Music Elixir

Exploring Controversies & Trends in the Asian Music Industry: From K-Pop Drama to Japanese Music Updates

• DJ Panic & Sarah

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How often do you find yourself pondering the ever-changing landscape of the Asian music industry? This captivating episode kicks off with an intriguing look into the world of K-Pop girl group FiftyFifty, as we explore the implications of their current situation amidst the surge of popularity their single 'Cupid' is experiencing on social media. We also discuss the buzz around MAMAMOO's Hwasa and her recent transition to P Nation.

Did you know that the K-Pop scene is brewing with even more exciting news? As we take a closer look at the soon-to-be-unveiled MONSTAX subunit. But that's not all, we've got the inside scoop on T.O.P's involvement in the much-anticipated Squid Games 2 and the resulting uproar it's caused. We shed light on how this has affected T.O.P's career and his amusing response to a fan inquiry about his departure from BIG BANG.

As we wrap up this riveting episode, we take a stance on some controversial subjects that have shaken up KQ Entertainment. From the contentious song "Curry" by the Norazo duo to the alarming allegations of sexual harassment at a HYBE fan signing event, we're leaving no stone unturned. We close on a high note with some exciting updates from the Japanese music industry and speculate on Takizawa's TOBE Entertainment company. So get ready to strap in and join us on this rollercoaster ride through the Asian music industry! You won't want to miss it!

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DJ Panic Blog:
OK ASIA

Sarah:

Hello, this is Panic and this is Sarah and you are listening to Music Elixir a podcast between two friends discussing their favorite Asian artists and music. Hello, how's it going?

DJ Panic:

So remember that SpongeBob balloon, that it was gifted to me on my birthday.

Sarah:

Oh, yeah, at the restaurant?

DJ Panic:

Well, it has deflated.

Sarah:

Of course.

DJ Panic:

It took this long to deflate, like it actually has gone to floor. We were having fun family and I like just to see how long it will stay up. Well, that's from. March. So, yes, so what? six months? Four, yeah, like four months, and who knows how long it's been inflated. I don't know if family had inflated that same day. I didn't knew. So it's now has inflated. It was, it was. it was cool, though, because we cut the tether, because it was tethered.

Sarah:

Oh, okay, yeah.

DJ Panic:

So we were just letting it just go around the apartment Free float. Free floating because we have it's summer, we have fans on and the AC, and so it was just going around. So today was making mischiefs, just like SpongeBob Oh, really Like it will creep up on you. I don't know where I heard Peacat going. Huh, i'm like what. It's SpongeBob right next to my head. I didn't know. I'm cooking over here.

Sarah:

Following you around.

DJ Panic:

Yeah, like it will do like we were like wow, it's just like. It's weird, It has its own mind. That's crazy, Oh my God. It was doing things that were like see, SpongeBob is part of the family, We're good. It just, it just happens. The energy, the energy, I don't know whatever.

Sarah:

Too funny.

DJ Panic:

Welcome everybody to another music elixir.

Sarah:

Today is going to be a rants and ramblings.

DJ Panic:

Yes, As you can tell, I already rambled about the SpongeBob balloon and how it was creeping up on everybody.

Sarah:

Yeah, that's all right.

DJ Panic:

At home. So today we're going to chat about some news that we have interest on, because there's one that we have an interest on but it's so lengthy that we just prediscuss it before talking about it. You want to mention it just a little bit because there's so much in it that I really don't want to talk much about it yet. Right well, it has to do with the South Korean girl group FIFTYFIFTY.

Sarah:

Because there's they're under a lot of scrutiny. There's a lot going on contract wise for them with their company ATTRAKT, and another group called the givers. Someone's trying to undersell their shares in the group to Warner music. So there's this whole big thing going on. It could halt their career actually It kind of has right now because they've sort of stopped promotions and all of that. So we're going to wait and see. You know, there's a lot of things, people bringing up lawsuits, this, that the other, So we're going to wait and see what sort of comes of it.

DJ Panic:

Yeah, because there's so many. he says, she said and that said, and the other one said and this is so unfortunate because FIFTYFIFTY song Cupid is like the biggest on TikTok on reels. On Instagram You will hear people have been using that, you know the single and that single is so popular right now just because it's being used on social media And then this situation happening.

Sarah:

Oh, i just feel so bad for the girls, i know. Yeah, it was sort of like their big break And then all of a sudden, all this stuff comes up because the you know CEO of one group is accusing the CEO of another group And it's just, wow, i feel so bad for them. You know, they here, they are on the verge of breakthrough And I guess it's because people feel they were mismanaged, that they weren't really given full information about what they were going to be doing, how it would work. So it's just, it's heartbreaking for these girls And we will definitely, when we learn more and sort of understand more what's going on, we will definitely talk more about it. But I hope that they get to continue as a group because they're fun. They've had some you know cute music And, like you said, cupid came out and it was just like huge you know dance challenges, tiktok, instagram, everything. So, yeah, it sucks. Yeah, that's tough.

DJ Panic:

So one other news that I mentioned briefly because it wasn't it was not sent in stone yet. There were rumors, this is Hwasa from Mamamoo. So she finally parted ways with RBW. It was reported in May that Hwasa's contract expired in June And then so now that's finalized she parted ways with the company. But then, early or in June 27, it was revealed that Hwasa was in talks with P Nation, but nothing concrete. But on June 30th. PSY was having his summer swag event and at one point on the stage he just stops the concert and he says wait a minute, wait a minute. I need to do his audience because you know he's the funny one.

Sarah:

Yeah, yeah.

DJ Panic:

He's like wait a minute, i need to do something for the company, so I need to stop the concert right now. So, like everybody in the audience were puzzled like what is going on. So this two, two members of the crew brought in this table with the sign P Nation, of course. And then he's like, yeah, I need to sign this piece of paper right here, right now, because for my company. So, as he was going to sign, who comes out from the backstage?

Sarah:

It's Hwasa. I was going to say it must have been Hwasa.

DJ Panic:

And she's waving and everybody already knew like oh, this is it. She's like so I'm going to be signed this contract And also Hwasa is going to be joining us blah, blah, blah. If you want to sign, so she goes. They both signed the contract right there and then in the live event Wow, so she is now part of P Nation. But guess what A lot of people, K netizens, are like girl, why you did that? I'm going to be saying some things that I read from the comments, because some fans are like girl, you're better than that.

