Latest news with #PlotTwist
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
BOYS II PLANET unveils Top 48, sends 32 contestants home in first round amid trainee controversies
The journey to debut on Mnet's Boys II Planet intensified on August 14 KST as the show aired its first official Survivor Ranking Ceremony. Amid all the controversies surrounding the trainee members, this pivotal episode marked the end of the first two global voting rounds, which drew an impressive 62,967,080 votes from star creators in 217 countries - a testament to the program's worldwide reach. Spotlight on the top 9 contenders The episode unveiled the top nine trainees, seen as frontrunners for the debut lineup. One of the most talked-about climbs came from He Xinlong, who stunned viewers with his transformation in the Plot Twist team. His performance propelled him up six spots from last week, earning him 9th place. His fellow Plot Twist teammate Na Yoonseo avoided elimination as well, securing 22nd place. [5회 예고] "추가 생존자는 없습니다" 모두가 충격에 빠진 탈락 결과?!'No additional survivors' The elimination results that left everyone in shock?!Full ver.▶ [BOYS ll PLANET]매주 목요일 밤 9시 20분 본방송Every Thursday 9:20PM (KST)#BOYS2PLANET… The remaining top 9 were announced in reverse order: 8: Masato 7: Yoo Kangmin 6: Chuei Li Yu 5: Lee Leo (former Trainee A member) 4: Kim Junseo 3: Jung Sanghyun Battle for the No. 1 spot The top spot came down to two major fan favorites: Zhou Anxin, the Planet C center, and Lee Sangwon, a former Trainee A member alongside Lee Leo. In the end, Lee Sangwon claimed the coveted No. 1 position - his first time topping the rankings in the competition so far. Last-minute saves and near eliminations At the other end of the rankings, tension was high as the final spots were revealed. Han Harry June narrowly held on at 47th place, while the very last spot, 48th, went to Yoon Min of the winning Whiplash team, ensuring both survive to the next round. Full Top 48 ranking 1. Lee Sang Won 2. Zhou An Xin 3. Chung Sang Hyeon 4. Kim Jun Seo 5. Lee Leo 6. Chueli Li Yu 7. Yoo Kang Min 8. Masato 9. He Xin Long 10. Kang Woo Jin 11. Sun Heng Yu 12. Jang Han Eum 13. Fan Zhe Yi 14. Hsu Ching Yu 15. Sun Jia Yang 16. Kim Geon Woo 17. Yumeki 18. Zhang Jia Hao 19. Yi Chen 20. Seo Won 21. Chen Kai Wen 22. Na Yun Seo 23. Jun Lee Jeong 24. Nian Bo Heng 25. Hu Han Wen 26. Sen 27. Kim Jun Min 28. Peng Jin Yu 29. Park Dong Gyu 30. Dang Hong Hai 31. Li Zi Hao 32. Chen Bo Wen 33. Kim Jae Hyun 34. Zhao Guang Xu 35. Park Jun Il 36. He Zhong Xing 37. Kim Dong Yun 38. Tatsuki 39. Yeom Ye Chan 40. Jo Gye Hyeon 41. Jung Hyun Jun 42. Kim Tae Jo 43. Kim Si Hwan 44. Kim In Hu 45. Arctic 46. Xue Su Ren 47. Han Harry June 48. Yoon Min What's next on BOYS II PLANET The third global voting round is now open and will run until August 29 at 10 AM KST. The stakes are higher than ever - only 24 contestants will advance to the next stage of Boys II Planet, bringing the trainees one step closer to the final debut lineup. To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow Indiatimes Trending.
