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After six long months, ZEROBASEONE has finally made their newest Korean comeback, and Zerose -- their fandom name -- worldwide could not be more excited! ZEROBASEONE, more commonly referred to as ZB1, is a nine-member boy group under Wake One Entertainment that formed from the MNET survival show Boys Planet and consists of members Sung Hanbin, Kim Jiwoong, Zhang Hao, Seok Matthew, Kim Taerae, Ricky, Kim Gyuvin, Park Gunwook, and Han Yujin. The group recently made their Japanese debut with the single, “Yura Yura,” -- making this their first Korean comeback in over half a year. To prepare for this album, the group recently released the single, “SWEAT,” as part of “ The Garfield Movie ” soundtrack and gave a sneak peek into the matured sound fans could expect from their new six-track EP (along with a seventh song being a sped-up version of the title track) -- which had many fans anticipating its release.  Leading up to this album, the previous digital album covers have highlighted certain letters that would foreshadow this new EP: "YOU" and "HAD" -- from their debut EP, “Youth in the Shade,” “ME” from their first comeback EP, “Melting Point,” and “AT,” from their newest pre-release single, “Sweat,” which would spell out “You Had Me At,” which references the new album, "You Had Me At HELLO.” This three-album trilogy has followed the storyline of boys in love who will now be moving on to a new chapter going forward. “You Had Me At HELLO” is an EP full of different sounds and genres from pop beats, ballads, and R&B that has something for everyone. “ Solar POWER ” is the first track on the EP and is very different from anything that the group has previously released. This track starts with members Gunwook and Ricky speaking in low-range voices with a hint of autotune before it breaks into a rock style -- with heavy guitar. It follows the members wanting something or someone and sends a message of finding the courage to not be afraid to voice it. Although this song may be different from anything they have released in the past, it is a great intro to the album that displays their readiness to try new styles and sounds.  The second track on the album, “Feel the POP,” is the title track and encapsulates the essence of a fun and pop-fused summer song. The intro to the song sounds almost like a nursery rhyme before transitioning into some fun and faster-paced beats. With lyrics like, “As if my heart is bursting pop, pop, pop,” the theme of the song is that the members like someone and their heart flutters or “pops” when they see or think about that person. This is a perfect song to listen to in the summertime if you like fun and upbeat songs. “ Dear ECLIPSE ” is the third track on the EP, and is different from the first two as this one has more R&B vibes and is also different from anything they have done before. Similar to the title, this song’s message relates to an Eclipse. Even though it may be dark due to an Eclipse, the members can still find you. The pre-release single, “ SWEAT ,” is the fourth track on the EP and is also a new style for the group: house music. This track also encompasses a fun and summer vibe with its lyrics and beats. Similar to the way the song may make you feel, the message is the same: to dance to the same rhythm and become one. “ Sunday RIDE ” is the last upbeat song on the album, with a mix of fun and bubbly vibes mixed with some more chill vibes, as if going for a drive, which is what the song mentions. This track is about the members thinking about someone and wishing that every day is a trip with them. The last track on the album, “ HELLO ,” is a ballad and is an anthem for their fanbase, Zerose. This track -- filled with a variety of emotions -- talks about the moment the group met their fans for the first time and describes how they feel incomplete without Zerose.  This is ZEROBASEONE’s first album for 2024, and fans are beyond excited to see what the rest of the year looks like. They are in the middle of “ Feel the POP ” promotions and are anticipated to have several performances lined up for the remainder of 2024 -- including an Asian Tour in the fall. As this rookie group gears up for an exciting second half of 2024, be sure to follow ZB1 to stay up-to-date to see if any events are happening near you! Written by CeCe Edited by BR

P1Harmony ’s third U.S. tour kicked off in spectacular fashion this past Tuesday at Houston’s Smart Financial Centre. Marking their third time performing in the city, the honor of hosting the first stop of this leg of the tour was not lost on fans, who arrived from all over the world. Most attendees adhered to the dress code, set by P1Harmony themselves, donning pink in a vibrant display of unity and anticipation. The energy in the venue was palpable even before the lights dimmed. As the crowd took their seats, excitement buzzed through the air. The moment the lights went off and the music turned up, everyone jumped to their feet, their anticipation peaking as the VCR began to play, introducing P1ece to P1Harmony ’s UTOP1A and setting the theme for the night. The members of P1Harmony emerged at the top of the stage stairs, dazzling in pearl white silk outfits. They launched into " Street Star ," a hit from their latest full album "Killin It." The fans erupted in cheers, their enthusiasm unfaltering as the group transitioned into the performances of “Emergency” and “ Everybody Clap .” After the high-energy opening, the group took a moment to introduce themselves both as a unit and individually. Keeho expressed his joy at returning to Houston, but also shared the unfortunate news that Jiung was absent due to injury. He reassured the crowd that the remaining members—Keeho, Theo, Intak, Soul, and Jongseob—were determined to deliver an unforgettable show. Keeho’s heartfelt connection with the audience was evident as he led them into the next song, "Heartbeat Drum," with a simple gesture: “Place a hand on your heart. Doesn’t