Sarah:

Well, why?

DJ Panic:

did you go with P Nation? Well, because you know Jesse and Hyuna and Dawn have left, because you know he was not really giving freedom of creation.

Sarah:

Well, i was going to say, yeah, after all, those other big names and people he'd been working with for so long all left because of his you know, i guess wanting a bigger piece of the pie. So it is interesting that she chose to do this. There's got to be a reason.

DJ Panic:

Exactly, exactly. So maybe she probably did the talk. We don't even know what's on that contract. We'll see, so congratulations to her. I know Mamamoo was also on the work, so I'm having a comeback in August, but it's going to be a unit. One of the girls in my mom will start that. I don't know if she left Mamamoo or she just left.

Sarah:

RBW. I was going to ask you that because we have other artists like IM from Monsta X. He left the company, but he didn't leave the group, So I was wondering if that was the same. I was going to ask you do you know? did she leave Mamamoo, or is she just using PSY's company as her entertainment for a solo? Yeah, for a solo. Or, if she's you know, yeah, it's also confusing.

DJ Panic:

Yeah, it's. Yeah, i don't know how that works. You will think if you are with a group and they're in that same company, how can you?

Sarah:

just, i don't know, but IM did it. He's still with Monsta X, but he left the entertainment company, the management.

DJ Panic:

This kind of makes sense, because if there's a group that works very well as a group, but one of them wants to be a solo artist, instead of breaking up the group, which already has a big following Yeah, okay, i see the logistics. Now, that is best you know. As a group is to work very well, but you want to do your solo thing, but not with the same company, because there's another company that will have a better payoff or better promotion for you as a soloist, someone who's more equipped to put you out there, i guess, yeah, interesting.

Sarah:

But that brings us to just quick note. Since we're speaking of Monsta X, Shownu and Hyungwon of Monsta X are doing a little subunit.

DJ Panic:

Yeah.

Sarah:

They're releasing a mini album July 25th, so we're excited for that too.

DJ Panic:

Yes, we are. I'm thinking of Mr. Wonho because of that whole scandal that happened. But like I don't know Well, you know should have never left Monsta X, Come on, I still gonna be feel like so sad about that. And I'm talking about old news, but no, we were when.

Sarah:

When he left the group, we were both traumatized, traumatized.

DJ Panic:

We love that boy, we still love him. He's in the military right now, but you know, like I don't know, that's another BS, but anyways. So still going down the K-pop world, it has been revealed that Mr TOP ex Big Bang is part now of Squid Games 2. It's been announced in June that he's going to be in this Squid Games, but it's rumored that his character is going to be an ex-idol also that raps in dance. That's the rumor. They haven't revealed his character because they're right now filming and that's going to be done released next year, in 2024.

Sarah:

Now when that was said, some netizens, we're having another cow, well, I was going to say you forgot to mention, on the flip side of that, how many people were like, oh my God, I'm not going to watch that. Oh my God, how could you do this? Because you may or may not know people out there that TOP got in a little bit of trouble back in 2019. And here in the United States it's not such a big deal. We're used to this. He got caught with marijuana, right. We're like, yeah, okay, so why does this destroy his career? It's very different in Korea, Japan, right? You know Asian countries especially. Drug use is very much frowned upon. Yes, and not that it isn't really here, but it's sort of more commonplace. We almost expect it to be part of what rock stars do.

DJ Panic:

So we, I think, as a nation, prefer if your favorite rock star is caught with pot than other like we call it harsh, like cocaine, meth or like heroin. That's, those are like to me but pot? Oh yeah, come on.

Sarah:

It's well. That's because it's legal here in many places not all across the country, But it's also. It's sort of been more socially accepted here for a very long time, Yes, You know, except for maybe back in the early 40s, 50s with the whole reefer madness. Everybody talk about how bad it was, but it's, it's become more mainstream now.

DJ Panic:

Yeah, now that you said reefer madness, I'm thinking about it. I did saw, like how they were promoting that signs of like this is what happens. Is you're a pot, and I'm like that's not true. What the hell is that? You don't go, cray cray, you don't hallucinate. Why am I saying that? Because yes, of course I'm going to say I have. So I know, i feel, of course you know it happens. You know, i did try it. Yeah, yes, i have tried it And it doesn't do like what reefer madness does. No, that's not true.

DJ Panic:

No it doesn't make you go cray cray. Now, now that I'm saying that, you may think of me DJ Panic is on pot, because she's always crazy.

Sarah:

No, this is just me and they're not drinking either People seem to be sort of torn about him appearing in it just because I think is he still on probation, or maybe he's off probation And that's why he's able to do the show now. But still we don't understand the extreme reaction to him being in it, right Because it seems sort of fun, like it ought to be interesting, to see an idol playing an idol In this love to see He was part of a movie that it was a gambling movie.

DJ Panic:

I want to say that He had a gambling addiction.

Sarah:

There's a scene that he was shirtless and everybody's like oh my God, i gotta go see this.

DJ Panic:

I never saw this movie because it would never come out, but we can see it now. I can probably buy it or whatever. But yeah, TOP just being a bad boy.

Sarah:

And I'm like why not.

DJ Panic:

So I'm very happy to see this part with TOP. I have never seen Squid Games. I'll probably just watch it, because now I know that he's going to be there, because he's my favorite from Big Bang. Oh, another thing So some people I don't know where these fans if they're really Big Bang fans or what, but they were like TOP left Big Bang And I'm like, yeah, he withdrew many before they even announced the breakup. He just said that he will be there until the contract was ending. But there were some fans that were like he withdrew from Big Bang. I'm like, yes, He made that announcement a long time ago. So I don't know And I'm like, where are you all being?

Sarah:

Well, because they do still refer to him as TOP from Big Bang. So you may not think of the from Big Bang as being a past tense, just that he is from the group. So well.

DJ Panic:

So this is what happened. Somebody on Twitter not Twitter on Instagram on his Instagram said oppa, you left Big Bang. And he's put in English Yes, i withdrew a while ago. I'm like yo, he gave sass And netizens were like, oh my God, i can't believe it. And I'm like well, of course he's going to give you sass because, come on where you been, you say you're a fan of me and you don't remember when I said I withdrew, especially if you're a fan of his.

