https://www.scmp.com/rss/503706/feed This five-member girl group - made up of Irene, Seulgi, Wendy, Joy and Yeri - are one of the most popular K-pop girl groups worldwide, The “red” in their name refers to their brighter and bubblier side, while “velvet” refers to their softer, more mature side. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com By Dong Sun-hwa The K-pop music scene in 2022 was filled with female acts and girl groups, and their dominance is likely to continue as a number of A-list stars prepare to drop new music this year. GOT the Beat, a project group made up of seven female singers under K-pop powerhouse SM Entertainment, put out their first mini-album, Stamp On It, on January 16. Stamp On It, fronted by a lead single of the same name, features six songs that touch on diverse topics. “Alter Ego”, for instance,... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3206981/k-pop-releases-january-2023-twices-new-single-mini-album-got-beat-and-more-come-host-girl-groups-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3206981/k-pop-releases-january-2023-twices-new-single-mini-album-got-beat-and-more-come-host-girl-groups-and?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Jan 2023 03:15:15 +0000 Halfway through 2022, we have seen some major K-pop releases. And the South Korean pop scene is nowhere near done on that front, with several popular acts confirming upcoming releases, and rumours of new music from others. In June, there were hits from dozens of popular acts, including Kep1er, Loona and Got7’s Youngjae, bookended by BTS’ anthology album Proof and the first solo album from Twice’s Nayeon. J-Hope of BTS is dropping his album Jack in the Box on July 15, and the first single, More,... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/news/article/3183446/upcoming-k-pop-releases-summer-2022-bts-j-hope-itzy-seventeen?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/news/article/3183446/upcoming-k-pop-releases-summer-2022-bts-j-hope-itzy-seventeen?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 01 Jul 2022 08:15:18 +0000 While there are numerous releases from K-pop acts that drop each week, 2022 is gearing up to be a major year. Here are five releases that are must-hears for any K-pop fan. BigBang The group that defined much of the K-pop world for years is, after a lengthy hiatus and minus a now-imprisoned former member, returning with their first single since 2018’s Flower Road. Nothing is known yet about the release, but BigBang’s label, YG Entertainment, confirms a music video has been filmed and it’s... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/news/article/3170930/stray-kids-bts-and-red-velvet-all-dropping-new-music-2022-5-k?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/news/article/3170930/stray-kids-bts-and-red-velvet-all-dropping-new-music-2022-5-k?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 19 Mar 2022 10:15:16 +0000 Valentine’s Day is celebrated around the world on February 14 as a day of love and romance. No matter how or with whom you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day 2022, there’s a perfect K-pop song to match the occasion. For a first date Day6’s confessional I Like You For a romantic night out Monsta X’s sweet, but also sneakily sexy, Love U For an adventure date NCT 127’s upbeat Love Me Now For a still new couple Red Velvet’s eager and excited My Second Date For a Valentine’s Day you’ll remember... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/article/3166925/best-k-pop-songs-valentines-day-bts-nct-twice-and-more?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/article/3166925/best-k-pop-songs-valentines-day-bts-nct-twice-and-more?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 14 Feb 2022 05:45:19 +0000 Girls on Top is the newest K-pop girl group under Korean mega-label SM Entertainment, which debuted on January 1. But its seven members are no stranger to the label’s audience, since they comprise a collection of the biggest female K-pop idols ever – including soloist Boa, Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon and Hyoyeon, Red Velvet’s Wendy and Seulgi, and Aespa’s Winter and Karina. Thanks to their previous successes, they’re already all millionaires – but who is the richest of them all? Let’s take a... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3161680/whos-richest-member-girls-top-k-pops-new-supergroup-net?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3161680/whos-richest-member-girls-top-k-pops-new-supergroup-net?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 02 Jan 2022 03:00:46 +0000 K-pop fans rejoice: Girls on Top is coming, a group featuring some of the biggest names of the past two decades. The new group, formed by South Korean media giant SM Entertainment, features soloist BoA, Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon and Hyoyeon, Red Velvet’s Wendy and Seulgi, and Aespa’s Winter and Karina. Girls On Top are slated to perform together for the first time on New Year’s Day at SM Entertainment’s New Year concert, and their first song will be released on January 3. Each of the singers... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/news/article/3161130/female-superm-k-pop-group-girls-top-feature-aespa-pair-boa?