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South Korean K-pop group Stray Kids perform in Seoul, South Korea, in 2022. In his new book, “Almost Everything You Need to Know About K-pop”, Choi Jung-kiu gives a primer on how Korea’s music industry has evolved beyond catchy melodies to become “a meticulously designed value chain”. Photo: AFP
K-pop, Mandopop, other Asian pop

K-pop-loving business expert breaks down the systems that drive the industry

Choi Jung-kiu’s new book analyses K-pop’s working parts using examples drawn from active idol groups, recent releases and everyday practices.

South Korea

BTS are back! A new album and tour are coming after their military service

TV shows and streaming video

KPop Demon Hunters pop-up proves huge hit in Seoul. Next up is Hong Kong

K-pop, Mandopop, other Asian pop

Why the ‘King of K-pop’ Lee Soo-man is looking at the China market

The founder of SM Entertainment, Lee Soo-man talks about his Amazon biography, K-pop in China, and his latest band A2O May.

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Lee Soo-man, the founder of SM Entertainment, is known as the “King of K-pop”. Photo: Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP
Lee Soo-man, the founder of SM Entertainment, is known as the “King of K-pop”. Photo: Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP
K-pop, Mandopop, other Asian pop

K-pop stars BTS announce new album and world tour to come in 2026

BTS are set to return with an album that will ‘reflect each member’s thoughts and ideas’ and a world tour, their first in nearly four years.

K-pop, Mandopop, other Asian pop

All about K-pop giants BTS as last member finishes up military service

BTS’ seven members are expected to reunite later this year. Before they do, we examine their global impact, records and advocacy journey.

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Music

BTS Army celebrate group’s return by helping South Korean adoptees

As BTS return from military service, the Army fandom launches a project to help adoptees reconnect with or learn about their birth families.

BTS members RM (right) and V salute their fans in Chuncheon, South Korea after finishing 18 months of military service, on June 10, 2025. Photo: AFP
BTS members RM (right) and V salute their fans in Chuncheon, South Korea after finishing 18 months of military service, on June 10, 2025. Photo: AFP
K-pop, Mandopop, other Asian pop

K-pop’s BoyNextDoor on new EP No Genre, their coming Lollapalooza debut

BoyNextDoor, defying genre norms with their new EP, talk about putting ‘honesty’ in their songs, their dream stage and defining an era.

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K-pop, Mandopop, other Asian pop

Soft power at heart of China-South Korea thaw, with benefits for K-pop fans

Chinese fans of K-pop, K-dramas and Korean beauty products no longer need unofficial channels. Korean tourists relish easier entry to China.

K-pop, Mandopop, other Asian pop

K-pop boy band Re:wind talk about chasing their dreams for a second time

Eddie, Elaya and Lei had all auditioned and trained in Korea to be idols before leaving the industry, only to return to it and join Re:wind.

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Re:wind members Elaya, Eddie and Lei each spent time in Korea chasing their K-pop dreams before returning to the US. Now they have returned to the music industry. Photo: Re:wind
K-pop, Mandopop, other Asian pop

‘Extremely risky’ for NJZ, formerly NewJeans, to pursue new direction

Lawyers raise concerns as the K-pop girl group – due to perform in Hong Kong in March – remain mired in lawsuits with Hybe Labels’ Ador.

The five members of K-pop girl group NewJeans, now NJZ, attend the ULKIN show at Seoul Fashion Week spring/summer 2024 at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) on September 5, 2023. Photo: Getty Images
The five members of K-pop girl group NewJeans, now NJZ, attend the ULKIN show at Seoul Fashion Week spring/summer 2024 at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) on September 5, 2023. Photo: Getty Images
K-pop, Mandopop, other Asian pop

Exo gear up for full group comeback as Kai completes military service

With member Kai’s military service complete, a full group comeback is on the cards once Sehun completes his duty in September.

K-pop, Mandopop, other Asian pop

Surprise for G-Dragon fans as bandmate reveals star’s concert return

‘G-Dragon’s concert is in March,’ Daesung of BigBang tells crowd during a show by fellow bandmate Taeyang. It will be his first in 8 years.

K-pop, Mandopop, other Asian pop

K-pop group Oneus members reflect on new album Dear.M and look back

Oneus members talk about competing in two seasons of the Road to Kingdom reality show and how the Dear.M album is a thank you to their fans.

