KPOP: SM Entertainment's Male group, EXO Falling Apart?

       When they debuted in January of 2012, EXO looked like the next big music group for Kpop. Showing off their vocals, rap technique, and dance, the group quickly rose in popularity, both in China (EXO-M) and Korea (EXO-K).

       The popularity quickly resulted in multiple award wins, including the 2013 MAMA Award for Album of the Year, un-seating fellow label-group Super Junior (who had won in 2011 & 2012). They were the next generation for SM Entertainment.

       But it is beginning to fall apart. It began in May, where EXO-M leader, Kris Wu filed a lawsuit towards SM Entertainment(SME) to terminate his contract. He criticized SME to not treating their artists fairly, reporting that the company had not allowed him to visit his family in Vancouver, Canada. It was not the first time SME received a lawsuit from an artist, Han Geng of Super Junior being the first. Kris has currently continued his career in China, acting and rumoured to be releasing an album in the near future.
       Super Junior was able to continue with the lose of one member, so it appeared EXO would be fine too. But as we are finding out now, a second member of EXO-M is filing a lawsuit against SME as well.
       On October 9, 2014 (KOR time), Luhan filed his lawsuit to nullify his contract with the company. There have been much speculation about this, but there were no hard evidence. Many had believed Luhan was on sick leave, recovering from intense fatigue. But that does not seem to be the case now, with reports that the relationship between the two sides have gone bad. Luhan had set a deadline to resolve this conflict, but it seems it has past, judging by the issuing of the lawsuit.
     

EXO, once started out as a 12 member group, is now, possibly down to 10 (6 in EXO-K, 4 in EXO-M). This leads to the question, "Can EXO still continue their success with the absence of two members?" Super Junior lost one member due to lawsuit and have continued to produce popular music. EXO members have been quiet these few weeks, possibly unsure themselves as to what will happen to them. They were shocked when Kris left, and this time with Luhan leaving, it could be a big blow. Can they come back and dominate the Kpop industry in the future?
       Aside from EXO, SM Entertainment have been through a tough year, losing artist after artist. Last week, popular member, Jessica was reportedly kicked out of Girl's Generation, causing SM's stocks to drop drastically. After Luhan's news was announced to the public, the stocks plummeted. It seems SME will continue to fall in stocks until they are able to resolve the drama within their company. It will need time before SM can come out and release what is happening within their organization.
     
     

Is SM Entertainment Losing its Hold on it's Idols?

       News has recently emerged that Jessica Jung, a member of the Kpop Idol group Girls Generation(SNSD), has been dropped by the agency, halting any plans she had with SNSD. This comes approximately 6 months after Kris Wu of EXO filed for a lawsuit, terminating his contract with SM, while F(x) member Sulli has left SM as well.

       Is there something going on within SM Entertainment that is forcing artists out? Both of this years issues have been linked to disputes between the artists' future and the plans of the agency. Jessica has recently begun her fashion line, and it seems that it is clashing with the plans SM has planned for her.
       Jessica's issue is not as severe as Kris', with SM Entertainment confirming that she will still be managed by the agency, the only change is that she will not be participating with SNSD in any of their promotional events or future albums as of now.
       But it seems that there is a misunderstanding between Jessica and SM. SM is stating that "This coming spring, due to her personal situation, she has notified us she will halt her team promotions with the release of one (more) album (source: allkpop)." But Jessica stated on Weibo differently.

      Jessica's post on her Weibo account states "I was excited about our upcoming fan events only to shockingly be informed by my company and 8 others that as of today, I'm no longer a member. I'm devastated....I am being forced out."
       Fans from all over the world show their outrage about the news, Jessica being one of the bigger names of Girls Generation, many just hoping that this is just a misunderstanding between the two sides. Many, like with Kris and EXO, are stating that Girls Generation needs to be a 9 member group, incomplete if one is absent.
      Jessica has been noted to be seeing an attorney, maybe just for advice, but it could also mean a lawsuit could be waiting in the shadows.
   
OCTOBER 5, 2014 UPDATE

       Over the last month, SM has noted the another member of EXO will be absent from promotions and shows. That member is Luhan, who is currently recovering from different symptoms, many saying related to extended fatigue. Information is swirling through the Internet, hinting that SM Entertainment and Luhan are headed to a crossroad. Luhan's declining health and SM's pressure for his return may just be the conflict between the groups.
       2014 has not been a good year for SM Entertainment and its' fans. But 2014 goes on, and we shall wait and see what it has in store for one of Korea's top entertainment corporations.
 

OCTOBER 7, 2014 UPDATE
       Luhan has filed a lawsuit against SM Entertainment, seeking to nullify his contract with the company. It seems to be more than just absence due to illness that was keeping Luhan out of the SM Town World Concerts. Sources report that their have been conflicts between Luhan and SM Ent these past weeks. Luhan gave SM a deadline to resolve these differences, but it seems that the deadline has past. Luhan is apparently going in the same direction as former EXO-M leader Kris, with the same actions and law firm. With the possible exit of another member, could this be the end for EXO-M?

