https://www.scmp.com/rss/503702/feed This massive K-pop boy band formed by SM Entertainment in 2016 has a revolving roster of members, and is divided into various sub-units: NCT U, NCT 127, NCT Dream, and the China-based WayV. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Jess Ma Jess Ma South Korean boy band NCT Dream will become the first K-pop group to perform at Hong Kong’s new 50,000-seat Kai Tak Stadium, with one show planned in August. The boy band announced on Tuesday that it would perform a concert at the stadium on August 30 as a part of a 13-show Asian tour called “The Dream Show 4: Dream the Future”, from July to December. The stadium, which officially opened in March, is the crown jewel of the HK$30 billion (US$3.84 billion) Kai Tak Sports Park, the city’s first... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3310258/k-pop-boy-band-nct-dream-perform-hong-kongs-kai-tak-stadium-august?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3310258/k-pop-boy-band-nct-dream-perform-hong-kongs-kai-tak-stadium-august?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 14 May 2025 04:11:27 +0000 In Japan, policymakers and economists are paying close attention to the oshikatsu phenomenon as a growing driver of consumer spending – and 24-year-old Momoka Matsui is one of many doing her part to shore up the economy. Matsui is part of an expanding demographic of mostly twenty- and thirtysomethings engaged in activities supporting one’s favourite celebrities, anime characters, cuddly mascots or any oshi – the Japanese term for the object of one’s adulation. “If my salary goes up, I’d like to... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/travel-leisure/article/3304875/anime-vtubers-how-fan-culture-could-encourage-spending-and-boost-japans-economy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/travel-leisure/article/3304875/anime-vtubers-how-fan-culture-could-encourage-spending-and-boost-japans-economy?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 03 Apr 2025 09:15:07 +0000 By Dong Sun-hwa From rookie boy group Riize to V of BTS, a plethora of K-pop singers are gearing up for new releases next month. 1. Riize (September 4) Riize are set to drop their first EP, Get a Guitar on September 4. They are the first boy band to debut for K-pop agency SM Entertainment in seven years – the last being NCT in 2016. Riize are made up of Eunseok, Seunghan, Sohee, Wonbin, Anton – a former swimmer and the oldest son of acclaimed singer-songwriter Yoon Sang – and former NCT... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3232648/k-pop-music-releases-september-2023-v-bts-first-solo-album-debut-ep-riize-rookie-group-boynextdoors?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3232648/k-pop-music-releases-september-2023-v-bts-first-solo-album-debut-ep-riize-rookie-group-boynextdoors?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 29 Aug 2023 11:15:20 +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 By Dong Sun-hwa Young Koreans itching to explore their inner selves often look to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality test for guidance. This online test is said to reveal if a person leans more towards introversion (I) or extroversion (E); sensing (S) or intuition (N); thinking (T) or feeling (F); and judging (J) or perceiving (P). The test groups people into 16 letter-based personality types, and people in Korea will often use them when introducing themselves to others. K-pop... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3228057/nct-dreams-new-k-pop-album-istj-borrows-mbti-make-music-what-do-groups-members-really-think?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3228057/nct-dreams-new-k-pop-album-istj-borrows-mbti-make-music-what-do-groups-members-really-think?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 18 Jul 2023 09:15:08 +0000 By Dong Sun-hwa As a child, Kyler Niko dreamed of becoming a singer – and he nearly made it as one, too. Niko – who wrote his first song when he was 14 – was approached by one of the world’s biggest labels at the time, who said he had the looks, voice and songs they had been searching for. There was just one problem – they were not sure how to market him as a Chinese/Asian artist. Ultimately, they did not sign him. Although this frustrated Niko at first, his discontent did not last long, as he... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/article/3227555/hes-made-hits-exo-nct-twice-and-aespa-meet-k-pop-songwriter-kyler-niko-who-nearly-made-it-singer?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/article/3227555/hes-made-hits-exo-nct-twice-and-aespa-meet-k-pop-songwriter-kyler-niko-who-nearly-made-it-singer?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 14 Jul 2023 08:15:09 +0000 From classic 90s heartthrobs Backstreet Boys, to hot South Korean group NCT 127, boy bands everywhere have always attracted frenzied fans and left us with earworms from “When You’re Looking Like That” by Westlife to NSync’s “It’s Gonna Be Me.” Naturally, they rake in plenty of dough, too. STYLE takes you through the biggest headlines of boy band wealth this year … Westlife Founded in 1998 with five members – Shane Filan, Mark Feehily, Kian Egan, Nicky Byrne and Brian McFadden – Westlife made... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3204425/2022s-richest-boy-band-members-5-iconic-groups-net-worths-ranked-legendary-rock-greats-beatles-90s?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3204425/2022s-richest-boy-band-members-5-iconic-groups-net-worths-ranked-legendary-rock-greats-beatles-90s?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 27 Dec 2022 16:10:12 +0000 On September 16, two new K-pop albums were released by two of the biggest groups in the business: international superstars Blackpink and the excellently experimental NCT 127. Both albums – Born Pink, Blackpink’s second LP fronted by the singles “Pink Venom” and “Shut Down”, and 2 Baddies, NCT 127’s fourth Korean LP fronted by a single of the same name – were met with a wide range of reactions. Neither was free from criticism, but both were awash in love. Importantly, however, the various... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3193082/do-new-blackpink-and-nct-albums-show-dedication-k-pop-brands?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3193082/do-new-blackpink-and-nct-albums-show-dedication-k-pop-brands?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 21 Sep 2022 11:15:12 +0000 NCT 127 is ready to dominate the charts once again on September 16, with the release of its fourth studio album 2 Baddies. As fans anticipate the new music, the group has been giving its eager “NCTzens” teaser promo content, from YouTube clips to photo shoots posted on Instagram, to add to the hype. In one video, the SM Entertainment group members are seen posing around luxury cars. So, as we wait for the new album to come out later this month, we take a look at who the richest member of NCT... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3191963/who-richest-nct-127-member-net-worths-ranked-jaehyuns?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3191963/who-richest-nct-127-member-net-worths-ranked-jaehyuns?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 11 Sep 2022 04:00:21 +0000 As summer turns to autumn and K-pop’s year-end awards and festival season begins, many high-profile K-pop acts are releasing new music to end the year with a bang. September is already gearing up to be one of the biggest for K-pop releases this year, despite a slowdown this week ahead of the weekend’s Mid-Autumn Festival, known as Chuseok in South Korea. That means there is only one high-profile release this week: Jackson Wang of Got7’s Magic Man EP, which will drop on September 9. Almost there... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/news/article/3191632/new-k-pop-releases-september-2022-blackpink-nct-127-jackson?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/news/article/3191632/new-k-pop-releases-september-2022-blackpink-nct-127-jackson?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 08 Sep 2022 09:15:21 +0000 A new investment fund targeting K-pop fans and those interested in investing in the South Korean entertainment industry launched on the New York Stock Exchange’s Arca exchange on September 1. The KPOP and Korean Entertainment ETF (exchange-traded fund) – ticker KPOP – launched by Seoul-based CT Investments, packages together a variety of K-pop and South Korean media companies. These include BTS’ label Hybe, Blackpink’s label YG Entertainment, NCT’s label SM Entertainment, Twice’s label JYP... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/news/article/3191070/want-invest-k-pop-bts-blackpink-twice-and-ncts-labels-included?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/news/article/3191070/want-invest-k-pop-bts-blackpink-twice-and-ncts-labels-included?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 02 Sep 2022 05:45:19 +0000 In summer 2019, it seemed unfathomable that KCON, the world’s largest Korean pop culture convention and concert, would not be back the following year. But thanks to the coronavirus it only returned to Los Angeles this year, from August 19-21, celebrating its 10th anniversary since the first KCON back in 2012. Its return brought a sense of normalcy for K-pop fans who had grown to rely on its regular appearance, and for the chance to see the growth of its performers. A journey of music The two... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/article/3189747/kcon-la-2022-round-stray-kids-itzy-enhypen-ateez-and-kep1er-share?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/article/3189747/kcon-la-2022-round-stray-kids-itzy-enhypen-ateez-and-kep1er-share?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 22 Aug 2022 08:19:53 +0000 The start of July saw some fresh additions to SM Entertainment’s roster, with the South Korean music label sharing news of three possible K-pop stars of the future: Eunseok, Shohei and Seunghan. Introduced through social media and interviews with Women’s Wear Daily Korea, the trio are the latest talent SM has teased as part of its “SM Rookies” pre-debut group. It’s rumoured that they’ll become part of SM’s NCT boy-band brand. Although that is still to be confirmed – they could become part of a... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/artists-celebrities/article/3184173/how-big-too-big-when-it-comes-k-pop-groups-nct?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/artists-celebrities/article/3184173/how-big-too-big-when-it-comes-k-pop-groups-nct?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 06 Jul 2022 08:45:17 +0000 Halfway through the year, the K-pop industry and many acts are still finding their direction for 2022. But on the music front, the first six months have been stellar, with many of the biggest names serving up releases that demand to be heard. Here are the must-listen singles and albums of the year thus far, listed alphabetically. Albums Dreamcatcher [Apocalypse: Save Us] LP Dreamcatcher have made a name for themselves and won love from fans around the world for their dark rock and metal take on... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3181475/best-k-pop-albums-and-singles-2022-so-far-psy-and-bts-suga?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3181475/best-k-pop-albums-and-singles-2022-so-far-psy-and-bts-suga?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 Jun 2022 09:15:22 +0000 Doyoung, the main vocalist of award-winning K-pop group NCT, turns 26 on February 1, with his birthday celebration coming hot on the heels of subunit NCT 127 winning the grand prize at the 31st Seoul Music Awards held on January 23. Everyone knows that Doyoung is the brother of Be Melodramatic star Gong Myung and that he made his debut in 2016, but how well do you really know the K-pop superstar? Here we highlight five things that you need to know about the NCT singer, actor and television... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3165160/5-things-know-about-ncts-doyoung-hes-k-drama-star-gong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3165160/5-things-know-about-ncts-doyoung-hes-k-drama-star-gong?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 31 Jan 2022 00:00:16 +0000 At times, 2021 had moments full of excitement for what’s to come, and at others, a sad spirit of exhaustion and ennui. To some degree, K-pop reflected this, with many artists singing about a future after the Covid-19 pandemic, and others expressing frustration with the state of the world, and all with the experimentation and finesse associated with the musical scene. Singles dominate in K-pop, but for those looking to dive deeper here is our pick of the best K-pop albums. 25. Monsta X – No Limit... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/article/3160655/25-best-k-pop-albums-2021-twice-red-velvet-nct-127-seventeen-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/article/3160655/25-best-k-pop-albums-2021-twice-red-velvet-nct-127-seventeen-and?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 22 Dec 2021 11:15:19 +0000 By Dong Sun-hwa Some year-end concerts have been called off or postponed following the South Korean government’s announcement of stricter Covid-19 restrictions that took effect on December 18. According to the new social distancing measures, which will be in effect until January 2, a 9 pm curfew will be applied to indoor sports facilities, where most major concerts in South Korea take place. In the case of other concert venues, they will face a 10pm curfew. This led K-pop girl group Twice to... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/news/article/3160378/k-pop-group-twice-cancel-christmas-concert-amid-covid-19-curbs?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/news/article/3160378/k-pop-group-twice-cancel-christmas-concert-amid-covid-19-curbs?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 20 Dec 2021 09:15:10 +0000 This story has been made freely available. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. Welcome to the South China Morning Post’s live coverage of the 2021 Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMAs). Hosted by Lee Hyori, the ceremony was broadcast live from Paju, South Korea, and included appearances and performances from many popular K-pop acts, as well as special performances from Ed Sheeran.  BTS were not there but were the night’s big winners, taking home Artist, Song, Album and... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/news/article/3159193/k-pops-2021-mamas-live-updates-biggest-korean-music-awards?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/news/article/3159193/k-pops-2021-mamas-live-updates-biggest-korean-music-awards?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 11 Dec 2021 08:30:26 +0000 If you’re a TikTok user, you’ve probably come across some K-pop – over the past two years, music coming out of South Korea has more than tripled in popularity on the social media platform. The biggest K-pop groups on the short-form video social media platform are currently BTS, Blackpink, and Tomorrow X Together (TXT) according to data provided by TikTok and the data-tracking firm Kpop Radar from their “2021 Kpop Radar TikTok” conference on November 17. In 2019, there were 33.5 million... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/news/article/3156377/tiktoks-biggest-k-pop-acts-bts-blackpink-and-tomorrow-x?