Week in Review, 4/20 to 4/26

Welcome to another edition of SB Week in Review. Here’s all the news you might have missed over the past week:

HEADLINES

* A Seoul judge approved an injunction request filed by nine members of The Boyz × No image About group THE BOYZ THE BOYZ is a South Korean boy group that debuted in 2017. The group continues its activities as a nine-member lineup consisting of Sangyeon, Jacob, Younghoon, Hyunjae, Juyeon, Kevin, Q, Sunwoo, and Eric. Tap again to view profile → Close regarding their exclusive contracts with One Hundred Labels.
* The agency denies claims of non-payment and called the injunction a “temporary measure,” saying the contracts have not yet been ruled terminated.
* Fantasy Boys and BAE173‘s Doha were also granted injunctions for their contracts with PocketDol Studio.
* Seoul prosecutors denied a police arrest warrant request for Hybe Chair Bang Si-hyuk citing lack of evidence. The Seoul Police intend to continue their investigation.

DEBUTS & COMEBACKS

* NCT × About group NCT NCT is a South Korean boy group formed by SM Entertainment with a unique multi-unit concept. There are 6 units within NCT; NCT 127, NCT DREAM, NCT WISH, WayV, NCT U, NCT DOJAEJUNG. Tap again to view profile → Close Wish entered a new, but equally whimsical, era with “Ode to Love.”
* Cortis × About group CORTIS CORTIS is a five-member boy group under BIGHIT MUSIC consisting of MARTIN, JAMES, JUHOON, SEONGHYEON and KEONHO. The group debuted in 2025. The name CORTIS is derived from the phrase "COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES" and represents thinking freely beyond conventional rules and standards. The members participate collaboratively in music, choreography, performance and visual production. Tap again to view profile → Close dropped the repetitive pre-release MV for “RedRed.”
* GreenGreen will be out on May 4.
* Evnne released the single “Backtalk.”
* Donghae declared “The Sun Has Risen” with confidence in his latest solo effort.
* B1A4 played “Rock Paper Scissors” as a trio.
* Unchild made a colorful debut with “Unchild.”
* Le Sserafim × About group LE SSERAFIM LE SSERAFIM is a five-member multinational girl group under SOURCE MUSIC, consisting of SAKURA, KIM CHAEWON, HUH YUNJIN, KAZUHA and HONG EUNCHAE. The group debuted on May 2, 2022. Their name is an anagram of "I'M FEARLESS" and represents moving forward fearlessly without being swayed by the expectations of the world. Tap again to view profile → Close came to “Celebrate” in their pre-release MV.
* Pureflow Pt. 1 will be out May 22.

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TEASERS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

* TWS‘ “You, You” will be out April 27.
* XngHan&Xoul have taken an unconventional approach to teasers for their April 27 mini, Glow.
* 82Major will battle it out in “Sign,” set for release on April 28.
* Cravity are seemingly trying out a priest concept for “Awake,” out on April 29.
* Lucy released the highlight medley for their April 29 full album, Childish.
* Illit began dropping member concept videos for Mamihlapinatapai, scheduled to be released on April 30.
* Babymonster × About group BABYMONSTER BABYMONSTER is a multinational girl group under YG Entertainment. They debuted as a full ensemble on April 1, 2024. Tap again to view profile → Close will kick off May comebacks with Choom on May 4.
* Mystic Story found itself in hot water over the teasers for Billlie‘s The Collective Soul and Unconscious: Chapter Two. Fans and the creators of Niccolo noticed strong similarities in the artwork of a video trailer for the comeback and the animated show’s style. The company had previously acknowledged that AI was being used in some elements of the comeback, but maintained that the concept teaser video was 100% human-made. Billlie will return on May 6.
* Nmixx × No image About group NMIXX NMIXX is a South Korean girl group under JYP Entertainment. The group consists of Lily, Haewon, Sullyoon, Bae, Jiwoo, and Kyujin and debuted in 2022. Tap again to view profile → Close will team up with Hanroro for the title track of Heavy Serenade, out on May 11.
* Itzy × About group ITZY ITZY is a South Korean girl group under JYP Entertainment. They debuted on February 12, 2019. Tap again to view profile → Close were born anew in the first trailer for their May 18 return with Motto.
* Zerobaseone × About group ZEROBASEONE ZEROBASEONE (ZB1) is a 5-member K-pop boy group formed through Boys Planet I. Debuted on 2023-07-10 under WAKEONE. Tap again to view profile → Close will make its first return as five on May 18 with the mini album Ascend.
* I.O.I began dropping teasers for their return album, I.O.I Loop. The group will reunite on May 19.
* And2ble are gearing up to re-debut as five with Sequence 01: Curiosity on May 26.
* Aespa × About group aespa aespa is a South Korean girl group formed by SM Entertainment, consisting of Karina, Giselle, Winter, and Ningning. Since their debut in 2020, aespa has gained international recognition for their innovative concept that combines music, storytelling, and virtual avatars, creating a unique identity within the K-pop industry. Known for their powerful vocals, dynamic performances, and futuristic sound, the group has consistently topped charts and attracted a growing global fanbase. With hit songs such as “Black Mamba,” “Next Level,” “Savage,” “Spicy,” and “Supernova,” aespa has established itself as one of the leading fourth-generation K-pop groups. Their distinctive blend of pop, electronic, and experimental music, combined with strong visual concepts and world tours, continues to expand their influence and popularity among fans around the world. Tap again to view profile → Close broke the fourth wall in the teaser for Lemonade, set for release on May 29.
* Riize confirmed a June 15 mini album comeback.
* Boyfriend will reunite for their 15th debut anniversary album Boyager 6.

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OTHER NEWS

* Lucas has officially left SM Entertainment following the expiration of his exclusive contract.
* Kwon Eunbi has signed with RBW Entertainment.
* The prosecution requested a 1.5 year prison sentence for Winner‘s Mino for failure to show up for his public service work while completing his mandatory military service.

(YouTube. Naver: [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6], The Korea Herald, . Images via: JYP Entertainment, Starship Entertainment, Woollim Entertainment.)