Sarah:

You didn't notice.

DJ Panic:

I will be doing the same too. I will be giving sass. I'll be like where you been. I said this like three months ago. What So, TOP, I give you kudos. I'm behind you 100%, unless you murder somebody, then no, Yeah, really Exactly.

DJ Panic:

Or do something kind of like really bad than no, but hey, you're my boy, you're my man. Actually he's a man. Yeah, i love it. So another news that came out for the K-pop world. but still like going on that K-pop thing. So KQ Entertainment and MBC Idol Radio are apologizing after releasing a behind the scene footage featuring two members of ATEEZ singing a controversial song. Oh. so, on July 8th, idol Radio released a behind the scene video where you can see San and Yunho singing Norazo's controversial song Curry. Now why is this controversial? Well, the song Curry by this duo mocks Indian culture and religion.

Sarah:

Oh, yeah, that's not good.

DJ Panic:

This duo released a song 10 years ago Now they're not the first ones to get into hot water But back in 2016, because I was looking more into this song, i'm like why is this so controversial? to understand more of why. Because I'm like Curry Curry. You know we love Curry, right, you know it's a food, it's yeah. So I'm like why is this so controversial? And I'm like it's just having you and those or anything like that. So, anyways, then I found out that this duo was the Norazo duo. They do parodies, so I guess this parody song went too far.

Sarah:

Well, parody frequently does, And so you need to. yeah, there's a fine line that you really have to sort of watch out.

DJ Panic:

Went too far. So back in 2016, girl group All My Girl also sang and performed the controversial song live, like televised. Oh, fans were not happy, and especially international fans like how could you? And so I'm like, okay, so this song came out 10 years ago already. A major group which are no longer together I believe yeah, did that. And they're like, wait a minute, they shouldn't even Hello. So they even apologized back in 2016 about this. ATEEZ is now being one of the biggest K-pop group currently. And there's this happening. Hello boys, hello anybody knowing the background of this song, you shouldn't even be singing it Right.

Sarah:

Well, in the fact I know there's songs from our childhood that are inappropriate and whatnot. You can't forget those. They sort of stick in your head where you know now it's not appropriate and you shouldn't, but the fact that someone filmed it and televised it it's. There are certain things again. They were young when it came out. It was probably. I don't know the song, but if it had a fun beat or fun music, especially when you're younger, you don't know what the lyrics mean, necessarily whatever. So, like you, think about the things you sang when you were a kid, you know, even think of nursery rhymes and stuff.

DJ Panic:

Oh yeah.

Sarah:

Totally inappropriate. But you don't, you don't know, you don't realize, and it's just sort of ingrained in your psyche. You know, this is just something. You'll remember, that song. And then you're like, oh, now I know why they don't play it anymore. So it could have been something like that, and yeah.

DJ Panic:

So if it, if it was a behind the scenes, so these were like the boys joking around and because there's only two members, they were probably horsing around waiting to go on air and do whatever the thing, And somebody at their, at the broadcasting station, you know, just like, oh, they're doing something funny. Let me just make a reel out of it, because this is what happened. They made a reel and posted on social media.

Sarah:

Oh, so they were like oh, they're acting cute, Yeah, didn't sort of think about.

DJ Panic:

So KQ were like what? No take that out, When? So they had to. So KQ Entertainment had to put out a statement to apologize. And then MBC also had to, of course, put out and apologize as well. Right, What's going on? So that's just a reminder. Idols This is why being an idol is the pits, because everybody is just seeing everything that you're doing. If you stay and step out of the line, somebody's always going to be like yeah, you're screwed Right.

Sarah:

Yeah, you've got to keep your peas in queues, mind your peas and queues, as they say, because yeah, everybody's watching you and scrutinizing And again, it may be something they didn't even really think of. You know, it was just horsing around, but yeah, that's unfortunate. Exactly, speaking of like things, inappropriate, wow, we're on a roll with these TOP, ATEEZ. I was going to say just sort of briefly have you seen all the horrible stuff about Jennie from BLACKPINK being on that HBO show, The Idol? No, what happened? Well, I guess she's been on it's the first season, I think and she's just her character is a very nasty manipulative. I haven't seen it. This is what I've been sort of reading Like she and another girl are trying to become idols, pop stars, and there's just she's risqué dancing with men in very you know.

DJ Panic:

That's her character.

Sarah:

Yes, she's, you know. well, i mean this, like the cutthroat business and just some of the language she uses, in the way her people are just like she shouldn't be doing this. This is awful, you know, because again, it's totally she's, you know, practically not dressed, let's just say Right, and the way she's performing, with these men dancing and stuff, and people are just like horrified that she decided to do this show. It's with Johnny Depp's daughter, Lily Rose. Okay, Depp is in it also And, like you know, one of them has a song that she was doing but she got sick or whatever. So Jennie's character sings it and then gets signed for a contract and everybody, you know she's like I hope you don't mind me using it. You know I won't if you don't want me to, But you can tell it's one of those exchanges between people where she will.

Sarah:

So, like everyone's like she's just this underhanded horrible character.

DJ Panic:

So, anyway, there was all kinds of This is interesting that you said that I was watching uh turn Netflix this. I forgot the name of the series, but it's all. Uh, it's a reality TV show with Bollywood actors and actresses. There's one actress where she will get a script and she will turn it down if it's not the image that she has been, that she has. So, even though she's a mom and she, you know, she's an adult. Well, this is, this is one scene that I'm that. She's like oh my God, i don't like the script. I'm in there.

DJ Panic:

Her husband's like you've been turning down scripts left and right. Then you're complaining that you're not working. What is the one with this one? And she goes like they're having me say swear words. I don't do swear words, and what is this being mean? I don't do that. So it's like I have an image. And then the husband's like but honey, you have, that was from you when you were young. You're a woman. Now You can, you can do this. And she's like no, that's not my image. So she was, you know, complaining that she's like I have an image. Yes, i might be a grown woman And, yes, i can say these things, but I'm not going to do it because that's my image and I have a reputation Now, without you being saying that and that why fans are so like up living but like, why is you know, black?

