K-Pop News Weekly Top 3: Sulli In Talks With SM Entertainment, Wonder Girls Return, Competition Among New Releases

June 21-27 saw some excitement in the K-pop world, between popular Korean idol groups releasing summer songs and one of Korea's most iconic girl groups announcing a return to the music world. The week also included a scare for fans of one of SM Entertainment's most popular girl groups. 

SM Entertainment Denied Reports of Sulli's Departure From f(x) 

After several months of confusion regarding the future of one fifth of K-pop quintet f(x), reports appeared in the Korean media last week that claimed Sulli had finalized her departure from f(x) but would pursue an acting career and remain under SM Entertainment until her contract with the agency expired. Shortly after the initial news, SM Entertainment denied the allegations and revealed that the company is in talks with Sulli regarding her future in f(x).

In 2014, Sulli went on hiatus from f(x) after a series of rumors relating to her relationship with Korean hip hop artist Choiza. Due to the rumors, Sulli took a break from her career as a K-pop star to rest from physical and mental stress. After several months, Sulli appeared in the spotlight relating to several of her acting roles, but has been absent from f(x)'s appearances, spurring on rumors. SM Entertainment has denied any departure from f(x).

Wonder Girls Announce Return As Quartet 

Following the departure of member Sohee and marriage of Sunye (Sun), the future of JYP Entertainment's girl group Wonder Girls appeared up in the air for several years. However, last week JYP Entertainment confirmed reports of the K-pop idol acts return to the Korean music scene. The entertainment agency had initially been ambiguous regarding rumors of a comeback, but later in the week confirmed the Wonder Girls reunion.

Originally a dance pop quintet, Wonder Girls has seen several member line-up changes over the years and only one of the groups original members, Yeeun (Yenny) has remained active consistently. The new lineup will see the return of original member Sunmi, who left the group for personal reasons then debuted as a solo singer, and also include rapper Yubin and Hyelim (Lim.) 

JYP Entertainment revealed that the Wonder Girls will return with a band concept, and have already begun preparations for new music. The four members spent part of last week filming a new music video.

BTS, AOA, SISTAR, and Teen Top Released Summer Jams

While the week was devoid of releases by top-tier Korean pop acts, some of the most popular up-and-coming Korean idol groups released strong tracks and were able to hold their own against acts like Big Bang and EXO on the Korean music charts while competing with one another to come out on top.

Sistar's "Shake It" is the group's latest summer dance track, while BTS released the bombastic "Dope." Teen Top's "ah-ah" and AOA's "Heart Attack" were also upbeat tunes for the warm months that gained considerable attention. 

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Tags
f(x) sulli
Wonder Girls
SM Entertainment
JYP Entertainment
AOA
SISTAR
BTS
TEEN TOP
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