https://www.scmp.com/rss/500393/feed From bands breaking up to controversial members making headlines for the wrong reasons, these are the biggest scandals in K-pop. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Park Chan-kyong Park Chan-kyong South Korean police have moved to detain Bang Si-hyuk, the founder of K-pop giant Hybe – the entertainment company behind groups including BTS – in a case that has spilled beyond finance and into the politics of Seoul’s uneasy alliance with Washington. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency said it had requested an arrest warrant for Bang through the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors’ Office, citing alleged fraudulent stock trading in violation of the Capital Markets Act. The case took on a... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/people/article/3350898/south-korean-police-seek-arrest-warrant-hybe-founder-bang-after-travel-request?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/people/article/3350898/south-korean-police-seek-arrest-warrant-hybe-founder-bang-after-travel-request?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 21 Apr 2026 11:09:19 +0000 David D. Lee David D. Lee For a moment, Kim Seon-ho’s return looked complete: a Netflix hit, overseas buzz and a career seemingly past the scandal that forced him into an indefinite hiatus in 2021. Then a new controversy hit – this time, over taxes. Kim’s agency, Fantagio, was quick to deny that a theatrical production company he reportedly registered at his home address in January 2024 under his parents’ names had been used to reduce his tax liabilities. The 39-year-old star of Can This Love Be Translated? has not been... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3343517/why-south-koreas-hallyu-heroes-find-taxes-so-taxing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3343517/why-south-koreas-hallyu-heroes-find-taxes-so-taxing?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 15 Feb 2026 00:00:28 +0000 By KTimes Singer HyunA’s agency issued a stern response to the rampant spread of baseless rumours against her. Her agency, AT Area, said: “Since the announcement of her marriage with Yong Jun-hyung, defamatory comments have reached an intolerable level.” It said that the production and dissemination of “completely false rumours” had intensified, especially after the release of the couple’s wedding photos, prompting the agency to take a firm stance. “We have been preparing legal action against... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/news/article/3277263/k-pop-singer-hyuna-threatens-legal-action-against-spreaders-rumours-malicious-comments?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/news/article/3277263/k-pop-singer-hyuna-threatens-legal-action-against-spreaders-rumours-malicious-comments?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Sep 2024 06:15:08 +0000 Another South Korean actor, and an actress, are in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. High-profile actor Yoo Ah-in was found guilty on September 3 of illegal use of the anaesthetic drug propofol and handed a one-year prison sentence. On the same day, actress Han So-hee’s agency, 9ato Entertainment, issued an official statement addressing concerns about her mother’s involvement in illegal gambling operations. “The matter reported on September 2 regarding actress Han So-hee’s mother is... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/k-drama/article/3277119/actress-han-so-hees-mother-charged-illegal-gambling-yoo-ah-jailed-drug-use?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/k-drama/article/3277119/actress-han-so-hees-mother-charged-illegal-gambling-yoo-ah-jailed-drug-use?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Sep 2024 05:45:08 +0000 A now-deleted video showing K-pop megastar Jennie of Blackpink smoking a vape indoors has sparked online outcry, after Seoul’s foreign ministry said on Tuesday it had received a formal complaint. In the footage, uploaded as part of a live blog on YouTube for fans but subsequently removed even as copies of it spread across the internet, Jennie appears to exhale vape smoke while a bevy of hair and make-up artists work closely on her face. Smoking cigarettes or vapes indoors is illegal in South... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3269788/blackpinks-jennies-vaping-incident-under-investigation-south-korea-after-petition?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3269788/blackpinks-jennies-vaping-incident-under-investigation-south-korea-after-petition?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 09 Jul 2024 10:27:32 +0000 South Korea’s decision to investigate K-pop juggernaut BTS’ agency Hybe over a chart-rigging scandal has faced backlash from the boy band’s fans who accused the government of “disrespecting” the stars despite their cultural influence powering the economy and demanded an apology from Seoul. The ministry of culture, sports and tourism said the state-run Korea Creative Content Agency would examine a petition that alleged Hybe was blackmailed into paying a third-party vendor and his accomplices who... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3261701/south-korea-nothing-without-bts-fans-boy-band-demand-apology-seoul-over-chart-rigging-probe?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3261701/south-korea-nothing-without-bts-fans-boy-band-demand-apology-seoul-over-chart-rigging-probe?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 07 May 2024 06:46:46 +0000 Is this a developing economy: it produces advanced 7-nanometre silicon chips, is the world’s biggest producer of renewable energy components, has more smart factories than anywhere else, is the world’s leading electric vehicle manufacturer, has continental-scale mobile phone coverage and the most powerful hydroelectric, solar and wind power stations, as well as the largest distribution network. It is a country where people in local and European designer outfits walk on modern streets in major... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3261080/call-likes-china-and-india-developing-frankly-insulting?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3261080/call-likes-china-and-india-developing-frankly-insulting?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 02 May 2024 07:30:12 +0000 K-pop star G-Dragon has been cleared of allegations of illegal drug use by South Korean police, according to media reports. Police had been investigating the singer and rapper, whose given name is Kwon Ji-yong, amid an ongoing crackdown on illegal drugs by the government of conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol. On Tuesday, the Incheon Metropolitan Police decided not to charge the former leader of the K-pop band BigBang for alleged drug use after they had not obtained testimonies to support the... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3245691/south-korean-police-clear-k-pop-star-g-dragon-drug-allegations?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3245691/south-korean-police-clear-k-pop-star-g-dragon-drug-allegations?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 20 Dec 2023 03:28:07 +0000 K-pop star G-Dragon of boy band Big Bang is the latest big-name celebrity in the Korean entertainment industry to be linked to illegal drug use. On October 25 he was charged with abusing drugs. Earlier this week came news of an investigation into alleged drug use by Lee Sun-kyun, who starred in the Academy Award winning Korean movie Parasite. Police said the cases of Lee and G-Dragon, whose real name is Kwon Ji-yong, were unrelated. They also revealed that two unnamed female singers had been... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/news/article/3239260/fans-react-drug-charge-against-k-pop-star-g-dragon-days-after-news-parasite-actor-lee-sun-kyun-being?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/news/article/3239260/fans-react-drug-charge-against-k-pop-star-g-dragon-days-after-news-parasite-actor-lee-sun-kyun-being?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Oct 2023 08:31:06 +0000 3/5 stars Dear Jinri, directed by acclaimed documentarian Jung Yoon-suk (Non-Fiction Diary), is constructed around the final interview given by Korean celebrity Choi Jinri, better known by her stage name, Sulli. As the film states in its opening credits, this lengthy sit-down conversation was recorded “shortly before her passing” – the only reference made to Sulli’s untimely death by suicide on October 14, 2019. Born in Busan, South Korea, where the film had its world premiere last week, Sulli... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/k-movies/article/3237384/busan-2023-dear-jinri-movie-review-k-pop-star-sulli-interviewed-shortly-her-suicide-heartbreaking?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/k-movies/article/3237384/busan-2023-dear-jinri-movie-review-k-pop-star-sulli-interviewed-shortly-her-suicide-heartbreaking?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Oct 2023 05:15:11 +0000 The K-pop industry has become a target for online threats of violent copycat crimes triggered by random stabbing attacks in South Korea in recent weeks. On August 3, 22-year-old Choi Won-jong rammed a car into pedestrians outside a department store in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, before attacking shoppers with a knife inside the building. The attack, which killed a woman in her 60s and wounded 13 people, is believed to be a copycat crime of the stabbing spree that took place on July 21 in which... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3230946/murder-threats-targeting-k-pop-industry-security-beefed?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3230946/murder-threats-targeting-k-pop-industry-security-beefed?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 13 Aug 2023 10:26:43 +0000 South Korean singer and actress IU is facing accusations of plagiarising six of her past tracks after a police complaint was filed against her in Seoul. IU, whose real name is Lee Ji-eun, burst on the K-pop scene in 2008 and has written more than 50 songs for her albums, films and other composers. According to the police report lodged by an unnamed individual, the opening lines of six songs, including Good Day, Red Shoes and Bbibbi, were reportedly copied. The complainant also claimed IU... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/people/article/3220187/south-korean-k-pop-star-iu-accused-plagiarising-songs-warns-legal-action-over-baseless-rumours?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/people/article/3220187/south-korean-k-pop-star-iu-accused-plagiarising-songs-warns-legal-action-over-baseless-rumours?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 11 May 2023 07:42:22 +0000 K-pop singer Kyoungyoon has come under criticism for concealing his parents’ alleged links to a cult church founded by convicted rapist Jung Myung-seok, whose life is one of the subjects of a new Netflix docuseries. Kyoungyoon of boy band DKZ said through his label that he was unaware of the religious activities carried out by his parents and believed them to be part of a “normal” church. “Kyoungyoon was shocked after realising the truth and watching the series about the Christian Gospel Mission... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/people/article/3212927/k-pop-singer-kyoungyoon-under-fire-his-parents-alleged-ties-convicted-rapists-cult-church?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/people/article/3212927/k-pop-singer-kyoungyoon-under-fire-his-parents-alleged-ties-convicted-rapists-cult-church?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 09 Mar 2023 08:35:13 +0000 Ravi of K-pop boy band VIXX is under the prosecution’s investigation for seeking a military broker’s help to manipulate his health records to be able to avoid active duty. According to local media reports on Friday, the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors’ Office examined phone conversations and messages the broker, surnamed Ku, exchanged with his “clients” to give them “consultations” about the illegalities, and Ravi was one of them. Ku was indicted and arrested in December for receiving tens... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3206663/k-pop-star-ravi-vixx-probed-over-hiring-broker-dodge-south-korea-military-service?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3206663/k-pop-star-ravi-vixx-probed-over-hiring-broker-dodge-south-korea-military-service?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Jan 2023 04:00:14 +0000 True K-pop fans will know that becoming an idol isn’t all glitz and glam: wannabe stars must spend years on gruelling training, sign contracts with strict rules, and deal with intense scrutiny from the media and netizens alike. And, for younger idols, embarking on the path to fame can mean giving up attending university. The College Scholastic Ability Test, or CSAT for short, is a university entrance exam in Korea designed to measure students’ achievements and academic ability according to... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3204906/9-k-pop-idols-who-gave-university-showbiz-2022-enhypens-jungwon-and-ives-wonyoung-and-liz-nmixxs?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3204906/9-k-pop-idols-who-gave-university-showbiz-2022-enhypens-jungwon-and-ives-wonyoung-and-liz-nmixxs?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 30 Dec 2022 04:00:25 +0000 https://www.scmp.com/news/article/3202927/k-pops-superwomen-stand-strong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/article/3202927/k-pops-superwomen-stand-strong?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 12 Dec 2022 00:22:43 +0000 Blackpink is finally coming to our area after two years of quarantine restrictions put in place by the Hong Kong government have recently been lifted and the city’s borders are more or less open. The K-pop sensation quartet Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa announced their “Born Pink World Tour” on August 8 and have since finished their American leg of the tour and are about to commence the Asian leg in January 2023, hitting cities like Bangkok, Singapore and of course stopping by Hong Kong from... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3201491/blackpink-concert-chaos-k-pop-queens-comeback-born-pink-world-tour-lands-hong-kong-january-2023?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3201491/blackpink-concert-chaos-k-pop-queens-comeback-born-pink-world-tour-lands-hong-kong-january-2023?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 30 Nov 2022 03:23:02 +0000 Many celebrities earn their wealth through their respective professions, but we all know that even bigger bucks often come from lucrative endorsement deals. It’s therefore expected that the celebrity in question stay on their best behaviour – especially when being paid so much to represent a brand that wants to maintain a good image. But what happens when it all goes wrong? As we’ve seen with Ye’s, formerly Kanye West’s, recent anti-Semitic remarks and the subsequent public outrage, it’s up to... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3199547/10-celebrity-ambassadors-who-got-dropped-big-name-brands-ye-lost-adidas-and-gap-after-his?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3199547/10-celebrity-ambassadors-who-got-dropped-big-name-brands-ye-lost-adidas-and-gap-after-his?