Manon’s Solo Collabs, YG Entertainment’s New Boy Group, ADOR Freezes Danielle’s Mother’s Assets

YG Entertainment to Launch ‘Elite’ Boy Group After Six Years

After debuting TREASURE in August 2020, YG Entertainment is preparing to launch a new boy group this fall, marking the company’s first boy group debut in more than six years.

On Thursday, YG Entertainment executive producer Yang Hyun Suk revealed the company’s plans to debut a five-member boy group in September. “We previously mentioned plans to launch a new boy group this fall,” Yang said. “As of now, we are aiming to introduce a five-member team in September.”

According to the agency, the upcoming group will move away from YG Entertainment’s recent large-member format and instead focus on a smaller, “elite” lineup designed to emphasize each member’s individuality and skill set.

The group’s name and trainee profiles have not yet been revealed, but K-pop fans are already expressing anticipation for the company’s next generation of artists.

Manon Bannerman Collaborates With Tommy Hilfiger and Ray-Ban Amid Hiatus

KATSEYE member Manon Bannerman’s hiatus continues to spark confusion among fans as new brand collaborations emerge.

On Friday, Tommy Hilfiger, the American premium lifestyle brand, unveiled a new Miami-inspired fanwear capsule featuring KATSEYE’s Manon ahead of this weekend’s major race event. On the same day, Ray-Ban, the Italian-owned luxury sunglasses and eyewear brand, stirred online speculation after posting a seemingly innocuous receipt displaying Manon’s name in all capital letters.

The unexpected collaborations quickly fueled speculation among fans, particularly because neither brand referenced HYBE nor Geffen Records in their promotional materials. This led some fans to believe the partnerships may have been arranged independently by the rising global pop star. However, those claims remain speculative, as KATSEYE’s label has yet to release an official statement regarding the deals.

Manon began her hiatus from KATSEYE on February 20 and has since missed several major appearances, including performances at Lollapalooza and Coachella. She also did not participate in the group’s recent hit single “Pinky Up.” Meanwhile, the remaining five members are reportedly preparing to release a new album as questions surrounding Manon’s future with the group continue to grow.

ICYMI:

• TXT partnered with UNICEF to launch “Together for Tomorrow,” a new global campaign focused on youth mental health and emotional well-being.

• THE BLACK LABEL, home to MEOVV and soloist Jeon Somi, is reportedly ending its strategic partnership with SM Entertainment.

• Jaehyun of NCT was officially discharged from South Korea’s mandatory military service on May 3.

• C9 Entertainment’s upcoming multinational boy group NAZE is set to officially debut on May 4 with its first EP, NAZE.

Court Approves ADOR’s Request to Freeze Assets of Danielle’s Mother and Min Hee Jin Amid NewJeans Trio Rumors

A Seoul court approved ADOR’s request in February 2026 to freeze the assets of former NewJeans member Danielle’s mother and former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin, according to local reports released Wednesday.

The court reportedly approved an asset freeze totaling 7 billion won (approximately $4.73 million), including 5 billion won tied to Min Hee Jin and 2 billion won linked to Danielle’s mother.

The asset freeze does not mean that Danielle’s mother or Min Hee Jin have permanently lost their assets. Instead, the measure is intended to prevent the defendants from hiding or transferring assets before a final court ruling is issued.

Meanwhile, five attorneys from Kim & Chang, one of South Korea’s leading law firms, resigned from the case on April 24. As a result, it remains unclear whether the previously scheduled hearings on May 14 and July 2 will proceed as planned.

Amid the ongoing legal dispute, ADOR confirmed on Tuesday that NewJeans members Hyein, Haerin, and Hanni recently traveled to Copenhagen for music production. The announcement has fueled speculation over whether Minji will continue activities with the group or follow Danielle’s departure.

Upcoming Tours & Performances

• RAPBEAT 2026 (June 20–21 at Oil Tank Culture Park in Seoul) has revealed its final festival lineup, featuring Zico, Taeyong (NCT), RIIZE, Joohoney (MONSTA X), and more.

• MAMAMOO has announced a seven-date U.S. tour for 2026.

• BLACKPINK’s Jennie has been confirmed as a performer at the 2026 Roskilde Festival in Roskilde, Denmark.

• Jennie will also perform at the 2026 Open’er Festival in Gdynia, Poland.

• The Rose has announced its 2026 “ROSETOPIA” world tour, featuring 10 dates across the U.S., Latin America, and Europe.

• Girls’ Generation (SNSD) member Hyoyeon is set to perform at ELECTRIK SEOUL in San Francisco, California, on July 11.

Favorite New Music This Week

With "FEELM", 82MAJOR refine their identity, leaning into a more intentional blend of confidence and introspection. The EP reflects clear artistic growth, shaped by the members’ continued involvement in writing and production, and anchored by a stronger sense of cohesion than their earlier releases.

The standout moment arrives right at the beginning with the opener, “W.T.F”, arguably the most striking part of the project. The track opens with a jazz-inflected intro before abruptly shifting into a heavy, aggressive beat, setting a tone of controlled chaos. Built around the repeated refrain “what the fuss,” layered vocals, and tense lyrical imagery, the song captures a sense of pressure and friction before breaking into a defiant “So what?” It plays like an anthem of rebellion; unpredictable, loud in its restraint, and unapologetically self-assured.

Overall, the project positions 82MAJOR as a group growing more comfortable in their own narrative, and more willing to challenge expectations while doing so.

NEXT WEEK’S COMEBACK SCHEDULE

• Monday, May 4, 2026

  • I.O.I: 3rd Mini Album “I.O.I: Loop”

  • BABYMONSTER: 3rd Mini Album “Choom”

  • CORTIS: 2nd EP “GREENGREEN”

  • NAZE: Debut Mini Album “NAZE”

• Tuesday, May 5, 2026

  • LeeHi: Single “2 Easy 2 Be Hon2st”

• Wednesday, May 6, 2026

  • Billlie: 1st Full Album “the collective soul and unconscious: chapter two”

  • KIIRAS: 2nd Single Album “Ta Ta”

• Thursday, May 7, 2026

  • N/A

• Friday, May 8, 2026

  • Tiffany Young: Single “Summer’s Not Over”

• Saturday, May 9, 2026

  • N/A

• Sunday, May 10, 2026

  • N/A

— Javeria Yousuf

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