https://www.scmp.com/rss/503704/feed This South Korean-Chinese boy band is made up of Xiumin, Suho, Lay, Baekhyun, Chen, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai and Sehun. With broad influences that range from pop and hip hop to house and synth-pop, Exo continue to surprise almost a decade into their career. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Zoey Zhang Zoey Zhang The Greater Bay Area offers a varied cultural calendar this spring, from headline concerts by pop stars and rock bands to recitals by celebrated pianists and a French musical. Read on to find out what exciting things are coming up in Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Macau over the next two months. Late March 1. Jane Zhang concert tour (Guangzhou) Known as the “Dolphin Princess” for her signature whistle register, Sichuan-born singer Jane Zhang is bringing her world tour to Guangzhou. Zhang’s list of... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts/article/3347094/nicholas-tse-exo-among-top-music-and-art-events-coming-shenzhen-macau-and-guangzhou?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts/article/3347094/nicholas-tse-exo-among-top-music-and-art-events-coming-shenzhen-macau-and-guangzhou?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 19 Mar 2026 06:15:08 +0000 Wynna Wong Wynna Wong Hong Kong’s consumer watchdog has received dozens of complaints after Taiwanese rock band Mayday cancelled one of its coming concerts at Kai Tak Sports Park and replaced it with a new date later in the week, sparking frustration among fans – particularly those travelling from mainland China and overseas. The Consumer Council said that as of 1pm on Tuesday, it had received 24 complaints about the cancelled show – eight from local consumers and 16 from fans outside the city. The watchdog said the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3346132/sour-note-fans-after-taiwanese-rock-band-mayday-switches-hong-kong-date?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3346132/sour-note-fans-after-taiwanese-rock-band-mayday-switches-hong-kong-date?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Mar 2026 13:15:06 +0000 Alyssa Chen Alyssa Chen While K-pop has conquered almost every corner of the globe, South Korea’s entertainment industry remains largely locked out of the Chinese market due to a geopolitical chill that has lingered for a decade. China unofficially banned South Korean entertainment products in 2016 after Seoul deployed the US Terminal High Altitude Area Defence system (THAAD) despite Beijing’s objections. K-pop concerts were cancelled, South Korean dramas disappeared from Chinese streaming platforms, and South Korean... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3344205/k-pops-big-freeze-are-cracks-chinas-cultural-blockade-thaw?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3344205/k-pops-big-freeze-are-cracks-chinas-cultural-blockade-thaw?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 21 Feb 2026 22:00:14 +0000 SCMP Reporters SCMP Reporters Nostalgia for 2016 has been circulating on the internet over the last few weeks. People welcomed the new year by reminiscing 10 years into the past, sharing decade-old photos of themselves online. There is even a Wikipedia page for “2026 is the new 2016”. Of course, 2016 was before the Covid-19 pandemic rocked the world and the widespread use of generative AI (artificial intelligence) made us question what on our feeds was real and fake. Back then, people used social media mostly to stay... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3341778/2016-trends-pokemon-go-poke-bowls-looking-back-10-years-goes-viral-2026?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3341778/2016-trends-pokemon-go-poke-bowls-looking-back-10-years-goes-viral-2026?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 31 Jan 2026 07:15:07 +0000 Kai of the K-pop boy band Exo is returning to civilian life and his fans after completing his military service in South Korea. Kai completed his alternative service as a social service worker on February 10. He enlisted in May 2023. He underwent five weeks of basic military training before being assigned to his social service duties. With Kai completing his service, Sehun is now the only remaining Exo member yet to be discharged. Sehun is set to complete his service on September 20. As... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-drama/artists-celebrities/article/3298041/exo-hint-something-great-full-group-comeback-kai-completes-military-service?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-drama/artists-celebrities/article/3298041/exo-hint-something-great-full-group-comeback-kai-completes-military-service?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 10 Feb 2025 07:30:10 +0000 1. BTS label chief under fire for calling young K-pop idols ‘ugly’ with ‘no sex appeal’ Hybe, the K-pop label behind BTS, has apologised for leaked internal documents containing derogatory remarks about young idols’ appearances, sparking controversy and highlighting the industry’s harsh standards. 2. Blackpink’s Rosé makes history as first K-pop solo female artist to make Top 10 on US Billboard Hot 100 K-pop star Rosé achieves a milestone as her single “Apt”, featuring Bruno Mars, makes the US... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/entertainment/article/3285372/bts-blackpink-stray-kids-seventeen-new-jeans-k-pop-keeps-making-headlines-all-over-world-and-artists?