Want a rundown on what happened in K-pop this week? Here are the hottest news in the industry!
1. SMTOWN 22: SMCU EXPRESS
Earlier this month, SM Entertainment announced their winter album and free online concert with several artists under the company. The album and online concert will feature TVXQ, Super Junior, Girls' Generation-Oh!GG, SHINee, EXO, Red Velvet, aespa, Ginjo, Imlay and Raiden.
ALSO READ: #GG4EVA: Girls' Generation-Oh!GG Teasers for 'SMCU Express' Unveiled and People are Loving It
On December 14, teasers for TVXQ, BoA and H.O.T's Kangta were released.
On December 15, SM Entertainment released teasers for Oh!GG and Super Junior. Teasers for Red Velvet, SHINee and EXO were released on December 16, and NCT followed on December 18.
Finally, on December 19, teasers for aespa, Ginjo, Inlay and Raiden were shared.
2. 2021 KBS Gayo Daechukje
ALSO READ: SM Entertainment Unveils SHINee, Red Velvet, and EXO Kai Teaser Images for 'SMTOWN 2022: SMCU EXPRESS'
On December 17, the 2021 KBS Gayo Daechukje was held. The music festival featured performances from several top stars and star-studded collaborations.
Some of the most notable performances include a nine-girl collaboration stage featuring Red Velvet's Wendy, Oh My Girl's Jiho, Brave Girls' Yuna, ITZY's Yuna and Chaeryeong, STAYC's Sieun and Yoon and IVE's Ahn Yujin and Jang Wonyoug.
ALSO READ: #KBSSongFestival2021 Highlights: F9, TXT X ENHYPEN Collab and More Showcase Amazing Performances at the Annual Fest
TXT and ENHYPEN also had their collaboration stage. Other artists who rocked the stage include Red Velvet, SEVENTEEN, aespa, ITZY, Kang Daniel, Sunmi and more!
3. TWICE Jeongyeon to Sit Out of TWICE Seoul Concerts
On December 20, JYP Entertainment announced that TWICE member Jeongyeon would not participate in the group's Seoul concert. After Jeongyeon discussed her health concerts with her fellow members and their agency, this decision was made.
Many fans sent their well wishes to Jeongyeon, hoping she is alright and applauding Jeongyeon for putting her health first.
As of the time of writing, Jeongyeon is still confirmed to be taking part in TWICE's concerts in the United States, and she will most likely be taking part in any other additional concert dates.
ALSO READ: Jeongyeon to Sit Out of TWICE's Concerts in Seoul + JYP Entertainment Issues Statement
That same week, it was announced that the initial five North American tour dates sold out in just five days. Two additional cities were added to the tour line-up soon after.
4. EXO Lay Accused of Bride Picking
On December 20, a blogger took to Weibo to accuse a male celebrity in his 30s with a surname that starts with Z of disrespecting women, bride picking, sexism and adultery. The blogger also accused the star of being a hassle to work with and tormenting the production team of brands he has worked with. They hinted that this is a male star that is known for his pure image and has never publicly dated anyone.
ALSO READ: EXO Lay Accused of 'Bride Picking,' Adultery and More + Zhang Yixing Studio Releases Statement
People soon speculated that the male star in question was Zhang Yixing, also known as EXO member Lay. That same day, Zhang Yixing Studio released a statement denying the claims and calling for the blogger to release their evidence. If unable to do so, Lay will take legal action.
The blogger soon apologized for his false statement and stated that he irrationally chose to do so after a friend spoke about a conflict with Lay's team in 2015. He asked for Lay's forgiveness and swore to be a better person.
5. BTS V to Possibly Sue YouTuber
On December 20, BTS member V saw a post on Weverse concerning a YouTuber spreading malicious rumors and comments about several K-pop groups. He replied to the post, saying he would file a lawsuit against the YouTuber for mentioning his family and friends.
He then stated that he skimmed through the YouTuber's content and revealed he would sue the content creator for slanderous posts against several artists.
ALSO READ: BTS V Announces Plans to Sue Youtuber on Behalf of Artists Victimized by Malicious Rumors
The YouTuber was revealed to be Cyber REkka, who is known for using sensational titles as clickbait. After it was revealed that V would file a lawsuit, the YouTuber released a statement on their community tab, showing no remorse for their actions.
The YouTuber then accused ARMYs of manipulating the brand reputation index to give V a higher spot.
ALSO READ: YouTuber Accuses BTS V Supporters of Manipulating Brand Reputation Index Amid Warning of Being Sued by the Idol
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Written by Alexa Lewis
