Korean Newsmakers Of The Week: JENNIE's Own Label, IU Spills Beans On New Music Video And More

This Saturday, we bring forth the celebrities who made headlines in the last week of the year. From the death of the 'Parasite' actor Lee Sun-kyun to BLACKPINK not renewing their individual contracts with their label, we have you covered. 

Here are top five newsmakers in the entertainment industry of the week, all the way from South Korea. 

Death Of Lee Sun-kyun

On December 27, it was declared that 'Parasite' fame actor Lee Sun-kyun was found dead in his car in the middle of a park in Seoul. Police began their search after receiving a distress call from a woman who stated that her husband had left home and disappeared into thin air, leaving behind seemingly a suicide note, which had "I can't do this" written on it. Shortly after, the same morning, the man was discovered to be Lee Sun-kyun. “His identity has been confirmed,” the police announced. The police have also claimed to have found lit charcoal briquettes inside his car, which is a common method to commit suicide in Korea, indicating his demise to be a suicide case. However, the cause of his death is not determined yet, but many reports link it to the case he had going on related to illegal drug consumption. 

JENNIE Establishes OA, BLACKPINK To Not Renew Solo Contracts

BLACKPINK’s JENNIE has established her own agency, called OA, short for ODD ATELIER. The artist took to social media to announce her new label, with a logo and a series of pictures. "OA is a space that aims to create new things that attract attention in a different way from what is usual or unexpected. It is a label founded by artist JENNIE in November 2023," said a statement on social media. Meanwhile, she, along with her BLACKPINK members renewed their contracts with YG Entertainment for group activities. Shortly after, the label released an official statement, confirming that Lisa, Jennie, Jisoo, and Rosé won't continue their individual activities and promotions under the label. 

IU Gives Updates On Her Highly-Awaited Music Video

IU has announced that her next music video will feature BTS' V. She spilled some beans about her album in her YouTube vlog, which is set to release in early 2024. The vlog features her prepping for a shoot, along with a spontaneous Q&A session. During the interview, IU hinted at her upcoming music video with V, suggesting that it will be something entirely new that viewers have "never seen" in her previous videos. She said, "When I was shooting the MV, it was so good, the tone and mood. Even without any CG, it was great. Something that you’ve never seen in lU’s MVs." The interviewer further asked her to elaborate on a behind-the-scene moment from the video shoot. She jokingly said, "To be honest, I tried (to run away). But I got a flat tire. What’s funnier is that V first got a flat tire, so I was like ‘Let’s run away’ but my car too got a flat tire. I think they planted something like glass on the site so we couldn’t get away." 

SHINee's Minho Drops Teaser For New Single 

After the release of his debut EP 'Chase' in December 2022, SHINee's Minho has taken to social media to announce his much-anticipated comeback. He will be releasing a new solo single called 'Stay for a night.' Along with it, he revealed the first teaser photo of the single, which will be out on January 6, 2024 at 12 PM KST (8:30 AM IST). It is reported that he has co-written the song himself. According to reports, the song is of R&B genre and delivers an emotional atmosphere. Simultaneously, he is also gearing up for a fan concert titled '2024 BEST CHOI’s MINHO FAN-CON,' scheduled for January 6 and 7 at Jangchung Arena, Seoul. But for now, he is preparing to host the 2023 MBC Music Music Festival on December 31, where he will be delivering a special performance alongside fellow MC Hwang Min-hyun. 

(G)I-DLE, Jung Kook, BTS Earn Gold Certifications In Japan

The Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) has revealed its most recent batch of official certifications. In 2020, RIAJ introduced a new certification system specifically for online streaming of streams, complementing its existing systems for physical album shipments and digital download sales. Under this new and updated system, songs achieve a silver certification upon reaching 30 million streams, gold at 50 million streams, and platinum at 100 million streams. In the latest batch announcement, (G)I-DLE’s recent hit 'Queencard' and BTS’ 2017 hit 'Best of Me' attained gold certification by surpassing 50 million streams each in Japan. Additionally, Jung Kook's debut solo single 'Seven (Explicit Ver.)' also secured a gold certification after surpassing 50 million streams in Japan.