Trans K-Pop Idol, HYBE Headquarter Raid, VCHA KG's Case Update

JWiiver’s Chae Ryujin Publicly Comes Out as Transgender

On July 18, Chae Ryujin, former member of the now-disbanded boy group JWiiver, came out as transgender during an Instagram Live. She shared that she had long felt confused about her identity and only recently fully embraced being trans. While it took her time to feel ready to come out, she now feels much happier and more loved than during her idol days.

Ryujin also revealed that her group members knew about her identity and affectionately called her “Humi noona” during their time together.

VCHA’s KG Shares Update on Lawsuit Against JYPE

Four days ago, KG updated fans via Instagram about her recent court hearing. She said the judge had been tentatively ready to rule in her favor and seemed prepared to void the contract.

However, JYP Entertainment’s attorney requested additional evidence, which could potentially affect the final outcome. KG mentioned that she would continue to keep fans informed through Instagram and expressed hope that the contract would be officially terminated soon.

The final decision is still pending as the case develops.

ICYMI:

• TWICE’s Jeongyeon to make her official acting debut in the feature film "New Soldier" (literal translation).

• Netflix has released a remix of "K-pop Demon Hunters" Golden, featuring David Guetta.

• i-dle’s Shuhua to host "The Inspector" special series, premiering July 26.

Police Await Warrant to Raid HYBE Headquarters as Three Employees Are Sentenced

On July 17, the Seoul Metropolitan Police requested a warrant to search HYBE’s main office in Yongsan and Chairman Bang Si Hyuk's residence. The request stems from allegations that Bang engaged in fraudulent and unfair trading in violation of the Capital Market Act. In 2019, he allegedly encouraged investors to sell their shares to a company that, at the time, seemed unrelated.

Later, it was discovered that this company was secretly created by HYBE executives before HYBE officially went public. This raised suspicions that they were using insider knowledge to benefit themselves.

While police are still waiting for the court to approve the search warrant, another case involving HYBE employees has already led to prison sentences. Three employees were found guilty of insider trading. They sold their shares before the public knew that BTS would go on hiatus due to Jin’s military enlistment. This allowed them to avoid losing over 230 million won.

Upcoming Tours & Performances

• 1st-gen legendary boy group H.O.T confirmed as headliners for the 2025 Hanteo Music Festival.

• HUTA (BTOB’s Lee Minhyuk) joins the lineup for Waterbomb Sokcho 2025. U-KNOW (TVXQ!), TAEYEON (SNSD), KEY (SHINee), and IRENE & SEULGI (Red Velvet) announced for The K-SHOWTIME in Vietnam, taking place in Ho Chi Minh City.

• SEVENTEEN announce five dates and cities for their “NEW” World Tour in Japan and Korea.

• Ailee is scheduled to perform at the Ubuntu with K-Culture Festival in South Africa on September 6.

• BamBam, CRAVITY, and FIFTY FIFTY confirmed for K-EXPO Canada.

• Baekho, Chungha, Billlie, Soyou, and EPIK HIGH announced as part of the lineup for Waterbomb Sokcho 2025.

Favorite New Music This Week

TXT’s fourth full-length album, "The Star Chapter: Together", is a stunning showcase of emotional depth and vocal brilliance.

The title track, “Beautiful Strangers,” feels like a spiritual sibling to “Deja Vu”, rich, moody, and cinematic, despite its short length. Each track on the album brings something fresh: “Upside Down Kiss” surprises with its addictive hook, while “Ghost Girl” and “Bird of the Night” soar with haunting vocals that feel transcendent. “Dance With You” is groovy and unexpectedly joyful, “Sunday Driver” radiates comfort, and “Take My Half” feels like a live concert moment in the making. “Song of the Stars” closes the album with tear-jerking nostalgia, echoing the magic of “Nap of a Star.”

Though short in runtime, the album is emotionally full and masterfully produced.

NEXT WEEK’S COMEBACK SCHEDULE

• Sunday, July 27, 2025

  • N/A

• Monday, July 28, 2025

  • EPEX: 3rd Album “Youth Chapter 3: ROMANCE YOUTH”

  • THE BOYZ: 10th Mini Album “a;effect”

  • SEVENTOEIGHT: Debut Single “1st Single”

• Tuesday, July 29, 2025

  • YENA: 4th Mini Album “Blooming Wings”

  • ENHYPEN: 4th Japan Single “YOI”

• Wednesday, July 30, 2025

  • Nam Woo Hyun: 5th Mini Album “Tree Ring”

  • IVE: 3rd Japan Ep “Be Alright”

• Thursday, July 31, 2025

  • JAY (iKON): Album “207”

  • XngHan & Xoul (former RIIZE member): Single “Waste No Time”

  • ICHILLIN’: 4th Mini Album “Wild Cherry”

  • HEYOON: Track “Addicted”

• Friday, August 1, 2025

  • SAY MY NAME: 1st Single “iLy”

• Saturday, August 2, 2025

  • N/A

— Javeria Yousuf

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