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South Korean K-pop band Oneus have a new album, Dear.M, dedicated to their loyal fans. Photo: Instagram/official_oneus
K-pop, Mandopop, other Asian pop

K-pop boy group GOT7 to make 2025 comeback, release new album

GOT7’s leader Jay B announces the 7-member K-pop group will reunite in January 2025 and issue an album, says ‘we’re working hard’.

K-pop group GOT7 (pictured) will make a comeback in January 2025 featuring all seven members, and release a new album. Photo: NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images
K-pop group GOT7 (pictured) will make a comeback in January 2025 featuring all seven members, and release a new album. Photo: NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images
K-pop, Mandopop, other Asian pop

Illit become top K-pop rookie act of 2024, sweeping multiple awards

Despite ongoing controversy, with NewJeans’ ex-producer alleging plagiarism, Illit have claimed the title of 2024’s top K-pop rookie act.

K-pop, Mandopop, other Asian pop

K-pop group (G)I-DLE to renew contracts, Aespa’s rise continues

(G)I-DLE get over their 7-year itch, and win record of the year at MMAs, where girl group Aespa take 7 prizes and TWS win rookie of the year.

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K-pop, Mandopop, other Asian pop

If K-pop’s Seventeen are ‘textbook’ excellent, why aren’t they dominating?

Seventeen balance charm and edge, are excellent ‘across the board’ – but critics say they are not unique and lack a universally beloved song.

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Seventeen on stage during the 8th Gaon Chart K-Pop Awards in 2019 in Seoul, South Korea. While the K-pop group are popular in South Korea, they are not as famous as BTS and Stray Kids in the US. Photo: Getty Images
Seventeen on stage during the 8th Gaon Chart K-Pop Awards in 2019 in Seoul, South Korea. While the K-pop group are popular in South Korea, they are not as famous as BTS and Stray Kids in the US. Photo: Getty Images
K-pop, Mandopop, other Asian pop

K-pop’s NewJeans announce split from agency Ador, citing a lack of respect

Members promise to fight for the use of girl group’s name, with Danielle saying ‘NewJeans never die’ and they hope to put out new music.

K-pop, Mandopop, other Asian pop

BTS’ Jin and Shinee’s Minho both release solo albums in November

Jin from BTS puts his album Happy out, while Shinee member Minho’s solo album Callback lands on November 4. Babymonster drop new music too.

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K-pop, Mandopop, other Asian pop

K-pop band CNBlue release new album X, talk about their fans

CNBlue hit the big time in 2010 after their song Loner became a huge hit, and 14 years on, they talk about their career and new mini album X.

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CNBlue members (from left) Kang Min-hyuk, Lee Jung-shin and Jung Yong-hwa talk about their new mini-album, X. Photo: courtesy of FNC Entertainment
K-pop, Mandopop, other Asian pop

2NE1 reunion concerts electrify fans of the beloved K-pop girl group

From October 4 to 6, 2NE1 shook Seoul’s Olympic Hall in a trio of reunion concerts that included hit songs and solo performances from CL.

K-pop girl group 2NE1 talk to the audience stage during a reunion concert at Seoul Olympic Park, South Korea, on October 4, 2024. Photo: Instagram/2ne1official
K-pop girl group 2NE1 talk to the audience stage during a reunion concert at Seoul Olympic Park, South Korea, on October 4, 2024. Photo: Instagram/2ne1official
K-pop, Mandopop, other Asian pop

New K-pop group Katseye’s multinational members on hitting the charts

Members of US-based group Katseye, formed via reality show The Debut: Dream Academy, reflect on their tough training and debut EP charting.

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K-pop, Mandopop, other Asian pop

Why K-pop idols and luxury fashion are a marriage made in heaven

Tommy Hilfiger’s Met Gala collab with boy band Stray Kids is a reminder of the growing attachment between luxury fashion and K-pop stars.

K-pop, Mandopop, other Asian pop

From dating bans to forced dieting, K-Pop Idols series is eye-opening

K-Pop Idols, an Apple TV+ docuseries, features Jessi and K-pop groups Cravity and Blackswan and highlights issues from oppressive management to the challenge of foreign artists in the industry.

Jessi in a still from K-Pop Idols. Photo: Apple TV+
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