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/news/article/3161130/female-superm-k-pop-group-girls-top-feature-aespa-pair-boa?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 27 Dec 2021 04:08:40 +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 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 With the heat of August came a fierce battle for the K-pop soundtrack of summer 2021. Many artists released bright, vibrant dance tracks with that seasonal feel. Here are the must-listen K-pop releases of August, including some welcome returns and comebacks. Somi Dumb Dumb (August 2) Sometimes you just want to dance around your bedroom to a bright, peppy dance track, and that’s what soloist Somi served up with her third single, Dumb Dumb. Leaning into the “high-teen” trend taking South Korea by... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/artists-celebrities/article/3147005/best-k-pop-august-2021-bts-cl-red-velvet-ten?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/artists-celebrities/article/3147005/best-k-pop-august-2021-bts-cl-red-velvet-ten?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 31 Aug 2021 14:15:08 +0000 “Shall we start again?” asks Red Velvet in their latest single Queendom, which dropped on August 16. Released soon after Red Velvet celebrated their seventh anniversary on August 1, the song heralds a new era for the K-pop quintet after a hiatus older than the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Queendom, which serves as the lead track and shares a name with the title of their sixth EP, arrives more than a year after the K-pop girl group’s last album, December 2019’s Psycho. Since then, they’ve faced ups... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3145329/k-pops-red-velvet-reign-triumphant-queendom-girl-groups-long?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3145329/k-pops-red-velvet-reign-triumphant-queendom-girl-groups-long?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Aug 2021 14:15:09 +0000 K-pop is full of acts looking to be the summer hit of 2021. August will see high-profile releases from some of the industry’s most prominent female acts, as well as some rising rookies, plus the long-awaited return of some of K-pop’s brightest stars. Astro – After Midnight (August 2) The boy band have brought a summery vibe to their latest single. Groovy synth pop at its finest, After Midnight is a song about a perfect night but is also a bright, sunny tune perfect for blasting at full volume... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3143630/k-pop-must-listen-releases-august-2021-blackpink-ncts-ten-red?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3143630/k-pop-must-listen-releases-august-2021-blackpink-ncts-ten-red?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 03 Aug 2021 14:15:11 +0000 K-pop girl group Red Velvet are going to celebrate their seventh anniversary in a regal way with the release of their new album, Queendom. Set to drop on August 16, the band’s sixth EP comes a year and a half after their last release, December 2019’s LP The ReVe Festival: Finale fronted by the single Psycho. Queendom was announced on Sunday, coinciding with the band’s anniversary celebrations. Ahead of its release, the members of Red Velvet were featured in a series of videos highlighting... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3143469/k-pops-red-velvet-announce-long-awaited-return-queendom-album?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3143469/k-pops-red-velvet-announce-long-awaited-return-queendom-album?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 02 Aug 2021 07:45:08 +0000 Red Velvet celebrates its seventh anniversary today! Since debuting on August 1, 2014, the K-pop girl group has become known for its cute, catchy and summery songs. Why is ‘genderless’ fashion the K-pop style statement of the moment? The band saw a dip in popularity in October 2020 after the public caught wind of a bullying scandal involving Irene and a stylist, leading to a halt in public appearances and disappointing fans. But fast forward almost a year later and Red Velvet is officially... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3143218/red-velvet-celebrates-7-years-new-comeback-album-what?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3143218/red-velvet-celebrates-7-years-new-comeback-album-what?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 01 Aug 2021 04:00:16 +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 Some new K-pop songs, including recent releases from girl group Aespa and Joy of Red Velvet, are remakes of old tunes. Aespa’s single Next Level, issued in May, is a remake of a 2019 song from a Fast and Furious film soundtrack, and Joy’s first mini album, “Hello” – released on May 31 – sees the vocalist recreating some of South Korea’s biggest hits from the 1990s and ’00s. In February, Aespa also released Forever, a remake of a song from the ’00s. Both Joy and Aespa are under media company SM... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3135711/remakes-and-covers-are-having-moment-k-pop-thanks-joy-red?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3135711/remakes-and-covers-are-having-moment-k-pop-thanks-joy-red?