September saw major K-pop events: NewJeans protests, Honda Hitomi's re-debut, and SEVENTEEN's member enlistment.
October/6/2024 15:51
In September, various events occurred, from NewJeans' emergency live broadcast, SEVENTEEN member's enlistment, to Honda Hitomi's re-debut. What was the most read article on Kstyle? "September Article Ranking" reflects on the Korean entertainment world. [1st Place] NewJeans protests HYBE during emergency live stream. Photo=NewJeans live stream capture #September 11, 2024. They demanded the return of former representative Min Hee-jin. NewJeans held an emergency live stream through their newly opened YouTube channel to protest HYBE. They stated, "What we seek is for Min Hee-jin to exist as the representative, with management and production integrated as the original ADOR," and demanded a return to the original ADOR by September 25. However, on the 25th, ADOR announced that Min Hee-jin's return to her position was impossible and proposed that they take charge of producing NewJeans for the next five years. Min Hee-jin rejected this proposal, and the conflict continues. [Related Articles] NewJeans protests HYBE during emergency live stream "We want to return to the original ADOR" [Related Articles] ADOR rejects NewJeans' demands "Min Hee-jin's return to her position is impossible" (official full text) [2nd Place] Former AKB Honda Hitomi decides to re-debut in Korea. Photo=iNKODE Entertainment #September 13, 2024. Honda Hitomi, a former member of AKB, will re-debut in Korea as a member of the new girl group SAY MY NAME, produced by Jaejoong. Attention is focused on how she will engage in activities again in Korea after her success with IZ*ONE. SAY MY NAME is a seven-member girl group set to officially debut on October 16, with their world premiere performance at "iNKODE to PLAY" on October 5 and 6 at Makuhari Messe. [Related Articles] Former AKB Honda Hitomi re-debuts in Korea! Member of Jaejoong's new group "SAY MY NAME" [Related Articles] "Honda Hitomi belongs to" SAY MY NAME, set to perform for the first time in Japan before their Korean debut at "iNKODE to PLAY" [3rd Place] SEVENTEEN's Jeonghan enlists in the military... serving as a social service worker. Photo=Newsen DB #September 12, 2024. The first member of the group to enlist, SEVENTEEN's Jeonghan, will enlist on September 26. It has been reported that he will serve as a social service worker. Previously, the oldest member S.COUPS received a grade 5 wartime labor judgment, effectively exempting him from military service, making Jeonghan the first member to enlist. The agency stated, "Although he will not participate in the activities of the 12th mini-album and world tour, he plans to meet fans through various pre-prepared content." [Related Articles] SEVENTEEN's Jeonghan enlists on September 26... serving as a social service worker [Related Articles] SEVENTEEN's Jeonghan heads to training camp today (9/26)... the group's first member to enlist [4th Place] Former YG trainee artist JEY marries Japanese model. Photo=Miyu Kitazawa Instagram #September 23, 2024. The partner is Miyu Kitazawa, who appeared in "Kare to Okami-chan ni wa damasarenai." Singer JEY (Jung Jin-hyun), a former YG trainee, announced his marriage to model and actress Miyu Kitazawa in Japan. He shared wedding photos on social media and expressed his feelings in English, Japanese, and Korean. JEY gained attention for participating in Mnet's "MIX & MATCH," which selected members for iKON. Miyu Kitazawa is also affiliated with the Korean modeling agency KPLUS and previously appeared in the dating variety show "Kare to Okami-chan ni wa damasarenai." [Related Articles] Former YG trainee singer JEY announces marriage to Japanese model Miyu Kitazawa! Wedding photos also released [Related Articles] "iKON dropout" Jung Jin-hyun signs exclusive contract with new agency... preparing for solo debut in the first half of the year [5th Place] GFRIEND suddenly announces reunion. Photo=SOURCE MUSIC #September 24, 2024. After four years since their disbandment, GFRIEND announced their reunion. SOURCE MUSIC hinted at a 10th-anniversary project set for next January. Debuting in January 2015, they were loved for numerous hit songs and completed their exclusive contract with SOURCE MUSIC in 2021. Since then, they have been active in units, as solo artists, and actresses, so the news of the members gathering again has brought joy to fans worldwide.
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SEVENTEEN is collaborating with the Smurfs, announced by Pledis Entertainment. A special version of the music video for 'God of Music' will be released in November, coinciding with the Smurfs' birthday. The collaboration highlights themes of teamwork and joy, merging SEVENTEEN's essence with the beloved blue characters. Merchandise based on this collaboration will also be available.
The fan community 'Team Bunnies' supporting NewJeans is under investigation for alleged violations of donation laws. A member, identified as A, has been referred to juvenile court for fundraising without proper registration. The group raised 50 million won to combat malicious online comments but failed to comply with legal requirements. NewJeans is also in a legal dispute with their label ADOR, affecting their activities.
Sungkwan of SEVENTEEN and his dog Puku were featured in a photoshoot for ELLE Korea's November issue, celebrating the 33rd anniversary of the magazine. The shoot highlights their close bond and the theme of living with animals. Sungkwan expressed his love for Puku in an interview, emphasizing the lessons learned from animals. SEVENTEEN is also nearing the end of their U.S. tour, with upcoming performances in Sunrise and Washington D.C.
HYBE has partnered with Los Angeles Football Club to host a K-Culture festival during the MLS playoffs, highlighting K-POP and Korean culture. The event will feature music from HYBE artists, a light show, and fusion Korean cuisine, aiming to strengthen cultural ties in LA, home to many Koreans.
Min Hee-jin, former head of ADOR, has launched a new entertainment agency called 'ooak Co., Ltd.' She shared a photo of the logo and explained its meaning, 'Only one always known.' The agency will focus on artist management, music production, and event planning, with its location in Gangnam, Seoul. Speculation arises about her plans for NewJeans amid ongoing legal disputes with ADOR.
The official MINITEEN merchandise, inspired by SEVENTEEN, will be available in Japan via Qoo10. This collection reflects SEVENTEEN's world and member personalities, offering fans new enjoyment and collectible value. Limited stock available, with various products like fans, badges, and more.
Mingyu of SEVENTEEN displays his sporty charm on the cover of Allure Korea's November issue. He shares insights about his album 'HYPE VIBES' and the creative process with S.COUPS. The album has achieved record sales and high rankings on Billboard. SEVENTEEN also received a presidential award for their contributions to K-POP and cultural development.
As a lawsuit regarding NewJeans' exclusive contract approaches, former ADOR representative Min Hee-jin has established a new entertainment agency, ooak Co., Ltd. The company focuses on artist management, music production, and event planning. This marks the first official update on her activities since leaving ADOR, leading to speculation about her intentions post-lawsuit.
SEVENTEEN was awarded the presidential award at the 2025 Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards, recognizing their impact on K-POP and culture. Members Jeonghan and Wonwoo accepted the award while fulfilling military duties. They expressed gratitude to fans and contributors to K-POP. The group has set numerous records and continues to enhance K-POP's global presence.
On the afternoon of the 23rd, the 2025 Korean Culture and Arts Awards ceremony was held at the National Theater of Korea in Seoul. Stars including Lee Min-ho, G-Dragon, and others walked the red carpet. Three individuals received the 'Cultural Medal,' while groups like TVXQ and SEVENTEEN were honored with presidential awards.