Hong Kong's Fight for Democracy

       The streets of Hong Kong are used to being crowded with people. But it has never been this type of crowded before. Thousands of protesters have crowded the streets of Hong Kong's business district, calling for democracy from China.
       This past weekend, Hong Kong citizens lined the streets, with police forces closely guarded with truncheons and shields, protesting for a fair and open election, and continuing to pressure Chief Executive Leung Chun-Ying to resign.

       This should be no surprise for many who have followed the news about the Chinese government, with many citizens protesting against it for quiet a while.      
       An estimate of 40 or more people have been injured, citizens and police alike, as they initiated the protest. Photos captured shows many of the police force pepper spraying and forcefully fighting against the protesters. Tear gas was soon released on mass, forcing protesters to take cover and normal citizens to stay in their homes.
       As shown in the image, many citizens were unarmed, some with merely masks and umbrellas to defend themselves.
       Many other citizens, not participating in the riot are also being effected. Many banks have been closed off, chaotic streets have made it hard for seniors and children to leave their homes. "Everything is fine so far, but citizens have been holding it in for long enough," a pro-democratic citizen stated, though not participating in the protest.
       As of right now, the crowds and police force have dispersed, allowing for the injured to rest up. Many are watching this closely, as many citizens here in Canada have family over in Hong Kong, China. "I hope my parents are okay, they're on a trip in Hong Kong now," a OCAD University student shared, "I'm glad I immigrated to Canada a few years ago, I wouldn't want to be in that situation right now."
       With social media sites such as Instagram blocked by the Chinese government, many rely on Facebook and Twitter to receive news an photos for updates. "Stay strong and safe" is a common phrase from those watching oversees.
       Democracy should not be something people should risk their lives for. People deserve the right to vote fairly, to have a government that supports its citizens They should not need so much violence to obtain what should already be theirs.

October 1, 2014 UPDATE
       The streets are in a peaceful state Tuesday morning, but transportation around is still a problem for many citizens. My correspondent in Hong Kong reports "It's peaceful here. Transportation through the roads are blocked, but MTR(Hong Kong subway) is okay."

       The police have also been working hard during these few days. Shown as the 'bad guys' in many articles, the police have been working hard to keep everyone in the city safe, "some working for 30 straight hours," reported my correspondent.
       Citizens are camping out on the streets during the day, lighting up the city with their cellphones while singing during the night. All is peaceful at this time.
       During this peaceful period in the streets of Hong Kong, citizens are still waiting peacefully for the resignation of Leung Ching-Ying soon. October 1 is the National Day in Hong Kong and many are hoping that it ends on a positive note.

 

OCTOBER 4, 2014 UPDATE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AcuyN_z44Sc&feature=youtu.be

K-Pop Powerhouses, YG Entertainment and SM Entertainment, Set to Clash August 1

     August seems to be the month the big names are coming out to play. YG Entertainment has readied their fans for the big debut of WINNER, their boy group that will lead them in the next generation. Alongside WINNER, YG is also hinting about BIG BANG's comeback, the group who has led the company to stardom. SM Entertainment is also preparing the debut of their new girl group, Red Velvet, simultaneously with their 13 member group SUPER JUNIOR, preparing for their comeback.
     It's not a mere coincidence that YG's WINNER, and SM's Red Velvet are both reported to debut on August 1, 2014! Fans of each group have waited a long time to get their first look at what the new groups can do.

     Especially the fans of WINNER, who were supposed to debut at the conclusion of their show, WINNER TV, but was postponed by the company. Introduced through YG's reality competition, WIN: Who Is Next, WINNER has been seen together as a group for a bit more than a year now. Many netizens can be quoted "Why don't they just debut them already!" Though the company have given many teasers, with videos to photoshoots, all the fans seem to want is the debut of the group. August 1, is the groups "Grand Launch," fans will be waiting.
UPDATE: YG Ent released the album teaser for WINNER Aug 1st, announcing the debut album will be released on August 8, 2014. Once again, WINNER fans are left waiting a bit longer.
 

 The fans of Red Velvet, have been waiting a bit longer, though the group was not officially put together until last week. Fans were introduced to this new members through SM's, SM-ROOKIES. The members have made covers, and even sung soundtracks for Korean dramas. This is SM's first girl group debut since f(x), back in 2009. Red Velvet will make their stage debut on August 1 on Music Bank.
     Moving onto the veteran, world established groups, BIG BANG and SUPER JUNIOR, have gone head to head for quite some time now. Debuting in 2006 and 2005 respectively, these two groups have had their share in the international spotlight. Both groups' last Korean album release was back to 2012, STILL ALIVE by Big Bang and SEXY, FREE, AND SINGLE by Super Junior. At the 2013 Mnet Asian Music Awards, the most prestigious award ceremony for K-Pop, each received 3 top awards
                 

     Super Junior: Album of the Year, Best Global Group - Male, and Best Line Award

                       Big Bang: Best Male Group, Artist of the Year, and Best Male Solo (G-Dragon)

     Both veteran groups are expected to come up with high end songs once again. With SuJu leader Leeteuk returning from military duties, and Big Bang coming back together after each member released solo albums/tracks, it will be interesting to see what music they can create after 2 years.
     This will be an interesting battle, as the young and the old are set to battle off in the K-music world.