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 03 Jun 2021 14:15:06 +0000 As K-pop enjoys an increasingly global audience, fans have been treated to more and more collaborations between Korean idols and international pop stars – from BTS and Nicki Minaj’s song Idol, to Blackpink’s collab with Lady Gaga on Sour Candy, and Red Velvet and John Legend’s Written in the Stars. So who else can we expect to collaborate in the future? And can we look to our favourite K-pop stars’ own idol crushes for clues? It turns out everyone from Blackpink’s Lisa to IU has been showing... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3127908/dream-k-pop-collabs-blackpink-x-lady-gaga-and-bts-feat?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3127908/dream-k-pop-collabs-blackpink-x-lady-gaga-and-bts-feat?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 01 Apr 2021 05:07:33 +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 By Park Ji-won Last year, haute couture designer Kay Kim received an unexpected phone call from Lee Soo-man, the founder and chief director of SM Entertainment. SM, one of the big four entertainment agencies in South Korea, along with JYP Entertainment, YG Entertainment and Big Hit Entertainment, was about to unveil girl band Aespa. It was the first time in six years that SM was launching a new girl band. The “international K-pop act” – made up of a Japanese, a Chinese and two Korean girls –... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/fashion-beauty/article/3123240/haute-couture-designer-k-pop-costume-creator-aespas-debut?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/fashion-beauty/article/3123240/haute-couture-designer-k-pop-costume-creator-aespas-debut?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 27 Feb 2021 07:45:13 +0000 Actor Shin Seung-ho may not sound familiar to many K-drama viewers, but his works likely are. Since debuting in 2017, the South Korean talent has built up an impressive career, appearing mostly in teen romance series such as web drama A-Teen, Netflix’s Love Alarm and JTBC’s At Eighteen (also known as Moments of 18).However the football player-turned-actor has finally landed his first lead film role opposite Bae Joo-hyun, better known by her stage name, Irene, of girl band Red Velvet, in the... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3122611/who-red-velvet-idol-irenes-hot-leading-man-double-patty?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3122611/who-red-velvet-idol-irenes-hot-leading-man-double-patty?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 22 Feb 2021 07:00:14 +0000 The journey of an aspiring K-pop idol begins with being scouted or accepted through an audition, followed by years of rigorous training, and finally debuting in front of the public. But there’s another element that diehard fans are painfully aware of: the seven-year contract. Trainees sign contracts and live in dormitories so that their entertainment agency can better micromanage their diets, relationships and overall behaviour. Under most of these contracts, trainees are usually required to... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3118726/we-lost-got7-k-pops-seven-year-curse-will-these-groups?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3118726/we-lost-got7-k-pops-seven-year-curse-will-these-groups?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 22 Jan 2021 00:00:24 +0000 Red Velvet’s Wendy may have been born into a rich family, but she is known to keep a low profile when it comes to spending her money. Since the Korean girl group’s debut in 2014, fans have praised Wendy and her co-members for not buying fancy cars and large houses, and instead donating a portion of their earnings to worthwhile causes – especially those who were affected by the Covid-19 outbreak. This past Christmas, Wendy made the most of her time off by spending it with her loved ones. But on... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3116933/how-rich-red-velvets-wendy-dolce-gabbana-wearing-k-pop?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3116933/how-rich-red-velvets-wendy-dolce-gabbana-wearing-k-pop?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 08 Jan 2021 07:25:34 +0000 As the new year kicks off, 2021 shows great promise for K-pop built off the potential it showed last year. Though 2020 was a tough year, it also brought an immense show of strength from Seoul-based pop acts: BTS made history with every other breath they took, while Blackpink and NCT soared to greater heights than ever before. Established artists showed their worth as soloists, while younger acts asserted their rising power in K-pop with impactful releases. Musically, disco pop made its mark on... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/news/article/3116689/k-pop-2021-what-expect-return-red-velvet-and-shinee-aespas?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/news/article/3116689/k-pop-2021-what-expect-return-red-velvet-and-shinee-aespas?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 06 Jan 2021 14:25:12 +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 K-pop girl group Red Velvet are facing an uncertain future with member Irene under pressure to leave the group due to a bullying scandal involving a stylist. Debuting in 2014 and known for their stand-out musicality, the quintet have been inactive for most of 2020 since member Wendy was injured during a live performance last December. With Wendy recently returning to the industry following her recovery, Red Velvet were expected to release new music before the end of the year. But earlier this... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/news/article/3107345/how-irene-red-velvets-bullying-scandal-gives-insight-abuse?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/news/article/3107345/how-irene-red-velvets-bullying-scandal-gives-insight-abuse?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 28 Oct 2020 04:45:06 +0000 By Dong Sun-hwa Irene of K-pop girl group Red Velvet may have apologised over a bullying scandal involving her stylist, but some fans are still demanding she quit the act. “If Irene does not leave the band, the scandal will haunt Red Velvet and deal a critical blow to the band’s image,” a group fan community, DC Inside Red Velvet, said in a statement after Red Velvet’s leader admitted she had verbally attacked a stylist/fashion editor during a recent filming session, and apologised. “I sincerely... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3107090/irene-k-pop-group-red-velvet-under-pressure-leave-band?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3107090/irene-k-pop-group-red-velvet-under-pressure-leave-band?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 26 Oct 2020 19:45:16 +0000 South Korean society has been doing some belated soul searching over the issue of gender inequality of late, facing up to the deep-seated discrimination that is widely known as “men’s gender authority”. The exposure of Korea’s patriarchal culture in certain industries is starting to rile young women online, especially when it comes to K-pop and K-drama. Sadly, the reality remains that those who speak out still require a certain amount of bravery to do so, especially in the world of entertainment... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3103328/how-red-velvet-bae-suzy-and-gong-hyo-jin-are-leading-k?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3103328/how-red-velvet-bae-suzy-and-gong-hyo-jin-are-leading-k?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 28 Sep 2020 07:53:12 +0000 Jeju-born Korean idol and actress Joy has been in the spotlight since making a debut as part of Red Velvet in 2014. But today the girl group’s lead rapper and sub-vocalist not only excels within RV, but also in her solo activities – scoring top music awards nods and shining on TV screens alike. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Joy (@_imyour_joy) on Jun 14, 2020 at 8:05am PDT As the singer born Park Soo-young turns 24 (or 25 in Korean ages)... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3099760/red-velvets-joy-celebrates-her-24th-birthday-heres-5?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3099760/red-velvets-joy-celebrates-her-24th-birthday-heres-5?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 02 Sep 2020 01:00:09 +0000 By Lee Gyu-lee Singers Irene and Seulgi of K-pop outfit Red Velvet are breaking new ground for the girl group with their debut solo project. The new duo Irene & Seulgi – the first subunit of Red Velvet – released their first album, Monster, on Monday. It immediately hit the top of multiple music streaming charts, including the iTunes charts in 45 regions worldwide. The duo say they are “confident of their chemistry”, despite being the first spin-off act from Red Velvet. “We spent the most time... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3092344/first-album-irene-and-seulgi-red-velvet-monster-shows-k-pop?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3092344/first-album-irene-and-seulgi-red-velvet-monster-shows-k-pop?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 08 Jul 2020 15:30:09 +0000 Blackpink and Lady Gaga made history with their track Sour Candy smashing records in Australia, the US and UK – but they weren’t the first, or even best, to cross worlds. With all eyes on the world of K-pop right now, we’re shining a light on some of the other top collaborations between the biggest stars from different sides of the planet. BTS’ 10 best collaborations – from Nicki Minaj to Lil Nas X Dua Lipa and Blackpink – Kiss and Make Up Even those who weren’t familiar with Blackpink before... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3089809/blackpink-x-lady-gaga-6-biggest-k-pop-collabs-starring?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3089809/blackpink-x-lady-gaga-6-biggest-k-pop-collabs-starring?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 20 Jun 2020 07:00:13 +0000 A cornerstone of the K-pop industry is its training, a process that can be tough and lengthy for many young hopefuls. And for Seulgi – who would eventually become a superstar as a member of girl group Red Velvet – her seven years of training were often filled with moments of self-doubt. However, those tough times taught her valuable lessons which have inspired her musical career. Get to know Seulgi’s inspiring story so far. Her early life Kang Seul-gi was born in Ansan, in South Korea’s most... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3077331/seulgi-red-velvet-singer-dancers-struggles-trainee-helped?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3077331/seulgi-red-velvet-singer-dancers-struggles-trainee-helped?