DJ Panic:

you know, especially with BLACKPINK, right, BLACKPINK has so many young girls behind them And then this happening, so that's why they're on a big uproar. Now, not that I'm saying she can do whatever she wants And she wants to do this character. That's her, that's you know, she wanted to, that's her thing. But I see what the fans are going criticizing because there's so many young girls looking up to her And they want to emulate what she does And it's like, well, she's doing that character so well. Is that really what I need to do in the industry? Unfortunately, there's a lot of young girls that don't see it that way, that, yeah, you can stand your ground and you don't have to be doing the slutty and sexy and whatever and coming on to people. So they're just going to put you know, she did it on the movie. Why can I just do it also to get up ahead.

Sarah:

So I see the criticism from the fans, especially with BLACKPINK, right, But I'm thinking in terms of this is showing what you shouldn't be like. This is showing the negative of all of this. So I get what you're saying, but think about their last album. A lot of their music is simply saying take your opinion of what I should be doing, Stick it you know where, because I'm me and I'm going to do what I want to do And I'm strong, and I'm powerful And like I do, I do understand, But then on the flip side, this is a show that kids should not be watching. So if you're letting your kids watch it to see this bad example, you know that's. It's not like something you can just go see. Yeah, watch. I'm sure people have put clips and snips out on.

DJ Panic:

YouTube and whatnot.

Sarah:

But it's, yeah, it's. It's sort of a tough place to be because I'm not, in general, i'm not a big fan of just gratuitous sex, gratuitous violence, you know like it's not always necessary, right, in fact it's not necessary at all, but we see it on the news, we see it you know, so it's like, well, but yeah, i think it's people being harsh about a decision she made, like she, it wasn't like they just suddenly threw this information out and she had to act it.

Sarah:

She saw it and she knew and she felt that this was maybe she wanted to shed some of that good girl, goody, two shoes kind of image that she has to have. She wants to be like. You know it's it's hard to say, but if you're a fan of hers, you know I would think you be a little supportive of her wanting to. She wants to act, she wants to break through with something. You know it's yeah, it's hard to say it is.

DJ Panic:

You have the fans who understand that is her creativity, her artistry. She wants to push the boundaries of what she is currently portraying. But then of course, they're the ones there are. There are other ones that is like, oh, why are you leaving your your clean cut and, goody, two shoes? You know I'm a good girl. Image to be this salacious girl that you know that wants to get whatever she wants. You got to do some things that are not really appropriate Right.

Sarah:

Well, this is, yeah, as, as adults who have lived and seen things and whatnot, we can sort of differentiate between who she is really as a person and as a performer with BLACKPINK and this character she's portraying. You know what I mean We're like. Well, this it's a character, right, like anyone else acting in movies. You know, just think of Robert De Niro and all the the guys who do those mafia movies. For the most part we know they're not really mafia. You know what I mean. Like he does a lot of good things. He's got his Tribeca film. You know what I mean. Like he does a lot of good in the industry. Maybe he is mafia, i don't know. But you know what I mean. We can separate their characters from who they are as people and entertainers and and philanthropists, basically.

Sarah:

You know, so, anyways, i hope everybody sort of cuts her a little slack and just she's sort of feeling out what she wants to do and where she wants to be, you know. So everybody's got to start somewhere in the industry, right, exactly.

DJ Panic:

You know, push their boundaries. You know that they're, that. They can not just a pretty girl, the clean cut girl or the clean cut boy. You know that, oh my goodness. You know they they're entertainers. You know they're entertainers, they're just, they're not a thing, you know Anyways, yeah, so we're gonna move on to some Jpop news.

Sarah:

Well, i was going to throw out a couple more things. Oh, go ahead. Anyone who's not living under a rock knows Jungkook from BTS is gonna be releasing his single on the 14th of July, but I also heard there's a rumor Oh, i haven't seen anything like official official that he's gonna be in New York on the 14th Performing it in Central Park for, like the Good Morning America concert series.

DJ Panic:

Oh, i think I saw blur about that too, right, but I'm like this.

Sarah:

It's not like official from anywhere else. So I. I don't know There'll be a mess in New York City.

DJ Panic:

Oh my, maybe that's why I don't want to say anything, because you know.

Sarah:

Yeah, exactly, but good, more. I mean there's all kind Yahoo. Of course we know Yahoo's not always an official news Yeah thing, but yeah, you know. So it's been out on a couple of news wires and that's why I figured I'd mention it. But that's crazy. And then did you see the produce 101 talent show. No, what happened They? well, oh, it's nothing bad, okay, it's they. They were doing a casting call, basically for female artists. They had, over a record breaking no less over 14,000 Young women apply to be on this new season. Wow.

DJ Panic:

I think it's like third season of.

Sarah:

Of the show. So they were like this is the most applications we've ever received. Wow. So it's crazy because you think about all of the sort of bad news you've been hearing about. You know the entertainment idol industry Show yeah, well, just the industry.

Sarah:

Look at FIFTYFIFTY. I mean you hear we've been hearing all these crazy things coming out, yeah, and yet still over 14 thousand young women want to be part of it. So there you go, interesting, right. And then let's see, and ENHYPEN is doing the Pokemon music theme Did you hear about that there? Collaborating with Pokemon? Yeah, so they're gonna be doing a new single one, and only they've been Teasing it here and there. That's coming out July 12, nice, so that's that's cool. Like I said, i've got little, just snippets to throw out there, okay. And then actually SEVENTEEN. Their latest album, which came out in April, fml, sold 3 million copies on the first day. It now has over six million copies sold, making them the number one K-pop album, beating out BTS.

Sarah:

Wow, Wow yeah, so their fandom KARATS must be very excited. Yes, they've definitely pushed their boys, so that's. but that's amazing, right? Because BTS has dominated For years now.

DJ Panic:

Well, now they want to hiatus. All these other groups are like we gotta get on there. They are right now hiatus and are doing much and our time to shine exactly.

Sarah:

Exactly That was. I think that's pretty much the last of my sort of little tidbits, so we can move on to the the big one girl.

