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Why is League of Legends still so popular even after 15 years?

Hi everyone! So I’ve just been thinking about the days when I️ would pull up League in the middle of class and just play because we could use our Macbooks to do work😂. I️ need to praise Riot for that like they really made a MOBA game that can run on a laptop that isn’t meant for gaming at all. Not only that, but it’s totally free to play. The only things you need to buy are the skin cosmetics but those don’t boost the characters’ (or “champions”) skills.

I’ve always been very impressed with how Riot Games handled the business side of their games/platform. A video called “League of Legends Should Be Dead By Now” by GoingIndie does an amazing job explaining why League chose to be free to all users and explains their understanding of the “Loss Leader” business strategy.

What GoingIndie kind of mentioned but didn’t dive too deep into was how Riot didn’t just stick to updating and enhancing their games, but they also branched out to other industries and fanbases. My favorite example is K/DA of course! The K/DA MV connected the Kpop, Gaming, and even the Anime community together. Thanks to this skin line, Riot Games has tapped into an audience bigger than the League fan base. It’s hard to imagine that this virtual group was originally created just to promote Worlds, an annual Esports competition☠️.

They even made their own TV series, Arcane, featuring a story between two popular characters’ lores. This series is coming out with a second season and I even have friends who are so excited about it but they won’t ever touch League itself haha. So my answer to why this game can remain relevant despite being out for 15 years is how they’ve built their brand around the game.

While the main objective of League is to destroy the opponent's base, the developers have created a unique world with rich lore and diverse characters, attracting a large number of fans who don't even play the game. Overall, Riot Games has done a remarkable job in maintaining the interest of its player base by creating an engaging experience that goes beyond just the game itself :) I️ will always be a big fan even though I️ barely play anymore😂

But I️’m curious to hear other fans’ thoughts on this! I’m no pro player (barely scratched Silver) and just enjoy the game casually so I am curious to hear from other players. I️ want to know if you agree with my two examples or if you think there’s a bigger reason for their success. Feel free to comment on anything!

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"HYBE stop killing NewJeans! Stop killing ADOR!"

Bunnies sent funeral flower wreaths to Hybe on July 31 to show support for Min Heejin (News1 Korea Report)

Messages on wreaths include (Translation by /NJBUBBLEGUM on X):

"NewJeans never die. Bunnies never give up"

"HYBE's management standards declare dead"

"HYBE stop killing NewJeans! Stop killing ADOR!"

"HYBE where did you sell your conscience. Congratulations on the #1 incompetent company in the industry"

"The fake grinning front of multi-labels bullying label on the back"

Sources: https://m.entertain.naver.com/now/article/421/0007699080 | https://x.com/NJBUBBLEGUM/status/1818472244068458869

Update: On August 2, Kim Chaewon's birthday (the leader of Le Sserafim), additional funeral wreaths were sent to Hybe. This sparked frustration among Fearnots (Le Sserafim's fans), who saw it as disrespectful (Yahoo News)

Did the Bunnies who sent these funeral wreaths go too far? Why didn't Hybe remove these wreaths immediately? Is it ethical to involve NewJeans and Le Sserafim in the conflict between Hybe and Min Hee-Jin? What are your thoughts on this issue? Comment below! ⬇️

[berkeleyebeat]

Netizens' Reactions to the Disappearance of Min Heejin's Shaman

According to TV Daily's Reporter, the shaman, suspected of working with Min Heejin, left her place and disappeared from the public.

Here are some responses from the netizens:

Viral comments under the news article include:

"Negative viral marketing is truly disgusting. Even if you’re not a NewJeans fan, this kind of unhealthy fandom culture needs to disappear. And to those guys who moved to the “Girls Planet 999” board, you might not realize it, but just by looking at the titles, it’s clear how sleazy and stinky those freaking ahjussis are. Can’t you see that the views on your posts are particularly low? It’s obvious, so please get out of the board and stop spamming."

"I hope HYBE stops whining already. They seem to have only the worst executives gathered."

"The messages in question are not only about Min Heejin but also refer to the unauthorized release of videos from the Source Music trainee days to Dispatch without permission from the NewJeans members."

Comments under X post include:

<Viral Comments>

"The shaman must be running to hybe cause he was a double agent for them"

"search mhjs apartment😕"

"Took the money and DIPPED. I'd do the same, the only winner in this case"

"This cannot be serious. CAN EVERYONE BE DEADASS FOR A SECOND 😭😭"

<Other Comments>

"If she was innocent why run away??? She should fill a lawsuit.. aren’t those kakao talk text a lie?? Or they’re are real 🤔 that would mean NJ success is because of her and not MHJ"

"Bunnies opening their eyes when mhj and nj are looking “pitiful” but closing their eyes when the truth behind the group and mhj are now being displayed."