it sound like a drum?” The concert took an emotional turn with " I Am You ," a fan favorite from the same EP, as the crowd sang along passionately. A nostalgic moment followed with " Butterfly ," a ballad from their debut album “Disharmony: Stand Out.” Keeho expressed his surprise at the song's international popularity before diving into “ Late Night Calls ,” their newest title track “ Killin’ It ,” and “ Back Down .” After a brief intermission, the members returned for individual cover performances that highlighted their unique talents. Theo’s rendition of Stephen Sanchez’s “Until I Found You” on guitar lit up the venue with flashlights. Intak wowed with a self-choreographed routine to Victoria Monet’s “On My Mama.” Jongseob impressed with a cover of A$AP Rocky’s “Praise the Lord,” complete with his very own Korean rap verse. Soul captivated with a freestyle dance, and Keeho showcased his vocal prowess with SZA’s “Kill Bill.” The fans showed their love for Jiung by singing the chorus of Justin Bieber’s “Baby” in his absence, a touching tribute that the group promised to relay to him. Returning to the stage, P1Harmony shared insights into the preparations for their cover stages before diving back into the concert with “ Pyramid ,” “ Black Hole ,” and “ Look At Me Now .” Slowing down the pace, they delivered heartfelt performances of their English releases “ Fall In Love Again ,” “ BFF ,” and “ Love Me For Me .” As the evening progressed, P1Harmony instructed the fans to turn their light sticks blue for “ Doom Du Doom ,” a song reminiscent of summer. The energy surged once more with “ Jump ” and the fan-favorite “ Follow Me ,” which had the crowd jumping as confetti filled the venue. For their final pre-encore number, “ Countdown to Love ,” pink confetti and giant balloons created a magical scene. The band left the stage, but the chants of “P1! P1! P1!” brought them back for an encore. In a delightful twist, they reappeared in the aisles, singing “ I See U ” and interacting closely with fans, exchanging hand hearts, cowboy hats, sunglasses, and selfies. The encore continued on stage with “ 2nite ,” “ Do It Like This ,” and “ Ayaya ,” before the night concluded with heartfelt goodbyes from each member. They expressed their gratitude and excitement for the tour ahead, promising to return to Houston soon. P1Harmony ’s UTOP1A tour marks their third consecutive U.S. tour, and they have once again managed to outdo themselves. Their energy, talent, and genuine love for their fans were evident throughout the night, leaving everyone eager for more. If you missed the Houston show, be sure to catch them at their next stops. It’s a performance you won’t want to miss! Check out our gallery here ! K Fuse would like to give a big thank you to Frazes Creative for allowing us the opportunity to provide coverage for P1Harmony's UTOP1A tour stop in Dallas! Written and Photographed by Deborah R.

Welcome back, #SoundLovers! Do you have aspirations and desires to become the next K-Pop idol?  Don't know where to start?  Check out "The Academy" as they launch and host their 6th annual  K-Pop Boot Camp  in Seoul, South Korea this year! The Academy Australia ("The Academy") was established in 2016, by Angela Lee, the Director of the Academy, and business partner Julianne Xie. With their keep ability to recognize the growing desire for Asian culture, events, and entertainment -- especially K-Pop -- The Academy chose to create a way to connect Australia to Asia and bring Asian events to Australia.  Since its conception, The Academy has worked with professional trainers, consultants, and talent scouts from top Asian entertainment agencies to provide audition opportunities to young trainees that dream of being the next global artist! On April 01, 2024, The Academy Australia (“The Academy”) announced the launch of their annual flagship event,  The Academy 2024 K-Pop Boot Camp , which is set to take place in Seoul, South Korea from December 10, 2024 - December 20, 2024. This special event is a tailored program with a rigorous structure, providing aspiring talents the experience of what it’s like being a K-Pop Idol Trainee. The Academy recently opened online registrations for applicants worldwide, and it will remain open until the last day of online auditions. For applicants interested in participating in a live audition, online registrations must be filled out at least one day before the live audition takes place, which will be based on each respective city. The Academy will be hosting live and online auditions from June 01, 2024 - June 09, 2024 (AEST). Applications / Auditions: The Academy 2024 K-Pop Boot Camp  is now accepting applications from those who meet the following criteria: 11 years or older Parental Consent for any applicant who is a minor To audition, you must have completed the following: Online registration  form filled out in its entirety Successful submission of the registration form Submission of registration fee of AUD 60 / USD 40 ( via PayPal ) Accept The Academy's Facebook Group invite -- where you will have the opportunity to connect with other applicants, speak with former trainees, and contact The Academy's team and staff members Audition Requirements: Showcase dance skills and/or vocals Song choice and choreography are chosen by the applicant Showcase cannot exceed 60 seconds / 1 minute More information can be found on The Academy's official  website . Check out dates for U.S. and Canadian Residents The Academy's annual flagship event, the K-Pop Boot Camp , is a specially-designed program, where the Top 100 trainees can explore their dreams of becoming a K-Pop artist through experiential vocal and dance training, over 10 days in Seoul.  