Blackpink will not leave label YG Entertainment, the management firm announced Friday, denying a report by the Korea Herald that it will join The Black Label.

The report said the foursome would sign with The Black Label, a YG affiliate headed by producer Teddy who has been a main force behind the group since its debut, after its contract with YG Entertainment comes to and end next year. It added that Blackpink had already completed discussing the terms with the Black Label.

Separately, Lisa set a record on Spotify with her solo song “Money.” She amassed 600 million streams on the platform with the song from her solo album “LaLisa” in 474 days, reaching the milestone in shortest time for a K-pop female musician. The former record was set by Blackpink with “How You Like That” at 640 days. She also is the first K-pop solo artist to generate 600 million streams on Spotify.

iKON looks for new home after 7 years with YG Entertainment

Band iKON’s contract with YG Entertainment ended after seven years, the label said Friday.

After a long discussion, the two parties decided to part ways, it said, thanking the band and its fans.

The band has been with the label for seven years, after appearing in reality show on Mnet “Win: Who is Next” from 2013. It officially debuted in 2015 with “My Type” and became one of the main boy bands from the label to release hits including “Love Scenario” and “Rhythm Ta.” It started as a seven-member act but B.I quit the team in 2019 after he was suspected of drug use.

The six members will sign with newly established agency 143 Entertainment and carry on as a team, according to local media reports.

 
Four Astro members renew contract with agency 

Jinjin, Cha Eunwoo, Sanha and Moonbin of Astro renewed contracts with agency Fantagio, the company announced Friday.

Rocky is still in talks over extending his contract, while MJ will wait until he completes his military service at the Army band, it added. There has been speculation that Rocky will suspend activities as a member after he admitted that he is seeing actress Park Boyeon but the agency dismissed it.

The band debuted in 2016 and its contract was set to expire in February next year. Cha, in particular, has been the center of attention as he has been actively pursuing acting as well.

Meanwhile, Moonbin and Sanha will bring out EP “Incense,” their third as a duo, next week. Cha will star in “Island,” a TV drama that starts Friday.

Ateez talks about 1st Korean single

Ateez discussed its first single in Korea “Spin Off: From The Witness” that came out Friday.

The five-track single consists of rearranged versions of “Win,” “I’m The One,” “Take Me Home” and “Outro: Blue Bird” as well as main track “Halazia.” The new song comes with a strong choreography, said Wooyoung, who admitted that he cannot wait to perform it in front of fans.

The bandmates wanted to demonstrate their intensity and restraint through the album, said Hongjoong who participated in writing the lyrics of “Halazia” along with Mingi.

Seonghwa picked “Be my light Halazia” as his favorite part. Not because he sang it with his whole heart alongside Wooyoung and San but because it expresses their different colors.

The chorus also is so addictive, added Jongho, confidently adding that the melody will stick in people's heads.

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