K-pop girl group Lapillus gears up for release of new album ‘Girl’s Round Part. 2’

BY JONATHAN HICAP

Jun 19, 2023 08:52 AM

  

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Members of K-pop girl group Lapillus are ready to release their second mini-album “Girl’s Round Part. 2” on June 21. 

“Girl’s Round Part. 2” is fronted by the song “Who’s Next” with members releasing spoilers for the song. 

Lapillus (Twitter)

Lapillus is composed of Filipino-Argentinian Chanty, Shana, Seowon, Yue, Bessie and Haeun that debuted in June 2020. 

“Girl’s Round Part. 2” will be released through various online streaming platforms that will mark the start of Lapillus’ promotional activities. 

The second mini-album, a second part of the “Girl’s Round” series, contains Lapillus’ relentless determination. 

The girls, who continuously showed their adventurous side since their debut, have even put in more powerful energy and are planning to meet their listeners with their title song, “Who’s Next.” 

The upcoming album also contains the songs "Marionette," "Ulala," "Paper" and an English version of "Who's Next.”

Lapillus debuted with the single “Hit Ya” followed by “Gratata.” As they’re a step closer to their goals, with “Who’s Next,” they plan to announce their leap forward as the frontiers of the new generation girl group.

‘Who’s Next’ is a hip-hop dance song with exciting beats and self-love lyrics. It will give courage to the listeners with Lapillus’ unique energy and the charming unique vocals of the members. 

Since debut, Lapillus have actively promoted not only in South Korea but in other countries. They successfully launched in the Philippines in just three months after their debut. They were even appointed ambassadors of the province of Ilocos Sur. 

Moreover, in their first guerilla fan meeting held in Mexico, they gathered more than 2,000 fans. They also attended the “Premio Lo Nuestro 2023” held in February in Miami. 

Lapillus will release “Girl’s Round Part. 2” at 6 p.m. KST on June 21.

BLACKPINK’s Jennie apologizes for suddenly leaving stage at Melbourne concert

BY JONATHAN HICAP

  

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K-pop girl group BLACKPINK member Jennie issued an apology for suddenly leaving the stage during their Melbourne concert on June 11. 

BLACKPINK held their “Born Pink” world tour at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne on June 10 and 11. 

BLACKPINK's Jennie (Instagram)

BLACKPINK's Jennie leaving the stage at Melbourne concert (Screenshots from Idolinews video)

BLACKPINK member Jennie's apology (Instagram)

In a video that circulated online, BLACKPINK members were performing ““Lovesick Girls” when Jennie suddenly left the stage and went down towards the backstage. She did not finish the concert. 

YG Entertainment explained that Jennie “was unable to complete the stage due to her deteriorating [health] condition.”

Jennie took to Instagram to apologize for her action and said she is recovering. 

“Dear Melbourne Blinks, I'm so sorry i wasnt able to finish the show on Sunday. I'm doing my best to recover atm [at the moment]. Your understanding and support means the world to me. Thank you to everyone who came to our Melbourne show. Love you guys,” she posted on her Instagram Stories. 

“We would like to extend our sincerest apologies to all the fans who have shown their support for BLACKPINK and those who attended the event. We kindly ask for your understanding in this situation,” YG Entertainment added. 

It explained that “Jennie expressed her strong determination to carry on with the performance until the end. However, following medical advice on site, we immediately took measures to ensure she receives ample rest and stability.” 

“Jennie has conveyed her regrets for not being able to stay with the fans until the end, and assures that she will recover as soon as possible. We will do its utmost to support Jennie's speedy recovery. We would like to ask for your understanding once again,” it said.

K-pop group Aespa’s Giselle unable to join Governors Ball in NY due to health issues

BY JONATHAN HICAP

Jun 7, 2023 11:08 AM

  

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K-pop group Aespa member Giselle will not be able to join and perform at the 2023 Governors Ball festival in New York City due to health issues. 

The Governors Ball will be held on June 9 to 11 at the Flushing Meadows Corona Park, New York City. 

Aespa in Manila (Jonathan Hicap)

Aespa's Giselle (Instagram) 

The line-up for the Governors Ball (Photo from Governors Ball website)

Aespa’s appearance will be on June 10, becoming the first K-pop group to perform at Governors Ball. 

They will perform together with Odesza, Lil Baby, Rina Sawayama, Lauv, Oliver Tree, Finneas, Kenny Beats, Koffee, Snail Mail, Amber Mark, SYD, Suki Waterhouse, Kennyhoopla, Lovejoy, Evan Giia, Sarah Kinsley, Flipturn, The Amazons and Zolita. 

However, Giselle, who has been plagued with health issues, will not join Aespa at the Governors Ball. 

“We are sorry to inform Aespa's US fans that Giselle will not be able to join the group for their upcoming Governors Ball performance due to health issues. Once again, we apologize for sharing the unfortunate news and appreciate everyone's understanding,” SM Entertainment announced on June 7. 