The Academy 2024 K-Pop Boot Camp  is a very challenging program, yet extremely rewarding program that is designed to push the limits of a trainees potential to newer heights and taking them to the next level. This year’s curriculum was organized in consultation with The Academy’s agency partners, and includes Nine days of training at the HI Seoul Youth Hostel – with vocal, dance, and make-up training, a special showcase at the end of the week for evaluations – where scouts and partnered agencies attend, as well as where private auditions are offered for agency selected trainees, a make-up session, a professional photo shoot, a one-day performance including a video recording, and a pers onalized digital feedback form from the trainers -- once the K-Pop Boot Camp has successfully concluded. Click here to learn more about what's included in The Academy 2024 K-Pop Boot Camp program. This flagship event marks a special occasion as the sixth K-Pop Boot Camp that The Academy has hosted and coordinated since its inception in 2016!!! ONLINE AUDITIONS (June 01, 2024 - June 09, 2024): Global Auditions LIVE AUDITIONS will be taking place in France, Sydney, Melbourne, Singapore, and more! Find the full schedule below: 2024.07.02- Brisbane, Australia 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM at Mad Dance House 2024.07.07 - Paris, France 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM at Kick Cafe 2024.07.08 - Paris, France 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM at Kick Cafe 2024.07.08 - Kuala Lumpur 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM at Redmouse Dance Academy 2024.07.08 - Singapore 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM at Singapore Raffles Music 2024.07.08 - Perth, Australia 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Ardence Studio 2024.07.08 - Melbourne, Australia 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM at Studio 107 - Trainee Studio 2024.07.09 - Sydney, Australia 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM at K Centre Studio B Eastwood 2024.07.09 - Danang, Vietnam 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM at Hanoi Telecom Central Branch 2024.07.09 - Hanoi, Vietnam 9:00 Am - 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM at Hanoi Telecom HQ 2024.07.09 - Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam 9:00 Am - 12:00 PM and 1:00PM - 5:00 PM at Hanoi Telecom Southern Branch You can register online for The Academy 2024 K-Pop Boot Camp Auditions here ! K Fuse would like to thank Korea Everlast and The Academy for the opportunity to share this exciting opportunity with our readers and aspiring artists!

Welcome back #SoundLovers! There was an amazing comeback with a very nostalgic vibe dropped last week, and it was worth the wait! It has been six months since  YOUNITE’ s last comeback, and fans have eagerly awaited new music that the group has brought. YOUNITE  -- a nine-member boy group under Brand New Music that made their debut on April 20, 2022, with their first EP, 'Youni-Birth,' -- consists of Eunho, Eunsang, Steve, Hyunseung, Hyungseok, Woono, DEY, Kyungmun, and Sion. Since its debut, the group has released two albums per year and is known for its boyish charms and upbeat songs. The group is now entering 2024 with their newest five-track EP, “ANOTHER,” and title track, “GEEKIN',” which continues to showcase the group's limitless talents. “ANOTHER” is an EP filled with a nostalgic hype sound and includes member participation from vocalists, dancers, and rappers. The album opens with the track, “ How We Do ,” -- which has heavily funk-inspired beats with hints of the member's self-confidence found in it. This hidden gem helps to set the tone for what listeners can expect from the rest of the album. “How We Do,” expresses the group’s way of doing things, and that no one can do it like them. Rapper DEY contributed to some of the lyrics in this song, and his rap helps pull the song together with lyrics like, “I’m a born leader,” and “we’ll make it.” These pieces helps portray the theme of the group being able to do anything the way that they want. The title track, “ GEEKIN ’,” is the second song on the EP, and also includes participation from members Steve and DEY. “GEEKIN',” is very different from the first track and showcases a more “daring” side of the members. This hard-hitting track incorporates hip-hop beats infused with a heavy rap, and lyrics that get straight to the point that dare someone to go against them -- such as "talk all that talk," and "Don't try to come at me." This track contains such a fun vibe and a unique presentation with repetitive " Why you geekin'?" being whispered throughout the song that it will have you bobbing along, and "geekin'" out -- and before you realize it, you will have it on repeat. The next track on the album, “ Poco Loco ,” seems to take some Spanish influences with the beat, title, and lyrics. This track is quite different from most of the songs on the album and gives listener's an insight to the group’s diversity. Member DEY, once again, participated in songwriting for this track.  This fun-filled anthem -- which translates to "a little bit crazy" -- is easy to sing along to, and captures the essence of it's name by conveying a rather short concise message to listeners -- let loose and just simply having fun! The fourth track, “ ONE+WON ,” is another hip-hop-infused song with lots of swag. Lead dancer Kyungmun, along with rapper DEY, both participated in the composition of this song. This track mentions groovin’ and freestyling, which depicts exactly how the members are continuously working and grinding to be the best. The last track on the EP, “ OMH (Out My Head) ,” is the perfect ending song. It is an upbeat and bubbly track, which contrasts well with the hip-hop-inspired songs in the middle of the EP. In this track, the members confess that they may not be in their right mind, as they are clouded by their love for someone. This track serves as a great song to add to your summer playlist with lyrics that fit the beat well, and a message of confession. Shortly after the release of “ANOTHER," it quickly became  YOUNITE ’s highest first-week sales, with over 100,00 copies being sold, showing that YOUNIZ (their fandom) was patiently waiting for them to make their comeback. This is only the beginning of the year for YOUNITE, and we are anticipating an exciting 2024 and more from them! BE SURE TO FOLLOW YOUNTIE ON SNS TO SEE WHAT EXCITING THINGS THEY HAVE PLANNED FOR YOUNIZ! X (Twitter) | Member's X | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | YouTube Written by CeCe B. Edited by BR