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/entertainment/article/3285372/bts-blackpink-stray-kids-seventeen-new-jeans-k-pop-keeps-making-headlines-all-over-world-and-artists?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 06 Nov 2024 10:00:22 +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 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 By Dong Sun-hwa While fans of Nayeon worldwide were electrified by the news that the member of K-pop girl group Twice was making her solo debut on June 24 with EP IM Nayeon, many wondered why it had taken nearly seven years for her to go solo, after her group debut in 2015. Nayeon is not alone in having a belated solo debut. D.O. of boy band Exo rolled out his mini-album Empathy in 2021, nine years after his group debut in 2012, while two of his bandmates, Kai and Baekhyun, went solo in 2020 and... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/article/3178794/why-k-pop-stars-twices-nayeon-exos-do-and-gfriends-yerin-must-wait?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/article/3178794/why-k-pop-stars-twices-nayeon-exos-do-and-gfriends-yerin-must-wait?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 23 May 2022 23:15:15 +0000 K-pop star Lay has parted ways with his group Exo’s music label, SM Entertainment. The Chinese pop star, also known as Lay Zhang Yixing, announced the news on social media including Instagram and Twitter in both English and Korean, and included the comment: “This decade is one of the greatest gifts I could’ve ever received.” He revealed the split on the 10th anniversary of the group’s 2012 debut, April 8. Music labels typically sign K-pop bands to seven-year contracts, with a three-year... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/news/article/3173528/will-lay-still-be-exo-he-quits-their-label-k-pop-groups-10th?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/news/article/3173528/will-lay-still-be-exo-he-quits-their-label-k-pop-groups-10th?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 08 Apr 2022 04:38:25 +0000 K-pop idols often make headlines for living the high life, dressing themselves in designer clothing from head to toe and showing off their luxury goods. But some idols love to splurge their money not on themselves, but on expensive gifts for others, from fashion to laptops and even food trucks! Here are nine times K-pop idols spent the big bucks to show affection and gratitude for their fellow team members and staff. 1. f(x)’s Krystal Jung’s coffee truck for Park Shin-hye f(x)’s Krystal Jung is... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3171643/9-times-k-pop-idols-splurged-gifts-colleagues-bts-v-gave?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3171643/9-times-k-pop-idols-splurged-gifts-colleagues-bts-v-gave?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 24 Mar 2022 03:53:50 +0000 Between the virality of K-pop acts like BTS and Blackpink and K-dramas such as Squid Game and Hellbound, South Korean entertainment content dominated pop culture conversations on Twitter last year, and in 2022 that is expected to continue. Last year, more than 7.8 billion engagements with K-pop music and artists took place on the social media platform, compared to 6.7 billion engagements in 2020. The most popular K-pop act on Twitter in 2021 was BTS, followed by NCT, Enhypen, EXO, Blackpink,... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/news/article/3166529/which-k-pop-bands-were-most-tweeted-about-2021-and-which?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/news/article/3166529/which-k-pop-bands-were-most-tweeted-about-2021-and-which?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 10 Feb 2022 11:20:20 +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 On November 30, K-pop star Kai released Peaches, the title track of his second EP. In the music video for the song, which had been viewed over 16 million times by December 3, the singer, born Kim Jong-in, wore a mix of high-fashion looks and traditional Korean dress, in the latest hanbok-meets-K-pop collaboration. Kai, a member of the popular boy band EXO, is far from the only K-pop star to gravitate towards featuring Korea’s cultural heritage in his music videos. Here are some other prominent... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/artists-celebrities/article/3158341/k-pop-groups-featuring-korean-traditions-hanbok?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/artists-celebrities/article/3158341/k-pop-groups-featuring-korean-traditions-hanbok?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 05 Dec 2021 08:15:11 +0000 Old K-pop music videos are getting new life on YouTube in 2021. The popular video streaming platform has teamed up with South Korean label SM Entertainment to remaster early K-pop music videos. Announced earlier this year and launched formally on November 4, the remastering project between SM and YouTube will see low-quality older videos updated to match modern perceptions. The first video, H.O.T.’s Age of Violence, originally released in 1996, was one of K-pop’s biggest early hits. The next... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/news/article/3155790/youtube-remasters-early-k-pop-music-videos-share-old-hits-new?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/news/article/3155790/youtube-remasters-early-k-pop-music-videos-share-old-hits-new?