Due to this, only Karina, Winter, and Ningning will perform at the event. The three left South Korea for New York on June 7. 

Last June 1, Giselle was unable to attend the recording of the Korean variety TV show “Knowing Bros.”

Girls’ Generation’s Yuri to hold fan meeting in Manila

BY JONATHAN HICAP

Jun 5, 2023 04:04 PM

  

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Yuri, member of K-pop group Girls’ Generation, will be coming to Manila to hold a fan meeting in July. 

The official Twitter account of Girls’ Generation and Yuri made the announcement on June 5 as well as events company CNCA. 

Girls' Generation member Yuri (Instagram) 

(CNCA)

The K-pop idol will be holding her “Yuri 2nd Fanmeeting Tour: Chapter 2” in Manila on July 9, 7 p.m., at the New Frontier Theater. 

“Are you ready for a new chapter? YURI is finally coming for her first-ever solo fan meet in Manila on July 9, 2023 (Sunday) 7PM at The New Frontier Theater! Tickets will be available on http://ticketnet.com.ph or any TicketNet outlets later at 3PM!” CNCA posted on Twitter. 

Yuri’s second fan meeting will be held in Seoul on July 1 followed by Manila on July 9, Bangkok on July 22 and Taipei on Aug. 6. 

Besides singing, Yuri has also ventured into acting, starring in dramas such as “Good Job,” “Bossam: Steal the Fate” and “Fashion King.”

BLACKPINK’s YouTube channel sets Guinness World Records title

BY JONATHAN HICAP

  

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K-pop girl group BLACKPINK’s official YouTube channel has set a new Guinness World Records title. 

According to Guinness World Records, BLACKPINK’s YouTube channel has set the record for the most viewed channel on YouTube for a group. 

BLACKPINK in the Philippines (YG Entertainment)

As of April 12, the YouTube channel had garnered 30.15 billion views to achieve the world record. It has 86.6 million subscribers as of April 14. 

“As of the last update back in 2018, Maroon 5 were the previous holders with just over 9 billion views,” Guinness stated. 

Of the videos on BLACKPINK’s YouTube channel, their music video for "뚜두뚜두 (DDU-DU DDU-DU)" has over two billion views.

“As a band, BLACKPINK still hold multiple records including the most subscribers for a band on YouTube as well as becoming the first K-pop group to reach No.1 on the UK albums chart (female) and the first K-pop group to reach No.1 on the US albums chart (female),” Guinness added. 

BLACKPINK set a record last month for “the most streamed female group on Spotify with over 8.8 billion individual streams.”

“Also, the quartet have previously held Guinness World Records titles for the most viewed music video in 24 hours and most viewed YouTube video in 24 hours, however these records are now held by fellow K-pop band BTS for their single ‘Dynamite,’” according to Guinness.

K-pop artists Aespa, Taeyeon, The Boyz captivate fans at K-Verse in Manila

BY JONATHAN HICAP

  

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The “K-Verse: The Ultimate Pop Universe” show in Manila showcased the debut performance and return of K-pop stars. 

K-pop artists Aespa, Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon and The Boyz mesmerized the audience in their two-hour show held on April 11 at the Araneta Coliseum. 

(Clockwise from top left) Taeyeon, Aespa and The Boyz (Jonathan Hicap)

Aespa’s debut performance in the Philippines 

“K-Verse” marked the first performance in the Philippines of Aespa, the four-member girl group composed of Giselle, Karina, Winter and Ningning which debuted during the pandemic in November 2020 with the song “Black Mamba.”  

“It is our first time and we really wanted to come to the Philippines,” said Karina. 

Aespa at "K-Verse" in Manila (Jonathan Hicap)

Winter said, “We really wanted to see Filipino MYs [fans]. We hope that Filipino MYs here today will enjoy.” 

Aespa opened the show and started their setlist with “Black Mamba” and “Illusion,” a track from their 2022 album “Girls.” 

They were asked what Filipino food they wanted to try and Giselle said her Filipino friend told her about adobo. 

“My Filipino friend…She told me a lot about adobo. I used to have some at her house when I was in high school. Now it is really exciting to try adobo in the Philippines like authentically,” said Giselle. 

Aespa also performed “Life’s Too Short,” which they performed at Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in California in April last year, and “Lingo,” “Savage” and “Next Level.”

Aespa at "K-Verse" in Manila (Jonathan Hicap)

During the show, the audience sang “Happy Birthday” to Karina who turned 23 on April 11. 

“This is such a memorable birthday for me. Thank you so much,” said Karina. 

 Before performing their last song, Aespa thanked the crowd. 

“You guys are my gift,” said Karina. “I’m very thankful that you guys have given me a moment that is such a precious present and gift for me.” 

Ningning said, “First of all, all the members are here. I’m very happy. And all of you, the Philippines itself, like the weather, you guys are so passionate and we loved it. I really had a wonderful time here in the Philippines. We enjoyed the food here [like] mango. So delicious. And we really had a precious time together.” 