DJ Panic:

I just saw something here, just posted an hour ago from soompi HYBE Apologizes for following allegations of sexual harassment during underwear search at a fan sign event. What exactly? underwear search? Yes, they all it. Okay, i gotta read this. What is that just happened? This is just happened an hour ago, the today's July 9th. This is reported. I'm reading it from soompi. Now I'm starting this. I'm reading this quote from soompi, which is you know, at online entertainment news HYBE has issued a formal apology following allegations of sexual harassment by security guards during an underwear search at an and TEAM fan signing event. Oh my god. So on July 8th, HYBE label in Japan, boy group and TEAM held an in-person fan signing event in Seoul. Afterwards, many fans took to social media and online communities to complain about an allegedly invasive security check at the event, leading the hashtag underwear search to trend in South Korea. That's insane.

Sarah:

What the f. I'd have punched anybody who tried to get near.

DJ Panic:

According to those I'm still reading from soompi, according to those who attended the event and Team staffs touch fans breast and check their underwear for hidden electronic devices such as Apple watches, and some fans claim that they had Experienced a sexual harassment in the process. That's crazy. That is messed up. One wrote they touch us to check for Apple watches or electronic devices in case we record the event. But it wasn't at the level of just skimming. Instead They touch us, poke us, and it was sexual molestation. Wow yo, can we go do a lawsuit over here? That's definitely another recall. They say they touch my breasts and then, after touching them, they ask this is a watch right and Took me to a small space where they asked me to lift my clothing. They press me so aggressively that I had no choice but to lift my clothing, but then someone else opened the door, walked in and watch my underwear being searched. I felt so ashamed and it felt like my human rights have been hit to the floor.

Sarah:

What the f they were. That's completely inappropriate this is crazy and Unnecessary.

DJ Panic:

Oh my god. So the controversy Continues to grow. Fan accounts at the event HYBE release an apology for the incident through an e-commerce site, wevers Apparently on July 9th. So the apology happened today today. This is ridiculous. This should be beyond an apology. This is crazy.

Sarah:

Yeah, i mean that's like that's, that's way too much, way too much, because even if someone was hiding something, you would see them eventually holding it out and recording or whatever, so you'd still be able to bust them. It's not like there's not security along the line while you're going to Talk to the group during the fan sign. So that's outrageous. I'm appalled and horrified and, like I said, i'd have punched somebody if they had grabbed my breast. There'd be There'd have been a major Incident going on in the line.

DJ Panic:

They'll so soompi be put out three statements on three, three fans, and apparently there's more than in communities. I don't know, you know, and oh my god.

Sarah:

That's horrifying.

DJ Panic:

It is No, yeah, no, sue. So this is gonna probably, and more is gonna be developed, even though HYBE have actually posted a statement of apology.

Sarah:

Well, i'm sure that things will come out about previous and other events as well, because I Highly doubt this is the first time something like that would happen. Oh my god you never know, but wow, see where that goes.

DJ Panic:

It was, oh, and who did this was female security guards. Really, you know, i don't read the statement that they put out there. Just it's interesting. I'm reading the statement that HYBE has put out saying hello, this is Wevers shop. We would like to apologize to the fans who attended and TEAM's in person sign site event on July 8th Regarding the security body check that was carried out by female security guards. Fans signing events are a place where artists and fans talk one on one and Recordings are leaked to the public. It might not be good for the fan and the artist, so to prevent such situation from arising, we have always strict limited fans from bringing and electronic equipment that makes recording possible. Up until now, many fans have actively cooperated with this practice.

Sarah:

Wait a minute. Can I tell you how many YouTube videos and whatnot there are out there of people filming BTS fan signs?

DJ Panic:

Why did I give you a look when I said that, when I said, when I ended that sentence, i'm like looking at you, like it?

Sarah:

was. It was like you were waiting for me to point that out.

DJ Panic:

Exactly. That's why I looked at you like Girl. You know that is not true. That is just not true. Anyway, so goes, however, because there have been several instances of fans hiding electronic equipment on their bodies to bring them in. A Body check was carried out on July 8th by female security guards to check for this. We apologize to the fans who attended the event with happy hearts for making you uncomfortable uncomfortable Apparently. You assaulted these women, or this, this security people that you told them to body search them, that you paid You pay this, but this you pay security to assault the fans. What the hell is that? you already saw them in the wallets. Why are you gonna talk them actually?

Sarah:

you sexually, physically? Yeah, well, like I said, and it's not like there's not security through the line while you're going, someone would see the device and be able to take it away or take the person away. I mean, remove them from the event, if that's part of the rules, exactly. But yeah, i mean A cursory what is the wand there that finds? Metal detector Yeah well, but the hand held one, you know they can do more like up and down your legs without touching you Metal detector, yeah, but yeah, But without touching you.

Sarah:

Yeah, that's. that was a step too far.

DJ Panic:

This is crazy, even if it was a security issue. As you're reading this, we are aware that it's not an acceptable excuse for making fans uncomfortable. We sincerely apologize that this kind of incident happened at the event. We will make plans for improvements, such as introducing contact free methods for security check, and we will try to make it possible for fans to participate in fan signings events with artists in a more comfortable and happy environment. Thank you, bs, come on. Yeah, i mean there's just never. They got money. Yeah, they got your money. Sue him for your money.

Sarah:

Yeah, no, that's Wow, just wow. Like I said, there'd have been an incident, though If it were me, somebody would have been like totally on the ground and it wouldn't have been me. Bam, don't even touch me.

DJ Panic:

Oh, my God. Just imagine if, if, if an American hello you and me. Now somebody comes up to me I don't care, your woman, just like she's, like you need to lift your shirt. We think you haven't And I'm like you know. It's just start poking and touching me. I'll be like excuse me, oh hell, with, break loose. I will be screaming until my lungs. Even the guys will hear me.

Sarah:

Exactly What's going on.

DJ Panic:

You want to call the cops, punch you, lady, uh-uh. But like you said, if you know, when you, if somebody does actually pop something out that it looks like a recording device, hey, there's always somebody going up and down the line watching what you used to be somebody looking and pull that person out. It's not the first time that ever happened. I actually have seen there's actually fans who have recorded all the fans getting out of line like, oh my God, look at this. Yeah, exactly, look at this bitch. Well, what you did, i just got out of the I don't know the signing because she did this. Oh my God, no, no, yeah, there's so bad That was unnecessary and inappropriate, so you was a fan.

