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TXT Reveals Abuse, ADOR New CEO, T-ara Jail Sentence

Plus... BLACKPINK's mini album release

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Pop Base
August 23, 2025

ADOR Hires New CEO

Image courtesy of ADOR

ADOR, one of HYBE's subsidiaries and home to NewJeans, announced on August 20 the appointment of Vice President Lee Do Kyung as its new CEO.

Lee Do Kyung succeeds Kim Joo Young, who stepped down after a year, having stabilized the label’s structure. The change aims to speed up artist-focused operations, including albums, performances, and business growth. According to the reports, Lee Do Kyung had joined HYBE in 2019, previously led its IPX division, overseeing merchandise, pop-ups, and projects like “THE CITY.”

Former T-ara Member Lee Areum Receives Reduced Jail Sentence

Former T-ara Member Lee Areum

Former T-ara member Lee Areum and her boyfriend Seo Dong Hoon have appealed to South Korea’s Supreme Court after receiving reduced sentences in a 37 million won (approx. $27,000) fraud and embezzlement case.

On August 13, the Suwon District Court sentenced Areum to four months in prison with a one-year suspension, while Seo Dong Hoon received one year and four months. Investigations identified Seo as the primary offender, with Areum playing a minor role and reportedly pregnant at the time.

ICYMI:

  • All five members of Tomorrow X Together (TXT) have renewed their contracts with BigHit Entertainment.

  • BLACKPINK is set to release their upcoming mini album this November.

  • Yoon Jiyoon has officially parted ways with IZNA following a six-month hiatus.

TXT's Soobin and Taehyun Open Up about Trainee Era Corporal Punishment

TXT’s Taehyun and leader Soobin shocked fans by recalling the physical abuse they endured as trainees at Big Hit Entertainment.

In a recent Weverse livestream, Soobin revealed, “This was when Taehyun and I had just been dancing for a week or two… we were both extremely young kids, 8th and 10th graders.” The two were told to learn SEVENTEEN’s difficult choreography by themselves and struggled to keep up. Soobin admitted, “We did get hit back then… we got hit while we learnt it.” He added that other trainees faced even harsher punishments.

While the revelation saddened fans, Soobin clarified that such practices are no longer common: “They had physical punishments back then, but if they physically punish someone now, they’d get in huge trouble.”

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Upcoming Tours & Performances

MUSIC EXPO LIVE 2025 Official Poster

  • Key (SHINee) has announced six North American dates for his 2025 tour, "KEYLAND: Uncanny Valley."

  • Kwon Eunbi is set to perform in Macau for her 2025 concert, "THE RED."

  • Big Ocean will take the stage at the Reeperbahn Festival 2025 on September 20.

  • MUSIC EXPO LIVE 2025 has unveiled its lineup, featuring TXT, ENHYPEN, CORTIS, KiiiKiii, and more.

  • KATSEYE will perform at the GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles on September 18.

Favorite New Music This Week

Image courtesy of BigHit Entertainment

CORTIS’s debut track “What You Want” is a bold introduction that shows the group’s hands-on approach to music and performance. The five members, Martin, James, Juhoon, Seonghyeon, and Keonho, were deeply involved in every step, from songwriting and composing to choreographing and shaping the music video. This creative control gives the track a sense of freshness and authenticity.

Musically, “What You Want” stands out with its mix of hip-hop beats and psychedelic guitar elements, creating an unexpected but addictive sound. It’s experimental without losing its catchiness, proving the group isn’t afraid to break the mold. The choreography is just as dynamic, showcasing their artistry and vision as performers.

By taking ownership of both the music and visuals, CORTIS delivers more than just a debut; they present a creative statement. “What You Want” positions them as not only talented idols but as innovative artists ready to carve their own path.

NEXT WEEK’S COMEBACK SCHEDULE

  • Sunday, August 24, 2025

    • JUSTB: Digital Single “Too Late”

  • Monday, August 25, 2025

    • IVE: 4th EP “IVE SECRET”

    • AB6IX: 10th EP “UPSIDE DOWN”

    • CHANYEOL (EXO): 2nd Mini Album “Upside Down”

    • JEEWON: Solo Debut

  • Tuesday, August 26, 2025

    • SUNMI: Digital Single “BLUE”

    • Lee Seok Hoon: 5th EP “새로, 쓰임”

    • JUNIEL: “혜성”

  • Wednesday, August 27, 2025

    • SOOJIN: 1st Single “BADITUDE”

    • TWICE: Japan 6th Album “ENEMY”

    • LUN8: Japan 1st Album “Elevation”

    • H1-KEY: 1st Mini Album “Lovestruck” Japan Version

  • Thursday, August 28, 2025

    • Lim Young Woong: MV Release

  • Friday, August 29, 2025

    • Lim Young Woong: 2nd Album “IM HERO 2”

    • GIRLSET: Single “Commas”

  • Saturday, August 30, 2025

    • N/A

— Javeria Yousuf

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