“First of all, I’m excited to come to the Philippines for the first time. We really, really enjoyed the food like Ningning said. The mango is so good. I just wanna say, thank you, thank you so much for coming here tonight to be with us. We hope we can come back soon, hopefully for our concert. I had fun tonight,” said Giselle. 

Winter said, “We actually arrived yesterday and we have to leave for Korea tonight, and I think it’s such a shame that we’re having such a short time here in the Philippines. We thank you all for spending your time with us and we’ll make sure that Aespa will come back.” 

BLACKPINK thrills Pinoys at world’s biggest indoor theater in PH: ‘The loudest crowd’

BY JONATHAN HICAP

Mar 28, 2023 00:40 AM

  

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K-pop group BLACKPINK came, they saw and they conquered the hearts of Filipino fans in a two-day concert at the world’s largest indoor arena. 

BLACKPINK held their “Born Pink” world tour in the country on March 25 and 26 at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan, certified by the Guinness World Records as “largest mixed-use indoor theater.” 

BLACKPINK at their "Born Pink" concert at the Philippine Arena (YG Entertainment/Live Nation Philippines)

BLACKPINK at their "Born Pink" concert at the Philippine Arena (YG Entertainment/Live Nation Philippines)

BLACKPINK at their "Born Pink" concert at the Philippine Arena (YG Entertainment/Live Nation Philippines)

BLACKPINK at their "Born Pink" concert at the Philippine Arena (YG Entertainment/Live Nation Philippines)

With this, they became the first female group and K-pop girl group to hold a solo concert at the venue. BLACKPINK also became the first artist to hold a concert at the Philippine Arena for two days. 

BLACKPINK held the two shows before a massive sea of fans wielding their pink-colored lightsticks, and screaming and cheering for the girls. 

Opening the show with “How You Like That,” BLACKPINK enthralled the audience with their songs. 

They performed “Whistle,” “Pretty Savage,” “Lovesick Girls,” “Don’t Know What to Do,” “Kill This Love,” “Crazy Over You,” “Playing With Fire,” “Tally” and “Pink Venom.” 

BLACKPINK came back to perform after more than four years since their “In Your Area” world tour in Manila held on Feb. 2, 2019 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. 

This time, they upsized the venue and the number of days of the concert. Seeing the “pink ocean” in the arena, BLACKPINK members were overwhelmed by the scale of their own concert in the Philippines. 

“I didn’t know they had the seats up so high,” Jennie observed as she scanned the arena while Rosé likened the sea of lights to a sparkling wall. 

BLACKPINK's "Born Pink" concert at the Philippine Arena (YG Entertainment/Live Nation Philippines)

BLACKPINK's "Born Pink" concert at the Philippine Arena (YG Entertainment/Live Nation Philippines)

BLACKPINK's "Born Pink" concert at the Philippine Arena (YG Entertainment/Live Nation Philippines)

BLACKPINK's "Born Pink" concert at the Philippine Arena (YG Entertainment/Live Nation Philippines)

“It’s been four years,” said Rosé. They got goosebumps by the loud cheers of the audience, prompting Rosé to say that Manila “is the loudest crowd.” 

After performing “Crazy Over You” and “Playing with Fire,” they got to talk again and Lisa was overwhelmed by the cheers. 

“I can’t hear myself right now because you guys are so loud,” she said. 

BLACKPINK continued to captivate the crowd with their solo performances. Jisoo sang “Liar” while Jennie had “You & Me.” 

Rosé performed “Hard to Love” and “On The Ground” and Lisa showcased “Lalisa” and “Money.” 

On the second day, BLACKPINK members and the crowd greeted Lisa a “Happy Birthday” and presented her with a cake on stage. 

BLACKPINK's "Born Pink" concert at the Philippine Arena (YG Entertainment/Live Nation Philippines)

BLACKPINK's "Born Pink" concert at the Philippine Arena (YG Entertainment/Live Nation Philippines)

BLACKPINK's "Born Pink" concert at the Philippine Arena (YG Entertainment/Live Nation Philippines)

After the solo spots, the girls performed “Shut Down,” “Typa Girl,” “Ddu-du ddu-du” and “Forever Young.”

“I must say you guys are really getting us excited,” said Rosé. 

One person in the crowd was noticed by BLACKPINK as he was holding a ring light instead of a light stick. 

“One thing I’m really loving about Manila is that I’m actually seeing people really jump, dance and sing to our songs,” said Jennie. 

“Exactly guys. Thank you so much,” Lisa agreed. 

Jennie added, “It makes us very happy so keep going with whatever you are doing.” 

For the encore, BLACKPINK performed “Yeah Yeah Yeah,” “Stay” and “As If It’s Your Last.” 

“We had such a great time here. You guys are the best, remember guys, for a very long time,” said Rosé. 

“I just wanna say ‘salamat po’ [thank  you] one more time and we will see you again,” said Jennie. 

BLACKPINK’s “Born Pink” world tour in Manila/Bulacan was presented by Live Nation Philippines.