The stage was set for a remarkable night as 2nd generation K-Pop icon Bang Yongguk of B.A.P performed at Houston's House of Blues. Fans adorned in Bang Yongguk's tour merchandise and holding B.A.P lightsticks flooded the venue, their faces beaming with anticipation. DJ BABYNINE ignited the atmosphere with a vibrant mix of Houston's favorite pop, rap, hip hop, and K-Pop tunes, setting the stage for Bang Yongguk's grand entrance at precisely 8:30pm. As fog filled the stage, the crowd erupted in cheers as DJ BABYNINE welcomed the star of the night. Bang Yongguk launched into his performance with the electrifying track "Off" from his "2" EP, igniting a wave of excitement among the audience. Dressed in dark denim jeans and an oversized zip-up jacket, Bang Yongguk exuded his signature style as he mesmerized the crowd with hits like "Xie Xie," "Ride or Die," "IXLU," and the iconic "RACE." Pausing between sets, Bang Yongguk connected with his fans, expressing gratitude for their unwavering support and the opportunity to meet international audiences. The second half of the show saw Bang Yongguk enchanting the crowd with tracks such as "Journey," "Hikikomori," and "AM 4:44." For the unforgettable encore, Bang Yongguk emerged in denim jeans and his official tour merchandise, adding a touch of local flair with borrowed cowboy hats. With adrenaline pumping, he thrilled the audience with high-energy performances of "Up," "UFO," and the beloved "YAMAZAKI." The night reached its crescendo with an encore rendition of "Race," leaving the Houston crowd exhilarated. The palpable joy shared between Bang Yongguk and his fans was truly heartwarming, leaving everyone hopeful for his swift return to Houston's stage. K Fuse would like to thank YY ENTERTAINMENT and MyMuiscTaste for the incredible opportunity to provide coverage for Bang Yongguk's 2024 Tour. Written and Photographed by Deborah R.

Leading actors of the popular Thai BL series,  Love In The Air , --  Boss  Chaikamon Sermsongwittaya (บอส ชัยกมล เสริมส่งวิทยะ) and  Noeul  Nuttarat Tangwai (โนอึล ณัฐรัชต์ ตังวาย) -- will be making their way to greet fans in Los Angeles and San Francisco in late May! Let us take a moment and get to know our leading actors a little better. Noeul (노을,โนอึล) is a Korean-Thai actor and singer under Me Mind Y. The rookie actor gained global recognition during his debut role in  the Love In the Air  series, where he captivated the audience by playing the role of Rain -- an immature adolescent who would mature over time to prove that he was worthy to stand next to the one he loved. Noeul later made his singing debut on May 18, 2023, with the release of his first single, “ Love Geometry . "  Boss -- similar to his co-star -- is an actor and singer under Me Mind Y who gained global recognition when he took on the role of Phayu in the same Thai BL series,  Love In The Air . His talents extend well beyond the screen as he captivates the hearts of his co-star character and viewers during episode 5 of  Love In The Air  when Phayu serenades Rain with a beautiful silky tone and sincere melody. Boss recently made his solo debut with his first single album, " Shoot  (Choose) Loey," on April 7, 2024. Fans will have the exclusive opportunity to meet their favorite actors up close and personal. So, get ready to join in on an unforgettable experience at the Boss & Noeul California Dream Fan Meet 2024.   From photo opportunities to signed postcards, this event promises to be a dream come true for #BossNoeul fans. Remember to get your  tickets  now so that you do not miss this chance to experience the charisma and charm of Boss and Noeul as they embark on an exciting journey to meet fans in sunny California!

After two years since their last official EP with all of their members, ONEWE has returned as a 5-member group to wow fans with their new release for fans to enjoy. Planet Nine: ISOTROPY was released on April 17, consisting of 6 songs showcasing just how talented the group is. For new fans and returning fans, there is a song made for everyone to enjoy on this album upon listening that draws you back in for more.  ONEWE is a 5-member group who made their initial debut as MAS 0094 under Modern Music in August of 2015. They would later officially debut as ONEWE under RBW on May 13, 2019, with members Yonghoon, Harin, Kanghyun, Dongmyeong, and Giuk (formerly known as CYA). Known as the brother group of ONEUS, ONEWE showcases a more rock band approach by showcasing their phenomenal skills with instruments. With vocalist and leader Younghoon, drummer Harin, guitarist Kanghyun, keyboardist and vocalist Dongmyeong, and rapper and bassist Giuk, the five-member ensemble comes together -- in great harmony -- to create a timeless discography. Planet Nine: ISOTROPY is the perfect album to help showcase ONEWE as a group. With each member assisting with writing a song, their talent is shown song after song, creating a no-skip album for listeners to enjoy. Plant Nine: ISOTROPY opens up with the title track song, “추억의 소각장 (Beautiful Ashes)," written by YongHoon and Giuk. This track starts with a slow, dreamy rock song. This song is such a breath of fresh air that it feels like listening to a coming-of-age drama and becoming immersed in the opening track. This track composition was beautifully written -- as it draws on the detail of the pain of being in love but the other person not feeling the same emotions as you, and all you can do is replay all the happy memories you once shared. The second track, “ Shoot it Out ,” written by Kanghyun and Giuk, has such beautiful guitar rifts shown throughout the song from start to finish. The utilization