https://www.scmp.com/rss/507631/feed en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Associated Press Associated Press All seven members log onto a live stream, broadcast from a beach. A few years ago, it would have been a common image. But since the K-pop boy band BTS pressed pause on their full-band duties for nearly four years, it is revelatory. That is the scene at the start of BTS: The Return, a new Netflix documentary directed by Bao Nguyen (The Stringer, The Greatest Night in Pop) and produced by This Machine (Martha, Karol G) and Hybe, the South Korean entertainment company behind BTS. The mostly... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3347781/netflix-documentary-bts-return-highlights-k-pop-kings-comeback-album?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3347781/netflix-documentary-bts-return-highlights-k-pop-kings-comeback-album?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Mar 2026 11:15:07 +0000 David D. Lee David D. Lee Gwanghwamun Square, the symbolic centre of the South Korean capital Seoul, is home to two statues – King Sejong, architect of the Korean alphabet Hangul, and Admiral Yi Sun-shin, the naval hero who repelled Japanese invasions – with the gates of the historical Gyeongbokgung Palace rising behind them. On March 21, this open-air plaza will play host to a different kind of national icon: BTS. The seven-member group – made up of members RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook – will stage a... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3346835/free-bts-concert-mark-k-pop-comeback-no-other-are-you-ready-army?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3346835/free-bts-concert-mark-k-pop-comeback-no-other-are-you-ready-army?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Mar 2026 23:15:08 +0000 The Korea Times The Korea Times Like many other things in Korea, K-pop rarely pauses to explain itself. New groups debut, concepts cycle, controversies surface and fade. The industry absorbs the moment, recalibrates and quickly moves on. That forward momentum has long been part of its appeal. It is also what makes the system difficult to read from the outside. However, beneath the choreography and camera-ready polish, a quieter question persists: why does K-pop feel so engineered, not just in sound or style, but in how its... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-drama/bands/article/3342461/stray-kids-aespa-k-pop-loving-business-expert-breaks-down-industrys-systems?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-drama/bands/article/3342461/stray-kids-aespa-k-pop-loving-business-expert-breaks-down-industrys-systems?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Feb 2026 04:45:08 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse K-pop megastars BTS will release a new album in March ahead of a world tour, the group announced on Thursday. South Korea’s biggest musical act has been on self-described hiatus since 2022 as its members undertook national military service required of all men under the age of 30. All seven members were discharged last year, and the group announced a comeback for the spring of 2026. They confirmed on Thursday that they would release an album on March 20, before heading on tour. The exact date... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3338420/k-pop-stars-bts-reunite-march-album-and-world-tour-after-military-service?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3338420/k-pop-stars-bts-reunite-march-album-and-world-tour-after-military-service?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 01 Jan 2026 11:31:39 +0000 The Korea Times The Korea Times Netflix’s global sensation KPop Demon Hunters has leapt off the screen and into real life with the opening of its first official pop-up store in eastern Seoul’s trendy Seongsu-dong, inviting fans to step directly into the film’s universe. The pop-up offers a new way for visitors to experience the magic through themed rooms, photo spots and exclusive merchandise. Since its release in June, the animated feature has become a global phenomenon. Centred on Huntrix, a fictional K-pop girl group that... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3336189/kpop-demon-hunters-official-pop-proves-huge-hit-seoul-hong-kong-and-singapore-next?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3336189/kpop-demon-hunters-official-pop-proves-huge-hit-seoul-hong-kong-and-singapore-next?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 14 Dec 2025 07:15:09 +0000 Associated Press Associated Press Lee Soo-man resisted the title at first. “King of K-pop” sounded too brash, too nightclub-esque – like something you would see on a neon sign in Itaewon, a nightlife neighbourhood in the South Korean capital, Seoul. “I asked them, ‘Couldn’t it be Father of K-pop?’” said the 73-year-old, referring to Lee Soo Man: King of K-Pop, the title of an Amazon Prime documentary about his career. The producers insisted the bolder moniker would resonate better with American audiences. After some back and... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3331315/king-k-pop-lee-soo-man-talks-about-china-and-online-bullying-k-pop-stars?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3331315/king-k-pop-lee-soo-man-talks-about-china-and-online-bullying-k-pop-stars?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 03 Nov 2025 08:24:29 +0000 Associated Press Associated Press K-pop superstar septet BTS will return in spring 2026 with a new album and world tour. Members Jin, RM, V, Jimin, J-Hope, Jungkook and Suga made the announcement on Tuesday during a live stream on Weverse, an online fan platform owned by BTS management company Hybe. It was the first time all seven members have broadcast live together since September 2022. “We’ll be releasing a new BTS album in the spring of next year,” the band said in a statement. “Starting in July, all seven of us will begin... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-drama/bands/article/3316571/k-pop-stars-bts-announce-new-album-and-world-tour-come-2026?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-drama/bands/article/3316571/k-pop-stars-bts-announce-new-album-and-world-tour-come-2026?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 02 Jul 2025 02:35:11 +0000 Associated Press Associated Press It is official – almost. Soon, all seven members of the massively popular K-pop group BTS will have completed South Korea’s mandatory military service. Rapper Suga will be the last of the bandmates to be released, on Saturday, after fulfilling his duty as a social service agent, an alternative to serving in the military that he reportedly chose because of a shoulder injury. BTS’ entertainment agency said no events are planned for Suga’s release out of concern for overcrowding. The six others –... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3315189/all-about-k-pop-superstars-bts-last-member-finishes-mandatory-military-service?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3315189/all-about-k-pop-superstars-bts-last-member-finishes-mandatory-military-service?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 20 Jun 2025 20:15:07 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse K-pop megaband BTS are back from military service, and their international fandom – known for its progressive activism – is celebrating by rallying behind a cause: adoptees from South Korea. Now Asia’s fourth-largest economy and a global cultural powerhouse, the idols’ native South Korea remains one of the biggest exporters of adopted babies in the world, having sent more than 140,000 children overseas between 1955 and 1999. The country only recently acknowledged, after years of activism by... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/family-relationships/article/3314997/bts-army-celebrate-groups-return-military-service-helping-korean-adoptees?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/family-relationships/article/3314997/bts-army-celebrate-groups-return-military-service-helping-korean-adoptees?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 19 Jun 2025 07:15:07 +0000 dpa dpa Four singers from the Korean band BTS will complete their compulsory service in the South Korean military this week, increasing fans’ hopes that the globally popular K-pop band will make a comeback. The Yonhap news agency, citing the band’s management, reported that members RM and V would be discharged on June 10 and Jimin and Jungkook a day later after 18 months’ service. For security reasons, no public event is being planned to mark the occasion, it said. In South Korea, all able-bodied men... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3313523/will-bts-make-comeback-4-members-korean-boy-band-end-military-service-week?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3313523/will-bts-make-comeback-4-members-korean-boy-band-end-military-service-week?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Jun 2025 01:45:07 +0000 Tribune News Service Tribune News Service Something about K-pop always captivated Kiera Grace Madder. The 17-year-old singer has been a fan of its synchronised choreography, fashion-forward outfits and distinctive sound for as long as she can remember. So in 2022, when she learned that JYP Entertainment, one of the biggest K-pop talent agencies, had plans to make a group with North American-based talent, she jumped at the opportunity. She auditioned for a reality show and earned her place in an all-girl group called VCHA, with five... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3313112/teen-former-member-us-based-k-pop-group-vcha-sues-label-alleging-abuse-and-exploitation?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3313112/teen-former-member-us-based-k-pop-group-vcha-sues-label-alleging-abuse-and-exploitation?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 07 Jun 2025 09:15:08 +0000 The Korea Times The Korea Times K-pop girl group I-dle, formerly known as (G)I-DLE, are starting a new chapter. Their latest album, We Are, was released this week, their first since the group renewed contracts with their agency and officially changed their name. The five-member act – Soyeon, Minnie, Yuqi, Miyeon and Shuhua – debuted in 2018 with the breakout hit “Latata”. The group reaffirmed their future in 2024 when all members renewed their contracts with Cube Entertainment. On May 2, the band announced they would drop the... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3311008/g-idle-rebrand-i-dle-and-release-new-album-we-are-fronted-good-thing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3311008/g-idle-rebrand-i-dle-and-release-new-album-we-are-fronted-good-thing?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 20 May 2025 07:15:08 +0000 The Korea Times The Korea Times In today’s K-pop scene, most idol groups focus on delivering flashy performances to tracks prepared by professional songwriters and producers, which, unfortunately, leaves little room for the idols themselves to participate in the creative process. BoyNextDoor, a six-member boy band who debuted in 2023, have been striving to break free from that standard K-pop playbook. Under the guidance of rapper and producer Zico – also the head of the group’s agency KOZ Entertainment – BoyNextDoor have... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3310392/k-pops-boynextdoor-new-ep-no-genre-coming-lollapalooza-debut-and-connecting-fans?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3310392/k-pops-boynextdoor-new-ep-no-genre-coming-lollapalooza-debut-and-connecting-fans?