Pop Base: This Week in K-POP

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NewJean’s Hanni’s National Assembly Audit Recap

On October 15, NewJeans' Hanni finally appeared at the National Assembly Environment and Labor Committee’s state audit in South Korea. Read the summary below:

Hanni recently came across a post on Blind (an anonymous app that offers private lounges for industry professionals to discuss layoffs, hiring freezes, reorganizations, reviews, bonuses, and benefits within their sector) where HYBE employees were cursing at NewJeans members, and she also heard a recording of the HYBE PR team with Cho Sung Hoon downplaying their success in Japan. This confirmed her feelings that the company seemed to harbor negative sentiments toward them.

She recalled how, since their debut, they had greeted staff and supervisors, but their greetings were ignored. At first, she thought this was due to cultural differences, but later she realized that it was a sign of disrespect regardless of their status as foreigners.

She expressed her disappointment, stating that while Kim Ju Young, ADOR's current CEO, claimed to protect them, there was no real action to back up those words.

Hanni shared not only the incident of being ignored but also the malicious comments from employees, as well as a recorded conversation with Cho Sung-hoon. These events made her realize that the company's bullying of NewJeans was not just a feeling but a reality.

At the end of the audit, Hanni gave a powerful closing speech saying:

"I feel that if we respect each other as humans, at the very least, issues like workplace harassment and other sensitive matters wouldn’t exist. I’m so grateful for the attention you’ve given to this matter, and I truly hope that none of the seniors, peers, juniors, or trainees here have to worry about things like this. I’ve seen that many people are concerned for us, and I’m very thankful. I’ve also seen a lot of comments asking why I had to experience something like this in Korea. But what I want to say here is that there’s no need to feel sorry. In Korea, I’ve met members and staff whom I love dearly and consider family, and it’s a country where I get to do the work I love, so I don’t quite understand what you’re apologizing for.

On the contrary, the people who should be apologizing should come forward confidently if they’ve done nothing wrong, without avoiding accountability, but instead, they keep dodging situations like this, which is really frustrating. I don’t know how else to express my gratitude, but even the Australian Embassy reached out to my parents because of their concerns about us. I’m so thankful for their offer to help and their worry.

Lastly, if I have to come out here again, I will work even harder on my Korean and come out better prepared. Thank you. I truly appreciate it, and you’ve all worked so hard."

The K-Pop Community Wants Seunghan Back

After 10 excruciating months, RIIZE member Seunghan, who was wrongfully placed on hiatus due to backlash from Korean netizens over him having a girlfriend before he debuted, was announced by SM Entertainment last week to be returning. However, there was backlash once again from the same K-netz who bullied him into hiatus the first time. These "OT6 Briize" fans arranged 1,000 death wreaths (funeral flowers) in front of SM’s building, which Seunghan allegedly saw as he left the building at night. Instead of removing the death wreaths and protecting the idol, SM Entertainment posted a notice stating that Seunghan had decided to leave RIIZE, the group he once called "his dream."

Since Seunghan’s unjustified removal from the group, not only OT7 Briize fans but the entire K-Pop community has been advocating for his return, with the phrase "Seunghan," and hashtags #BringbackRII7E, and #SMSupportsBullying garnering millions of posts on Twitter. As of today, RIIZE’s official social media account has lost around 500,000 followers, and over 100 K-Pop merchandise shops have joined the boycott, refusing to stock RIIZE albums and merch until Seunghan returns.

What’s happening with Seunghan is not just an isolated issue, but a precedent being set by SM that will impact how idols are treated in the future. Hopefully, the next update will bring good news. Until then, we hope Seunghan gets justice and his bullies are held accountable.

The More You Know:

• ARMY’s hope, J-Hope, is back from his mandatory military enlistment! The idol shared several photos on his Instagram from HYBE’s building, looking healthier than ever.

• After four years, Choi Creative Lab’s girl group, Apink, is finally returning with a full group concert on December 21 and 22 at the KBS Arena in Seoul. The members expressed their excitement, saying, "We will present a special Christmas gift to our fans, featuring a variety of meticulously prepared stages for this year’s end-of-year concert."

• Recently, YTN reported that the shooting for NCT Jaehyun's upcoming drama I Believe You has been halted. According to YTN, the production company, Mays Entertainment, had started filming before the contract with the investor was finalized. In the end, the investor withdrew, and since then, filming has not resumed. With the idol starting his military service on November 4, it seems that shooting will continue after his return.

Our Favorite Songs From Last Week

SEVENTEEN. Period. When it comes to musicality, the self-producing idol group's six-track EDM-Pop mini album "SPILL THE FEEL" was hands down the best comeback of the week. It's nearly impossible not to recommend the entire album. The title track, "LOVE, MONEY, FAME," is fresh and upbeat, revolving around the idea of leaving everything for love. Next is the second song, "1 TO 13," a tribute to SEVENTEEN and CARATS. It's unapologetically loud and features heartwarming lyrics like "From May, my every season has been you," "I used all thirteen parts of my heart, just be by my side," and "The thirteen promises I made / No matter what happens, I’ll keep them for you." Then there’s "Eyes on You," which, despite having somewhat cheesy lyrics, is extremely catchy and perfect for clubs. The remaining three tracks, "Rain," "Candy," and "Water," are unit songs, each with a completely different vibe. In short, you need to listen to the entire album!

We wouldn't be wrong to say that Rosé x Bruno Mars' "APT." is potentially the song of the year. The artists must have laced this track with something addictive because there’s no other explanation for why this Punk-Pop-Rock song is so good. Seriously, the only thing anyone can say after listening to this song is "apatue, apatue, apatue, apatue, apatue, apatue, apatue." So, listen to it at your own discretion!!!

This Week's Comeback Schedule

Sunday, October 21, 2024

• aespa: 5th mini album "Whiplash"

• ILLIT: 2nd mini album "I'LL LIKE YOU (GLITT. ver)

• POW: 2nd EP "Boyfriend"

• DXMON: 2nd single album "Youth Never DIE"

Monday, October 22, 2024

• PURPLE KISS: 7th mini album "HEADWAY"

• AMPERS&ONE: 1st mini album "ONE QUESTION"

Tuesday, October 23, 2024

• Visionary Vision (tripleS): Track "Hit the Floor"

• DreamNote: Digital single "Joyful Green (Korean ver)

Wednesday, October 24, 2024

• Jaehyun (NCT): Track “Unconditional”

Thursday, October 25, 2024

• G-DRAGON: (read this SOOMPI article for more further information)

• HELLO GLOOM: Single "Somebody"

Friday, October 26, 2024

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Saturday, October 27, 2024

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— Javeria Yousuf

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