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/news/article/3156377/tiktoks-biggest-k-pop-acts-bts-blackpink-and-tomorrow-x?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 17 Nov 2021 14:15:14 +0000 K-pop group NCT have announced their third LP, Universe, is set to drop on December 14 – but not all the fans of the 20-plus member group are thrilled, as Lucas and WinWin appear to be missing in action. NCT, which incorporates subgroups NCT 127, NCT Dream and WayV, is managed by South Korean company SM Entertainment, and was launched in 2016. Universe follows two previous all-NCT albums, last year’s NCT 2020 Resonance and 2018’s NCT 2018 Empathy. Unlike Empathy and Resonance, which added new... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3156184/k-pop-supergroup-nct-announces-universe-album-fans-question?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3156184/k-pop-supergroup-nct-announces-universe-album-fans-question?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 16 Nov 2021 03:47:47 +0000 K-pop idols often have a strong connection with their fans, with apps like LYSN and Weverse existing specifically for idol-fan interaction. Fans can get a glimpse into their idols’ lives offstage, establishing a parasocial relationship. 5 Korean stars who gained weight for TV and film roles But this means that, all too often, fans cross lines and act inappropriately, invading their idols’ privacy in a disturbingly large variety of ways. These fans are known as sasaeng fans – with the term coming... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3155816/5-k-pop-idols-who-were-victims-sasaeng-fans-blackpinks?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3155816/5-k-pop-idols-who-were-victims-sasaeng-fans-blackpinks?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 12 Nov 2021 05:53:45 +0000 Like Facebook, K-pop-focused entertainment companies based in South Korea are jumping on popular digital trends. These include creating their own metaverses and crafting virtual stars. At the heart of many of these initiatives is the rise of cryptocurrencies and non fungible-tokens (NFTs). Cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin and Dogecoin have been popularised as an alternative to traditional monetary formats, providing lucrative opportunities for tech-savvy investors. With the rise of NFTs this... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/article/3155551/nfts-and-cryptocurrency-draw-k-pop-labels-behind-bts-blackpink?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/article/3155551/nfts-and-cryptocurrency-draw-k-pop-labels-behind-bts-blackpink?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 10 Nov 2021 13:15:21 +0000 October 2021 saw several high-profile K-pop releases, including the long-awaited first album from CL, Aespa’s first EP, and Twice’s English-language The Feels. Popular boy bands, including NCT 127, Enhypen and Seventeen, all made an impact with addictive new music. Here are some of the must-listen releases. Twice – The Feels (October 1) Since their debut in 2015, Twice have regularly brightened up the K-pop and the J-pop scenes. But with The Feels, they’ve looked towards the West, releasing a... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3154184/best-k-pop-releases-october-2021-nct-127s-favorite-aespas?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3154184/best-k-pop-releases-october-2021-nct-127s-favorite-aespas?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 31 Oct 2021 13:15:21 +0000 South Korea accounts for 20 per cent of the global market for men’s cosmetics, and K-pop has had a great influence on the growth of this percentage as fans and followers around the world not only want to buy the items their favourite idols endorse but also recreate their looks. While it’s normal to see male idols wearing make-up to look flawless and youthful on stage, in the last few years some of them have decided to take it further and use it as a tool to express who they really are. Here are... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/fashion-beauty/article/3147307/btss-jimin-exos-baekhyun-stray-kids-felix-7-male-k-pop?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/fashion-beauty/article/3147307/btss-jimin-exos-baekhyun-stray-kids-felix-7-male-k-pop?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 04 Sep 2021 11:45:21 +0000 Although the K in K-pop clearly stands for Korean, the industry isn’t shy when it comes to drawing from global talent – most notably, Blackpink’s Lisa hails from Thailand while NCT’s Mark Lee is Canadian. Closer to home, there are also many Chinese K-pop idols in various famous groups, with naturally interesting casting stories to tell. So let’s take a look at five currently active K-pop stars from China, who they were before hitting the big time – and how they got where they are today. 4... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3146583/5-k-pop-idols-china-exos-lay-and-aespas-ningning-gi-dles?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3146583/5-k-pop-idols-china-exos-lay-and-aespas-ningning-gi-dles?