-
1
Hybe’s profit-driven push draws backlash from fans, but powers K-pop’s rise
-
2
HITGS debuts amid scrutiny over members being all under 18
-
3
Maroon 5 collaborates with Blackpink’s Lisa for new single ‘Priceless’
-
4
Blackpink’s Rose to sing for Brad Pitt movie
-
5
HyunA returns with new single ‘Mrs. Nail’ after marriage and yearlong hiatus
-
6
G-Dragon launches space-themed spirits
-
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 -
(G)I-dle starts new chapter as ‘I-dle’ to mark 7th anniversary
(G)I-dle has rebranded more simply as "I-dle” to mark seven years since the girl group's debut, Cube Entertainment announced Friday. “(G)I-dle will now be promoting under the new name ‘I-dle,’” the agency said, as it further explained that the rebranding signals a fresh chapter for the group, which debuted May 2, 2018. The updated name drops both the “(G)” and the Korean word “yeoja,” meaning “female,” which the group had used since debuting as “(G)I-dle.” It reflects the K-pop act’s desire to m
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 -
Maroon 5 collaborates with Blackpink’s Lisa for new single ‘Priceless’
Maroon 5 has released the new single “Priceless (Ft. Lisa),” in collaboration with Lisa of Blackpink, Universal Music announced Friday. The new song is a prerelease track for Maroon 5’s upcoming studio album, and marks the band’s first collaboration with a K-pop artist. Universal Music introduced the song as “a return to the band’s signature musical style, showcasing deeper lyricism and authenticity.” Last month, Maroon 5 announced the collaboration through social media, sharing the album artwor
May 2, 2025 -
Riize announces dates for 1st tour
Boy band Riize has set fans abuzz with the news of a tour taking the group across Asia beginning in July, coming via SM Entertainment on Thursday. The boy band is set to visit 13 cities across Asia, including five in Japan, after kicking off the expedition in Seoul in July, under the title “Riizing Loud.” It will technically be the six-piece act’s first such concert tour, although last year Riize visited 19 cities for its first fan concert tour, “Riizing Day.” The band also gave fans a taste of
May 2, 2025 -
Man indicted for trespassing, theft at NewJeans’ former flat
A man in his 20s has been indicted for trespassing in the former penthouse apartment of K-pop group NewJeans and stealing personal items, local media reported Thursday. According to local daily Kukminilbo, the Seoul Western District Prosecutors’ Office has indicted the suspect, whose identity is being withheld, without detention on April 25 for trespassing and theft. The suspect is accused of breaking into the group’s shared penthouse apartment in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, on two occasions — Dec. 18 an
May 1, 2025 -
Super Junior’s Sungmin signs with trot label Totalset after leaving SM Entertainment
Sungmin of Super Junior joined trot music agency Totalset just one day after his departure from longtime label SM Entertainment was announced. On Thursday, Totalset revealed that it had come to terms with the veteran K-pop singer. “We have signed an exclusive contract with Sungmin. We plan to fully support him so that he can continue to receive great love from the public and actively promote as a trot singer,” the company said, in a statement. Sungmin first dipped a toe into the trot scene in 20
May 1, 2025 -
HyunA returns with new single ‘Mrs. Nail’ after marriage and yearlong hiatus
HyunA returned with a new single Tuesday, marking her first release in a year since her ninth EP “Attitude” was unveiled last year, according to her agency, At Area. “Mrs. Nail,” released on major online music platforms at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, is an alternative pop dance song characterized by bold rhythms and striking visuals. With “Mrs. Nail,” HyunA aims to once again showcase her signature blend of unapologetic lyricism and fluid performance, further solidifying her status as a “solo queen” in t
April 30, 2025 -
Hybe’s profit-driven push draws backlash from fans, but powers K-pop’s rise
Hybe, the K-pop powerhouse behind BTS, Seventeen, TXT and Enhypen, reported its largest-ever first-quarter revenue Tuesday, but the achievement has reignited backlash from fans who say the company is overworking its artists. The agency posted sales of more than 500 billion won ($350.8 million) for the January–March period, marking a 39 percent increase from the same quarter last year. Of that, 322.5 billion won — about 64 percent — came from “direct participation sales,” including albums, concer
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 -
SM Entertainment broadens reach via partnerships
SM Entertainment will expand the forest it donated in partnership with Seoul, the metropolitan government said Wednesday. The label signed a memorandum with the city on Tuesday to contribute to the third phase of the forest expansion and maintenance of the site, which began as 400 square meters of land in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, in 2023. Named "Kwangya Forest," it now stretches over 1280 square meters and has become increasingly sustainable. The entertainment company also joined hands with Samsung
April 30, 2025 -
Blackpink members stay strong on Billboard’s Hot 100
Rose of Blackpink added another week to her record stay on Billboard’s Hot 100. “APT.,” her smash hit collaboration with Bruno Mars, ranked No. 16 on the main singles chart, down three rungs from the previous week, and extended her presence on it to 27th week, the most for a K-pop female singer. The single peaked at No. 3, the highest spot for a K-pop female musician on the chart. Her first solo album “Rosie,” which the single is part of, ranked No. 110 on Billboard 200. Jennie’s “Like Jennie” i
April 30, 2025 -
Illit to return in mid-June: report
Illit is poised to make a comeback in mid-June, according to a local media report on Wednesday. Agency Belift Lab confirmed the news but did not provide more details. The group of five will be bringing out a new album about eight months after its second EP, “I’ll Like You.” The mini album ranked No. 94 on Billboard 200 and sold over half a million. The upcoming album would be released after the members greet their fans at first fan concert “Glitter Day” which will be held in Seoul June 7-8. They
April 30, 2025 -
G-Dragon launches space-themed spirits
G-Dragon unveiled his first venture into alcoholic beverage on social media on Wednesday. He launched a highball under his fashion brand Peaceminusone, packaged in a logo-covered black can designed by the artist. He has been teasing the release of the spirit through a series of thematic visuals inspired by space. They are also in line with the music video of “Home Sweet Home,” for which he teamed up with Microsoft and incorporated artificial intelligence, as well as projecting his music into the
April 30, 2025 -
Hybe posts record Q1 sales on booming concert biz
Hybe, the K-pop powerhouse behind BTS, reported a 50 percent year-on-year rise in its operating profit for the January-March period, largely driven by its artists' expanded global tour activities, the company said Tuesday. Sales rose 38.7 percent to a record 500.6 billion won ($348 million) for the quarter, marking its highest first-quarter performance ever. Net profit surged nearly 400 percent to 55.3 billion won. The company attributed the strong sales growth to active world tours and solo con
April 29, 2025