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 12 Nov 2021 08:45:08 +0000 Mandatory military service in South Korea means fans have to bid farewell to their favourite male K-pop and K-drama stars for a while, but the hiatus makes their return that much more exciting. Their stage comeback after around 20 months of service, a period during which fans hear little news about them, is always a highly-anticipated spectacle. These are some of the Korean celebrities who we look forward to seeing on our screens again in the next few months. 5 Korean stars who gained weight for... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3155514/8-korean-stars-being-discharged-military-soon-exos-suho?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3155514/8-korean-stars-being-discharged-military-soon-exos-suho?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 10 Nov 2021 05:10:17 +0000 K-pop has a reputation for being futuristic at times, and the South Korean entertainment industry’s dedication to innovation is taking things to the next level with growing interest in hooking K-pop to trending technologies such as NFTs, metaverses and cryptocurrency. Whether it’s A. C. E and BTS’ company Hybe launching NFT merchandise lines, or SM Entertainment pushing forward with plans to integrate its content in a metaverse, or reports of K-pop-themed cryptocurrencies, these are some of the... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/article/3154968/k-pop-labels-embrace-virtual-stars-and-pursue-metaverses-extend?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/article/3154968/k-pop-labels-embrace-virtual-stars-and-pursue-metaverses-extend?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 05 Nov 2021 13:15:15 +0000 In Korea, national military service is mandatory. Although there are occasionally special exemptions, most of the male population can’t avoid it – not even celebrities. Popular Netflix series D.P. and the hit K-drama Descendants of the Sun might give us a peek into the Korean military, but what is it like in real life? Here’s a closer look at a few interesting incidents that took place when these K-pop and K-drama stars served in the military. Meet Ahn Bo-hyun, star of My Name and Yumi’s... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3154667/what-were-these-korean-stars-during-military-service-song?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3154667/what-were-these-korean-stars-during-military-service-song?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 03 Nov 2021 04:51:15 +0000 It’s almost been two years since the queen of K-drama, Song Hye-kyo, has graced the screen with her presence. Fans have eagerly awaited her return to TV, and this November, the long absence will finally come to an end. The 39-year-old actress will be taking on a lead role in SBS’ upcoming series Now, We Are Breaking Up alongside Jang Ki-yong from My Roommate is a Gumiho. Here’s everything we know about the highly-anticipated K-drama series: Why Koreans are only allowed to buy one Chanel bag per... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3153562/k-drama-queen-song-hye-kyos-tv-return-now-we-are-breaking?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3153562/k-drama-queen-song-hye-kyos-tv-return-now-we-are-breaking?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 25 Oct 2021 04:47:14 +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 Last week K-pop label SM Entertainment announced that it would no longer ignore the aggressive behaviour of fans known as sasaengs. Invasive sasaeng behaviour – the word means “private life” in Korean – has long been an issue in Korean entertainment, with many of the biggest stars regularly followed and watched outside their regular work schedules. Since K-pop idols became popular in South Korea in the 1990s, home break-ins and car accidents attributed to sasaengs have been reported regularly.... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/article/3142037/k-pop-label-home-exo-and-nct-tackles-invasive-fans-south-korea?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/article/3142037/k-pop-label-home-exo-and-nct-tackles-invasive-fans-south-korea?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 22 Jul 2021 13:30:18 +0000 K-pop stars don’t spring from nowhere. Behind the scenes, there are agents tasked with finding diamonds in the rough and transforming them into idols. Recruiting these future stars is known as talent scouting – and while some K-pop trainees realise their dreams after fighting through tough auditions, others are simply spotted in the most mundane circumstances by entertainment recruiters, and offered a life they might never have imagined. Over the years, there have been many weird and wonderful... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3142094/crazy-k-pop-scouting-stories-cha-eun-woo-and-bae-suzy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3142094/crazy-k-pop-scouting-stories-cha-eun-woo-and-bae-suzy?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 22 Jul 2021 08:55:24 +0000 For a sense of how big K-pop stars are in China, look no further than the entertainment shows that have gripped audiences since the start of 2021. For example, between February and May, Blackpink’s Lisa appeared as a judge for the third season of the boy band competition show Youth with You on the Chinese streaming website iQiyi. In April, the ninth season of Keep Running – an adaptation of South Korean variety show Running Man – featured (G)I-dle’s Yuqi and Lucas (Wong Yuk-hei), a member of boy... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/article/3139266/some-biggest-stars-china-come-k-pop-blackpinks-lisa-exos-lay-zhang?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/article/3139266/some-biggest-stars-china-come-k-pop-blackpinks-lisa-exos-lay-zhang?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 30 Jun 2021 23:15:06 +0000 The world of K-pop was filled with releases from some of the biggest names in the industry in June 2021. With many prominent groups releasing long-awaited albums, and others releasing addictive, refreshing singles, here’s what you need to check out from last month. Mamamoo Where We Are Now (June 2) Mamamoo reflect on their career with their WAW EP and the evocative power ballad Where Are we Now. The song arrived shortly before the news on June 11 that member Wheein would part ways with their... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/article/3139325/k-pop-must-listen-releases-june-2021-twice-exo-nct-seventeen?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/article/3139325/k-pop-must-listen-releases-june-2021-twice-exo-nct-seventeen?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 30 Jun 2021 14:15:10 +0000 NCT, the 23-strong K-pop mega group with shifting line-ups, have a big six months ahead, their label SM Entertainment has revealed. A day after the launch of an album by one of its subgroups, NCT Dream, SM said on June 29 that two others, NCT 127 and WayV, will also release LPs; the whole group will produce material together as NCT 2021; and the NCT concept will spread to the US with a survival television series, the winners of which will form a group called NCT Hollywood. Current NCT members... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/news/article/3139125/new-music-nct-aespa-and-other-k-pop-acts-coming-2021-says-sm?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/news/article/3139125/new-music-nct-aespa-and-other-k-pop-acts-coming-2021-says-sm?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 29 Jun 2021 05:52:16 +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 Exo are back, with something old and something new on their latest album, “Don’t Fight the Feeling”. Out on Monday, the mini-album, or EP, dubbed a “special album”, is fronted by a funky ’90s-feeling dance single, also called Don’t Fight the Feeling. In it, the popular K-pop group reflect on the emotions of moving forward in the face of change and choices, motivating listeners to move forward with them. The music video for the song also arrived yesterday, revisiting some elements previously... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3136479/exo-are-back-k-pop-boy-band-release-dont-fight-feeling-album?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3136479/exo-are-back-k-pop-boy-band-release-dont-fight-feeling-album?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 08 Jun 2021 14:15:05 +0000 The days of the passive, supportive K-pop fan – who’s content to simply cheer on their favourite idols and not much else – are over. As the K-pop industry becomes more saturated, fans are becoming more proactive, voicing their opinions and ever-louder criticisms, demanding more from stars as well as the agencies that manage them. Enter the term “fansumer”, combining the words “fan” and “consumer”, which highlights how fans can bring massive profits to artists and agencies – if they feel like it.... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3136349/how-k-pop-fans-control-idols-hating-lee-seung-gi-and-lee?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3136349/how-k-pop-fans-control-idols-hating-lee-seung-gi-and-lee?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 07 Jun 2021 08:46:10 +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 Dating in the world of K-pop is a sensitive topic, and agencies usually impose strict no dating rules on their stars, such as JYP’s famous “no dating until three years after the debut” rule. But some idols seem to have found a way around the restrictions. Here’s how they managed to date in secret. BinJin to Song-song: 5 Korean celebrity couples who denied dating at first Using match makers Usually surrounded by cameras, it’s not easy for idols to get to know the person they like outside their... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3133730/k-pop-dating-tips-how-do-idols-hook-secret-girls?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3133730/k-pop-dating-tips-how-do-idols-hook-secret-girls?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 17 May 2021 03:47:51 +0000 This article is part of Style’s Luxury Column When Exo’s Kai, one of the most successful K-pop stars of all time, recently debuted his eponymous solo EP, Gucci sent him and his team a coffee cart. The Italian fashion brand wanted to make sure that their most visible brand ambassador’s caffeinated well-being was guaranteed. The cart had two banners, one stating, “Congratulations to human Gucci, Kai, on his first solo album! Eat it deliciously while savouring it (Mmmh-mi).” The second simply said:... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/luxury/article/3133317/blackpinks-human-chanel-jennie-vs-exos-human-gucci-kai-what?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/luxury/article/3133317/blackpinks-human-chanel-jennie-vs-exos-human-gucci-kai-what?