Where is DGNA Now? Group's Current Status After Dropping Out of 'Peak Time' Due to Karam's SNS Controversy
After stepping down from JTBC's "Peak Time" and laying low from the radar due to Karam's controversy, DGNA has finally surprised fans with an update.
Where are they now?
Delving Through DGNA's Debut & 'Peak Time' Participation
DGNA (The BOSS) debuted on March 4, 2010, with their first single album "Admiring Boy." The group is currently a trio comprised of members Karam, Injun, and Jay.
In fact, DGNA was originally a five-membered group, with former members Mika and Hyunmin being part of the initial lineup. DGNA is also an acronym for "DaeGukNamA" which translates to "The Boys of Super Space" (The BOSS).
On February 15, JTBC released its first episode of "Peak Time," a survival show containing members from inactive or disbanded male groups, who competed for recognition to become the next worldwide idol group.
During the show, the teams faced off against each other under anonymous names, with the team labels derived from the different hours of the day. Among the long list of contestants, DGNA (Team 23:00) made headlines for being the most notable second-gen group in the show.
DGNA went viral on social media for their cover of TVXQ's "Mirotic," which stunned the audience, contestants, judges, and netizens online.
It was so well-loved, that many have agreed that it was the best "Mirotic" cover in K-pop so far due to the group's synchronized dance moves, impactful stage presence, and live vocals.
Watch their "Mirotic" cover here:
Karam's SNS Controversy & DGNA's Withdrawal from 'Peak Time'
On April 7, "Peak Time" released an official statement declaring that Karam, Injun, and Jay would be stepping down from the show.
This was because of the circulating past images featuring a man believed to be member Karam allegedly being with Japanese AV (adult video) actresses. The controversy ignited negative reactions from the K-pop community and viewers of the show.
"After discussing it with the group, it was concluded that Team 23:00 will no longer participate in 'Peak Time' starting from the upcoming ranking announcement ceremony."
"The official statement regarding Team 23:00's withdrawal and status will be announced through the broadcast."
Afterwards, Karam addressed the situation on his official Instagram account and apologized for his actions. The idol shared:
"I realize that I've caused a lot of frustration to the many people involved in the program, so I've been in discussion with the other members for some time about how to best take responsibility for this."
"All these controversial materials were recorded at different times, in different places with different people present, and sorry for causing misunderstanding."
What's DGNA Up to Nowadays? Here's What We Know So Far
After the commotion, the group decided to turn on a new leaf. On December 21, Korean news outlets reported that DGNA would be re-debuting in a new group with additional members.
DGNA members Karam, Injun, and Jay have also signed exclusive contracts with their new agency New Ways Company. According to sources, the three idols' re-debut schedule is slated for the first half of 2024.
New Ways Company also shared its enthusiasm with Karam, Injun, and Jay, who will be making their fresh start. Read the agency's official statement:
"Karam, Injun, and Jay would be making a new start with our agency. They are planning to make a comeback in the first half of 2024 by forming a new group, alongside additional members."
Wishing DGNA the best of luck with their future endeavors!
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