Bolt-less 100m Final Lacks Star Power and Speed: Commonweatlh Games

       The 100m Final is usually the main event of every Track and Field competition. Especially in recent years, with the likes of Usain Bolt, Yohan Blake, Tyson Gay, and Justin Gatlin constantly facing off. But this years Commonwealth Games gives us a less star studded line-up at the starting line.
       With the stars out for many reasons, whether it be injury or personal reasons, the Commonwealth Games boasted what could possibly be the next generation of sprinters.
       The fastest man going into the men's 100m final today was Jamaica's Bailey-Cole, posting a time of 10.01 in qualifiers. Though it can't be called a slow time, track followers are used to the sub 10 second 100m that accompanies the event.

       K. Bailey-Cole stayed consistent during the final, running a 10.00sec 100, beating out England's Gemili's 10.10sec.
       We are hearing that Bolt will be available to run in the 4x100m tomorrow, so we can expect the track to be faster as the the 6-time Olympic Gold medalist takes the track for team Jamaica.

Young Canadian Talent Gaining Experience
       Canadians Aaron Brown and Donate Richards-Kwok both participated in the men's 100m semifinal today, finishing 5th(10.17sec) and 8th(10.42) respectively.
       On the women's side, Khamica Bingham finished 7th in the women's 100m final, finishing with a time of 11.37, slightly slower than her PB, 11.32, which she set in the semifinals earlier during the day.
 

Richmond Hill Native to debut with Korea's SM Entertainment this August

     It is a dream for many young people, and Wendy Shon has done it. A 2012 graduate and alumni of Richmond Hill High School, Wendy will become only SM's third artiste to have links to Canada, second to be from Ontario (Henry being the first).

     During her grade 11 year at Richmond Hill High School, Wendy was named Musician of the Year, one of the highest honours she could achieve at the school. From there, she took off, auditioning for Cube Entertainment in 2011 at the Vancouver, BC auditions. 

     Though she did not land the contract, she gained valuable experience, the experience needed to, as we now know, to debut with one of Korea's Big Three, SM Entertainment in 2012. 

     Much controversy arose when SM first released photos of the "SMROOKIE" in 2013, when the trainee was shown to have lost weight, looking different when she attended RHHS. This change could have been from aging, and becoming more mature. Another speculation is the makeup that SM applied to her, making her look different. Some netizens were leaning towards plastic surgery, but that does not seem the case.

     Long before her debut to the fans, she was making her own covers of popular songs. (https://soundcloud.com/shonsw1004/fantastic-baby). 

She would continue to make music pre-debut, singing the OST for the Korean drama, Mimi titled, "Because I Love You," giving fans internationally a peak at her talents. the talent that students at Richmond Hill High School have always known and loved. 

     Through similar scenarios in the rise to Korean spotlight, we know it was a long and hard journey for Wendy, and we wish her the best when she makes her debut, fulfilling a dream that might have sprung right out of Richmond Hill. Wendy Fighting!!

Going Home. Lebron, A Cavalier Once Again

       Lebron is going back to where it all started. Cleveland is where King James has decided to go after opting out of the remaining years of his contract with the Miami Heat. With that, let the shift in Eastern powerhouse begin.
       Cleveland, building off their previous years at the draft table, notably recent No.1 pick Andrew Wiggins, is a much different team since "The Decision" was aired in 2010. Kyrie Irving(drafted No.1 in 2011) and Tristan Thompson(drafted No. 4 in 2011) led the rebuild in Cleveland, followed by Dion Waiters (drafted No.4 in 2012). And of course, who could forget the Canadians Anthony Bennett (No.1 in 2013) and Andrew Wiggins (No.1 in 2014).

       With the addition of King James on the roster, Cleveland can now be considered a favourite to contend for the NBA Championships. Though young and lacking playoff experience, James has much more of a supporting staff than his prior years with Cleveland.
       Will Lebron fit with this young team, leading on and off the court is the only question. James, who carries his team on most occasions, can leave his teammates in his shadows. What the Cavs need to do now is find a system that allows James to produce the most numbers, as well as elevate the play of the younger, more inexperienced Cavaliers (with Wiggins coming up, can Lebron take him under his wing?)
       With Lebron finally off the market, we expect other big names to take their place on certain teams. Bosh is rumoured to join the Rockets now that James has left Miami. Carmelo Anthony, where he winds up, most aren't expecting a return to Denver, but anything can happen.