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 14 Nov 2022 11:00:12 +0000 Plenty of K-pop idols leave their groups every year, whether due to contracts ending or busy schedules with other jobs like acting. However, in some cases – usually after being caught up in a big controversy – idols are forced to leave their groups, with some companies even explicitly stating that they chose to terminate their contracts. So, which K-pop idols were – rightfully or not – kicked out of their groups? 1. Le Sserafim’s Kim Garam The most recent case of a member allegedly being thrown... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3194091/5-k-pop-idols-who-were-kicked-out-their-groups-momolands?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3194091/5-k-pop-idols-who-were-kicked-out-their-groups-momolands?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 28 Sep 2022 07:07:26 +0000 In the cutthroat industry of K-pop, it’s unfortunately not always surprising to hear about K-pop idols being overworked or even mistreated. But there are some cases where specific members of groups seem to be, intentionally or not, excluded and treated especially badly by their own companies or by brands. From Aespa’s Giselle to Blackpink’s Lisa, here are five K-pop idols who seem to have suffered from unfair treatment during their time in the spotlight … 1. Aespa’s Giselle Aespa’s Giselle... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3193814/why-are-these-5-k-pop-idols-getting-short-end-stick-fans?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3193814/why-are-these-5-k-pop-idols-getting-short-end-stick-fans?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 26 Sep 2022 07:44:20 +0000 Massively popular Korean girl group Blackpink has finally made its much awaited comeback with its second full length studio album, Born Pink. On September 16, the music video for title track “Shut Down” was released … but that’s not the only reason the band made headlines lately. Around the same time, dating rumours around Jennie and V from BTS resurfaced after more pictures supposedly of them on a Jeju date were leaked. Is this further evidence that the two K-pop icons are an item? Here’s how... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3193430/blackpinks-jennie-and-bts-vs-romance-heats-new-leaked?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3193430/blackpinks-jennie-and-bts-vs-romance-heats-new-leaked?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 22 Sep 2022 10:32:12 +0000 Since the beginning of August an intense game of he-said, she-said has gripped the Korean drama industry. Lee Joo-young, director of the drama Anna, starring Bae Suzy, accuses streaming service Coupang Play of significantly altering the show before its launch without her consent. This week Siwoo, a law firm representing Lee, published a statement regarding an apology it said she had received from Coupang Play and it briefly appeared as though the storm had settled. However, the streaming service... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/k-movies/article/3189963/k-drama-anna-controversy-coupang-play-and-director-lee-joo?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/k-movies/article/3189963/k-drama-anna-controversy-coupang-play-and-director-lee-joo?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 24 Aug 2022 05:45:21 +0000 The latest buzz from entertainment conglomerate Hybe (formerly known as Big Hit Entertainment) has been the recent debut of NewJeans – the first girl group under indie sub-label Ador. The five-strong collective debuted its self-titled album on August 8, which shattered the record for the highest number of first-day sales for a debuting group on Korean real-time chart Hanteo. They are already known for their cutting edge Y2K-nostalgic style … and for their youth: all five members were born... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3188641/meet-min-hee-jin-mastermind-behind-k-pop-girl-group?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3188641/meet-min-hee-jin-mastermind-behind-k-pop-girl-group?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 12 Aug 2022 04:53:15 +0000 Kim Garam has been officially removed from Le Sserafim following her alleged bullying. Garam debuted with Hybe’s girl group in May and was soon caught in a whirlwind of scandals that saw netizens sparing her no mercy. After months of confusion about what would happen to Garam – with her agency even putting her on a hiatus the same month the group debuted – Source Music confirmed in a statement on July 20 that it had decided to terminate its contract with the star. This makes Garam the idol to... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3187535/7-k-pop-idols-who-quit-their-groups-soon-after-debuting?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3187535/7-k-pop-idols-who-quit-their-groups-soon-after-debuting?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 03 Aug 2022 04:38:43 +0000 K-pop girl group NewJeans surprised everyone when they arrived on the scene in July, releasing several music videos without any prior warning under a new music label, Ador. That was followed by the release of their first EP, also called NewJeans, on August 1 which, with over 444,000 pre-orders, became the highest pre-ordered debut album from a K-pop girl group of all time. But the arrival of NewJeans also led to heated conversation online among K-pop fans about the treatment of young stars by... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/article/3187319/after-newjeans-controversy-should-k-pop-groups-stop-debuting-minors?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/article/3187319/after-newjeans-controversy-should-k-pop-groups-stop-debuting-minors?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 02 Aug 2022 20:15:23 +0000 Many of us already know about the rules forced on K-pop artists by their agencies, but did you know that television shows enforce rules too? From having to cover up their belly buttons, to only being allowed to show one nipple, idols have to follow a set of (sometimes weird) guidelines set by the Korean television industry. Another rule that K-pop idols must follow is the covering up of tattoos. They must use clothing or flesh-coloured patches to cover up any body art that might be visible... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3186989/6-k-pop-idols-tattoos-who-arent-afraid-flaunt-them-bts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3186989/6-k-pop-idols-tattoos-who-arent-afraid-flaunt-them-bts?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 29 Jul 2022 03:44:23 +0000 The Korean entertainment industry, just like any other, is used to scandals, and it often takes no more than malicious online comments for a celebrity’s reputation to go up in smoke – whether they are guilty or not. Sometimes guilty celebrities own up to their actions and apologise, but other times stars who were slandered manage to prove their innocence. It’s in these latter rare cases that, despite their reputations taking a huge hit, some K-pop idols and actors emerge from the furore to tell... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3186874/6-korean-stars-who-survived-being-cancelled-scandals-aoas?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3186874/6-korean-stars-who-survived-being-cancelled-scandals-aoas?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 28 Jul 2022 06:38:32 +0000 K-pop idols are constantly surrounded by their agency staff – whether it’s wardrobe stylists, managers, make-up artists or otherwise. And considering the sheer amount of time they have to spend together, many end up developing strong bonds over time. But it’s not always smooth sailing, and sometimes, staff members take advantage of their idol’s trust to make cash through swindling or paparazzi payments in exchange for unauthorised photos or gossip. As a result, it’s no surprise that some idols... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3185934/5-times-k-pop-idols-were-swindled-or-betrayed-agency?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3185934/5-times-k-pop-idols-were-swindled-or-betrayed-agency?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 21 Jul 2022 02:00:18 +0000 By Dong Sun-hwa K-pop singer Kim Ga-ram has been removed from girl group Le Sserafim. This comes after the 16-year-old was accused of bullying other students while in middle school. Le Sserafim’s management company, Source Music – a label under Hybe, which represents K-pop megastars BTS – announced on July 20 that it had terminated its contract with Kim. “We offer our sincere apology for causing inconvenience to the group’s fans and many other people due to the controversy surrounding Kim,” the... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/news/article/3185918/kim-ga-ram-sacked-k-pops-le-sserafim-over-bullying-claims-girl?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/news/article/3185918/kim-ga-ram-sacked-k-pops-le-sserafim-over-bullying-claims-girl?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 20 Jul 2022 07:37:39 +0000 By Kwak Yeon-soo Actor Nam Joo-hyuk, 28, has denied allegations of school bullying from a third accuser, adding to denials in June after two other men made similar allegations. In a report published by the Sports Kyunghyang, a woman, who wished to remain anonymous, told the news outlet that the actor was part of a group of school bullies who invited her to group chat and disparaged her using sexual slurs and hateful comments. This incident happened in May 2012 when they were high school seniors,... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/news/article/3184557/k-drama-actor-and-twenty-five-twenty-one-star-nam-joo-hyuk-hit?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/news/article/3184557/k-drama-actor-and-twenty-five-twenty-one-star-nam-joo-hyuk-hit?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 08 Jul 2022 05:45:22 +0000 If you’re a K-drama fan, then you probably know Kim Sae-ron, the 21-year-old actress who started out as a child star. However, you might know about her for all the wrong reasons. While most popular child actresses like Kim So-hyun and Kim Yoo-jung have maintained the kind of squeaky clean image generally demanded of Korean stars, Kim Sae-ron has often found her career set back by controversy – from a recent drink driving incident to previous brushes with booze. The first alcohol controversy In... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3184406/kim-sae-ron-cancelled-5-scandals-k-drama-child-star-faces?