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 13 May 2021 06:39:10 +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 Exo will be back this June with a new album, the K-pop group announced last night. On June 7, Exo will release a new album titled Don’t Fight the Feeling. It will be their first since 2019’s Obsession, and is considered a “special album” from the group, in line with seasonal releases they’ve put out in the past. Don’t Fight the Feeling will arrive about two months after the band celebrated their ninth anniversary, which they commemorate on April 8 every year. The storyline the band is... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3133051/k-pop-group-exo-release-long-awaited-album-dont-fight-feeling?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3133051/k-pop-group-exo-release-long-awaited-album-dont-fight-feeling?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 11 May 2021 09:15:09 +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 Baehyun, a leading K-pop star with boy band Exo beloved for his his vocal and dance skills, turns 29 on May 6. Fans will have mixed feelings about that date, as he has also decided to enlist in compulsory military service on his birthday – though a long-running health issue means he will work as a public service worker and not complete active duty. To bid him adieu from the spotlight, STYLE takes look back at Baekhyun’s road to fame and what makes him so special. Interview: Jessi’s What Type of... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/k-pop/artists-celebrities/article/3132162/how-did-baekhyun-find-exo-k-pop-star?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/k-pop/artists-celebrities/article/3132162/how-did-baekhyun-find-exo-k-pop-star?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 04 May 2021 04:06:25 +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 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 Whether you know him as Exo’s former maknae, Tao, or by his nickname “King of C-pop”, there’s no denying that Z. Tao, or Huang Zitao, is a most talented entertainer.  The singer-songwriter, producer, rapper, actor and model has steadily gained popularity since debuting with the K-pop boy band in 2011, eventually making a name for himself as a solo artist in 2015. An avid follower of fashion and collector of expensive sports cars, Huang is also known for his luxurious lifestyle, which he freely... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3121013/how-does-chinese-k-pop-idol-huang-zitao-spend-his-wealth?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3121013/how-does-chinese-k-pop-idol-huang-zitao-spend-his-wealth?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 09 Feb 2021 00:00:16 +0000 Social media just might be one of the best ways to gauge a star’s popularity. After all, when celebrities aren’t appearing on the stage, the silver or small screen, or the fashion runway, they’re often offering glimpses into their lives and wardrobes on Instagram.  So – music charts and TV shows aside – who are the K-pop idols getting the most attention from fans on social media? A sneak peek at the K-pop bands set to debut in 2021 1. Blackpink It’s not surprising that all four Blackpink... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3120535/who-are-10-most-followed-k-pop-stars-instagram-blackpink?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3120535/who-are-10-most-followed-k-pop-stars-instagram-blackpink?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 05 Feb 2021 01:00:26 +0000 K-pop star D.O. has celebrated his return from military service with a cover of one of his own songs. The Exo member and popular South Korean actor, whose real name is Doh Kyung-soo, returned to civilian life on Monday after enlisting in South Korea’s armed forces in 2019. He greeted fans with a live stream that night and revealed that he’d performed a new version of his song That’s Okay that would be uploaded to the K-pop band’s YouTube channel to mark his return to the entertainment... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/news/article/3119304/do-exo-ends-military-service-and-live-streams-k-pop-fans?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/news/article/3119304/do-exo-ends-military-service-and-live-streams-k-pop-fans?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 26 Jan 2021 18:30:18 +0000 By Park Han-sol Low-quality videos, casual looks and outfits, simple practice rooms and the high-pitched squeaks of trainers scraping on floors. These elements have been typically associated with K-pop idols’ dance practice videos, which are often released as a bonus for fans, alongside the more glamorous and highly publicised official music videos. Blackpink’s How You Like That dance practice video became the first of its kind to surpass 500 million views on YouTube this month, showing that the... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3118847/bts-blackpink-k-pop-dance-practice-videos-are-all-rage-fans?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3118847/bts-blackpink-k-pop-dance-practice-videos-are-all-rage-fans?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 25 Jan 2021 14:15:10 +0000 Why do K-pop fans love Exo and SuperM’s Kai so very much? Take your pick: is it his perfect pop-and-lock dance moves, his stylish clothes (that often reveal a set of killer abs) or his brooding, sultry expressions? Other than being well-known as his groups’ dance machine, Kai, born Kim Jong-in, is also nicknamed “Human Gucci” for his fashion savvy and the head-to-toe looks he wears from the Italian designer house. But what about when he isn’t in front of the cameras or a live audience? Well, he... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3119076/k-pop-idol-kais-rise-fame-how-exo-and-superm-singer-went?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3119076/k-pop-idol-kais-rise-fame-how-exo-and-superm-singer-went?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 25 Jan 2021 02:41:05 +0000 Fans of Kai from Exo will know that the young star brims with confidence on stage – he’s never been shy when it comes to expressing himself in front of a crowd, which is just one of the reasons why he has a global fan base these days. #BoycottSM: why are K-pop fans calling out SM Entertainment? A famously gifted dancer, Kai – whose real name is Kim Jong-in – unleashed his first solo album at the end of November. However it seemed like the new endeavour has been nerve-racking even for him, as... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3112614/kai-exos-covid-19-safe-album-release-racy-youtube-video?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3112614/kai-exos-covid-19-safe-album-release-racy-youtube-video?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 06 Dec 2020 04:00:14 +0000 Exo member Kai may be best known as one of the K-pop act’s main dancers and for his good looks, but his debut solo release out this week also reveals that he is a captivating contemporary R&B artist. Kai, whose given name is Kim Jong-in, is the latest of Exo’s members to showcase his skills on a solo release. As a celebrity, Kai is best known for his dancing – he even had a solo routine during Exo’s performance at the closing ceremony of the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea – and model-esque... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/news/article/3112111/exo-member-kais-new-solo-ep-shows-hes-more-just-good-looks-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/news/article/3112111/exo-member-kais-new-solo-ep-shows-hes-more-just-good-looks-and?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 01 Dec 2020 14:15:14 +0000 Recently, SM Entertainment confirmed that Xiumin from Exo will soon be returning from compulsory military service, making him the first member of the South Korean boy band to return to civilian life, on December 6. Naturally, many fans are wondering what this means for the group, and also wondering which of his bandmates – and which other Korean idols – might be next to resume active musical duties. We did the digging to compile this list of a few stars you might be missing something... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3112000/exos-xiumin-leaving-army-following-shinees-minho-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3112000/exos-xiumin-leaving-army-following-shinees-minho-and?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 01 Dec 2020 00:00:30 +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 Exo member Xiumin is set to return to public life on December 6 after the K-pop star served in the South Korean military for 18 months. SM Entertainment, the South Korean company that manages Exo, said Xiumin was on his final leave and would not be returning to the military because of Covid-19-related regulations – thus marking his unofficial discharge. The label said Xiumin would keep his military status until December 6, however. Following the announcement, several hashtags related to Xiumin... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/news/article/3111036/k-pops-xiumin-back-exo-member-returning-public-life-after?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/news/article/3111036/k-pops-xiumin-back-exo-member-returning-public-life-after?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 23 Nov 2020 10:45:10 +0000 K-pop star Chanyeol has been accused by an alleged former girlfriend of cheating on her repeatedly during a three-year relationship. The allegations against Chanyeol – a member of the boy band Exo who was born Park Chan-yeol – were made by an anonymous commentator on a South Korean blogging platform. The commentator wrote that the pair broke up after being together for three years. His accuser writes that she later discovered Chanyeol had been involved with more than 10 other individuals during... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/news/article/3107718/k-pop-star-chanyeol-exo-accused-cheating-former-girlfriend?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/news/article/3107718/k-pop-star-chanyeol-exo-accused-cheating-former-girlfriend?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 30 Oct 2020 04:46:35 +0000 South Korean tattooist Doy counts Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt and members of K-pop band Exo among his celebrity clients, but his delicate, detailed designs could land him in prison. Now he is leading a campaign for the abolition of a law that reflects tattoos’ long-marginalised status in South Korea, where they were once associated almost exclusively with organised crime. While tattooing itself is not illegal, it is classed as a medical procedure and may only be carried out by a fully... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/3101016/south-korean-tattoo-artist-who-inked-brad-pitt-and-k-pop?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/3101016/south-korean-tattoo-artist-who-inked-brad-pitt-and-k-pop?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 12 Sep 2020 12:45:12 +0000