DJ Panic:

You are already spending money, your money, into this company for your favorite artist And now this happening to you, you're being assaulted. Like I said, they're already assaulting your wallet. Now you're going to you know like physically assaulting you. No, Yeah, And these fans? I'm sure they're very happy to see them because they're from Japan. They're in now doing their, their promotions in Korea. Oh damn, This is completely a rant and rambling. Definitely Yes, it is.

Sarah:

Oh wait, did we also mention Naniwa danshi is going to be doing 24 hour television this year? I know we completely forgot that.

DJ Panic:

And also happened a few months ago.

Sarah:

Well, June was it June, may, maybe May, but that's exciting because they've been doing all kinds of new singles, new music. We just talked about that.

DJ Panic:

We just talked about Lai-la-la, that we were like whoa, yeah, just boys are like man who's coming, but yeah, so all the they've been promoting all the merch coming out for it, the shirt designs and stuff.

Sarah:

So very cute. They're very cute. I can't believe Daigo. Daigoo is in his late twenties.

DJ Panic:

I know He's such a baby.

Sarah:

Mitch is the youngest. It's a.

DJ Panic:

Mitchie the youngest. I think Mitchie is the youngest and he's he should be like, let's say, he's in late twenties, he's so tall, but going around the J-pop news. So, Kamenash, Mr. Kazuya Kamenashi, he will be releasing his second solo single Yeah, named 'Cross on August 18th. I'm very happy about that. I didn't know. He had his first single called "Rain. When was it? I don't know, I just was, just, I was like really, oh, it came out four years ago apparently.

Sarah:

Took some time between singles. You know Well cause. you know they were KAT-TUN been working together and So this song is is.

DJ Panic:

it was written by him and composed by Hotei Tomoyasu, so that's awesome. I'm like, oh my God, he wrote something I'm so afraid of you still Kamenashi. I'm very happy about this. I love his Instagram because his face he's always that sultry face with a powdery, playing golf, playing baseball, you know, hanging out with his besties. but he always makes that face. I know he's always like like sultry, like hey, but kind of sassy. He's always sassy. I know. every time I see his picture I'm like laughing and I'm like look at your Kamenashi, you're so funny. Stop it with that.

Sarah:

Should we move on to the, the news that we semi-predicted? A lot of people had the same feeling.

DJ Panic:

So, yes, on our last Rants and Rambling, I read on Yahoo Japan, which I'm like, come on, people tell me this is a rumor or this is happening because they have too much information. Yahoo Japan was kind of right, still some of the predictions to there, but at least half of that what we mentioned last time came true. On July 2nd, who was introduced? Miyake Ken and then just recently, on July 7th, the most awaited because everyone okay. So after all, right, i was looking at the Miyake Ken, you know, the first to be continued one, and then it's me, Miyake Ken, and I'm like, oh, that's awesome, you know, and that only lasted like 15 minutes.

Sarah:

Yeah, It was only on yeah, it was 15 minutes.

DJ Panic:

You know, he was saying that he was very happy to work with Taki and then he has an Instagram. It was also his birthday, that he turned 44.

Sarah:

Yeah.

DJ Panic:

Happy birthday to him. So after that ended, i was looking at the chat on YouTube. People were like where's Sho Hir ano, where's Jinguji? Where's Yuta, where is Yuta? What happened? What happened? Is this? it Is this, it Was it? There's more information? Blah, blah, blah. So everybody just blowing up the chat because they just wanted to know where's the rest of the announcement. Then they don't. on that day, Taki, or TOBE in other words, actually posted another tweet saying to be continue 02, and then made the date that another announcement was to happen on July 7th.

Sarah:

Yes, and the shadows of two people, which are pretty identifiable people. Well, i'm waiting for there to be more announcements, because there were plenty of other people who've been leaving Johnny's, of course, i started with Taki, then Miyake Ken, then three of the members of King and Prince had announced they're leaving. Two of them now are signed TOBE, and I'm wondering if that's what's going to happen in November when Yuta Kishi is finally, because he left King and Prince in May, like the other two, but he said he was going to stay on through November.

DJ Panic:

September 30th is his last day. Oh yeah, yeah, I'm sorry They announced in November. Right, yes.

Sarah:

So he was going to be hanging on until September, right? So I'm wondering, come September, if we're going to have you know who knows how many more to be continued are going to happen between?

DJ Panic:

now and then.

Sarah:

The big one that I'm hoping is IMPACTors, because what's interesting is they introduced Sho and Jinguji together, but they've given them independent. Instagrams which, in the course of like a day, they both had over a million subscribers to their Instagrams. There was a they announced like an hour after the TOBE introduction on YouTube. They announced that they were going to be opening their fan clubs, just like Miyake Ken did. Yeah, and there was a 12 hour backup on the web to sign up for the fan clubs. Yeah, cause it's also open to international fans.

DJ Panic:

Yes, girl, yes.

Sarah:

There's no barriers on this. It's not none of that sneaking around trying to find someone with a Japanese address that we can get to join the fan club.

DJ Panic:

Thank you, Taki. Thank you, Mr Takizawa. He knows very well. We have international fans, We have an international following. I am not putting a ckabash on this. I want the world to know TOBE, my, my vision what.

DJ Panic:

I always wanted to do with Johnny's when I took over the juniors. What I wanted to do with the juniors, which is actually bring them to the world, but of course, they were putting I want to say blocks on him and cabash and whatever he wanted to do, and he just said eff it, I'm leaving. I'm leaving the entertainment company. I'm mad at you. This is I'm leaving. I'm coming back and then, like you know what I'm done, sulking, being stupid. You know I'm going to do my own company, got my own money and I got people behind me. So here we go TOBE has been born and then starting my company as of March 21st of 2023. Who's coming with me?

Sarah:

Well, i'm, i'm telling you I think that it was already in the works when he left. He's like oh, i'm retiring from entertainment, i'm going to. no, i think he was planning this for quite some time. I think that this was such an actor.

DJ Panic:

When he's like I am not coming back to the entertainment company, no, not doing our entertainment anymore, no, i'm done with that. And it's like you know what? I'm tired, i'm bored. I gotta do something with my life.