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3184406/kim-sae-ron-cancelled-5-scandals-k-drama-child-star-faces?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 07 Jul 2022 03:57:47 +0000 Nayeon is officially the first member of beloved nine-piece K-pop group Twice to drop a solo release, unveiling the eponymous “Im Nayeon” EP on June 24. The music video for catchy lead single Pop! amassed 16.6 million views in 24 hours, and had passed 57 million views on YouTube at the time of writing. But she didn’t do it alone – many K-pop celebrities are taking part in the #PopPopPop challenge on Instagram to promote her song. The drop has made history, with “Im Nayeon” named on July 3 as the... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3184183/5-challenges-twices-nayeon-faced-her-solo-debut-chart?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3184183/5-challenges-twices-nayeon-faced-her-solo-debut-chart?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 Jul 2022 09:11:38 +0000 K-idol bullying scandals have been popping up here, there and everywhere, much to the shock and dismay of fans. With South Korean stars under huge pressure to keep a clean image, any ripple of controversy can easily ruin their careers. The latest idol to get caught up in such a scandal is none other than Lesserafim’s Kim Garam. Ever since she announced she was stepping back from the girl group on account of bullying allegations, netizens have not been particularly forgiving towards the new... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3181880/6-k-pop-idols-who-got-cancelled-bullying-scandals?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3181880/6-k-pop-idols-who-got-cancelled-bullying-scandals?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 16 Jun 2022 03:22:20 +0000 K-pop fans often go all out to show their love for their favourite groups and members, from sending fan mail to renting entire billboards. It’s a well-known fact that some fans are more than happy to go above and beyond to show their love towards idols. But it’s not always sunshine and rainbows for K-pop group members – sometimes they make mistakes too. And sometimes these are just too atrocious for fans to stay quiet – many of them have even demanded the offending member to leave the group.... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3181478/5-scandalous-k-pop-idols-who-fans-urged-leave-their?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3181478/5-scandalous-k-pop-idols-who-fans-urged-leave-their?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 13 Jun 2022 04:51:53 +0000 New K-pop girl group Le Sserafim is set to move forward as a five-member group after it was announced a sixth member, Kim Garam, is leaving the act. On July 20 Source Music, the label behind Le Sserafim, released a statement announcing it had terminated its contract with 16-year-old Kim, and that Le Sserafim will permanently become a five-member team. Kim had been placed on hiatus from the group in mid-May, following weeks of controversy in which she was accused of bullying and bad behaviour at... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/artists-celebrities/article/3178760/le-sserafims-kim-garam-step-back-k-pop-girl?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/artists-celebrities/article/3178760/le-sserafims-kim-garam-step-back-k-pop-girl?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 23 May 2022 09:15:19 +0000 K-pop fans are anticipating many new Korean girl band debuts this year, but Lesserafim continues to steal most of the spotlight. Helmed by South Korean giant Hybe (the agency behind BTS) and its subsidiary Source Music, it’s the agency’s first all-female group, debuting with a sterling six-member line-up that includes Miyawaki Sakura, Kim Chae-won (former members of Iz*One), Huh Yun-jin, Kazuha Nakamura, Kim Garam and Hong Eun-chae. The band recently made its debut with its first official music... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3177309/lesserafim-k-pops-most-controversial-band-5-scandals?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3177309/lesserafim-k-pops-most-controversial-band-5-scandals?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 11 May 2022 06:51:31 +0000 Whether it’s BTS, Blackpink or even Aespa (which made its global debut at Coachella just last week), many people are familiar with K-pop’s success stories. Plenty of K-pop idols are popular not just in Korea, but also around the globe too. However, although some stars are raking in the cash, wealth and widespread fame is not as common as you might think. Many who train to become an idol do not get to debut despite years of preparation and even if they do debut, idols are not guaranteed success... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3175850/what-happens-failed-k-pop-stars-4-former-idols-who?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3175850/what-happens-failed-k-pop-stars-4-former-idols-who?