These comments include a mixture of frustration, skepticism, and criticism. Some express frustration towards HYBE's recent actions and its management, some highlight the toxicity in the fandom, and others question Min Hee-jin's innocence.

Does the disappearance of the shaman suggest that Min Heejin has been lying all along, or is HYBE engaging in media manipulation again, similar to their tactics with Dispatch?

What are your thoughts? Comment Below ⬇️

Sources: https://m.pann.nate.com/talk/372915335?order=B | https://www.pannchoa.com/2024/07/enter-talk-min-heejins-shaman-ran-away.html

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Recently, Source Music and ADOR have been involved in a legal battle, sparking frustration among fans as they criticized Hybe for dragging NewJeans into the feud.

Read more about the conflict in this Medium post, and let us know your thoughts!

[berkeleyebeat]

Stray Kids Released their New Album "ATE"

Stray Kids are currently promoting their ninth mini-album, “ATE,” featuring the title track “Chk Chk Boom.”

Listen to Stray Kids’ new title track, “Chk Chk Boom”:

Do you like Stray KIds' new song? Comment below ⬇️

Relevant post: All Members of Stray Kids Have Renewed their Contracts

Sources: [Today’s K-pop] Stray Kids renew contract with label | New Stray Kids' album 'ATE' set to devour summer charts

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All Members of Stray Kids Have Renewed their Contracts

On July 18, JYP Entertainment announced that all eight members of Stray Kids renewed their contracts with the company a year before their current contracts expired. Since their debut in 2018, the group has been active for six years.

Sources: [Today’s K-pop] Stray Kids renew contract with label | New Stray Kids' album 'ATE' set to devour summer charts

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Listen to KARA's New Single “Hello” 👋

Through the various meanings of the word “hello,” the ballad explores both the joy of reunion and the sadness of farewell.

Do you like Kara's new song? Comment below ⬇️

Relevant Posts: KARA’s New Song “Hello” Includes Six Members | According to Kara’s agency, RBW...

Sources: Kara unveils new song ‘Hello’ featuring all six members | Late K-Pop Star Goo Hara Featured on Kara’s New Single ‘Hello’

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According to Kara’s agency, RBW:

"This song was supposed to be included in the group’s fourth LP, ‘Full Bloom,’ released in September 2013. But we are releasing it now with Goo Hara’s voice recorded in Korean when she was alive.”

Sources: Kara unveils new song ‘Hello’ featuring all six members | Late K-Pop Star Goo Hara Featured on Kara’s New Single ‘Hello’

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KARA’s New Song “Hello” Includes Six Members

Kara’s new song “Hello” features six members, including the voice of former member Goo Ha-ra, who tragically took her own life after struggling with online bullying.

Sources: Kara unveils new song ‘Hello’ featuring all six members | Late K-Pop Star Goo Hara Featured on Kara’s New Single ‘Hello’

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Did HyunA Cancel Her Concert Due to Low Ticket Sales?

While there is no official explanation for the cancellation of HyunA’s tour, many suspect it was due to low ticket sales. This seems like a major backfire following her recent marriage announcement to Yong Junhyung, who was involved in the Burning Sun scandal.

How did Netizens React to this?

An X post about HyunA's tour cancellation went viral with the caption "love when karma does its thing":

Other viral comments below the post include:

"THE "ACHIEVEMENT" IS KILLING ME"

"Even if her boyfriend wasn't an active participant HE KEPT SILENT! Any decent human being would've spoken up. But he didn't bc he didn't want to lose his social status amongst his "friends." He preferred keeping his rich connections. He's a pathetic excuse for a man."

"All she needed to do was avoid dating a sex predator. Imagine ruining your legacy over such a terrible guy."

"People are putting too much energy into hating her and not her boyfriend, i hope y'all keep the same energy for actual rapists & abusers."

Overall, the post includes negative comments about HyunA, with the majority expressing their disappointment in her decision to marry someone involved in the Burning Sun scandal.

What do you think? Comment below ⬇️

Relevant Post: HyunA Cancels Her North American Concerts Without Prior Notice

Sources:현아 '티켓 안 팔린' 美콘서트 취소…용준형과 결혼 직격탄(종합) | HyunA’s Viral Tour Update Sparks Heated Conversation About Her “Downfall”

[berkeleyebeat]

HyunA Cancels Her North American Concerts Without Prior Notice

HyunA has canceled most stops of her 2024 North American tour, “My Attitude,” without any official announcement. She also deleted all promotional content related to the tour from her social media accounts.