Sarah:

Nope, nope. He just had to plan and I'm it's very funny. I think he put out feelers. He was testing the waters before he even left. I can't guarantee it, but I have a feeling. Cause this happened so quick, all of this happened so quick? Yes, like nobody on a whim, i'm just going to open an entertainment company. It doesn't happen.

DJ Panic:

No.

DJ Panic:

So I wonder okay, so this is all speculating, This is me speculating. I'm going to have a, you know, Panic"ked little theater right now. So Taki was drinking and just completely drunk and blittering with, let's say, Miyake Ken, and then Miyake Ken's like dude, you gotta come back, you gotta sit, you gotta save us, you gotta do something. And you know you, i like your vision, you can do this. And come on, we got your back, you got supporters, you come on. And then I'm sure Taki's like fine, i'll do it. You know, I'll save the entertainment company, i'll save the Japanese entertainment. You know world J-POPs coming, i'm going to bring it to the world. And that's what he's doing, that's his vision.

Sarah:

Well, no, like I said, my delulu is that he was working on this before he even left. Because he left and like within a month, Miyake Ken left because they had that drinking moment. I told you, But no, but you, you're saying it was after he left and I was saying no, it was before, before which you know what, And again this is just our speculation and our opinions, but I really think that this was something, because we even talked about it.

Sarah:

When Taki left, i was like dude's, like 40. There's no way he's just I'm done, i'm retiring. This has been his whole life. There was no way it was ending there.

DJ Panic:

There were rumors before he quit Johnny's that before he's parting, three or six months before, he was putting steps of like I'm quitting, i'm leaving, i'm doing these things but I need to find people to replace me. That's when Ohara Inohara that came, you know he wasn't asking me any questions on like taking over the juniors And like. I think that's when. when that rumor happened, it's like oh no, why is it? why does he want him to take over the juniors? That doesn't make sense. So I think yeah, so it's been in the works.

Sarah:

Yes, I think, I think here.

DJ Panic:

Just, you know, making it because we want to be dramatic, we're fanning the flames of fantasy here. Yeah, yeah, That's how many. How much drama is that we watched? We should write our script.

Sarah:

We could There you go, Maybe Hey let's do a manga.

DJ Panic:

Do a manga.

Sarah:

We'll get Nakamaru to illustrate it.

DJ Panic:

Oh, he's working on his own.

Sarah:

I know.

DJ Panic:

Hard on that. I like remember when I was saying that Kamenash is such a girl, but then Nakamaru with the food pics. Pictures like locations.

Sarah:

I'm doing this today.

DJ Panic:

I'm like, Nakamaru i didn't know I'm You would do that.

Sarah:

Well, Nino's been doing it. Oh my God, Nino. Nino's been taking pictures of his food and all that And his, his banged up action hands, oh, my God, when I saw that, i'm like, oh my God, take care of your Nino. They've got worse injuries than that during their performing concerts for years. He's totally used to it.

DJ Panic:

And no, but he's a dad and he's older now, so he's 40. That's true. He can recover that quickly. now, Nino, please take care of yourself. You see the long hair that he has now. He's got to be hating it. He's got to be hating it.

Sarah:

Well, he talked about he wants to get a haircut, so, but I think the long hair is for the same reason he's getting banged up.

DJ Panic:

So yeah, he'll get a haircut soon. Yeah, is he going to do a bad boy.

Sarah:

I don't know, it could just be action, like he's going to be a long haired cop or something. I don't know.

DJ Panic:

Well, lately Johnny's have been doing like the bad boy image. Sou did they from from sexy songs. Sou my little, Sou my cherubair, he's doing a psychotic, so I don't know.

Sarah:

Yeah, and now we've now we've got Daisuke going to be playing a psycho.

DJ Panic:

This little little sunshine. That's your boy. The pink fire is going to be a bad boy, which I'm like. Oh my God, have you seen clips of him with his cats? No, girl, you haven't. No, he lives for these cats. He rescued these two cats. He's rescued these two kitties. And I was like, oh my God, sSarah's going to be like you already love him.

Sarah:

Well, i saw a picture of him like just a picture of him with a cat No girl.

DJ Panic:

This one is him on the floor and he has the cat on his face breathing him in. I'm like what? if I do that, i'll be having allergies for the rest of my life. I'll die. But you know, he's. It's like whoa, you really love this. And the cash was like oh, i'm going to be like. Oh, I'm going to be like.

Sarah:

Oh, i'm going to be like oh, i didn't know he had rescued them because, like I said, i saw a picture of him with a cat. But they do that all the time. Publicity stills with the guys with puppies and kittens and everybody's done it. But he adopted. Oh, that's awesome because I rescued two cats too. He's a cat daddy.

DJ Panic:

Now. You should see this. He loves them so much.

Sarah:

Oh, that makes me love him even more.

DJ Panic:

I know I'm surprised you haven't seen this one. I'm like, damn, that is good. Really, you love that much.

DJ Panic:

He's like, oh, I'm like really, I'm like cats run away, I don't know, That's just insane. He loves his cats so much. Oh, that's awesome, Oh, geez. And then of course, the Snow Man. You know the rest of the groups are like because the cats are always with him, So they will have like FaceTime. And I think Koji was FaceTiming. Daisuke and Koji were having FaceTime And then one of the cats came up and he's like meh. And Koji is like oh, it's oh hi, Like nephew or something was calling it. Oh my God, Yeah, like something cute, That's so cute.

DJ Panic:

And then Daisuke is like yeah, so it's Koji saying hi. He said the name of the cat.

Sarah:

He's saying hi.

DJ Panic:

He's saying hi to Daisuke, he's saying hi to Koji, he's like hi to Koji, he's like hi to Koji. And I'm like, oh my God, what's he doing? Oh my God, it's just extremely adorable.

Sarah:

I'm going to have to go find all of them and just It's on.

DJ Panic:

Instagram girl. Find it on Reels. You'll find it. Okay, Just put Daisuke and it will come on Well like.

Sarah:

I said because I saw pictures but I thought maybe it was just publicity stills. Sometimes I just scroll and look at the images and I'm like, oh okay, i don't always read the whole blurb, so They did too in their YouTube channel.

