From BTS to Wanna One, a look back at 2018’s biggest headline-makers in K-pop
Supergroup BTS twice topped the US Billboard chart, Wanna One – created on a reality TV show – broke up, while HyunA and E’Dawn’s romance made waves
The past 12 months have been the biggest year ever for K-pop – including US chart-topping albums from acts that wowed the world, helped to promote inter-Korean relations and inspire today’s youth.
However, the year also saw some troubles, including some pop acts fading from the spotlight or disbanding.
Here are some of the memorable K-pop news stories of the year.
BTS is the future of K-pop
If 2017 was all about getting to know the boy band BTS, then 2018 was the time when questions were asked about why the seven-member group has such a rabid fan base all around the world and is now capturing the imagination of the pop music world.
BTS climbed to the top of the Billboard 200 Albums chart with “Love Yourself: Tear”, then repeated the feat in September with its repackaged album “Love Yourself: Answer”.
It has also enjoyed sell-out concerts during the North American leg of its world tour.