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 29 Apr 2022 00:00:32 +0000 Behind the glitz and glamour of K-pop, there have been countless cases of idols who have suffered mismanagement, neglect and even outright mistreatment. Though some groups have seen overwhelming success, others have sometimes been given the short end of the stick and left to be forgotten – often by their own agencies. Here are five groups who were arguably destroyed by the companies that managed them. 1. B.A.P K-pop artists filing lawsuits against their agencies actually happens quite often,... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3174966/were-these-5-k-pop-groups-really-destroyed-their-agencies?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3174966/were-these-5-k-pop-groups-really-destroyed-their-agencies?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 21 Apr 2022 04:00:20 +0000 Finally tapping into the girl band market, South Korean entertainment company Hybe will unveil its first female group this year. On April 13, the agency announced its anticipated album release date for one of the newbies on the roster, Lesserafim, which is set to debut on May 2. For most K-pop fans, Hybe is usually looked upon as a successful boy band agency, producing popular groups like BTS, TXT and Enhypen. But Hybe is aiming for another title this year with its girl group projects set to... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3174111/female-bts-meet-hybes-first-k-pop-girl-band-lesserafim?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3174111/female-bts-meet-hybes-first-k-pop-girl-band-lesserafim?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 13 Apr 2022 07:35:04 +0000 Jay Park is one of the K-pop industry’s most influential singers and savviest businessmen. He founded two record labels, Aomg and H1ghr Music, and recently started his own soju brand, Won Soju. However, his life in the spotlight is far from unblemished. He was forced to leave his group 2PM because of leaked MySpace messages that criticised Korea and offended fans. He was even once slapped in the face by UFC fighter Brian Ortega, who got angry over his translation of comments from “Korean... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3172564/4-k-pop-idols-who-love-jay-park-despite-his-scandals-bts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3172564/4-k-pop-idols-who-love-jay-park-despite-his-scandals-bts?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 01 Apr 2022 04:00:28 +0000 In the K-pop world, band break-ups aren’t a rare occurrence. Every year, countless groups disband for different reasons, whether contracts ending or a scandal – some of which are even cast into international spotlight. So, which K-pop groups saw their careers cut short due to controversies? 1. April After several bullying scandals, girl group April announced their disbandment in January, which did not come as a surprise to many. In early 2021, accusations of the members having bullied former... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3168674/5-most-controversial-k-pop-group-breakups-hyuna-and-dawns?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3168674/5-most-controversial-k-pop-group-breakups-hyuna-and-dawns?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 28 Feb 2022 09:30:29 +0000 The Black Lives Matter movement got incredible support from K-pop stars and their fan bases in 2020 and, with anti-Asian attacks on the rise at the same time, many global stars spoke out against racism. But accusations of cultural appropriation, insensitive comments and worse, both before and since the Black Lives Matter movement began, prove there’s still a lot of learning to do. These Asian stars all got embroiled in racist controversies against black and African-American culture. Some... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3166999/asian-stars-racial-controversies-awkwafinas-blaccent?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3166999/asian-stars-racial-controversies-awkwafinas-blaccent?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 14 Feb 2022 19:00:14 +0000 Hyuna and Dawn, one of K-pop’s favourite couples, are engaged! The couple caused a stir on February 3, when they shared the news with fans in matching Instagram posts. But this is not the first time that they have shocked the public. Having been together for more than five years, Hyuna and Dawn’s dating life has caused many controversies – and won them many fans along the way. Their unique engagement rings cost a year’s rent The couple showed off unique, beautiful matching engagement rings in... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3166091/hyuna-and-dawn-are-engaged-inside-k-pop-idols-rule?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3166091/hyuna-and-dawn-are-engaged-inside-k-pop-idols-rule?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 07 Feb 2022 07:40:49 +0000 An appeal court in South Korea has halved the prison sentence of former pop star Seungri after he acknowledged he was guilty of crimes including facilitating prostitution and embezzlement, to which he had pleaded not guilty at his earlier trial. The disgraced former member of K-pop boy band BigBang is reported to have expressed remorse for his actions in what became known as the Burning Sun scandal, named for a nightclub in Seoul. In July, military court prosecutors reportedly declared the star... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/news/article/3164973/disgraced-k-pop-star-seungri-admits-guilt-sees-jail-term?