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Aug 2021 04:13:03 +0000 For the most part, K-pop idols enter the industry in a pretty straightforward way. They get scouted, join auditions and pass them. But some stars have more unusual scouting stories. From joining auditions for the opposite gender to disobeying judges and even literally banging on agencies’ doors, here are seven idols who got their foot in the door in very unconventional ways. Who’s the smartest Korean idol? IQ scores ranked, from BTS’ RM to Song Joong-ki Shinee’s Key During a guest appearance on... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3143656/6-crazy-k-pop-idol-scouting-stories-exos-baekhyun-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3143656/6-crazy-k-pop-idol-scouting-stories-exos-baekhyun-and?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Aug 2021 02:00:15 +0000 NCT is going Hollywood, literally: the popular K-pop group will pick its next member from America through a reality TV competition series called K-pop Goes Hollywood, the band’s label, SM Entertainment, has told the Post. The series, stylised in all capitals except for “goes”, is a collaboration between the South Korean entertainment company and American media company MGM Television, producer of popular programmes including The Voice, a reality singing competition series shown on American... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3140830/reality-tv-contest-nct-goes-hollywood-pick-all-american-boy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3140830/reality-tv-contest-nct-goes-hollywood-pick-all-american-boy?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 12 Jul 2021 13:21:13 +0000 On July 7, 2016, a new K-pop group arrived on the scene with the brash single Fire Truck ahead of their first self-titled mini-album, NCT #127, released on July 10. Five years later, NCT 127 are going stronger than ever and celebrated their anniversary with a special fan meet and news of their upcoming third studio album. Throughout that time, they’ve shown a chameleon-like flair in their performances and songs, and continue pushing the envelope with each new musical evolution. The LP and a... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/artists-celebrities/article/3140417/k-pop-group-nct-127-celebrate-their-fifth?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/artists-celebrities/article/3140417/k-pop-group-nct-127-celebrate-their-fifth?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 10 Jul 2021 08:15:05 +0000 Every year brings new K-pop hits, and albums, and so far South Korea’s idol scene has stayed strong in 2021, with many popular names releasing new albums that explore their artistry and viewpoints and make for all-around engaging listening experiences. Ranging from comeback albums to musical autobiographies, here are 10 of the best K-pop albums of 2021 so far. I Burn by (G)I-dle (January 11) Short and sweet, not even 20 minutes long, (G)I-dle’s “I Burn” is an intense, impassioned show of the... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/article/3137616/best-k-pop-albums-2021-so-far-twice-exo-tomorrow-x-together-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/article/3137616/best-k-pop-albums-2021-so-far-twice-exo-tomorrow-x-together-and?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 17 Jun 2021 14:15:00 +0000 K-pop stars often experiment with creative concepts and narratives. In recent weeks, the genre has been full of futuristic, science-fiction-fuelled material from many of the biggest groups. Storytelling across different mediums is used by K-pop acts to captivate their audiences and, as the industry grows and becomes more popular across the globe, artists and their companies are constantly finding new ways to up their levels of engagement. Aliens and space come up once in a while in K-pop music... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3137510/science-fiction-k-pop-why-groups-bts-aespa-tomorrow-x?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3137510/science-fiction-k-pop-why-groups-bts-aespa-tomorrow-x?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 16 Jun 2021 09:15:00 +0000 K-pop group NCT Dream made history last week, with their latest album becoming one of the best selling South Korean albums of all time, the band announced on Twitter. Hot Sauce, NCT Dream’s first full-length album, arrived on May 10, and on May 26 the band’s company, SM Entertainment, revealed it had sold over 2 million copies. “NCT Dream breaks their own record by selling over 2 million copies of their new album Hot Sauce!” read a tweet, also referring to the album title by it’s Korean name,... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3135750/nct-dreams-hot-sauce-album-sales-top-2-million-k-pop-history?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3135750/nct-dreams-hot-sauce-album-sales-top-2-million-k-pop-history?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 02 Jun 2021 14:15:09 +0000 As the year moves on, so does the K-pop industry. This month, many of its biggest names will have major releases that are sure to heat up the summer. B.I – Waterfall LP (June 1) The soloist, formerly of boy band iKon, kicks the month off with his highly awaited first studio album, Waterfall, which features 12 tracks, including the single illa illa. He shared a performance film featuring the song Waterfall in mid-May, giving a first taste of the album. Monsta X – One of a Kind EP (June 1) The... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3135573/new-k-pop-releases-june-2021-twice-seventeen-exo-nct-127?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3135573/new-k-pop-releases-june-2021-twice-seventeen-exo-nct-127?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 01 Jun 2021 14:15:07 +0000 Every month, there are numerous releases out of the world of K-pop. In May 2021, some of the most engaging releases came from BTS, Heize, Everglow, and NCT Dream, with each artist and group pushing their musical style and career forward with this latest sonic era. Aespa – Next Level Although they’re less than a year-old and only have three songs to their name, Aespa – stylised as “aespa” – are already making waves. The rookie girl group’s third single is worth checking out just for its world... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3135447/must-listen-k-pop-releases-may-2021-bts-aespa-everglow-nct?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3135447/must-listen-k-pop-releases-may-2021-bts-aespa-everglow-nct?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 31 May 2021 14:15:17 +0000 Aespa want to take K-pop to the next level with their latest single, which they released on Monday. The song, the girl group’s third since forming last year, is the latest move by the quartet and their management company SM Entertainment to delve into an alternate, fictional universe. The hip-pop track Next Level is a remake of a song on the 2019 soundtrack of the Fast & Furious franchise film Hobbs & Shaw. Aespa, the latest act from a company that has produced many of K-pop’s biggest hits, are... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/article/3134185/aespa-brings-k-pop-next-level-new-single-takes-listeners?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/article/3134185/aespa-brings-k-pop-next-level-new-single-takes-listeners?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 20 May 2021 10:15:09 +0000 NCT Dream returned this week with their first full-length album, Hot Sauce, and it shows how much the formerly teenage- oriented K-pop group has grown up. Hot Sauce is the start of a new era for the Dreamies, with each song relaying how far the group have moved on from performing on hoverboards and singing about candy. NCT Dream – a unit within the larger K-pop group NCT under South Korean media company SM Entertainment – released their first single, Chewing Gum, in 2016 and were presented as... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3133339/nct-dream-reveal-new-grown-k-pop-sound-hot-sauce-their-first?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3133339/nct-dream-reveal-new-grown-k-pop-sound-hot-sauce-their-first?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 13 May 2021 14:15:06 +0000 The K-pop song you’re listening to may not have been written by the person paid for writing it, a new report in South Korea alleges. Saturday’s episode of Unanswered Questions, a television series airing on South Korean broadcaster SBS, investigated multiple issues surrounding K-pop songwriting and ghostwriting. The episode reported that some songwriters have benefited by passing off the work of other people – including students – as their own creative productions. Unanswered Questions spoke... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/article/3133005/who-really-writing-k-pop-songs-students-among-those-not-getting?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/article/3133005/who-really-writing-k-pop-songs-students-among-those-not-getting?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 11 May 2021 14:15:11 +0000 K-pop group NCT Dream and the creators of hit kids song Baby Shark together released an educational song about dinosaurs today, called Dinosaurs A to Z. Rather than recreating Baby Shark with the NCT Dream members filling in for the marine animals – though “baby Mark du-du-du-du” would have fit right in – the K-pop group’s soundtrack introduces dinosaur species alphabetically. The members perform the song in a video animated in the style of other creations from Pinkfong, the South Korean... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/news/article/3132330/k-pop-group-nct-dream-and-baby-shark-creators-team-dinosaurs-z?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/news/article/3132330/k-pop-group-nct-dream-and-baby-shark-creators-team-dinosaurs-z?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 05 May 2021 14:15:18 +0000 K-pop stars are increasingly experimenting with their sounds on streaming platform SoundCloud. Boy band members are especially using the site to share music beyond their group work. As the clock struck midnight in Seoul on May 3, new song Monroe by Taeyong of NCT 127 and featuring Exo member Baekhyun, dropped on the music site. The pair work together in SuperM, a group featuring artists from across South Korean company SM Entertainment’s boy band roster. The Marilyn Monroe-inspired tune leans... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/artists-celebrities/article/3132261/nct-127s-taeyong-teams-exos-baekhyun-soundcloud?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/artists-celebrities/article/3132261/nct-127s-taeyong-teams-exos-baekhyun-soundcloud?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 04 May 2021 15:45:09 +0000 Imagine what could be done if the approximately 100 million K-pop fans worldwide acted together under a common purpose. Imagine if that purpose was keeping the earth environmentally clean and safe with daily eco-friendly practices and supporting stars who publicly promote climate action.That was what organisers of the new website Kpop 4 Planet have in mind. Why G-Dragon and Blackpink’s Jennie make the perfect K-pop couple The fan-driven climate action platform was launched on March 3, eight... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3124832/k-pop-fans-climate-action-blackpink-and-red-velvet-are?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3124832/k-pop-fans-climate-action-blackpink-and-red-velvet-are?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 10 Mar 2021 07:39:08 +0000 The world may be in a chaotic state, but many K-pop stars are hoping to make it a better place by supporting causes ranging from social justice and climate change to coronavirus pandemic relief. K-pop stars and their fans have a long history of charitable giving and supporting causes that are important to them. In the past, forests have been restored and schools been built in the names of K-pop stars, while donations made by, and in the name of, K-pop stars have improved the lives of many people... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/article/3124705/how-bts-blackpink-and-superm-give-back-through-donations-charitable?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/article/3124705/how-bts-blackpink-and-superm-give-back-through-donations-charitable?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 09 Mar 2021 18:30:19 +0000 While some South Korean stars might boast an Instagram follower count the size of a small country, others have been acting or singing for years without making a single post on social media. Song Joong-ki finally opened his official Instagram account on February 14 – over a decade since he debuted as an actor in 2008 – and attracted over 680,000 followers in just two days. His Space Sweepers co-star, Kim Tae-ri, is another relative newcomer to the Instagram scene, having opened her official... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/k-pop/artists-celebrities/article/3124641/6-korean-stars-who-are-finally-instagram?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/k-pop/artists-celebrities/article/3124641/6-korean-stars-who-are-finally-instagram?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 09 Mar 2021 04:07:20 +0000 The bestselling K-pop album of all time is, to the surprise of absolutely nobody, from BTS. But do you know the other top selling albums from K-pop groups?  These days we often hear about K-pop albums selling more than a million copies, so it may come as a surprise to learn that K-pop album sales were hard to quantify for a long time, and it’s still hard to verify sales figures reported before accessible digital reporting.  In 2010, the Korea Music Content Association (KMCA) introduced the Gaon... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3123237/20-bestselling-k-pop-albums-all-time-bts-blackpink-nct-exo?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3123237/20-bestselling-k-pop-albums-all-time-bts-blackpink-nct-exo?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 27 Feb 2021 14:15:06 +0000 Band tees are passé in the world of K-pop, where merchandising is done on a whole other level. One particularly popular type of merch? Wallet-sized photocards, which are making a killing among K-pop fans.  The latest trend in trading cards are pint-sized photos of K-pop stars that are usually found in albums or come as bonuses in merchandise packaging. With multiple variants of the same album, there are often hundreds of photocards associated with a single music release, which fans often... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3121298/bts-nct-seventeen-photocards-why-k-pop-fans-are-go-wild?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3121298/bts-nct-seventeen-photocards-why-k-pop-fans-are-go-wild?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 10 Feb 2021 14:15:11 +0000 Followers of South Korea-based boy band WayV trended the phrase “protect WayV” worldwide on Twitter after members of the band expressed frustration at obsessive fans – including one who allegedly tried to take photos of them on their way to a restroom. Several members of WayV turned to Bubble, a paid fan-oriented app where artists can talk directly with fans, to post photos and posts related to obsessive fans who invade their privacy. “Everyone,” wrote band member Lucas. “I was filming and... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/news/article/3118276/stalker-uses-zoom-lens-try-and-photograph-k-pop-boy-band-wayv?