of the guitars showcases the exceptional skills of ONEWE as a whole -- with the mix of the vocals to the background vocals. Each part pieces together, and combines so smoothly together. “ 한여름 밤 유성우 (Meteor Shower) ,” written by Giuk, is a love song comparing the girls’ beauty to shining so brightly like the stars in the sky. The fourth track, “ 별 세는 너 (Count The Stars) ,” written by YongHoon and Giuk, is a different type of love song that highlights how beautiful the memories created together are. This track explores how he wants to confess how much the girl means to him, and after pondering on what to do and believing the things happening happened for a reason, he vows to protect her and cherish each moment spent. “ Kiss in the Rain ,” written by Dongmyeong and Giuk, continues in the same story realm as the previous songs about being in love with someone. This track has similar vibes to a song you might hear in a sad love drama scene where the person finally comes to terms with the idea of confessing their love but bumps into the one they seek out to love with someone else and the lover turns around and notices them there standing in the rain with a sorrow face. He has flashbacks to that day throughout the week with this song playing in the back because even after the pain they still long for the other to love them back the way they do. The final track on the album “ 다시 만나서 반가워 (Pleasant) ,” written by Harin and Giuk, is a more upbeat sounding song compared to the other tracks consisting of the vocals of the members along with another showstopping guitar rift in the song like “Shoot it Out” displayed. This track is the perfect closing song -- ending the album with a bang and creating a memorable album for the fans who have patiently waited for ONEWE to return as a five-member ensemble.  Whether you are a returning WEVE or a new fan, ONEWE has a song to suit your taste that makes you want to stay for more! Instagram | X (Twitter) | YouTube | TikTok | Weibo | Facebook Written by Nina

Bang Yongguk  returns stateside for his second solo US Tour titled ‘Bang Yongguk 'Ⅲ' The US Tour 2024’ following the success of his 2023 ‘ COLORS OF BANG YONGGUK WORLD TOUR ’. On the morning of April 6, Louisville saw lower than normal morning temperatures and a heavier wind, but that didn't stop BABY (the official fandom name of the artist's former group -- B.A.P ) from lining up outside of Headliners Music Hall. Fans began taking out their Shi Shi Mato dolls and Matoki in preparation for cheering for the former B.A.P leader and rapper. As fans patiently waited for doors to open, Bang Yongguk  could be heard getting ready for a night of electrifying performances. As fans entered Headliners Music Hall, they were greeted with a stage illuminated with a mix of blues and purples, and on it was a single table DJ setup.  Fans who have seen Yongguk’s solo concerts in the past automatically knew this meant the DJ -- VMC's Babynine – would be setting the crowd’s energy level!  He did just that as he played heavy bass-thumping, venue shaking mixes – including Ludacris’ “ What’s Your Fantasy ,” which fans sang along to.  As fans began to chant, “ BANG YONGGUK!  BANG YONGGUK!  BANG YONGGUK! ” and he felt the energy level was just right, he made the announcement, “WHO’S READY FOR BANG YONGGUK?!?” Cheers filled the two-story venue as Yongguk  immediately took the stage with back-to-back high energy songs “ Off ” and “ Xie Xie .” After a short introduction stage and recognizing that he was finally able to meet Louisville fans.  Yongguk took to his next stage, “ Ride or Die .” Along with a setlist filled with stages that had fans singing along to every word, – “ Race, ” “ I Remember (feat. Daehyun’s backup vocals) ,” and “Yamazaki ,” – Yongguk debuted all six highly anticipated tracks found on his latest EP, ‘3’ – “ IXLU,” “Numb,” “MOVIMENTO,” “Bad, ” and “ Buss It Down ,” – to U.S. fans during this tour.  As he took a moment to pause, he asked fans what they thought about his latest album, and which song was their favorite – to which the venue was filled with various answers.  This elicited a slight chuckle from Yongguk  as he began to smile admirably at the fans.  He introduced his latest album as one that “...contained what I want to talk about, but haven’t told.” And one fan made the connection by asking him if he was coming out with more songs, to which he responded, “Yes, that’s it.  There will be more songs released soon, so please watch for those.” Yongguk  kept the energy alive until the very end! As the stage illuminated in a mixture of blues and greens, Yongguk asked attendees to promise him one thing, “You will move forward in your lives.  This last song is for you.  The last song is BABY, you are my green.” – where in response several Matoki were raised into the air and swayed back and forth with the artist’s hand motions.  After exiting the stages fans’ cheers and chants for Bang Yongguk continued until he returned to the stage with high-energy stages of “BUSS IT DOWN ” and “ Xie Xie .” After closing out the show with his song for fans, “ Orange Love ,” Yongguk was sure to thank everyone for coming out to see him.  It was now time for the attendees who had purchased perks through MyMusicTaste to participate in the Meet & Greet segment where they would express their gratitude for performing in Louisville, and share words of encouragement for a brief moment before taking a selfie with Yongguk.  Then it was truly time to say goodbye, until next time. BE SURE TO FOLLOW BANG YONGGUK  ON SNS FOR TOUR UPDATES AND FUTURE ACTIVITIES X (Twitter)  | Instagram  | Soundcloud  | YouTube