Sources: 현아 '티켓 안 팔린' 美콘서트 취소…용준형과 결혼 직격탄(종합) | HyunA’s Viral Tour Update Sparks Heated Conversation About Her “Downfall”

[berkeleyebeat]

Iconic ISAC Moments

Speaking of ISAC, let's recall some of the iconic moments from past ISAC.

2016 ISAC - Twice Tzuyu’s Hair Flip Moment

2018 ISAC - BTS Jungkook’s Last-Minute Victory in the Relay Race

2019 ISAC - Red Velvet Irene Broke the Camera Lens 

2019 ISAC - BTOB EunKwang’s Horse Outfit

2022 ISAC - Kep1er Xiaoting’s Elegant Ballroom Dance

Sources: Ten Iconic Moments from Past Idol Star Athletics Championships (ISAC) | 7 iconic ISAC moments that carved a special place in every fan’s heart

Relevant post:

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On the one hand, the return of ISAC is exciting news for the fans. On the other hand, some fans are concerned about the safety of their idols, as there have been many incidents reported at past ISACs. 

What do you think about ISAC? Comment below ⬇️ 

Sources: Idol Star Athletics Championships to return after 2 years | K-Pop Celebrity Sports Show ‘Idol Star Athletics Championships’ Returns To MBC After Two Years

MBC’s Idol Star Athletics Championships (ISAC) Confirmed Returning After 2 Years of Hiatus

The MBC’s K-pop Sports Reality TV Program, Idol Star Athletics Championships (ISAC), is confirmed to return this fall. According to MBC’s broadcaster, the filming will be in August, and the premiere will take place during Korea’s Chuseok holiday season.

Sources: Idol Star Athletics Championships to return after 2 years | K-Pop Celebrity Sports Show ‘Idol Star Athletics Championships’ Returns To MBC After Two Years

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2024 ISAC Hosts

MBC’s broadcaster announced that this year’s ISAC hosts include TV host Jun Hyun-moo, singer Lee Chan-won, singer-songwriter Kang Daniel, and NMIXX’s Oh Hae-won. STAYC’s Park Si-eun and rapper DinDin will be the in-arena hosts. While the hosts are confirmed, the final lineup of K-pop groups has not yet been confirmed.

Sources: Idol Star Athletics Championships to return after 2 years | K-Pop Celebrity Sports Show ‘Idol Star Athletics Championships’ Returns To MBC After Two Years

Relevant post:

[berkeleyebeat]

MBC’s Idol Star Athletics Championships (ISAC) Confirmed Returning After 2 Years of Hiatus

The MBC’s K-pop Sports Reality TV Program, Idol Star Athletics Championships (ISAC), is confirmed to return this fall. According to MBC’s broadcaster, the filming will be in August, and the premiere will take place during Korea’s Chuseok holiday season.

Sources: Idol Star Athletics Championships to return after 2 years | K-Pop Celebrity Sports Show ‘Idol Star Athletics Championships’ Returns To MBC After Two Years

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Let's Listen to NewJeans’ “Bubble Gum” and Shakatak’s “Easier Said Than Done” 🎧💭

Here are the links to NewJeans’ “Bubble Gum” and British band Shakatak’s “Easier Said Than Done.”

“Bubble Gum” - NewJeans

“Easier Said Than Done" - Shakatak

Comment below with your thoughts ⬇️

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ADOR’s legal team responded by stating: “‘Bubble Gum’ did not unlawfully use Shakatak’s composition and [requested] a credible analysis report on the matter” (KTimes, 2024).

In summary, ADOR denies the copyright accusations against NewJeans’ “Bubble Gum.”

Sources: NewJeans' agency refutes plagiarism allegations by Shakatak over 'Bubble Gum', British band raises plagiarism allegations over NewJeans' 'Bubble Gum'

NewJeans’ “Bubble Gum” was accused of copying British band Shakatak’s “Easier Said Than Done,” and ADOR denies it.

On July 18 (KST), a report from the Munhwa Ilbo (a Korean daily newspaper) unveiled that the English music publisher WISE MUSIC GROUP (Shakatak’s copyright holder) has hired a Korean law firm and sent out an official Letter of Claim to ADOR (NewJeans’ agency), HYBE Labels, and other associated parties in mid-June.

Read more about it: British band raises plagiarism allegations over NewJeans' 'Bubble Gum'