Hello, this is DOYOURAM, bringing you the latest updates from the entertainment industry.

Even in the third week of September, the entertainment world has been buzzing with exciting news. Let's dive into the top 7 entertainment news stories you might not have known about!

7th Place: Project Group's First Extension?

On the 25th, Kep1er, set to make a comeback with their fifth mini-album 'Magic Hour', is a project group born from Mnet's survival audition program 'Girls Planet'. Initially committed to approximately two and a half years of activities, Kep1er is now halfway through their tenure, with their activities expected to conclude next year. However, fans received a pleasant surprise when it was reported that WAKEONE, responsible for Kep1er's activities, met with key representatives from the members' former agencies to discuss the extension of their project activities. According to insiders, a representative from one agency stated that they met with representatives from all of Kep1er's former agencies to discuss future activities. As most agencies expressed agreement with the extension, it is anticipated that further discussions will take place. Nonetheless, WAKEONE mentioned that, despite the best efforts of all parties, an agreement was not reached, and they will continue to engage in ongoing discussions. Among groups debuting through survival audition programs, there has been no previous case of extending activities. If Kep1er agrees to an extension, it would mark the first instance of a project group extending their activities, potentially bringing positive news for ZEROBASE-1, which debuted through 'Boys Planet' this year. Given the immense support and love from fans, it would be wonderful to see Kep1er's dreams continue.

6th Place: 15&'s U.S. Album Release?

While members of 15& had their request for an injunction to suspend the exclusive contract with their agency, ATRACT, rejected by the court, ATRACT surprised everyone by releasing a compilation EP album titled 'The Beginning'. This album includes various versions of their hit song 'Cupid' and a version featuring American actress and singer Sabrina Carpenter. As 15& members have not returned to ATRACT, and amid their ongoing legal dispute, many were curious about the release. ATRACT's CEO explained that they had finalized a verbal agreement with Warner Records in the U.S. before the dispute arose. They believed that, when the members debuted as singers, they would repay the loan, which is why they proceeded with the project. However, this trust was not reciprocated, and despite the rejection of the injunction, the 15& members are planning to proceed with a separate lawsuit related to the main case.

5th Place: Stray Kids' Traffic Accident

Members of Stray Kids, Lee Know, Hyunjin, and Seungmin, were involved in a traffic accident. On the 21st, their agency, JYP Entertainment, announced that while returning from a schedule on the 20th, the vehicle carrying Lee Know, Hyunjin, and Seungmin was involved in a collision. Shortly after the accident, all three were swiftly taken to the hospital for thorough examinations. Fortunately, both the members and the staff accompanying them did not sustain serious injuries. They received a medical assessment indicating minor muscle pain and bruises, requiring conservative treatment for a period. Consequently, the Italian MILANO Fashion Week schedule for Lee Know and Hyunjin, as well as Seungmin's birthday YouTube live schedule on the 22nd, were canceled. JYP expressed their commitment to prioritizing the artists' health and stated they would do their best for a speedy recovery. We hope the members take sufficient rest for their recovery and return in good health.

4th Place: TWICE's Nayeon Emerges Victorious in Debt Lawsuit

TWICE's Nayeon has emerged victorious in a lawsuit involving a debt of approximately 600 million KRW. The lawsuit concerned Nayeon's mother, not Nayeon herself. A former partner of Nayeon's mother, Mr. A, filed a lawsuit in January of last year, claiming repayment of over 600 million KRW that he allegedly lent to Nayeon's mother for necessary expenses, trusting that when Nayeon, then a trainee, debuted as a singer, the money would be repaid. However, the court acknowledged that Mr. A had sent money for twelve years, but considering that Mr. A and Nayeon's mother were in a romantic relationship at the time, it couldn't conclusively be determined as a loan for living expenses. As a result, the court ruled in favor of Nayeon's side. Mr. A acknowledged the defeat and decided not to appeal separately. JYP Entertainment, Nayeon's agency, stated, "The case has already been concluded by a final judgment and has no relation to the artist's entertainment activities. However, if there are attempts to damage the artist's reputation through speculative articles or defamation, we will take firm legal action."

3rd Place: JYP's U.S. Girl Group Makes Free Debut!

JYP Entertainment's new global girl group, VCHA (pronounced "Bicheo"), made their free debut with the single 'SeVit (NEW LIGHT)' and the title track 'Y.O.Universe'. The music video for 'Y.O.Universe' surpassed 1.71 million views on YouTube as of 8 a.m. on the 23rd, claiming the top spot in worldwide trends. Additionally, they made their first music show appearance on Music Bank, garnering significant attention. VCHA was formed through JYP's unique U.S. survival audition program 'A2K', where members Lexi, Cage, Camila, Savannah, Kailie, and Kendall were selected. JYP's founder, Park Jin-young, served as a judge for the auditions, selecting and nurturing participants in major U.S. cities such as Atlanta, Chicago, New York, Dallas, and LA, leading up to the final stages in Korea. As the first girl group produced by JYP through such an extensive U.S.-based training system, VCHA has garnered worldwide interest. We're eager to see the stages VCHA will present in the future.

2nd Place: BTS's Suga Enlists

BTS member Suga has begun his mandatory military service, becoming the third member to do so. On the 22nd, via the fan platform Weverse, Suga bid farewell to fans, stating that the time had come, and he will serve faithfully in the military. In response, Suga's fans collectively donated 10 million KRW to the International Development NGO ChildFund Korea, showing exceptional support for his healthy military service. Additionally, news of BTS's re-signing contracts circulated, further heightening anticipation for all members to reunite in 2025. Suga, Jin, and J-Hope, who is currently serving, we hope you all return in good health after your respective military duties. DOYOURAM supports and awaits your return.

1st Place: BLACKPINK's World Tour Records

On the 17th, BLACKPINK showcased a dazzling finale to their world tour in Seoul! Through their 'BORN PINK' world tour, BLACKPINK drew in a massive audience of over 1.8 million, making it the largest-scale tour for a K-pop girl group. According to reports, BLACKPINK raked in approximately 265 million USD, roughly 3.5 trillion KRW, from this tour alone. This not only surpassed the earnings of any female artist who debuted in the 2010s but also exceeded the earnings of Ariana Grande's 'Sweetener Tour'.

Furthermore, BLACKPINK set unprecedented records during this tour. They became the first girl group worldwide to perform at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Oracle Park in San Francisco, and the Dignity Health Sports Park in LA. In addition to these accomplishments, they graced stages at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the Foro Sol in Mexico City, and the Bukit Jalil National Stadium in Malaysia for two days. In Bangkok, Thailand, they held a concert with the highest attendance for any K-pop artist. At the Etihad Park in Abu Dhabi, they were the first K-pop group to perform. In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, they were the first girl group worldwide to hold a solo concert.

The awe-inspiring feats of BLACKPINK continue to capture the attention of the world. We can't wait to see what they have in store next.

That's a wrap for the top entertainment news of the third week in September! If you enjoyed these updates, don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell. Feel free to share any other entertainment news from this week in the comments below!