like their musical diary entry about friendship, unity, and sticking together through thick and thin. It's the kind of content that hits different when you know the context - these guys are literally deciding their professional future together. Yeonjun called it "the most TXT-ish album," which sounds like someone trying to remind everyone (including themselves) of their unique identity as a group. The lead track "Beautiful Strangers" is a hip-hop number with trap rhythms and intense synth sounds. Each member also contributed solo tracks - Yeonjun's "Ghost Girl," Soobin's "Sunday Driver," Hueningkai's "Dance With You," plus self-produced tracks by Beomgyu ("Take My Half") and Taehyun ("Bird of Night"). It's like they're showing both their individual talents and group chemistry in one package. Reading Between the Lines During their recent showcase, the members were clearly in "diplomatic mode" when asked about their contract situation. They're "currently in discussion" with HYBE, which is basically K-pop speak for "we're figuring it out, please don't panic". But Soobin dropped what might be the biggest hint: "What we all agreed on is that we are the happiest when we're together as a team and we want to be on stage for longer. Though we're currently still in discussion, I believe we'll be able to share good news soon". That sounds pretty optimistic, doesn't it? It's giving major "we're staying together" vibes without actually saying it outright. In the cutthroat world of K-pop contracts, where artists typically get better revenue splits upon renewal, these discussions are crucial. BTS, their HYBE labelmates, set quite the precedent by renewing their contracts twice and reportedly receiving over ₹125 crores each as signing bonuses. The fact that TXT is releasing an album literally called "Together" while in contract talks feels like the most obvious hint since someone posting "single and ready to mingle" on their Instagram story. Plus, Hueningkai mentioned how they want to be good seniors to their upcoming junior group debuting in August - you don't usually make those kinds of long-term commitments if you're planning to split. Why This Matters Beyond the Music Contract renewals in K-pop aren't just business decisions - they're emotional rollercoasters for fans and artists alike. The "seven-year curse" is real, and it's claimed many beloved groups over the years. When groups reach this milestone, members often have different priorities - some want solo careers, others might be tired of the intense K-pop lifestyle, and some just want different things from life. But TXT seems different. They've grown up together in the industry, navigating the pressures of following in BTS's footsteps at the same company. Their journey mirrors what many young Indian friend groups experience - that tight bond formed during crucial growing-up years, whether it's surviving engineering college together or making it through those stressful board exam years as a squad. The timing of their album release, combined with their public statements about being happiest together, suggests they're leaning toward renewal. In an industry where authenticity is rare, their genuine camaraderie has always been their strongest selling point. As Soobin put it, they're "going through this journey together alongside each other, our fans and so many staff members". While nothing's official yet, all signs point to TXT choosing to stick together for the next chapter of their careers. For their fans (called MOA), that's probably the best news they could hope for.
Malay Mail
18 hours ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Police seek search warrant for HYBE chairman Bang Si-hyuk over alleged stock fraud
SEOUL, July 22 — Police have requested a search warrant for HYBE chairman Bang Si-hyuk in connection with alleged fraudulent trading under the Capital Markets Act, it was reported yesterday. The warrant application was submitted on July 17 by the Financial Crimes Investigation Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, targeting both Bang and HYBE's headquarters in Yongsan-gu, according to a Chosun Biz report. Bang is suspected of misleading existing investors, including venture capitalists, about delays in HYBE's IPO plans before its 2019 listing. He also allegedly facilitated the sale of HYBE executive shares to a special purpose company created by a private equity fund they had set up. 'The prosecution is reportedly reviewing whether to request the search warrant submitted by the police,' the report said. Police have also asked to transfer the case to avoid overlapping investigations, as prosecutors are already handling a related complaint. The prosecution received the complaint on July 18 from financial authorities and assigned the case to the Financial and Securities Crime Joint Investigation Unit of the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office. In early July, Bang was questioned by police and financial regulators over allegations tied to undisclosed earn-out contracts ahead of HYBE's IPO, with the Financial Services Commission later filing a criminal complaint. HYBE has said it informed investors and pledged full cooperation with authorities.
