[Today’s K-pop] Cravity pushes pedal harder for next phase

Cravity put out its first studio album Thursday and held an online showcase.

“It was on my bucket list as a singer to release a full album,” said Wonjin, “It is like doing up the first button and we’ve been so fastidious.”

The group rolled out “The Awakening: Written in the Stars,” about 16 months after its debut. Three EPs have come out in the intervening time.

“All albums under the name of Cravity are precious but a studio album certainly takes on a different meaning,” admitted Serim. The pressure was bigger but they came through, he added.

While previous EPs of “Hideout” series hailed the band’s debut, the album demonstrates its resolve to let nothing stop it, Hyungjoon said.

Serim and Allen participated in writing the words for the title track “Gas Pedal,” which depicts the band’s growth, which picks up speed as a car does when you push the peal, Allen explained. 

Twice’s Jeongyeon takes break due to anxiety issues

Jeongyeon of Twice is putting her career on hold again due to mental health issues, label JYP Entertainment announced Thursday.

She is suffering from panic and anxiety disorders now, the company said. It has considered experts’ opinion and decided to let her focus on her recovery. She will be absent from all activities for the time being, after a discussion with her bandmates, it said.

This is her second break due to health issues. The performer suspended activities in October and missed promotion for the group’s second studio album “Eyes Wide Open.” She rejoined the members in June to promote “Alcohol Free,” title track from its tenth EP “Taste of Love.”

In October 2020, she wrote on the group’s SNS on the fifth anniversary of its debut, “I believe I could have happy times thanks to you Once. I will try to recover fast and meet you in better shape.” Once is the name of Twice’s official fandom.

Big Bang marks 15th anniversary on Instagram

The bandmates of Big Bang celebrated the 15th anniversary of debut on their Instagram accounts on Thursday.

“Time really flies. It already is 15th anniversary. Hope all our days are more beautiful, like the clear sky of this hot summer,” said Taeyang in a handwritten message along with a big “Thank u.” 

T.O.P floated a picture with yellow balloons in the shape of one and five without further comment while Daesung commented “Big Bang 15th anniversary. Wow! 15 years. Thank you, my everlasting VIPs. See you soon. Please.” 

VIP is the name of the band’s official fandom community.

The veteran group debuted as a quintet in 2006 and has become one of the most successful boy bands despite a series of scandals, including marijuana issues of GD and T.O.P. In 2019, however, Seungri quit after he came under suspicion of providing prostitution services and bribery while running a club in Seoul.

The remaining four renewed their contracts in March 2020 and was poised for a return at Coachella festival in April but the plan fell through due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Super Junior’s Sungmin to return with solo album: report 

Sungmin of Super Junior is coming out with a solo album in September, according to local media reports Thursday.

He finished shooting the music video and is in the last stage of preparations.

The performer went solo in November 2019 with EP “Orgel,” his first solo album after 14 years as a member of the idol group. The EP rose to No. 1 on the iTunes top albums chart in 13 regions.

Sungmin has been absent from Super Junior’s activities since 2019, when fans went so far as to issue statements demanding that he leave the band. Management firm Label SJ announced later that he will not join the nine members from the upcoming album, and Sungmin and Kangin will return as solo musicians. Kangin subsequently quit. Sungmin has been accused of lying to and ignoring fans while dating and later marrying musical actor Kim Saeun in 2014.

By Hwang You-mee
(glamazon@heraldcorp.com)