Just two weeks ago, Justin Magnaye  released his single “Brooklyn Bridge,” and now he’s back with “ Gemini !”  Justin Magnaye is an independent Filipino American singer-songwriter and producer, who specializes in R&B, Soul, and Pop. Growing up in New Jersey as a Filipino American, he was inspired by not only his creative family and friends but the diversity that surrounded him. Justin credits Frank Ocean, Quinn XCII, Ed Sheeran, Bryce Vine, and Bazzi (he even caught the attention of the latter two as well as Shawn Mendes, KYLE, and Jessie Reyez) as some of his musical influences. Yet, fans of artists like Bruno Mars or Silk Sonic, the musical duo consisting of Mars and Anderson .Paak, will also find something to love in his latest release.  “Gemini” has been released just one month before the season of the same name. This sensual easy-listening bop is said to explore “the contrast between love and lust,”  a natural human struggle that most can empathize with. Justin explained, “This contrast is rooted in fate and desire to intertwine with how the human psyche yearns for emotional connection.” Like many of his songs, Justin perfectly fuses his signature storytelling with a groovy R&B sound.  Justin Magnaye  is keeping his listeners well-fed as they await his anticipated album, which is set to drop in June. It will consist of twelve tracks, including his new song “Gemini.” It’s been a few years since his debut album, Modern Disposition , but he has since released two full-length albums, three EPs, and many singles. #SoundLovers, we trust you’ll enjoy Justin Magnaye’s new music, as he “hopes to spread positivity and joy throughout his music.” Follow Justin Magnaye On SNS To Stay Up-To-Date On Album Details Spotify  | Instagram  | Website Written by Tiffany S.

Samuel – also known by his full name Kim Samuel – shocked fans with an Instagram post hinting at his return as a musician after a 5-year hiatus away from the industry. Many yearned to hear his voice again after all these years, and their excitement didn’t go unnoticed. With this excitement building up, fans couldn’t wait until his new release came out -- wondering which style of music this album would sound like, and that wait would soon be over with the release of his latest EP, ‘ NOW ,’ released on April 21st.  The 22-year-old solo artist holds a long track record of accomplishments beginning at a young age.  Samuel's career started when he began training with SEVENTEEN and then debuted in a duo group called 1PUNCH. In 2017, he made his official solo debut with his mini album, “SIXTEEN.” Many of his fans watched him grow up and were able to see his progression as an artist from the beginning until now. Samuel has come back stronger than before as he showcases a more mature side of himself with his release of his newest EP that fuses R&B and hip-hop approaches -- allowing fans to see how versatile he is as an artist.  With this hip-hop/R&B English album, Samuel keeps your excitement as it levels up from start to finish -- showcasing an album full of perfectly written songs that he spent nonstop hours composing and writing himself. He opens the album up with the song, “ 2 Tone Rose Gold ,” which captivates listeners with a catchy hip-hop beat that immediately will immediately have listeners bopping their head to the beat of the song without even noticing. Throughout the song, you will hear the start of this new era we have entered for his music career. This track opens up utilizing Samuel's phenomenal singing skills as well as his rapping skills -- which is something that listeners very rarely heard in the past. This opening creates excitement and anticipation from listeners for the rest of what the album sounds like when reaching its peak level. The next track, titled “ N.T.T.M ,” is the first track that encapsulates the R&B sound on the album. In comparison to the first track, this is a slower, more laid-back song utilizing a guitar in the background to add to the mellow vibes of the song. Also written by Samuel, this track can relate to anyone who has ever experienced an unrequited love as he talks about his desire to confess his feelings and keep it real with the girl he constantly has in his head 24/7. These feelings are keeping him up at night because he wants to be with the girl but isn't sure how she will react to the confession he is trying to put into words. Throughout the song, we see instances where he begins to overthink his feelings. We find out the title, "N.T.T.M.," stands for N ight To  T he  M orning  as mentioned in the refrain of the song numerous times letting the listener know how badly he is in love with this girl that he wants to be in her company from sunlight to nightfall.  The third track, “ Tell Me ,” is very reminiscent of a song you would hear at a club that immediately has listeners dancing the minute that first beat starts playing. The beat in the background is so unique it makes you want to get up and bust out into a whole dance routine -- like a scene straight out of the Step Up  movie series. Not only is the beat addicting, but his words are precisely and intentionally executed. This can be heard when listening to the way Samuel extends out the words while saying them in the pre-chorus to emphasize what he is saying is so properly executed that you catch yourself trying to copy the way he sings it with him. Next up, we have a track titled “ Who We R ,” which resembles a song that you would hear at a club, and doesn’t stray away from that sound. This is the second track where Samuel encapsulates an R&B sound as it teleports the listener to a scenario of being on the dance floor -- where everything starts moving in slow motion as if watching a scene from a movie. You find yourself dancing on the dance floor with everyone else around you moving at a slower speed than you, feeling as though the spotlight only shines on you as you dance without a care to the vibe of the song playing around you.  The fifth track on the album, titled “ Shawty ,” is the third R&B track on this EP, and continues the theme of love songs. In this track, Samuel switches from singing at the beginning to showing off his rap skills in the second verse -- which you can’t help but nod your head along to. This switch and flow of his rap bars allows him to perfectly capture the essence of the song by making the message behind the lyrics very clear. He once again talks about being so in love with someone that he can’t help but constantly smile when he sees. He also expresses how she makes him want to love her back just as hard as she shows her love for him.  