ZB1 Contract Renewal, G-Dragon's Plagiarism Case, NWJS X ADOR News

G-Dragon Under Investigation for Copyright Infringement

According to Yonhap News Agency, police are investigating K-pop star G-Dragon and YG Entertainment founder Yang Hyun-suk over alleged copyright infringement involving a song from G-Dragon’s 2010 album “Shine A Light.”

A composer claims the track was illegally copied, prompting Seoul’s Mapo Police Station to launch a probe in November, conduct two raids on YG’s headquarters, and question those involved. YG stated the issue was a mix-up of two songs with the same title during preparations for G-Dragon’s 2009 solo concert, denying any unauthorized duplication.

[Source]

New Jeans X ADOR Mediation Hearing Details

The first mediation in the New Jeans–Ador contract dispute ended without resolution on August 14 after 1 hour and 20 minutes. Members Minji and Daniel attended but have not shared the details with the press yet.

Ador accused former CEO Min Hee-jin of orchestrating the group’s unilateral contract termination despite heavy investments, calling it a breach. They denied that trust was broken. New Jeans countered that Min’s ouster destroyed trust, citing the “Ignore” controversy and alleged Illit plagiarism.

The next mediation is on September 11, with an October 30 ruling if no agreement is reached.

[Source: 1, 2]

ICYMI:

• KATSEYE will not perform at Summer Sonic Osaka 2025 after two members fell ill.

• THE BOYZ’s concert was delayed and the venue evacuated following a bomb threat.

• KPop Demon Hunters will receive a theatrical “sing-along” event release.

ZEROBASE’s Potential Contract Renewal in Talks

ZEROBASEONE may be extending their run beyond their original 2.5-year contract period.

On August 12, industry sources reported that several members and their respective agencies have initiated official discussions about continuing group activities beyond the planned January 2026 disbandment. Formed through the survival show BOYS PLANET, the group’s contracts were initially set for a fixed project duration.

Their agency, WAKEONE, confirmed the talks, stating, “We highly value ZEROBASEONE’s potential and growth,” adding that discussions with each member’s agency have been ongoing since early 2025 about extending the project group’s activity period.

If finalized, the extension could mark a significant chapter in the group’s career. This will be a huge milestone for the group, as they were supposed to be a temporary act but rose to massive popularity, and fans can’t imagine letting them go anytime soon!

[Source: 1, 2]

Upcoming Tours & Performances

• PURPLE KISS has partnered with Leo Presents for their Fall 2025 U.S. tour “A VIOLET TO REMEMBER.”

• ARTMS has announced 11 dates and cities for their “Grand Club Icarus” North American world tour leg.

• Solar of MAMAMOO and ATEEZ join the lineup for the 2025 Hanteo Music Festival in Seoul on September 6 and 7.

• Kwon Eunbi confirms Taipei stop for her 2025 concert “THE RED.”

• The 2025 Japan-Korea Music Show (NKMS) reveals full lineup, featuring BTOB, HUTA, MOMOLAND, and more.

Favorite New Music This Week

Key’s 3rd full-length album, "Hunter", distills the SHINee star’s signature retro-futuristic flair into ten tightly crafted tracks.

Building on the foundations of "Bad Love", "Gasoline", and "Pleasure Shop", the record blends glossy electropop with experimental edges, veering from the punchy new jack swing of "Infatuation" to the dreamy house textures of "Picture Frame."

The title track is a gritty, bass-heavy opener brimming with MJ-inspired theatrics and lyrical duality, amplified by Key’s commanding vocals. While its brief runtime leaves some ideas wanting more space, "Hunter" remains a cohesive, visually striking statement, cementing Key not just as a veteran idol but as one of K-pop’s boldest sonic risk-takers.

NEXT WEEK’S COMEBACK SCHEDULE

• Sunday, August 17, 2025

  • N/A

• Monday, August 18, 2025

  • JOY (Red Velvet): 1st Mini Album “From JOY, with Love”

  • Vince: Track “CHA CHA CHA” (feat. G-DRAGON)

  • CORTIS: Debut Track “What You Want”

• Tuesday, August 19, 2025

  • Kep1er: 7th Mini Album “BUBBLE GUM”

  • SECRET NUMBER: 8th Single “Don’t Touch”

• Wednesday, August 20, 2025

  • Moon Byul (MAMAMOO): 4th Mini Album “laundri”

  • Hi-Fi Unicorn: 2nd Single “Teenage Blue”

  • JUNNY: 2nd Full Album “NULL”

  • ARISE: 1st Mini Album “READY TO START”

  • BoyNextDoor: Japan 2nd Single “BOYLIFE”

• Thursday, August 21, 2025

  • 8Turn: 2nd Single “Electric Heart: 찬란하게 빛날”

  • Teen Top: Album “Just 15, Just Teen Top”

• Friday, August 22, 2025

  • Stray Kids: 4th Album “KARMA”

  • Pabllo Vittar with NMIXX: Track “MEXE”

  • CORTIS: Track “What You Want (ENG Ver.)” feat. Teezo Touchdown

• Saturday, August 23, 2025

  • N/A

— Javeria Yousuf

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