Latest news with #ParkJin-young
Korea Herald
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
‘Street Woman Fighter' goes global
JYP Entertainment founder Park Jin-young, Beyonce tour dancer Aliyah Janell and Mike Song to judge popular dance competition The popular dance competition series "Street Woman Fighter" is back for a third season — this time, with only one Korean team. "World of Street Woman Fighter," the show's latest iteration, features competition between dance crews from five countries: South Korea's Bumsup, the United States' Motiv, Japan's Osaka Ojo Gang and RHTokyo, New Zealand's Royal Family and Australia's AG Squad. Series producer Choi Jung-nam said the decision to include crews from other countries was aimed at showcasing more global talent to Korean audiences, building on the success of their introduction in season two. 'When it came to casting global crews for the program, we didn't approach it with the mindset that specific countries had to be represented. We wanted to introduce crews that have a certain level of skill and status, and who could tell compelling stories within the context of our program,' Choi said during a press conference held Tuesday in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Due to the diversity of participants this time around, the production team said it is facing new challenges in the editing process to ensure a seamless viewing experience across languages. 'Since we're trying to show viewers the best version of the footage through editing, many translators are involved. Because we're dealing with multiple languages: Korean, English, Japanese and more. It's taking a lot of time to translate. ... Even if there are some rough or imperfect parts, I hope you'll look forward to the dancers' expressions through the language of their bodies.' Joining the judges' panel this season are three powerful figures from the dance and entertainment industry: JYP Entertainment founder Park Jin-young, Beyonce tour alum Aliyah Janell, and renowned dancer and choreographer Mike Song. Park, who brings perspectives as a performer and a producer, reflected on his approach to judging for the new season. 'In the past, when I was judging singers, there was some connection to my company, so I had to be careful. But this time, I felt I could speak based on what I saw and felt. Some of the contestants this time are dancers I paid to choreograph for me. So while I'm watching as a fellow dancer, I also naturally see things from the perspective of a K-pop producer who commissions choreography," said Park. Despite the nation-versus-nation frame of the competition, producer Choi emphasized the broader mission of the show. 'I found myself returning to the original mindset -- rather than thinking about which country to root for, I saw it as a way to introduce international dancers to fans who loved 'Street Woman Fighter' and to help build a fandom for them.'
Korea Herald
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Itzy to return with 'Girls Will Be Girls' next month
Itzy is poised to release new music on June 9 with an album titled 'Girls Will Be Girls,' label JYP Entertainment announced Monday. A trailer for the upcoming album follows the bandmates struggling to save Ryujin, whose heart has stopped. Park Jin-young, head producer of the label, appears in the teaser as well. The quintet will be releasing a new set about eight months since ninth EP 'Gold,' which made the Billboard 200 at No. 60. One of the two main tracks, 'Imaginary Friend,' was chosen as one of 'The 25 Best K-Pop Songs of 2024,' as listed by Billboard magazine. Separately, leader Yeji dropped her first solo effort, EP 'Air,' in March. She is the first from the group to put out a solo album.
Korea Herald
10-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Yeji hopes to show off potential in solo debut
Singer admits feelings of excitement, pressure as first from Itzy to go solo Yeji of Itzy made her highly anticipated solo debut Monday with the release of her first EP, 'Air,' six years after debuting with the girl group in 2019. At her debut showcase in Seoul, Yeji admitted to both the excitement of the moment and pressure as the first member of her group to go solo. 'My heart is still racing and I'm nervous. When I first heard the news that I would be going solo, I was beyond happy, but I also thought, 'Has that much time already passed?'' Yeji said. 'I believe I was chosen as the first soloist because I'm the eldest and the leader of the team,' she added. "I think the company trusted me to take on this challenge first." The album embodies Yeji's passion for music, performance and the stage. The EP consists of four tracks: main song 'Air,' along with 'Invasion,' 'Can't Slow Me, No' and '258.' 'Air' is a synth-pop track characterized by strong bass and an addictive hook. Yeji participated in writing the lyrics. JYP Entertainment founder Park Jin-young also contributed. 'The message of 'Air' is about showcasing my presence, my aura, through my first solo debut. There's a lyric that says, 'You take my breath away,' and when I think about those overwhelming moments, they were always on stage. That's the message I wanted to convey,' Yeji said. Regarding her comparatively late solo debut — K-pop group members typically strike out as solo artists in their third or fourth year — Yeji shared that she had been focused on group activities until her agency suggested she pursue a solo project. And the suggestion came at the right time. 'Last year, I felt like I was falling into a rut, repeating the same schedule. That's when the solo proposal came, and for me, it was an opportunity. Through this process, I realized just how much I love what I do,' she said. Ultimately, Yeji hopes that 'Air' will allow her to prove herself as a solo artist. 'Just debuting solo is already a huge achievement for me. My goal with this promotion is to show people that Yeji, as a solo artist, has real potential,' she added.