The last track on this no-skip album is the title track, “ YEH! YEH! ” This track strongly puts into perspective this new Samuel era we’ve been shown from start to finish. From the catchy beat and choreography to match the vibes of this song, this track is an instant hit! Listeners will catch themselves -- without even thinking -- pressing replay on this song. From the opening to the drink transition in the middle of the song, this track shows a refreshing spin on how a simple everyday sound can be used in a song to perfectly fit and match the essence of the song to where it didn’t feel out of place when put in the song.  After such a long wait, #Garnets received one of the best gifts anyone could receive -- seeing your favorite artist come back after so many years. With so many already beyond proud of him, Samuel did not disappoint fans with his self-produced album as he continued to showcase his many talents for the world to see. Like many, we are excited to see what endeavors and upcoming songs Samuel has prepared for the world to listen to next.  Instagram | X (Twitter) | YouTube Written by Nina Edited by BR

Coming off the heels of his third EP, the K-pop superstar will kick off the tour in Seoul and visit 18 cities across Europe, North America and Asia MONSTA X’s dynamic rapper and vocalist, I.M, embarks on his new journey as a solo artist by announcing dates for his ‘Off The Beat’ World Tour. The soloist will ignite the world with his first ever solo headlining tour that will kick off in Seoul before proceeding to showcasing storytelling performances for fans in major European cities, followed by a North American tour leg, before ending in Asia. As the sole member of MONSTA X to embark on a global solo adventure, the K-pop star is poised to captivate the audiences with his charisma, explosive energy, and genre-defying artistry. I.M (Im Chang-Kyun) is a member and the lead rapper of the Korean boy group, MONSTA X, who debuted in 2015. Even as the youngest member of the group, I.M has shown his talent and potential as a soloist through numerous mixtapes and solo EPs, where he contributed to the composing, arranging, and writing of the lyrics. His solo debut EP “DUALITY”, released in February 2021, has gained massive success with five tracks ranking in Billboard’s World Digital Song Sales Chart, reaching 8.5 million views on YouTube for his lead track, “God Damn”, music video and holds over 15.9 million streams on Spotify. While remaining a part of MONSTA X, I.M is currently focusing more on his solo career. With the second EP “OVERDRIVE” released under Sony Music Entertainment Korea in June 2023, he showed a wider range of skills with a style change in his music compared to his work with MONSTA X. This EP ranked first in 14 countries on the iTunes Global Chart and achieved over 1 million streams within 24 hours of the release, which led to this extended playlist to place on the Melon Hall of Fame. The album carefully sets out the musical worldview pursued by I.M as a soloist through deep, sophisticated sounds and delicate melodies. I.M has been showing great success and growth as he continues to reveal a more unique side of him as well as connects with his fans through his latest albums and singles, such as his debut EP “Duality," his last album “Overdrive,” and his latest single “Slowly . ” All five songs in the “Duality” album charted on Billboard’s World Digital Song Sales Chart and has about 45 million all time global streams. 2024 Off The Beat World Tour Dates: ( All dates and cities below are subject to change.)   May 25-26 Seoul July 26  London, UK July 28  Paris, FR Aug. 1  Cologne, GE Aug. 3  Berlin, GE   Aug. 8  Boston, MA Aug. 10  New York, NY Aug. 15  Toronto, ON Aug. 17  Chicago, IL Aug. 23  Houston, TX Aug. 25  Dallas, TX Aug. 27 Vancouver, BC Aug. 29  San Francisco, CA Aug. 31  Los Angeles, CA  Sept. 19  Taipei Sept. 22  Tokyo Sept. 24  Bangkok Sept. 29  Macau Fueling the anticipation, I.M has dropped the latest music video from his third EP, “Off The Beat,” making this his second release of 2024. Earlier in April, he released the body of work with six new tracks, ‘LURE,’ ‘Bust it,’ ‘X0,’ ‘Skyline,’ ‘MMI,’ and ‘nbdy.’ While each song embodies a unique story, this extended playlist is all about being his genuine self and reflects the theme of ‘not following the regular path,’ and practicing ‘unconventionalism.’ The record-breaking artist delves deeper into uncharted territory with this new release, infusing his raw talent as a producer, singer-songwriter, and rapper with the genuine spirit of his avant-garde persona. Beyond the stage, I.M remains stylish and iconic by straddling the worlds of both music and fashion. From collaborations with Versace and Swarovski, to turning heads at Polo Ralph Lauren and BOSS, I.M is a trendsetter, trailblazer, and fashion icon. This tour presents a new opportunity to witness I.M’s bold style, both musically and on stage. Get ready to witness I.M embark on his first ever solo tour showcasing his distinctive storytelling live in 18 cities across the world. For more information on tour dates and tickets, please visit I.M’s social media channels on Instagram  and Twitter . The general public can buy tickets starting from April 29 at 10 am PDT and 8 am EDT with presale taking place on April 26 at the same time for those with the presale code. Connect with I.M on Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | YouTube

