2NE1 Sandara Park To Host New Global Audition Show

Korea and the Philippines are teaming up to launch a new global audition program, "Be the Next: 9 Dreamers," set to premiere on February 8, 2025. The survival show will showcase 74 contestants from around the world competing for a chance to debut as global stars. The show is co-produced by MLD Company, home to MOMOLAND, Lapillus, HORI7ON, Astro, and more.

Not only will the program be hosted by a legend, 2NE1's Sandara Park, but the mentor lineup is also stellar, including EXO’s Chen, MOMOLAND’s Hyebin, AB6IX’s Park Woo Jin, Bang Yedam, and HORI7ON’s Vinci. Meanwhile, Bae Wan Hee will join as the dance mentor, and producer Bullseye will serve as the main producer.

[Source]

Upcoming Tours, Events, & Performances

• BTS j-hope has released the dates, cities, and venues for his first-ever solo world tour, "HOPE ON THE STAGE."

• GHOST9 has released venues for their 2025 tour, "THE NEW MIDNIGHT," in Europe.

• TXT has announced dates and venues for their new world tour, "ACT: PROMISE" Ep. 2, in Macau, Europe, and Japan.

• SHINee's Onew 2025 world tour, "ONEW THE LIVE: CONNECTION," dates have been announced.

• Kep1er is confirmed to perform at Hong Kong's Lunar New Year float parade on January 29.

• AMPERS&ONE's 2025 Live Tour, "My First_," dates and cities in North America have been announced.

• On Music Chocolate Festival 2025’s official X account, WOOAH and UNICODE have been announced as part of the artist lineup for the event.

ICYMI:

• Kep1er’s Xiaoting is scheduled to resume her group activities after her contract with her Chinese agency is terminated.

• ALL(H)OUR and EDEN Entertainment have been added to JYP Entertainment's official YouTube channel as family labels.

• IZ*One Jo Yuri, who also starred in "Squid Game Season 2," is reportedly in talks for a new thriller K-drama by the director of Netflix’s 2024 hit series "Mask Girl."

• GOT7 have regained control over their official social media accounts that were previously managed by their old label JYP Entertainment.

Our Favorite Music From This Week

The week began with JUST B's "Still I Love You." While the song’s theme was quite melancholic, the track itself was a pop-rock anthem, reminiscent of 2010s boy group hits that made us bop our heads uncontrollably to the guitar riffs.

GFRIEND also returned from disbandment with a special gift for their fans in the form of "Season of Memories." The song's old-school K-pop vibe perfectly matched its sentimental tone. (The song is currently not available on YouTube.)

SHINee's Onew released an entire EP album, "CONNECTION," which was undoubtedly perfect, as everyone expected. The idol's vocals effortlessly transport listeners to heaven with each track.

XLOV made their debut with the powerful track "I'mma Be." Although the song could have shined more without the rap verses that broke the rhythm of the song, with its unique concept and sound, the song was nearly perfect as a debut.

Lastly, SEVENTEEN’s subunit BSS made a comeback with their second single album, consisting of three songs. Even though the title track, "CBZ (Prime Time)," was quintessential BSS, the standout for us was "Happy Alone," with its mellow sound and super catchy chorus.

Next Week’s Comeback Schedule

Sunday, January 12, 2025

N/A

Monday, January 13, 2025

• IVE: Pre-release Track "REBEL HEART"

• GFRIEND: Special Album "Season Of Memories"

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

• ONEUS: Special Album "Dear.M"

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

• WEi: 7th Mini Album "The Feelings"

• BBGIRLS: 2nd Single Album "Love 2"

Thursday, January 16, 2025

N/A

Friday, January 17, 2025

N/A

Saturday, January 18, 2025

N/A

— Javeria Yousuf

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