This week I could hardly keep up with all that's happened in the K-Pop sphere. All these comebacks, controversies and scandals are just too much for me to handle! But don't worry readers, it's my job to keep you updated on all the latest gossip so follow me down the K-Pop brick road and in no time you will be abreast the most interesting happenings of the week.
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N.Flying debuts with "Awesome" track
FNC's newest act N.Flying finally made its debut with a hard-hitting track titled "Awesome," which seamlessly meshes the rap and rock genres. Contrary to the bold sounds and beats, the lyrics to the song are surprisingly romantic, which is pretty much an endless stream of compliments to the femme fatale--shown in the MV to be a voluptuous young lady working the cash register at a drive-thru. Pipe down gentleman! The girl is not ready to take your orders yet. The debut song, also the title track on the group's eponymous EP, dropped on May 20, so make sure to grab a copy!
HISTORY and SHINee make a comeback in the same week
SHINee made their long-awaited comeback, and SHAWOLS are all in an uproar over the group's fourth full-length album 'Odd.' "View," a dancey numbers penned by Jonghyun and composed by UK-based LDN Noise, is the title track on this recently dropped album. SHINee demonstrates a more sleek and mature sound on "Odd," which is a slight aberration from their usual focus on heavy dance tracks i.e "Dream Girl," "Why So Serious," "Sherlock," etc. The MV is also different as SHINee finally gets to venture out into the world instead of being confined in those confounding box sets! Yippee!
On another note, relatively new group HISTORY also made their comeback, with a bleak--but addictive--song titled "Might Just Die." Not really the kind of song you'd listen to if you want to feel happy as the chorus repeats in succession, "I just might die" X 10. I won't deny that the beat and melody of the song is still very catchy; I may just find myself unconsciously repeating the chorus out in public (no people I don't have suicidal tendencies, it's just the K-Pop epidemic). Go check out the song which is part of a mini-album titled 'Beyond the HISTORY,' released this past May 21.
Yoo Seung Joon throws down his pride
As we all know by now, Yoo Seung Joon--or Steve Yoo--is under fire from the Korean public for an incident that occurred over decade ago. Yoo, who was due for military service 13 years back, abruptly left Korea for the States and obtained U.S. citizenship, conveniently relieving him of the compulsory military service required of Korean men between the age of 18-35. During an interview on AfreecaTV, Yoo prostrates himself, and offers a tearful apology to the viewers for his past wrongdoing. Unfortunately for the singer, the Korean people don't seem to be ready to accept his apology. In a recent poll, 500 Korean citizens were asked whether they think Yoo should be accepted back into Korea. Not surprisingly, 66% of the people surveyed revealed their sentiment that the singer should not be allowed back into his home country. Now the singer has requested a meeting with the Korean Immigration Office under the Justice Department, and seems to be biding his time on deciding what move will soften the hearts of the unforgiving public. AKP also provides two opposing stances on whether Yoo's apology should be accepted so make sure to read more about it.
SM vs. Kris and Luhan controversy continues
Yet another scandal is in the works, this one revolving around former EXO members Kris and Luhan and their past label, SM Entertainment. It has been a year since Kris filed a suit against the company for a breach of his rights, and half a year since fellow member Luhan took similar action against the label, but unlike Kris, Luhan cited discrimination as the primary reason for wanting to nullify his contract. Now the two artists are promoting themselves ever so enthusiastically in China, and SM can't help but be little indignant since the label was the one that initially helped the boys rise to stardom. Now SM is bringing suit against the Chinese companies that are endorsing Kris and Luhan, seeking what they believe are rightful damages.
Former comedian Baek Jae Hyun causes uproar with his sexual molestation charges
This past May 17, former comedian and director Baek Jae Hyun was arrested on charges of sexually molesting a man while inebriated in a 24-hour sauna located in Jongno, Seoul. The victim, identified as simply 'A', was asleep when the incident occurred. A report released on May 20 states refuted the rumor that the former comedian is gay and declared the molestation as purely an accident that occurred due to Baek's intoxicated state. Additional details regarding the incident was revealed on a media briefing which read, "Former comedian suspect Mr. Baek sexually molested a man who was sleeping at a 24-hour sauna by touching and sucking the victim's genitals." I mean everyone does crazy things when they are drunk, but come on now, you can't be so drunk that you intentionally perform fellatio on a stranger...or can you?
Shinhwa's Dongwan personally attacks a sasaeng for her unacceptable behavior
Veteran idol Shinhwa was angered at a certain fan at an airport whose careless actions made everyone around her uncomfortable. The fervid fan, who is shown in the photo with her eyes fixated in her camera's viewfinder, is so absorbed in taking the perfect pictures of her favorite idol that she forgets about her surroundings. The fan stepped on numerous people's feet, knocked over their baggage, and caused unnecessary pandemonium and discomfort for the people around her just for the sake of capturing a photo of the Shinhwa member. Dongwan got so angry at this fan that he, in turn, took a photo of the girl and inveighed her through a post on his personal social media account. Other Shinhwa fans eagerly supported Dongwan in his rant by also verbally attacking the girl. However, Dongwan later regretted his hasty action and removed the post and even offered a sincere apology.
With fame and fortune comes the glory but also the crazy fans. And if Dongwan hasn't learned how to deal with them with more delicacy and tact, especially after twenty years of being active as an idol, then I don't really know what to tell ya.
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