Pop Base: This Week in K-POP

Jennie’s “Mantra” and Rosé “APT.” Ban

Jennie's recent hit "Mantra" has been breaking records since its debut, topping iTunes’ top song charts in 47 countries. However, Korea's national broadcaster, KBS, deemed the song unsuitable for broadcast due to lyrics mentioning brand names like Land Rover and In-N-Out. However, as Jennie put it, "We ain't never let it ruin a good time / ain't nobody gonna dim our good light," so, regardless, the song remains one of 2024's biggest hits.

While the banning of Jennie’s song is frustrating and seems unnecessary to the fans, the ban of Rosé’s recent hit seems rather appropriate. Rosé global hit "APT." — whose achievement list is too long to put together — was recently added to Korea's CSAT-banned songs list for being "too addictive" for students which makes total sense. Other popular K-pop songs on this list include "Love Dive," "Antifragile," "Hype Boy," "Supernova," "Baggy Jeans," and "Plot Twist."

ATTRAKT’s Statement Against The Re-Debut Of Former FIFTY FIFTY Members

Recently, three members of the original FIFTY FIFTY line-up — Aran, Sio, and Saena — announced they would be re-debuting as a trio under the name "ablume." While HUNNIES (FIFTY FIFTY’s old fandom and ablume's unofficial fandom name) were thrilled, there was concern that ATTRAKT, FIFTY FIFTY's label, might react negatively. This concern ended up being true.

On October 25, 2024, FIFTY FIFTY's label, ATTRAKT, and the Korean Management Federation (KMF) issued a joint statement against Aran, Saena, and Sio, condemning their re-debut as ablume. The statement reads:

"It is regrettable that the three former members of FIFTY FIFTY, who engaged in tampering attempts, are now resuming their entertainment activities under a new agency, despite not fully taking responsibility for their past actions. The fact that these artists, involved in illegal tampering, are choosing to ignore their contractual obligations and attempt to work under a new contract is unethical. This issue threatens the credibility of the entertainment industry. If such actions are tolerated, existing contracts will soon lose their binding power, and many may disregard their contractual responsibilities for personal gain."

Although ablume has yet to respond, ATTRAKT has since set its X (formerly known as Twitter) account to private.

(read the full statement here)

Notable Achievements From This Week

• BTS’ leader, RM, won two awards at the UK Music Video Awards 2024 for his "Lost!" music video in the categories of "Best Production Design in a Video" and "Best Alternative Video International," marking the MV’s 7th and 8th awards to date.

• The 4th-generation JYP boy group Stray Kids continues to become more and more successful with each comeback. Their latest album, "ATE," has been certified Gold by the RIAA, making it their third consecutive album to receive this honor and the first K-pop album in 2024 to achieve this. The RIAA Gold certification is awarded when a song or album sells 500,000 units. Safe to say, Stray Kids ATE!

• Modhaus’s 24-member girl group tripleS recently surpassed 250,000 unit sales on Hanteo for their album "Performante." While modest compared to million-sellers, this milestone is significant for a relatively new group.

Upcoming Performances & Stages to Anticipate

• To celebrate Jin's upcoming solo album "Happy," he has prepared a special stage for ARMYs at Jangchung Arena in Seoul on November 16 and 17. The event will feature an exclusive preview of songs from his new album, along with other exciting segments.

• PLEDIS Entertainment's boy group SEVENTEEN is currently on a world tour and performing in the U.S. On October 30, the group (excluding Jeonghan and Jun) will appear on “Good Morning America” during an off day from the tour.

• MADEIN, INI, &TEAM, and TWICE MISAMO are confirmed to perform on TBS' CDTV, a Japanese late-night music show, Live! on October 28.

• Mexico City, get ready for TXT! In April 2025, Tomorrow X Together will headline AXE CEREMONIA 2025 in Mexico City. This will be BigHit’s boy group’s first performance in Mexico. Other notable artists at the festival include Tyler, the Creator, Charli XCX, Massive Attack, FKA Twigs, Parcels, and Natanael Cano.

The More You Know

• Former BTOB member Ilhoon has signed with Carpenters Art Republic as a solo artist. This recent development is sparking speculation among fans about upcoming music.

• On October 24, the eight-piece girl group UNIS announced they will be donating a portion of their concert proceeds to the victims of tropical storm Kristine in the Philippines. "We hope that the impact on those affected by the typhoon isn't too severe," said member Hyeonju. Elysia, a Filipino member, added, "We are praying and hoping that you and your loved ones are safe. Know that help is underway, and we hope you stay strong and resilient."

Our Favorite Songs From Last Week

The most anticipated comeback last week was aespa, who were bound to make this list as they never disappoint. One Reddit user, raphaeldown, described the title song "Whiplash" perfectly: “Brat, but it's aespa, so it's bræt.” While the title track is undeniably a hit, the award for best B-side on the album goes to "Fights, Not Feelings." With its slow, sensual music and stunning vocals, this song couldn't be better.

Purple Kiss's entire album, “HEADWAY”, is packed with unskippable tracks, but "Encore" emerged as our personal favorite. The song has a Halloween vibe and sounds just like how you’d imagine the color purple would. It also feels like a mellower twin to the group's previous, highly recommended song "Pretty Psycho," another perfect choice for the Halloween season.

Last week was probably a girl group stan's dream week. Alongside aespa and Purple Kiss, ILLIT also made a comeback with their dreamy album “I'LL LIKE YOU”, giving fans everything they could ask for. The standout song, "Cherish (My Love)," shines with its bright, dreamy vibe. The only drawback to the album is that it felt too short, even compared to the average mini-albums.

Finally, NCT's Jaehyun deserves to be exempt from military service—he’s already served enough with his recent release, "Unconditional." Unlike his last hits "Roses" and "Dandelion", "Unconditional" isn’t depressing or melancholic but instead cheeky and sensual. However, it still delivers the RnB vibe that made us fall in love with "J". Hopefully, he will be back from the military soon, becuase we cannot wait to hear what more he produces in the future.

This Week's Comeback Schedule

Sunday, October 27, 2024

N/A

Monday, October 28, 2024

• ITZY: Music Video "Imaginary Friend"

• THE BOYZ: 9th Mini Album "TRIGGER"

Tuesday, October 29, 2024

• BABYMONSTER: Music Video "CLICK CLACK"

• Solar (MAMAMOO): Album "First Love"

Wednesday, October 30, 2024

• STAYC: Digital Single "...I"

• OMEGA X: Digital Pre-Release

Thursday, October 31, 2024

• MOON JONG UP: 3rd Mini Album "PETER"

• JAMIE: "Bad Luck"

• BTOB: Digital Single "Please Stay"

Friday, November 1, 2024

• BABYMONSTER: 1st Full Album "DRIP"

• Kep1er: 6th Mini Album "TIPI-TAP"

• ODD YOUTH: Debut Single "Best Friendz"

Saturday, November 2, 2024

N/A

— Javeria Yousuf

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