DJ Panic:

It was Daisuke, Abe, Fukuzawa, and a missing one. I don't think it's Koji. It's Koji, was Koji there? It's four of them. They went to a piggy cafe and they're all taking selfies and just taking pictures and running around with little piggies, with piglets.

Sarah:

So you will see, just you probably see that It might be Koji, because I remember seeing something.

DJ Panic:

So it was Koji, then I think it was. Yeah, four of them went over to a piggy cafe.

Sarah:

Oh, that's awesome, I know.

DJ Panic:

That was so cute, And Daisuke was all over them pigs too Trying to like yeah, you did it, I'm like what.

Sarah:

Well, he's the extra boy. He's the extra boy. I love him. I'm so happy he's a cat daddy.

DJ Panic:

Oh my god, yes, he is. I'm very proud. Two, two kitties. Yes, uh-huh, i know, girl. I just thought of you. I thought of you when I said, and I saw that, and I heard that, i'm like, oh my god, he's a cat daddy, two kitties.

Sarah:

That's awesome. Oh man, I know what I'm doing after this Daisuke cat. What?

DJ Panic:

That's all you need to.

Sarah:

So that's all the news. I have, me too, very excited about all the new stuff coming out of TOBE.

DJ Panic:

I know And I can't wait for continue number three, because you know, yeah, like you said, there's more coming up. Yeah.

DJ Panic:

There you know there's more coming There is more coming up and it's going to be in there. Takizawa is bringing Japan J-pop to the world And yes, so now that I said that there has been a lot of should I say, coincidence no synchronicities that yes, this is going to be happening soon, that J-pop is going to come to the world. Last week I want to say two weeks ago I just noticed that Spotify have an anime playlist. This is, like all from old anime, from current anime, huge playlist for it. It's just called anime. You know, yeah, anime playlists.

Sarah:

They have all their little sub.

DJ Panic:

I'm like huh, how interesting. So now, with that being said, that famous YouTuber, which I'm going to name his name right here, The aAnime Man, saw that and made a video of it on YouTube. So he started talking about some of those songs. Now this is very interesting, now that happening. Now we have HYBE implanted themselves in Japan. That happened, of course, a while ago, last year. Now we knew very well that they were holding editions and whatnot, for you know, get Japanese groups. Now we have AAnteem that they're trying to really boost up from Japan. So another one in the working. we have Sky Hi's company be first be first, hugely right now popular, gaining momentum internationally and more groups come, coming out. He is really steaming ahead full force with his company to make it as well. We got two new companies now in here, right now coming out of Japan.

DJ Panic:

That they want to make you know the attention of international fans. Right Now we have Sky Hi's BMSG and then TOBE. right now that also wants their thirsty for international fans.

Sarah:

And I was going to say and then we only have one group that has been doing outside Japan stuff out of Johnny's. And that's Travis Japan, because they're actually doing something else. Now They're doing another thing outside of Japan. I wonder if they're the test group? Like is Johnny's using them as a test group?

DJ Panic:

That is not fair for the boys.

Sarah:

Well, it's not fair for them and it's not fair for the other talents in the other groups in the company.

DJ Panic:

This is what I'm thinking. Why Taki left?

Sarah:

They're thinking too small. Don't just throw one out and see what happens, exactly Because you need to have a variety of options.

DJ Panic:

You need to set up a buffet because you don't know what your people are hungry for, right now A company who's been out there for like 60 plus years, right, and just still being that way. That just boggles my mind.

Sarah:

Well, and I wonder if that, i wonder if Taki was the one that was starting that, because, remember, before the pandemic, King and Prince was over here doing stuff, Arashi was.

Sarah:

I mean, they were already planning it all because of their hiatus, but I think that they were sort of opening the eyes of everybody as far as you come to the US And people are interested, people will join. You know, hop on the bandwagon and be like, hey, this is good, but you got to put it out there, and I think that's what the attempt was. With King and Prince coming over and doing stuff, the pandemic happened. That's where I ruined it all. And then midway through they said we got another new group, let's just boom. You know? I think that. I think, yes, he was being held back from doing too much of that And that's why he was like you're thinking too small, he's got frustrated. Yeah, He's like you guys have tunnel vision.

DJ Panic:

We need to open this up And knowing Taki Sas, because he's being very sassy. He's like I can't do this. I'm sure he felt depressed. You know, it's like we have so much talent, so much good talent, and you're just not letting it. You know you're sinking the company. Yeah, i'm. I'm glad that Taki did what he needed to do. He has a vision without being set. There's being more. Yeah, people are now thirsty to hear more of what's coming out of Japan.

Sarah:

Well, and now it's going to be sort of a race between Sky Hi and Taki's TOBE to see who's going to get. Oh yeah, two small companies doing their best.

DJ Panic:

Yeah, get their their people heard, because I'm sure Taki's just probably putting his own money there too. He may have backers, just probably like Sky Hi did And he did. He did put most of his money in there, but I'm sure he has backers now Knowing how popular his groups just talented are getting. So the same thing with with Taki.

Sarah:

Yeah, well, and he, he already had connections.

DJ Panic:

Yeah.

Sarah:

Big connections, for I mean 25 years in the business. So, yeah, we'll see what comes. We'll see what comes, But it's exciting.

DJ Panic:

So the race is to start. We got BMS G and TOBE. Yeah, who will be the one really breaking out the group worldwide? Anyways, all right, you're dingin girl.

Sarah:

I know So.

DJ Panic:

I guess it's dinner time.

Sarah:

No, no, it's, it's the weather, oh no.

DJ Panic:

Okay, warnings.

Sarah:

Yes, we've been having horrible thunderstorms out here, so the weather channel is letting me know one's coming. Oh, okay, all right.

DJ Panic:

So let's end that right there. Thank you everybody for listening to this rants and rambling on Music Elixir. Please rate, review and share share, share, yeah, and be a subscriber too. Absolutely. And of course leave a review on our On Apple Music No, apple Podcast Yes. Apple Podcast and Spotify Yes, five stars, give us a five stars, definitely. We love that. Stay tuned for the next episode. Yeah, all righty, until next time. Bye, bye, bye, bye, JA NE!