https://www.scmp.com/rss/503767/feed They may be called Seventeen, but this popular K-pop group is made up of 13 members divided into three sub-units: a hip-hop unit, a vocal unit and a performance unit. Seventeen are seen as a "self-producing" outfit, with the members involved in songwriting, choreography and production. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Jess Ma Jess Ma The Hong Kong Tourism Board invited more than 1,700 influencers from around the world to the city between 2023 and last year, with the internet personalities having a combined following exceeding 1.6 billion. Responding to an inquiry from lawmaker Chan Hoi-yan, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau said the board had invited 1,730 influencers to Hong Kong over two years, with itineraries tailored to their markets and audiences. “In 2026-27, [the board] will continue to develop themed... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3350512/tourism-board-invited-1730-influencers-hong-kong-over-2-years?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3350512/tourism-board-invited-1730-influencers-hong-kong-over-2-years?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Apr 2026 01:00:25 +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 Cherry Liu Cherry Liu Emma Myers, 23, has reprised her fan-favourite role as Enid Sinclair, the effervescent best friend and roommate of Wednesday Addams (played by Jenna Ortega), in the hit Netflix show Wednesday, which returned for its highly anticipated second season on August 6. At the London premiere on July 30, Myers looked striking in a magenta lace minidress by Alexander McQueen that balanced bold colour with gothic charm. She added a pair of red Jimmy Choo Etana sandals, which added a glossy edge to her... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people/celebrities/article/3320633/meet-actress-and-fashion-maven-emma-myers-aka-enid-sinclair-netflixs-wednesday?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people/celebrities/article/3320633/meet-actress-and-fashion-maven-emma-myers-aka-enid-sinclair-netflixs-wednesday?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 07 Aug 2025 22:00:08 +0000 SCMP’s Asia desk SCMP’s Asia desk The soaring global popularity of Labubu has prompted Australia to sound a warning over knock-off monster toys flooding online platforms as scammers try to exploit the collectibles frenzy fuelled by social media and celebrity endorsements. The pointy-eared, sharp-toothed dolls – designed by Hong Kong artist Lung Ka-sing and sold by Beijing-based Pop Mart – have attained cult status, commanding eye-popping prices and sparking in-store chaos as fans from Sydney to Singapore and London line up for... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3316637/labubu-or-lafufu-australian-consumer-watchdog-warns-scams-online-toy-mania-spreads?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3316637/labubu-or-lafufu-australian-consumer-watchdog-warns-scams-online-toy-mania-spreads?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 02 Jul 2025 08:04:29 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse The Labubu craze has reached new heights with a four-foot (1.2 metre) model of the plush toy fetching a price of 1.08 million yuan (US$150,260) at auction. On June 10, the teal character – “the only piece of its kind in the world”, according to Beijing Yongle International Auction, fetched the eye-watering sum at a sale held in China’s capital. It was offered alongside other Labubu paraphernalia, including a brown model that sold for 820,000 yuan. But these remarkable prices may be just the... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/fashion/trends/article/3314154/rare-labubu-toy-figures-auction-pharrell-williams-joopiter-site-offer-sacai-dressed-special-editions?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/fashion/trends/article/3314154/rare-labubu-toy-figures-auction-pharrell-williams-joopiter-site-offer-sacai-dressed-special-editions?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Jun 2025 09:13:54 +0000 By KTimes K-pop boy band Seventeen’s Woozi, holding back tears, said the group “never imagined standing here, let alone receiving these awards” after they claimed the artist of the year award at the 2024 Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) Awards in Osaka, Japan, on November 23. The group took home two grand prizes, including album of the year, alongside three additional trophies, further cementing their position as one of K-pop’s top acts. Debuting in 2015 under Pledis Entertainment, a medium-sized... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3288512/why-k-pops-seventeen-are-textbook-excellent-lack-broad-appeal-stray-kids-bts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3288512/why-k-pops-seventeen-are-textbook-excellent-lack-broad-appeal-stray-kids-bts?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 30 Nov 2024 09:15:07 +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 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 Nostalgia for the music of a decade ago is dominating South Korea in 2021, with artist reunions and remakes of older hits. While the third and fourth generation of K-pop stars are doing well internationally with sizeable global audiences, artists from K-pop’s second generation have been recently seeing a lot of love in South Korea’s entertainment industry, going back to the late 2000s and the early to mid-2010s as the industry and audiences alike enjoy the throwbacks. Popular YouTube channel... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3137852/second-generation-k-pop-renaissance-what-you-need-know-about?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3137852/second-generation-k-pop-renaissance-what-you-need-know-about?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 18 Jun 2021 14:15:00 +0000 K-pop boy band Seventeen are Ready to Love with their latest single, the title track off of their eighth EP, Your Choice, both out on Friday. The six-track album is tied into Seventeen’s “Power of Love” project, and is fittingly romantic. “Ready to Love is about feeling love for a person that I thought was a friend and be ready to courageously express my love. It’s an energetic R&B song that feels very fresh,” explained vocalist DK, also known by his given name Dokyeom, during a press conference... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3137915/k-pop-group-seventeen-drop-new-album-your-choice-exploring?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3137915/k-pop-group-seventeen-drop-new-album-your-choice-exploring?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 18 Jun 2021 09:42:13 +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 K-pop idols are a source of inspiration for their fans in many areas of their lives, from their artistry to their make-up, lifestyles, and fashion. Idols take the opportunity to wear the latest trends and releases from their favourite labels - from renowned designers to indie brands - when off duty, and, until the coronavirus pandemic shut them down, their concerts were showcases for their personal style. When the health crisis put travelling and promotional tours on hold, Korean pop celebrities... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/fashion-beauty/article/3131613/blackpinks-jennie-joy-red-velvet-jessica-jung-kai-exo-10-k?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/fashion-beauty/article/3131613/blackpinks-jennie-joy-red-velvet-jessica-jung-kai-exo-10-k?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 02 May 2021 12:15:13 +0000 From fashion to beauty, South Korea is the source of many of the latest trends for teens around the world. When it comes to hairstyles, the hottest new looks often originate on the heads of K-pop stars. The current permed hair trend among young people in Hong Kong and China is a direct reflection of the popularity of South Korea’s top boy bands. Chahong Room, a popular hair salon chain in South Korea, made choosing perms easy for young men by coming up with a perm catalogue. The names for the... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/fashion-beauty/article/3097235/jungkook-bts-flying-perm-chen-exos-front-frizz-latest?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/fashion-beauty/article/3097235/jungkook-bts-flying-perm-chen-exos-front-frizz-latest?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 14 Aug 2020 21:15:10 +0000 Five years ago, when beloved K-pop group Seventeen first took the limelight, few could have predicted the impact the 13-piece boy band would have on the world of K-pop and beyond. Away from the stage the group is known among fans for the wit and humour of its members, as displayed on various variety shows and music shows. View this post on Instagram A post shared by SEVENTEEN (@saythename_17) on Jul 9, 2016 at 2:18am PDT As the group celebrates its... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3085975/seventeens-5-best-youtube-clips-k-pop-boy-group?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3085975/seventeens-5-best-youtube-clips-k-pop-boy-group?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 25 May 2020 22:00:13 +0000 As South Korea endures its second wave of coronavirus outbreaks, those that have been spotted at potential hotspots are under intense scrutiny and criticism. While most of the general public may glide under the radar, celebrities are at the centre of the rumour mill. Here we separate fact from fiction. Everything we know about BTS’ new album so far Fact View this post on Instagram A post shared by KARA (@kara_k_world) on May 11, 2020 at 1:40am... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3085000/k-pops-jungkook-park-gyu-ri-and-song-min-ho-all-face?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3085000/k-pops-jungkook-park-gyu-ri-and-song-min-ho-all-face?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 19 May 2020 08:00:10 +0000 Kim Mingyu, the lead rapper of Seventeen, celebrated his 23rd birthday (24th in Korean tradition) on April 6. He is the face of the group beloved by fans around the world. Mingyu proves that he’s a multifaceted artist for his soulful lyric writing and acting cameos. Here are five things you need to know about the tallest member of Pledis Entertainment’s group. Forget K-pop, it’s time to K-rock – meet N.Flying 1. He appeared on NU’EST’s and Hello Venus’ MVs Joining the show in his second year... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3078966/5-things-know-about-kim-mingyu-lead-rapper-k-pop-band?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3078966/5-things-know-about-kim-mingyu-lead-rapper-k-pop-band?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 08 Apr 2020 07:05:31 +0000 K-pop juggernaut BTS staged gigs in 23 cities around the globe during its world tour this year, but the seven-piece band did not perform in one rather noteworthy neighbouring country – China. The 2019 Cannes-winning comedy-thriller Parasite, by South Korean auteur Bong Joon-ho, was to be screened at a Chinese film festival in July, but China suddenly called it off due to a “technical reason”. These are just a few examples of China's “unofficial” restrictions on hallyu, or Korean culture,... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3040955/will-bts-ever-perform-china-how-k-pop-and-korean-culture?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3040955/will-bts-ever-perform-china-how-k-pop-and-korean-culture?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Dec 2019 08:53:39 +0000 One of the K-pop industry’s biggest annual awards shows will be skipping Hong Kong this year due to the city’s ongoing protests, a source with direct knowledge of the matter says. The Mnet Asian Music Awards (Mama) were launched in 1999 by South Korean entertainment company CJ E&M and have been staged in Hong Kong every year since 2012, as well as in other Asian cities including Macau, Singapore and Yokohama. Last year, the Mama ceremonies were split between Hong Kong, Seoul and Saitama in... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3037300/hong-kong-protests-reason-top-k-pop-awards-show-skipping?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3037300/hong-kong-protests-reason-top-k-pop-awards-show-skipping?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 12 Nov 2019 03:28:33 +0000 The way global superband BTS rose to stardom is unique: word of BTS reached Koreans after the seven-member boy band had already found success in the US mainstream market. Before BTS gained notoriety, there was a single, fixed formula for K-pop bands to become successful: they had to do well domestically first, and if word spread abroad, overseas agents would then to invite them to perform. BTS, also known as the Bangtan Boys, broke the domestic success-driven model after Park Jae-sang, known as... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3031263/are-bts-and-other-k-pop-groups-ignoring-korean-fans?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3031263/are-bts-and-other-k-pop-groups-ignoring-korean-fans?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 02 Oct 2019 09:00:15 +0000 K-pop boy band SEVENTEEN marked the beginning of its world tour, Ode To You, with three concerts in the South Korean capital, Seoul. This is the 13-member group's second world tour, following Diamond Edge two years ago. We named the concert Ode To You because we wanted to show and sing all the things we wanted to say to you [fans] Mingyu, SEVENTEEN More than 40,000 people attended the shows last Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Olympic Park KSPO Dome. The world tour will see the group, which... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3025493/k-pop-boy-band-seventeen-begins-its-ode-you-world-tour?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3025493/k-pop-boy-band-seventeen-begins-its-ode-you-world-tour?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 03 Sep 2019 07:30:03 +0000 Some of the biggest names in K-pop are coming together in Hong Kong for the SBS Super Concert after a similar show in Taipei, Taiwan last year. On July 6, fans at AsiaWorld-Arena will screaming to the sounds of Exo, Taeyeon, Seventeen, Mamamoo, Winner and AB6IX. If you want to see them live you’d better hurry because tickets are selling fast. Here’s an introduction to the artists performing at the SBS Super Concert. Exo One of South Korea’s biggest boy bands, Exo have racked up an endless... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3016465/winner-exo-seventeen-what-you-need-know-about-k-pop?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3016465/winner-exo-seventeen-what-you-need-know-about-k-pop?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 28 Jun 2019 10:45:05 +0000 The annual SBS Super Concert has become one of the highlights of the K-pop calendar since the inaugural event in 2011. This year, the South Korean broadcasting company is setting up stage at Hong Kong’s AsiaWorld-Expo on July 6, after being held in Taipei last summer. 5 things you didn’t know about Tyler Kwon, K-pop star Jessica Jung’s super-rich boyfriend Here are six things you need to know about the concert. 1. Taeyeon shows off her latest material Taeyeon performed in Hong Kong back in the... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people-events/article/3014052/sbs-super-concert-6-things-you-need-know-about-these?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people-events/article/3014052/sbs-super-concert-6-things-you-need-know-about-these?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 11 Jun 2019 10:14:28 +0000 K-pop bands Seventeen and BLACKPINK will perform at the annual Summer Sonic music festival in Tokyo and Osaka in August. The 13-piece boy band Seventeen will appear at Osaka's Maishima Sonic Park on August 17, the second day of the three-day festival, according to the festival’s official website. Seventeen is on its way to the top of the K-pop scene The Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Chainsmokers and The 1975 are among the acts from around the world which will appear on the bill. BLACKPINK will... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people-events/article/2188263/k-pop-acts-seventeen-and-blackpink-confirmed-play?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people-events/article/2188263/k-pop-acts-seventeen-and-blackpink-confirmed-play?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 01 Mar 2019 09:39:10 +0000 Internationally renowned K-pop boy band BTS won five prizes, including best Asian artist, at Tuesday’s annual Japan Gold Disc Awards. K-pop band BTS to play 4 Hong Kong concerts in March BTS’ third full-length Japanese album, “Face Yourself”, released last April, also picked up the album of the year award and the best 3 albums award at this year’s 33rd ceremony, hosted by Japan’s Recording Industry Association, which recognises artists’ music sales.   The seven-member South Korean group won... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people-events/article/2187869/k-pop-boy-band-bts-wins-best-asian-artist-and-four?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people-events/article/2187869/k-pop-boy-band-bts-wins-best-asian-artist-and-four?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 27 Feb 2019 04:46:35 +0000 K-pop boy band Seventeen’s Hoshi dislocated his shoulder during a concert, rushed backstage for treatment, and got back on stage before the end. The leader of the Performance Team, one of the three units of the band, sustained the injury while dancing to their eighth track, Chuck, during “The 2018 Seventeen Concert ‘Ideal Cut – The Final Scene’ in Seoul” at Olympic Gymnastics Arena inside the Olympic Park in Songpa-gu, Seoul on Sunday November 4. K-pop boy band BTS raise US$1.4 million for... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people-events/article/2171884/hoshi-k-pop-band-seventeen-dislocates-his-shoulder?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people-events/article/2171884/hoshi-k-pop-band-seventeen-dislocates-his-shoulder?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 06 Nov 2018 05:30:49 +0000 TVXQ, Big Bang, EXO and BTS. Who is the next commander of the K-pop scene? Myriad boy and girl bands are jockeying for position, using their distinctive charm and talent. Seventeen is one of the strong contenders. The 13-member band of Pledis Entertainment has conquered several charts at home and abroad with its latest mini album, “You Make My Day”, and lead track Oh My! 7 K-pop boy bands that are poised to take over the world this year The band wowed people when it debuted at No.3 on... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/2159746/seventeen-its-way-top-k-pop-scene?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/2159746/seventeen-its-way-top-k-pop-scene?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 Aug 2018 09:01:13 +0000