[Today’s K-pop] Girls’ Generation to appear in variety show to mark 14th debut anniversary: report

All bandmates of Girls’ Generation will appear in a variety show in time for the group’s 14th anniversary, according to media reports Wednesday.

It has been four years since they were seen on an entertainment program although they have been seen together on each other’s social media and YouTube channels.

Producers of “You Quiz on the Block,” a show hosted by veteran comedian/emcee Yoo Jae-seok, confirmed their appearance saying that they are discussing the timetable to accommodate the eight members’ schedule. The airing date is yet to be finalized.

The female band debuted in August 2007 and became one of the most popular K-pop girl groups, until they stopped working as a group in 2017. Taeyeon has continued on with her singing career as a solo artist while most of the bandmates have turned to acting, starring in movies, television dramas, and musicals.

Meanwhile, the show has suspended taping as a member of the show’s production team tested positive for COVID-19 last week. Yoo and co-host Jo Se-ho as well as the rest of the staff tested negative for the coronavirus. The artists are expected to shoot their episode early next month.

Seventeen’s Dogyeom happy to return to theater 

In an interview with a local magazine, DK of Seventeen talked about returning to the stage as the male lead in a musical.

He will star as King Arthur in the second run of the musical Excalibur. He debuted through the musical in the same role when the piece premiered in Korea in 2019.

“I was so touched, delighted and happy when I heard that I would rejoin,” he said, “and the first thought that came to me was that I wanted to show a more mature Arthur than I did two years ago.”

He hopes he will be able to broaden his horizon, and experiment with taking different approaches and techniques. He also wants to try things he missed out on last time.

Over the last two years, he himself has grown up as well.

“I now have stronger belief in myself ... overcame many of my fears and can now love myself more,” the idol said.

The second season of Excalibur goes on stage from Aug. 17.

Victon’s Han Seungwoo starts military service

Han Seung-woo of Victon enlisted on Wednesday and will serve his mandatory duty as a member of the military band, his agency PlayM Entertainment announced.

He started his service two days after the original date due to the Army’s COVID-19 precautionary measures. He is the first of the band’s members to enlist.

“To fulfill my military duty I’ve enlisted with my heart full of memories with you,” the musician told his fans through his management company. He promised to return as a more mature individual after carrying out his training. He also thanked his fans for supporting him all the time and wished everyone to stay healthy.

On Tuesday, he posted black-and-white photos of himself sporting short hair in preparation for enlistment on social media. They were from a photoshoot during which he shaved his hair himself.

Han debuted as the leader of Victon in 2016 and put out two EPs as a solo musician as well.

H1gher Music denies signing with Wheein 

H1gher Music dismissed a report that said they had signed with Wheein of Mamamoo.

The company said the report was based on groundless rumors and nothing has been decided. The report alleged that the songstress and H1gher Music, a label founded by Jay Park, was in the last stage of talks to clinch a deal.

“It is true that Wheein is sought after by a number of management firms but nothing has been decided,” said a source close to the musician, confirming the label’s denial.

Wheein debuted as a member of Mamamoo in 2014 and did not renew her contract with RBW Entertainment when it expired in June, even though contracts were renewed with the remaining members -- Solar, Moonbyeol and Hwasa. Wheein promised that she will continue activities as a member of the group.

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