K-pop timing secrets: 1 p.m. or 6 p.m.?

At 1 p.m. on Friday, TXT released its new single, “Love Language.” Jin of BTS is scheduled to release his second mini album, “Echo,” at 1 p.m. on May 16 -- also a Friday. Meanwhile, rising rookie group BoyNextDoor will drop its fourth mini album, “No Genre,” at 6 p.m. on May 13 and EXO's Baekhyun will release his fifth mini album, “Essence of Reverie,” at 6 p.m. on May 19. A clear pattern has emerged in the album release times of K-pop stars. Why are some albums released at 1 p.m. while others d

May 5, 2025

SS501 members reunite as Five O One

SS501, one of the K-pop groups that shaped the music scene in the early 2000s, is ready to return to the stage. In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the group's debut, the band will embark on a world tour starting in Seoul in July. The project will feature three of the original members: Kim Hyun-joong, Heo Young-saeng and Kim Kyu-jong. Park Jung-min and Kim Hyung-jun will not be participating. The trio will promote under a new group name, Five O One, for the world tour. Having originally de

May 2, 2025

Singer Kim Hyun-sung returns, overcoming singer’s nodule

While some artists dream of bigger concerts, world tours or exploring new genres, Kim Hyun-sung had a simpler, deeply earnest dream: to sing again. Kim, who debuted in 1997, captivated listeners with his beautiful tone and emotional delivery. Now, after a 15-year hiatus, he returns Sunday with “Trying to Love Again,” which marks his first official release since 2010. Kim was forced to step away from music due to persistent vocal cord issues, and spent years in rehabilitation and training to get

May 2, 2025

Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival unveils first line up for 20th anniversary edition

The Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival, one of South Korea’s premier rock festivals, has unveiled the first names on this year's lineup, which features a blend of legendary acts and rising stars from around the globe. Pulp, the iconic Britpop band often referred to as one of the "Big Four" of the genre, is the headliner of the festival, which celebrates its 20th year this year. The upcoming performance marks Pulp’s first-ever concert in Korea. Formed in 1978, the band rose to prominence in the 1990

April 30, 2025

Sikkoo launches with AOMG, blending Korean tradition with hip-hop

The mischievous hip-hop group Sikkoo has officially begun its musical journey by joining hands with AOMG. Comprising three rapper-vocalists, Koo Min-jae, Yoshi and 200, the trio gained attention last year when their “Team Tomodachi (KR Remix)” performance video surpassed 10 million views on YouTube, establishing them as rising stars in the Korean hip-hop scene. The group’s name, Sikkoo, comes from a Korean word that refers to family who share meals together and reflects the members' desire for a

April 30, 2025

Highlight celebrates 17 years with a return to the name Beast

This year marks a milestone for the long-running boy group Highlight. Not only is the group celebrating its 17th year, it has also released new music under its original name, Beast, for the first time in nine years. The four-member group dropped its sixth EP "Real to Surreal" on Monday, its first release in over a year. Prior to the album's launch, the group released the prerelease track "Endless Ending" under the name Beast on April 16. Since leaving its former agency Cube Entertainment in 2017

April 29, 2025

Kim Jae-joong returns with 'Beauty in Chaos'

Singer and actor Kim Jae-joong is back with a new album rooted in rock. Kim will release his new mini album, "Beauty in Chaos," on May 19. A teaser image shared on his official social media channels features a shattered electric guitar and scattered fragments of broken glass, building anticipation for the powerful new music he is about to unveil. Previously, Kim hinted at the rock concept of the album by posting the phrase "Rock Jaejoong is back" on his personal social media. Leading up to and f

April 29, 2025

Rookie group Kiiras gears up for debut

Another rookie girl group is gearing up to debut in the K-pop scene. LeanBranding Entertainment announced that its new six-member girl group, Kiiras, will officially debut May 29. The lineup includes Lingling, a standout contestant from Mnet’s audition program "I-Land 2" and the first Malaysian member of a K-pop girl group, along with one Japanese member and four Korean members. The group's teaser image, revealed on social media, caught attention with the team name "Kiiras" emblazoned across pin

April 28, 2025

Hybe Latin America searches for new Latin band

Hybe Latin America, the Mexican subsidiary of Hybe, will launch a band audition program in partnership with US broadcaster Telemundo starting this June. The survival music competition program titled "Pase a la Fama" aims to discover new talented Mexican bands, and will premiere June 8, local time. The program’s title translates to "Pass to Fame." Telemundo, a Spanish-language broadcaster under NBCUniversal, delivers a wide range of content including dramas, reality shows and news to Latino audie

April 28, 2025

Twice members feature on Netflix's animated film

Twice members have participated in the soundtrack for Netflix’s upcoming animated film "KPop Demon Hunters." According to Netflix’s announcement, the three Twice members -- Jeongyeon, Jihyo and Chaeyoung -- lent their voices to original songs for "KPop Demon Hunters," which will be released in 190 countries June 20. "K-Pop Demon Hunters" is an action-packed musical animation that follows globally popular K-pop superstars who secretly hunt demons offstage to protect their fans. Produced by Sony P

April 28, 2025