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 29 Mar 2020 14:00:09 +0000 The indisputable breakout star and winner of Netflix’s latest fashion show Next In Fashion, Minju Kim, is an award-winning designer who has created outfits for some of K-pop’s most beloved bands. With her humble, friendly demeanour and whimsical, fashion-forward designs, Kim quickly captured the hearts of hosts Alexa Chung and Queer Eye’s Tan France, as well as the audience, and her shock at winning endeared her even further. “It’s surreal watching myself on screen, since we filmed this last... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3076880/meet-minju-kim-k-pop-fashion-designer-and-breakout-star?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3076880/meet-minju-kim-k-pop-fashion-designer-and-breakout-star?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Mar 2020 07:05:27 +0000 Musical talent is required of all K-pop stars, but it’s certainly not everything. Many go from K-pop into acting, modelling, hosting and other endeavours that put their music on the back burner. Wendy from K-pop girl band Red Velvet offers a reminder of just how far a dedicated, passionate lover of music can go in the industry. Here’s why the world is taking notice of the powerhouse vocalist. Her early life She was born Son Seung-wan in Seoul’s Seongbuk-dong district on February 21, 1994. Her... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3073969/wendy-red-velvet-powerhouse-vocalist-musician-through-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3073969/wendy-red-velvet-powerhouse-vocalist-musician-through-and?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 08 Mar 2020 14:00:08 +0000 South Korea has the most recorded cases of Covid-19 outside China, with cases reaching over 4,000, according to The Straits Times. About 90 per cent of this number comes from the city of Daegu, the centre of the outbreak. Alongside the government’s responses to contain the virus and alleviate the suffering of those affected, entertainment agencies, celebrities and idols have donated to health and welfare organisations to help fight the virus. Daegu-born actors, singers and entertainment stars... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3064798/coronavirus-korea-daegu-born-stars-suga-bts-son-ye-jin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3064798/coronavirus-korea-daegu-born-stars-suga-bts-son-ye-jin?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 03 Mar 2020 10:51:14 +0000 K-pop is at an all-time high and the genre owes a great deal of its international success to Spotify, the global audio streaming subscription service which is now dominated by the infectious sound from South Korea. In 2014, Spotify launched its K-pop flagship playlist K-pop Daebak, which now has more than 2.4 million followers. Between January 2014 and January this year, K-pop streams increased more than 1,800 per cent and during the same period users listened to more than 134 billion minutes of... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3052419/how-spotify-had-hand-k-pops-meteoric-rise-bts-blackpink-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3052419/how-spotify-had-hand-k-pops-meteoric-rise-bts-blackpink-and?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 27 Feb 2020 07:00:09 +0000 K-pop singer Way, a former member of girl group Crayon Pop, remembers being confused when her agency once called her and other members of the group to discuss the revelation of a relationship between two K-pop idols. According to Way, the Chrome Entertainment agency said the career of the female celebrity was virtually over now that the relationship had been made public. The agency warned them not to get involved in any romantic relationships if they valued their careers. “I didn’t understand... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3051389/how-female-k-pop-idols-suffer-gender-inequality-and-are?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3051389/how-female-k-pop-idols-suffer-gender-inequality-and-are?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 22 Feb 2020 13:00:13 +0000 The influence of K-pop goes far beyond music. Fashion, especially, has embraced the global phenomenon by sitting K-pop influencers at high-profile runway shows in Paris and all over the world. As the year of 2019 comes to a close, we look back at the Korean stars that made a splash in the global fashion arena. Who was the year’s best-dressed style icon to you? BTS wore Korean designers to the Grammys The boys of K-pop behemoth BTS are no stranger to international designers, having worn looks... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3044033/bts-blackpinks-lisa-or-exos-kai-grammys-which-k-pop?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3044033/bts-blackpinks-lisa-or-exos-kai-grammys-which-k-pop?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 01 Jan 2020 05:00:18 +0000 Even at STYLE we get star-struck from time to time, and some of the interviews from 2019 made us thankful we had our jobs. We were fortunate enough to interview actors, athletes, royalty and more. Take a look at our top celebrity videos for the year. Exclusive interview with Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York We met Sarah Ferguson when she was Hong Kong and got to spend more than an hour with the duchess. We asked her everything from her thoughts on the Hong Kong protests, to dealing with... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3043699/juju-chan-red-velvet-which-top-celebrity-interview-was?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3043699/juju-chan-red-velvet-which-top-celebrity-interview-was?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 30 Dec 2019 18:00:10 +0000 South Korea is considering a ban on celebrity endorsements of alcoholic drinks, in a bid to end the glamorisation of drinking culture and cut rates of consumption among young people. The proposed move is being spearheaded by the country’s Ministry of Health and Welfare, which wants to see famous faces banished from drinks packaging and removed from accompanying advertising by as early as next year. No more soju calendars with nearly nude women in South Korea Kim Euk, an administrator of mental... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/people/article/3040975/k-pop-alcohol-ads-face-ban-south-korea-amid-rise-underage-drinking?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/people/article/3040975/k-pop-alcohol-ads-face-ban-south-korea-amid-rise-underage-drinking?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 08 Dec 2019 23:30:08 +0000 The summer return of K-pop female quintet Red Velvet encountered a problem even before the group’s new album hit the shelves. On Tuesday the group released a new mini-album “The ReVe Festival Day 2”, with the lead track Umpah Umpah. However, their outfits from the teaser photo have drawn more attention than the song as a designer claimed the clothes were copies of outfits from her brand. The accusation arose when the teaser image and music video of their album were revealed on Monday, showing... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/fashion-beauty/article/3023845/red-velvet-new-album-sees-group-accused-copying-us?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/fashion-beauty/article/3023845/red-velvet-new-album-sees-group-accused-copying-us?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 22 Aug 2019 03:48:58 +0000 If you are not already singing along to K-pop girl band sensation Red Velvet’s new song Zimzalabim, then you are missing out. The five-piece girl group, consisting of members Irene, Wendy, Joy, Yeri and Seulgi, has been in Hong Kong as part of its brand ambassador duties to celebrate the first anniversary of the opening of The Shilla Duty Free’s Beauty & You, the one-stop beauty and fashion accessories shop at Hong Kong International Airport. 5 things to know about K-pop star ‘Teddy Bear’... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people-events/article/3021811/what-did-k-pop-stars-red-velvet-have-say-us-when-they?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people-events/article/3021811/what-did-k-pop-stars-red-velvet-have-say-us-when-they?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 07 Aug 2019 13:51:24 +0000 Irene, the leader and main vocalist of the K-pop girl group, Red Velvet – whose real name is Bae Joo-hyun – turns 28 today.         View this post on Instagram                   저희도 사랑합니다 ReVeluv️상 받은 거 축하해요! 오늘도 러비들 덕분에 참 든든했고 또 덕분에 내가 작년에 참 좋은 여름을 보냈었구나! 라는 생각이 들어서 뿌듯했답니다 다가오는 모든 계절도 건강하고 즐겁게 함께 보내요 우리 감사합니다#WeLoveutooReVeluv A post shared by Red Velvet Official (@redvelvet.smtown) on Jan 23, 2019 at 5:55am PST As we pay homage to the birthday girl, check out four... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people-events/article/3003418/how-k-pop-girl-band-black-velvets-irene-powered-her?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people-events/article/3003418/how-k-pop-girl-band-black-velvets-irene-powered-her?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 29 Mar 2019 02:00:11 +0000 Khang Seulgi of Red Velvet is often referred to as “Teddy Bear Seulgi” by her adoring fans. Known for her priceless reactions and funny one-liners, the singer never ceases to surprise and raise laughs. On her birthday, February 10, we list five occasions where we got to see Seulgi at her best. ‘No’, lyrics in K-pop girl band CLC’s latest single really do rebel against beauty standards — but do they mean it? 1. Back to school In an episode of Off to School, a South Korean TV show where... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people-events/article/2185402/5-things-know-about-k-pop-star-teddy-bear-seulgi-her?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people-events/article/2185402/5-things-know-about-k-pop-star-teddy-bear-seulgi-her?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 10 Feb 2019 04:01:57 +0000 Colourful, energetic and elegant, South Korea’s Red Velvet are a K-pop group with a surprising level of artistry in their music. Irene from Red Velvet: the first feminist icon in K-pop? The “red” in their band name represents their wild, youthful side, while “velvet” symbolises the sophistication that lies behind their fun image. And it’s partly this duality that has made Joy, Irene, Seulgi, Wendy and Yeri so popular since their debut in 2014. Apart from their landmark show in North Korea in... https://www.scmp.com/culture/music/article/2151849/k-pop-star-joy-red-velvet-talks-about-her-name-her-image-and-her?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/culture/music/article/2151849/k-pop-star-joy-red-velvet-talks-about-her-name-her-image-and-her?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 23 Jun 2018 12:30:15 +0000