[Today’s K-pop] TXT willing to prove themselves over time

Tomorrow X Together held an online media showcase and rolled out “The Chaos Chapter: Fight or Escape,” a repackaged album of its second full-length album, on Tuesday.

The repack completes the “chaos” series and the title track “LO$ER=LO♡ER” is an emo-pop punk tune that carries on as another love song, following “0X1=LOVESONG.”

“It conveys the romantic feelings of a boy who says that he will fight against the world to save you, and even when he fails, will run with you,” explained Soobin.

Yeonjun participated in making the rap part.

“It held such a meaning for me since it is the first time I did for a title track,” he acknowledged, thanking producer Bang Si-hyuk for giving him a chance. He also admitted that being under such a big label can sometimes be a burden.

“It is true that we can grow more firmly under the company,” he went on, “but we are stricter with ourselves ... Even though it will take longer, we believe we will be able to prove our efforts with good music.”

The bandmates thanked fans for bringing them global success, including ranking No. 5 on Billboard 200.

“Through our music, we hope our sincerity could reach through,” Taehyun added.

Red Velvet tops iTunes chart in 50 regions

Red Velvet’s new EP “Queendom” landed atop the iTunes top albums chart in 50 regions, SM Entertainment announced Tuesday.

The EP came out on Monday and also topped major digital albums sales charts in China. The same-titled main track hit No. 1 on major music charts in Korea followed by all the other five tracks. The summery song conveys the message that each and every one of us are queens and kings, and shine the brightest when together, the band explained.

The quintet debuted in 2014 and it has been more than 1 1/2 years since the five members put out new music together as Wendy suffered an injury at the end of 2019 during a rehearsal. The bandmates have kept busy with individual activities, but Irene took several months off after apologizing for verbally abusing a stylist.

IZ*ONE’s Kim Chaewon to join Hybe’s label: report 

Kim Chae-won of now-disbanded IZ*ONE has allegedly signed with Source Music under Hybe Label, local media reported Tuesday.

The deal was finalized at the end of June and has been kept under wraps, the reports said. Both sides -- Source Music and Kim’s management company Woollim Entertainment -- were reportedly required to sign a confidentiality agreement.

She will form a girl group of at least five members. Former bandmate Sakura Miyawaki may join as well although talks with her Japanese representatives have not gone as smoothly, it said. There have been speculations about Miyawaki signing with Hybe since she returned to Japan in April.

“Our company cannot confirm (the reports) regarding the contracts with artists,” a Hybe official said, asking for understanding. Woollim Entertainment made a similar statement.

Kim debuted as a member of IZ*ONE in 2018 through an audition program and the group disbanded in April.

Stray Kids sells 830,000 copies of 2nd LP in preorders

Stray Kids’ upcoming second full album “Noeasy” has sold over 830,000 units in preorders, JYP Entertainment said Tuesday.

The LP comes out on Aug. 23, about 11 months since its previous album “In Life,” a repack of its first studio album “Go Life.” The repackaged album sold 300,000 copies.

The 2nd LP will consist of 14 tracks including the title track “Thunderous,” written by 3Racha, a songwriting trio of Bang Chan, Changbin and Han. “Wolfgang,” from the final round of the competition show “Kingdom: Legendary War,” and the digital single “Oh,” which topped Billboard’s world digital song sales chart in July, also will be included.

Meanwhile, the eight-member act who won “Kingdom,” will be featured on an exclusive program from Tuesday through Aug. 22, leading up to the comeback show on Aug. 23.

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