New York welcomed Thai singer and actor Chalongrat Novsamrong -- more commonly known as FIRST -- for his first fan meet, " MY FIRST'S DATES IN THE CITY ," followed by Dallas where fans celebrated his birthday together. FIRST (เฟริสท์ ฉลองรัฐ นอบสําโรง) made is acting debut in 2017 in Mutang's short film "Ruk Tur Hai Noy Long ," which depicts that emotional journey and healing process of a break up -- where he took the role of Boat. In the following year, he would be cast as the role of Joe in the 2018 " Social Death Vote" series, and debut as a dance member in JomeFam's boy group -- Cute Chef (คิวต์เชฟ) . When the group disbanded, FIRST chose to focus solely on his acting career where he would gain the attention of fans during appearances in a variety of films and dramas, including popular Thai BL series " TharnType 2: 7 Years of Love " (2020) and " Don't Say No " (2021) -- casted as Fiat. FIRST's global recognition only continued to grow as he was casted as Gun in the 2022 series " Remember Me ," and Achi in the 2023 series " Be Mine Superstar ." It was no surprise -- the amount of support and excitement -- when OMO Studios and Starstruck Media made the announcement of FRIST's Fan Meet that fans would take to social media to express their excitement of FIRST making his U.S. debut! The New York events were cleverly titled, "MY FIRST'S DATES IN THE CITY," and included a variety of options such as a museum, bowling date, paint and sip, or lovely picnic date with FIRST. Each event was created to give fans a unique and unforgettable experience, as well as the opportunity to talk and interact with FIRST. Some dates even gave FIRST the opportunity to choose who would be on is team, or playing in the activities. Sunday afternoon's 'Lovely Picnic' event was moved to the indoor art studio on the account of cold weather. However, this didn't stop FIRST or the fans from creating some of the best memories during their time together. The event began as any other where fans entered the venue, take a moment to interact with each other and discuss the many admirable qualities of FIRST, and what draws them to him. For most it was his role in " Don't Say No ," and for others it was his most recent role in " Be Mine Superstar. " When it was time for the event to start, fans were greeted by the lovely hosts of the Let's Talk BL Podcast Ayla and Beth Ann -- the MC's for the day's events. They took a moment to teach fans the phrases, "Do you want to play some fun games?" and "Nong FIRST, where are you?" in Thai before introducing the main star of the event. As FIRST entered the room, fans cheers filled them room while finger hearts and waves of hello were exchanged amongst the actor and attendees. Throughout the event FIRST would take time to walk around, and continue to interact with fans -- taking note of the only male attendee and stopping to talk to him before proceeding to make his rounds to the other side of the room. He was greeted by fans who expressed their love for the songs that were playing, fans who were fluent in Thai, and even one fan who asked what series he was working on next -- to which he responded, Ah, you'll have to wait. It's coming soon, so stay tuned! Throughout the event, there were a few games that fans would participate in with alongside of FRIST such as Thai/English match up where fans would be given a set of cards that had English words on it, and a set of cards that would have the corresponding Thai word on it. FIRST was found at the end of the table to assist game participants by giving them the word and physical cues. As participants would make a correct match, FIRST would acknowledge it with a thumbs up, or a nod. When reviewing the participants matches, FIRST would take a moment to explain what each chosen Thai word meant, and fans in the audience would then determine if the English word was a match. The next game was a game of Jenga with a twist -- some of the Jenga blocks had questions and fan requests written on them. One participant's Jenga block requested a joke from FIRST where he took a moment to apologize because he felt as though it wouldn't be as funny in Thai, so instead he happily obliged in pick up lines to fans. For one he asked a fan to slide slightly to their right, and once she did, he responded, "... so that our hearts could be aligned." which generated cheers, embarrassed "ooooh"'s , and several shrieks of excitement from the crowd. Next, FIRST got to chose a Jenga block, and with much effort and concertation, the tower fell. However, a block was chosen with the question, "What is your favorite accessory?" "Necklaces," responded FIRST. He continued to tell fans that he feels as though the necklace he chooses for that day aligns with the personality he is trying to define and display. He then showed off the necklace and bracelet he was wearing for that day -- gifts which he received from fans. Before proceeding to the final game, FIRST picked one final lucky contestant to choose of the three remaining Jenga blocks, and with a little assistance, that fan was awarded a selfie with FIRST. The final game to be played was Pictionary, where FIRST would pick the contestants to play against him. During this game we were able to see the many facial expressions of FIRST from questioning fan's guesses, to excitement when fans guesses were correct, to concentration on guessing the fan's drawings, and more smiles -- which filled the day with much brightness and the hearts of fans with love. Before parting ways to greet fans in Dallas, it was time to say goodbye, as FIRST expressed his gratitude to everyone who took their time to meet him. Fans gathered around him for a group photo, and short celebratory clip before lining up for thier selfie photos or short 30 second clips with FIRST. Check out some of the special moments our team captured in New York and Dallas ! STAY CONNECTED WITH FIRST ON SNS TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HIS UPCOMING SERIES! Instagram | X (Twitter) | TikTok | Weibo | YouTube K Fuse would like to give a big shoutout and a huge thank you to the teams at Starstruck Media and OMO Studios for allowing us the opportunity to provide coverage for FIRST Chalongrat's first U.S. Fan Meet! What an honor it was to watch this group of amazing individual's make this event come time life!