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/news/article/3164973/disgraced-k-pop-star-seungri-admits-guilt-sees-jail-term?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 27 Jan 2022 11:13:07 +0000 Even if you haven’t watched Single’s Inferno, Netflix’s hit dating reality show, you’ve most likely heard of its breakout star, Song Ji-a. The influencer, who already had a relatively large audience, saw her popularity spike immediately after her appearance, with her followers surging from around 400,000 to over 3.7 million in a few weeks after the show’s completion. But her beauty and bold personality aren’t the only things that have captured people’s attention. Recently, she’s been making... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3164808/how-song-ji-career-crumbled-days-singles-inferno-star-was?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3164808/how-song-ji-career-crumbled-days-singles-inferno-star-was?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 26 Jan 2022 21:00:15 +0000 Being a K-pop star is the dream of many youngsters with visions of global fame – just think of the wealth it brings, the luxury homes and the fancy destinations that idols can apparently all afford. So it’s jolting to learn that some of today’s biggest K-pop idols only got into the business reluctantly or by chance, while others were chased down by entertainment agencies scouting for fresh faces. Here’s how some members of huge bands like BTS, Got7, TVQX, TXT, ITZY, NCT and Girls’ Generation... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3164769/10-k-pop-stars-bizarre-breakout-stories-bts-v-accompanied?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3164769/10-k-pop-stars-bizarre-breakout-stories-bts-v-accompanied?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 26 Jan 2022 06:27:22 +0000 A Chinese member of K-pop group Everglow has taken racist attacks and criticism online after using traditional Chinese etiquette when greeting fans instead of kneeling down like her Korean bandmates. Singer Wang Yiren was with other members of Everglow at an event on January 2 to greet fans in Seoul, while other members knelt down and touched the floor with their foreheads in traditional Korean style, Wang used a Chinese hand gesture — the fist and palm salute — to express thanks and New Year... https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/china-personalities/article/3162848/k-pop-girl-group-everglows-chinese-singer?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/china-personalities/article/3162848/k-pop-girl-group-everglows-chinese-singer?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 10 Jan 2022 12:00:33 +0000 With the sheer amount of K-pop groups and idols, it’s not surprising that some stars may get more of the spotlight than others Sometimes this even also occurs within a group, when one member is favoured at the expense of others, sparking the ire of fans who then go on to accuse the agencies behind the bands of unequal treatment. Here are six K-pop idols who have been pointed out as the “favourites” of their companies. 1. Ive’s Wonyoung K-pop group Ive has been in the spotlight since its debut... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3161911/did-these-6-k-pop-idols-get-special-treatment-their?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3161911/did-these-6-k-pop-idols-get-special-treatment-their?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 03 Jan 2022 04:46:59 +0000 K-pop is in a constant state of flux. In 2021, this was even more pronounced, with so much change happening that the evolution was almost tangible. The thriving Korean music scene, full of popular singers and rising talent, had major wins and momentary dips during the year. Looking forward, the 2020s for K-pop may turn out to have been shaped not by 2020 and the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic, but by the cocoon-like state it entered in 2021, which laid the groundwork for a return to... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/article/3161556/2021-k-pop-world-change-bts-labels-merger-seungris-jailing-gfriends?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/article/3161556/2021-k-pop-world-change-bts-labels-merger-seungris-jailing-gfriends?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 30 Dec 2021 11:02:28 +0000 Any K-pop star signs an unwritten contract okaying a lifetime of abject scrutiny. An idol is condemned to being cruelly and completely exposed to a public only too willing to praise or criticise, at their whim. So it’s no surprise that when some stars have been caught making “mistakes”, big apologies have been in order. But were they really necessary? Because sometimes, South Korea’s intense fan culture forces idols to apologise despite not really having done anything wrong, even for, say, what... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3160770/sorry-not-sorry-5-ridiculous-k-pop-apologies-nct-127s?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3160770/sorry-not-sorry-5-ridiculous-k-pop-apologies-nct-127s?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 24 Dec 2021 03:12:42 +0000