EXO's Kai sets solo return date
Kai of EXO will be back as a solo musician, bringing out his fourth EP on April 21, label SM Entertainment said Monday.
He is gearing up to return with the EP 'Wait On Me,' about two years after his previous mini album 'Rover,' which topped the iTunes Top Albums Chart in 48 regions. The title track from the album earned him two first-place trophies on television music chart shows.
The performer gave fans a taste of the solo on Monday, dropping the B-side track 'Adult Swim' in advance. The simple yet energetic pop tune marks a new chapter for Kai, who completed his mandatory military service in February.
After promoting the upcoming album, he plans to visit fans in 10 cities across Asia for his 'Kaion' solo tour, which begins with two shows in Seoul in mid-May.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Korea Herald
40 minutes ago
- Korea Herald
Overprotection or self-defense? SM's girl group Hearts2Hearts faces another security guard controversy
SM says guard reacted to 'sasaeng's' repeated contact; fan denies claim, shares injuries SM Entertainment's rookie girl group Hearts2Hearts is once again under scrutiny over alleged excessive security measures after a fan claimed she was physically assaulted by a guard during the group's recent airport appearance. The incident occurred Sunday in the shuttle train boarding area of Incheon Airport's passenger terminal as the group was departing for China. A video widely circulated on social media earlier this week shows what appears to be a Hearts2Hearts security guard striking a woman while escorting the members through the crowded terminal. In the footage, bodyguards can be heard yelling, 'Please don't get on (the train),' and 'Step back,' while leading the group. One guard is seen forcefully pushing a woman by the neck and elbowing her in the face. He then shouts, 'What's wrong with you? What do you think you're doing?' The woman responds, 'I need to go, too. I have a boarding pass,' to which the guard retorts, 'So what? Why did you bump into the member?' The footage quickly sparked backlash online, with critics accusing SM Entertainment of allowing aggressive and violent behavior from its security staff. On Wednesday, the agency shared a statement via local media outlet defending the guard's actions as a response to what it claimed was repeated inappropriate behavior by a 'sasaeng' — a term for obsessive fans who engage in stalking or other invasive acts. 'At the departure site, a sasaeng fan continuously pushed and attempted to make physical contact with our artist from the entrance area onward,' the K-pop agency said. 'In the process of restraining her, the security guard momentarily used physical force.' The agency added that it had filed complaints with the security company and the guard involved, acknowledging the response was 'excessive.' 'We sincerely apologize for causing concern and will work to better maintain public order when our artists are in shared spaces,' SM Entertainment said. Shortly after the company's statement, the woman involved came forward via her personal social media account, denying that she was a sasaeng and challenging the company's characterization of the incident. 'I'm only 20 years old. Sure, I made a mistake, but how can you treat a 20-year-old girl like a criminal and then release a statement like nothing happened?' she wrote. 'Do you even feel anything writing a statement full of lies? I admit I accidentally bumped into a member because our paths crossed, but does that justify treating someone like an animal?' She posted photos of bruises on her arm and a hospital report showing diagnoses of cervical and lumbar sprains, as well as a right arm injury. The report estimated a four-week recovery period.
Korea Herald
a day ago
- Korea Herald
Former Riize member Seunghan to debut solo in July under new identity 'XngHan'
Some international fans still call for the K-pop singer's return, blaming SM Entertainment for his departure XngHan, formerly Seunghan of SM Entertainment's boy group Riize, is set to return to the spotlight with his solo debut in late July — nearly nine months after stepping away from the group amid personal controversies. According to SM Entertainment on Thursday, the singer will now promote under the stage name 'XngHan,' a stylized form of his Korean name pronounced the same but spelled with an 'X' to signify 'infinite potential and crossover.' The agency said the new name reflects his ambition to defy fixed stereotypes and limitations as an artist. 'This new journey begins in July, and XngHan aims to craft boundary-pushing performances and experiences with creatives who align with his evolving vision,' SM Entertainment said in a statement. XngHan debuted as a member of Riize in September 2023, but halted all activities just two months later amid growing backlash over his private life. Controversy first emerged in August that year, before the group's debut, when several private photos were leaked online, including one of him lying in bed with a woman and another showing him smoking in public in Japan. He also faced criticism after a leaked Instagram Live conversation with Big Hit Music's boy group TXT's Soobin included comments referencing a female idol. Riize has since continued as a six-member act, releasing hits such as 'Love 119' and 'Boom Boom Bass.' SM Entertainment initially announced his return to Riize in October but reversed the decision just two days later following a surge of negative reactions from Korean fans. His departure from the group was confirmed later that month, leaving his status uncertain for nearly a year. In a handwritten letter shared at the time, Seunghan apologized to fans and his former bandmates, writing, 'I don't want to cause them any more harm. I truly love Riize and sincerely hope they continue to be loved.' Despite the controversy, some international Riize fans have continued to support him. In an email sent to The Korea Herald last month, they wrote, 'Though he committed no wrongdoing, SM failed to defend him publicly or ensure his safety.'
Korea Herald
a day ago
- Korea Herald
Aespa to launch world tour in August
Girl group aespa announced Tuesday that it will embark on its third international tour on Aug. 29, via label SM Entertainment. The foursome will kick off the 'Synk: aeXis Line' tour with three shows in Seoul. The news comes after the news of a Japan tour that was announced in May. The group is planning to host 10 shows in four cities: Fukuoka, Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka. Aespa's previous world tour spanned 28 cities for 43 shows and concluded with an encore gig in Seoul in mid-March. Meanwhile, it will drop the single 'Dirty Work' on June 27. The hip-hop dance tune will be available in different versions as well, including one in the English language. Leader Karina is also set to join the lineup of Waterbomb Seoul 2025 on her own on July 5.
