Another busy week in the world of K-pop! Check out what stories dominated our headlines recently:
YG Entertainment Investing in K-Pop Culture Venue
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One of the largest Korean entertainment agencies is investing in a K-pop oriented complex. Known as the YG Global Cluster, or K-pop Cluster, the project will focus on Korean music production and consumption. YG Entertainment is investing around $100 million USD (100 billion won) in the project.
The YG Global Cluster will include performance and studio spaces for artists to focus on their music. It will also be a destination for tourists, with K-pop, and generally Asian music, themed attractions. The complex is set to be built in Uijeongbu, to the north of Korea's capital Seoul, and completed by December 2018.
24K Member MIA After Media Reveals He Kept Marriage, Child Secret
Byungho, a member of Choeun Entertainment's boy band 24K, allegedly kept his private life separate from work to the degree that neither his band mates, entertainment agency, nor fans were aware that he got married a month after 24K debuted in 2012. Later that year, his wife gave birth to their child, which Byungho also kept secret from the entertainment industry.
Shortly after the birth of his child, Byungho went on hiatus due to chronic back issues and has not appeared with 24K since. After the news was reported, Choeun Entertainment's representative explained that the company was looking into the matter, but admitted that the company was having difficulty contacting Byungho to confirm the situation.
B1A4, Fans In Trouble For Event At Fan Meeting in Malaysia
A fan meeting in Malaysia led to critiscm of B1A4, K-pop, and fans after an event led to the singers and their fans coming in contact with one another. The event, where B1A4 and several fans acted out famous scenes from Korean dramas, was caught on video which was then posted on Malaysian websites, calling the event "sexual harassment."
The video went viral in the country, and became part of a large debate about how followrs of Islam should act, as well as how K-pop is influencing people in the Islamic world. Malaysia is a predominantely Muslim country, and the fans were visibly wearing Muslim-favored head coverings.
The event organizers and B1A4's company have apologized for any issues, but defended their actions as the fans had been aware beforehand about what would happen. However, Islamic law in Malaysia means that the fans may face legal reprecussions, including potential jail time.
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