Korea Herald
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
K-pop agencies turn to US to fast-track global reach
With K-pop booming in the US, agencies launch American bases to target both markets, bypassing reliance on local partners With K-pop's popularity spreading far beyond Korea, agencies are seeking new ways to reach global audiences. While strategies include international partnerships and launching localized global groups, establishing headquarters in the US, the largest music market in the world, is emerging as a key move to expand their reach. In establishing his own K-pop agency "Titan Content" in April 2023, Han Se-min, former CEO of K-pop powerhouse SM Entertainment, chose Los Angeles as its headquarters, with studio facilities both in Seoul and LA. "K-pop is already big in America. It is recognized as a mainstream genre there, not just a niche. Many K-pop artists are achieving big success in the US, hopping on Billboard charts and holding concerts at big stadiums. In that vein, I thought, why not create a K-pop company in the US and aim to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with American entertainment giants," Han told reporters during a press conference held on Aug. 6. Although the company is headquartered in the US, its core identity and creative foundation remain rooted in Korean culture, and its talent is made up of K-pop "titans" who made history in K-pop, according to Han. Apart from Han, Katie Kang, who was also the head of the artist planning and production committee at SM, Lia Kim, the founder of dance crew 1Million, and Lee Guiom, who founded magazine Dazed Korea in 2015, are also the figures leading Titan Content. The company is set to test its global strategy to target both global and Korean markets, with the launch of its first K-pop act, AtHeart. The rookie group threw its hat into the ring on Wednesday with its debut album "Plot Twist." "For the past 25 years, K-pop hasn't just stayed in Korea. Across the years, it steadily expanded into nearby markets like Japan, then into China and later into the US entertainment market, which is the biggest in the world," a senior official at Titan Content told The Korea Herald. "Given the growth of the K-pop industry, we didn't want to expand slowly and tap into international markets, but we set up the company in the US so that we could compete with major players there and speed up K-pop's global expansion," the official further explained. SM Entertainment founder Lee Soo-man took a similar path. After leaving the company in December 2023 following a high-profile management dispute, the K-pop pioneer founded A2O Entertainment in Los Angeles, with a trademark registered in May 2024. Rather than focusing solely on the Korean market, A2O Entertainment established its headquarters in the US to strengthen local industry connections and partnerships. By having its main office there, the company plans to provide a base for artists to promote and perform on a global scale, according to an official at the agency. "K-content is no longer restricted to Korea or Korean-speaking audiences — it is reaching fans across the globe. Similarly, A2O Entertainment is expanding internationally, not just in the US, but also in other countries, with the aim of producing entertainment content that connects artists and fans from all over the world," an official from A2O told The Korea Herald. Music critic Lim Hee-yoon struck a similar chord, noting that a growing number of K-pop agencies will likely follow suit, aiming to reach both the US and Korean markets. "K-pop has become so popular in the US that companies no longer just rely on local partnerships or US branches to promote their artists or foray into the US but are now setting up headquarters or offices in the US from the beginning to target the American and Korean markets at the same time. The US music industry is also becoming more open and interested in partnering with K-pop companies," Lim said via phone.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
AtHeart drops debut bomb 'Plot Twist' and shakes up K-pop today
ATHEART Rising stars ready to conquer the scene Picture a crew that's like your go-to energy drink - packed with buzz, variety, and that kick to keep you going. That's AtHeart, the seven-member multinational girl group from Titan Content, officially debuting on August 13, 2025. Drawing members from Korea, the US, the Philippines, and Japan, they're on a mission to link hearts worldwide through their music. The name 'AtHeart' is a smart play on words, evoking that exciting rush you feel when something clicks, like finding a new favorite track mid-shuffle. As the first girl group from Titan - a label co-founded by choreography icon Lia Kim and former SM Entertainment execs who shaped acts like EXO and Girls' Generation - they're stepping in with top-tier backing. It's like they've got the cheat codes to K-pop success right from the start, promising a blend of talent that's hard to ignore. Album full of unexpected flips Diving deeper into the release, AtHeart's mini-album 'Plot Twist' features five tracks designed to keep fans on their toes, much like a thriller novel where every chapter drops a surprise. The title song 'Plot Twist' merges pop and EDM elements, creating a dreamy atmosphere with sharp transitions that build an irresistible hook - think of it as the musical equivalent of a plot reversal that leaves you replaying it on loop. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Then there's 'Push Back', which grooves on amapiano and afrobeats rhythms, capturing the back-and-forth tension of budding romance in a fun, danceable way. 'Good Girl' dives into the butterflies of getting to know someone, expressing curiosity and charm through upbeat melodies. Rounding out the EP, 'Dot Dot Dot...' builds suspense with its teasing, unspoken emotions, while 'Knew Me' serves as an empowering anthem about self-assurance and personal growth. The production shines thanks to collaborations with international pros like Jonah Shy, known for work with Camila Cabello, and Rykeyz, who's teamed up with Demi Lovato, giving the whole project a polished, world-class vibe that's ready for charts everywhere. What sets this debut apart in K-pop AtHeart isn't just another group; they're redefining versatility by having every member excel in vocals, rap, and dance, moving beyond the traditional K-pop roles for a more dynamic team feel. Major outlets like Billboard and Teen Vogue have spotlighted them as a key act to watch in 2025, highlighting their innovative approach and global potential. Kicking off with an offline showcase in Seoul, complete with a YouTube livestream for fans tuning in from afar, this launch is more than music - it's the beginning of their 'Heart Attack' campaign, focused on themes of evolution and self-discovery that speak to anyone chasing dreams. In an industry full of established giants, AtHeart brings fresh stories of resilience and connection, backed by Titan's track record of nurturing talent. Early buzz from industry reports, such as those from Billboard, suggests they're poised to make waves, with pre-debut interest already turning heads. Future looks bright with ongoing buzz Looking ahead, AtHeart's path is supported by Titan's creative strategies, including plans for virtual concepts and international talent initiatives that could expand their reach even further. Experts from outlets like Billboard predict they'll contribute significantly to the K-pop momentum building in the second half of 2025, based on their strong pre-launch traction. While specific sales data isn't out yet, Titan Content notes robust pre-order activity, indicating solid fan support without any inflated hype. If you're into clever lyrics, catchy beats, and a dash of humor in your tracks - imagine Blackpink's edge mixed with witty storytelling - this debut could be your next playlist staple. AtHeart is here not just to play, but to change the game with their unique spin.
Korea Herald
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Titan Content's first K-pop group AtHeart makes bold step with 'Plot Twist'
K-pop label founded by former SM CEO Han Se-min launches six-member group, hoping to make big waves in global music scene AtHeart debuted Wednesday as the first K-pop group under Titan Content, a K-pop label founded by former SM Entertainment CEO Han Se-min. The girl group comprises four Korean members — Na-hyun, Seo-hyeon, Bome and Arin — as well as Michi from the US and Katelyn from the Philippines, all in their teens. "A debut is something that I have always yearned for, so we feel nervous and honored at the same time. We will keep working hard, so please show support and look forward to how we will grow," Na-hyun told reporters during a press conference held at Blue Square in Seoul's Yongsan-gu. AtHeart stepped into the spotlight with its debut album "Plot Twist." Leading the debut EP is the title track "Plot Twist," which is produced by Jonah Shy, creator of hit songs like "Havana" for Camila Cabello and "There's Nothing Holdin' Me Back" for Shawn Mendes. Other side tracks include "Good Girl (AtHeart)" and "Push Back," written by Rykeyz, who has worked with Demi Lovato and H.E.R., "Knew Me" and "Dot Dot Dot..." Lia Kim, the leader of the dance crew One Million, who also doubles as the K-pop agency's chief performance officer, took part in the group's choreography. "Lia always tells us to step outside the box when we perform. She says that we should know how to take in the music, feel it and express it the way we want to rather than simply copying the moves to the song," Bome said. "Not only did Lia come up with the choreography, but she also honed the best work to make the choreography that best fits our song," Arin added. Bome said the main keyword of the group's debut album is "butterfly effect." "Butterfly effect is the idea that small events may ultimately result in something with much larger consequences. Just like how in the butterfly effect, a tiny wing flap can trigger massive changes later, I hope that our music will have the potential to create a big impact in the music scene," she explained.
Korea Herald
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
TWS unveils music video for Japan debut single
TWS uploaded a music video for its Japanese debut single on Monday via Hybe Labels. The six members shone in the 'Nice to See You Again' video, jumping through time and space and being young and carefree, with some scenes inspired by their previous promotional activities. The fresh yet sophisticated tune is classic boyhood pop, the band's signature genre, and fronts its physical album of the same title. The album includes two more songs, a Japanese-language version of 'Plot Twist' from its first EP 'Sparkling Blue,' and the new song 'Bloom (feat. Ayumu Imazu).' The band is also running a pop-up store in Tokyo until July 6, before it embarks on its first Japan tour, '24/7: With: Us,' which will take it to six cities from July 11.
