03/09/2024

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SM Entertainment removes removes NCT’s Taeil from super-group

o Removal comes after sexual assault allegations

I N a shocking turn of events, SM Entertainment has removed NCT’s Moon Tae-il (Taeil) from the super-group following serious sexual crime allegations. This news has sent ripples through the K-pop community. Under investigation since June It was recently revealed Taeil has been under police investigation for sexual crimes since June 2024. The Bangbae police station in Seoul, South Korea confirmed Taeil was accused for an unspecified sexual crime and the police as well as the public has demanded transparency and justice. Police have disclosed that the victim in Taeil’s case is an adult woman. While specific

The app, which allows fans to receive messages from their favourite idols, has also offered refunds to affected subscribers.

charges been released, this information has intensified the scrutiny surrounding Taeil. have not SM Entertainment’s late awareness The company has admitted it only became aware of Taeil’s involvement in the sexual crime scandal in mid-August. This delayed knowledge led to its decision to remove him from NCT as the seriousness of the allegations became undeniable. The police questioned Taeil on Aug 28. In response to the allegations, various platforms associated with Taeil have taken action. On Aug 29, messaging app Dear U. Bubble announced the immediate termination of Taeil’s services.

Impact on NCT and SM Entertainment

The departure of Taeil from NCT is a significant blow to the group that is known for its dynamic performances and diverse lineup. As one of the main members, Taeil’s absence will undoubtedly affect the group’s future projects. From Seungri’s “Burning Sun” scandal to Taeil’s sexual crimes case, the K-pop industry is plagued with sexual crime allegations as idols (specifically male artistes) are being ousted for their involvement in heinous acts. – Hallyubeat

SM Entertainment has removed Taeil from NCT following allegations of sexual misconduct. – PIC FROM INSTAGRAM @MO.ON_AIR

Hearing-impaired K-pop boy band debuts, promoting inclusivity

THE K-pop industry is often criticised for its lack of diversity, with its lineup of seemingly flawless idols. But a new boy band called Big Ocean was received with much enthusiasm. This K-pop group comprises three members: Lee Chanyeon, Park Hyunjin and Kim Jiseok. What sets Big Ocean apart from other K-pop groups is that all its members have hearing difficulties. In fact, each of them suffers from hearing loss with Lee and Park having cochlear implants. However, their disability has not stopped them from getting into music. “The three of us have different levels of hearing ability. During recording, we often struggle to stay on beat because we cannot hear the rhythm of the track clearly. It is hard to fix this on our own, so we rely on the staff’s hand signals to help us stay in sync.” The trio also used artificial intelligence technology to help record their songs. As dancing is an integral part of the success of K-pop groups, the members of Big Ocean are trained to learn how to perform the routines that accompany their songs. This was supported by the use of smartwatches, which act as metronomes, enabling them to dance in time as well as by monitors displaying light cues. All these efforts were applauded on April 20, when the boy band made its debut. The date was chosen to coincide with South Korea’s National Day for People with Disabilities.

incapable of doing the same things as able-bodied people,” a YouTube comment read. This sentiment is shared by the band members. “While we do carry the title of the world’s first idols with hearing loss, we do not want our disabilities to define our group’s entire identity. “Like other K-pop groups, we want to carry out our activities just the same and we hope when people first encounter us, they will naturally think ‘Oh, I did not know they have difficulties of hearing. That is cool’,” said Park. Big Ocean’s arrival in the K pop scene is all the more remarkable given that few stars of this musical genre speak publicly about their disabilities. Ningning, a member of girl band Aespa, recounts having had problems with her eyesight since childhood in a video. She explained her “right eye can barely see” and this is “her secret”. In K-pop, idols have to be perfect so they strive to be irreproachable, artistically and physically. It is not uncommon for South Korean pop stars to go under the knife to polish their image, contributing to a standardisation of physiques and the perpetuation of certain norms. There are growing calls for K pop to diversify and showcase artistes with aesthetics that challenge these beauty standards. But there is still a long way to go before this part of the South Korean music industry advocates body positivism. – Hallyubeat

Idols often have to be perfect but Big Ocean seeks to break this stereotype. – PIC FROM YOUTUBE @BIGOCEAN

Creating space for difference Fans of the boy band see real hope in Big Ocean. “I love the representation that it is giving the disabled community. This is proof for (a majority of ) the disabled community that just because we are disabled in specific ways does not mean we are entirely

The launch of Big Ocean was warmly welcomed in South Korea and internationally. World Health Organisation director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus even congratulated the group on X. “I salute you for breaking barriers and the stigma of disabilities. I hope your music

will bring hope and inspiration to many others. Wish you a successful road ahead,” he wrote. The band’s first tracks have proved successful: the official video for Blow has raked in 225,000 views on YouTube since it went online on July 11, and the video for Slow has raked in 97,000 views.