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/news/article/3118276/stalker-uses-zoom-lens-try-and-photograph-k-pop-boy-band-wayv?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 19 Jan 2021 04:34:49 +0000 After resonating with K-pop fans in 2020, boy band brand NCT has the potential to make 2021 their biggest year yet. NCT saw varied results last year, with some singles going viral and others barely making a mark beyond their dedicated fan base. But as 2021 arrives and provides NCT with a new opportunity to take on the world, the outfit are expected to capitalise on their momentum from 2020, even possibly releasing new NCT teams. Currently a 23-member act split across various teams such as NCT U,... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3116512/nct-2021-will-year-be-best-yet-k-pop-boy-band-brand?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3116512/nct-2021-will-year-be-best-yet-k-pop-boy-band-brand?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 Jan 2021 14:15:09 +0000 Millions of fans across the globe celebrated 2021 in K-pop-style as South Korean bands lit up the New Year with their performances. Four high-profile K-pop concert events kept fans engaged between December 31, 2020, and January 3, 2021, including three New Year events. Management company Big Hit Entertainment hosted its first concert featuring all its groups, including the likes of BTS, GFriend and Nu’Est on New Year’s Eve at the same time as South Korean broadcaster MBC hosted its annual... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/news/article/3116359/bts-red-velvet-and-gfriends-online-new-year-shows-attract?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/news/article/3116359/bts-red-velvet-and-gfriends-online-new-year-shows-attract?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 04 Jan 2021 10:49:05 +0000 When it comes to the experimental side of K-pop that helped the South Korean music scene gain worldwide acclaim, few are doing it more ambitiously than NCT. An act with 23 members – and counting – launched by media company SM Entertainment, NCT released their latest album, NCT 2020 Resonance Pt. 2, this week. The second instalment in their Resonance series, coming after last month’s Pt. 1, the boy band’s latest release highlights their dedication to pushing the boundaries of K-pop. NCT now have... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/news/article/3111630/nct-return-new-album-displays-talents-all-23-band-members-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/news/article/3111630/nct-return-new-album-displays-talents-all-23-band-members-and?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Nov 2020 14:15:05 +0000 Fans chant the names of their idols when K-pop groups take the stage at concerts (at least in pre-Covid-19 times they did). For many people who aren’t diehard fans though, the names being heard may come as a surprise, as they’re not their well-known stage monikers, but the given names of the stars. Stage names have been an integral part of K-pop since the industry’s beginnings and many K-pop stars have them. Here are some stars whose real names you may not know. Kim Dong-young is Doyoung of NCT... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3111128/who-are-kim-taehyung-han-jisung-and-xu-minghao-10-male-k-pop?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3111128/who-are-kim-taehyung-han-jisung-and-xu-minghao-10-male-k-pop?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Nov 2020 14:15:13 +0000 Blackpink have four members and BTS have seven. But Twice have nine, Golden Child have 10, The Boyz have 11, Loona and Iz*One each have 12, and Seventeen have 13. Why do some K-pop acts have so many members? It’s simple: having more members means more opportunities for K-pop groups, says Michelle Cho, an assistant professor in the department of East Asian Studies at the University of Toronto who researches collectivity and popular aesthetics in Korean film, media and popular culture. First, as... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3108760/why-do-k-pop-groups-boyz-loona-and-nct-have-so-many-members?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3108760/why-do-k-pop-groups-boyz-loona-and-nct-have-so-many-members?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 08 Nov 2020 14:15:12 +0000 A unit of South Korean boy band NCT has come under fire for using images of an Islamic shrine as a backdrop during a recent performance – the latest in a series of allegations of cultural and religious appropriation levelled against the K-pop group. On Sunday, NCT U performed a new song Make A Wish (Birthday Song) on the South Korean music show Inkigayo, and were accompanied by visuals that some fans on social media quickly identified as the Imam Husayn Shrine, which is both a mosque and the... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3107183/fans-nct-u-criticise-k-pop-group-again-using-islamic?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3107183/fans-nct-u-criticise-k-pop-group-again-using-islamic?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 27 Oct 2020 02:45:15 +0000