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 15 May 2025 10:15:07 +0000 Erika Na Erika Na Ties between China and South Korea are on the mend. Though a much-publicised concert by boy band Epex – the first K-pop show in mainland China in nine years, scheduled for the end of May – has been delayed, the long-running K-pop event Dream Concert is set to be held in mainland China for the first time later this year. The annual concert, which has been organised by the Korea Entertainment Producers Association since 1995, is scheduled to take place in September at the 40,000-seat Sanya Sports... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3310318/soft-power-centre-china-south-korea-thaw-benefits-k-pop-fans-and-tourism?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3310318/soft-power-centre-china-south-korea-thaw-benefits-k-pop-fans-and-tourism?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 14 May 2025 10:02:07 +0000 The Korea Times The Korea Times Just two years ago, Olly, Dexter and Blaise knew little about K-pop beyond its biggest names. Now they are preparing to step onto the stage at SMTown Live London as members of dearAlice, the first British K-pop boy band. Born out of a BBC reality-TV show and trained under K-pop giant SM Entertainment, the band is at the forefront of K-pop’s ambitious global expansion, blending Korean perfectionism with distinctly British charm. Sitting down recently at the Korean Cultural Centre UK, three of the... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3309965/british-k-pop-boy-band-dearalice-their-intense-training-and-upcoming-uk-debut?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3309965/british-k-pop-boy-band-dearalice-their-intense-training-and-upcoming-uk-debut?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 12 May 2025 20:15:08 +0000 Mabel Lui Mabel Lui Back in early 2024, Edward Park was having dinner when he received a text from a friend. It read: “Hey, have you ever thought about being a K-pop idol?” “Here we go again,” he thought, letting out an audible groan. That is because the budding actor had already chased his K-pop dream: he spent three months in Korea when he was 17, honing his singing and dancing skills around the clock at a Seoul training centre that acted as a funnel for K-pop agencies. There, Park would sing “until my voice... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3309418/new-k-pop-boy-band-trio-rewind-talk-about-second-chances-and-resetting-their-careers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3309418/new-k-pop-boy-band-trio-rewind-talk-about-second-chances-and-resetting-their-careers?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 07 May 2025 23:15:08 +0000 Reuters Reuters The five members of Plave, one of K-pop’s trendiest groups, have appeared on television, held concerts, and one of their songs has even secured a place in the prestigious Billboard Global 200, an international music chart. On paper, they seem like any other K-pop sensation, except that they are two-dimensional avatars. Their songs and content have racked up over 470 million views on YouTube. The band, consisting of Yejun, Noah, Eunho, Bamby and Hamin, say they want to be globally recognised like... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3309058/famous-bts-meet-plave-virtual-k-pop-boy-band-whose-real-identities-are-kept-secret?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3309058/famous-bts-meet-plave-virtual-k-pop-boy-band-whose-real-identities-are-kept-secret?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 06 May 2025 03:15:08 +0000 Bloomberg Bloomberg Nearly a decade after an unofficial ban on K-pop performances in mainland China was imposed, Beijing appears to be easing up on South Korea’s cultural phenomenon. A South Korean boy band, Epex, is now gearing up for a concert in Fuzhou in May, raising expectations that Beijing may ease restrictions on K-pop culture on the mainland, Yonhap News reports. The timing may be a coincidence, but it adds to growing evidence that China is seeking to improve relations with regional partners as countries... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3308356/mainland-china-host-first-k-pop-concert-k-wave-ban-began-2016?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3308356/mainland-china-host-first-k-pop-concert-k-wave-ban-began-2016?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 30 Apr 2025 01:45:07 +0000 By Pyo Kyung-min Marking their departure from their agency and the start of independent activities, members of K-pop group NewJeans have rebranded as NJZ, a move that adds new complexity to their ongoing legal battle with Hybe Labels’ subsidiary Ador. While entertainment and legal professionals are hesitant to paint a rosy picture for NJZ, the five members – Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin and Hyein – show no signs of looking back. On February 7, the group revealed their new name and announced... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-drama/bands/article/3298688/extremely-risky-njz-formerly-newjeans-pursue-new-direction-amid-legal-disputes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-drama/bands/article/3298688/extremely-risky-njz-formerly-newjeans-pursue-new-direction-amid-legal-disputes?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 14 Feb 2025 11:15:08 +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 By Pyo Kyung-min K-pop icon G-Dragon surprised fans with the announcement of his first concert in years during a performance by bandmate Taeyang, marking his long-awaited return to the stage. The BigBang rapper made an unannounced appearance at Taeyang’s “2025 Tour ‘The Light Year’ Encore” concert, held on February 1 at Inspire Arena on Yeongjong Island in Incheon, South Korea, joining fellow bandmate Daesung. The news of G-Dragon’s concert came from Daesung, who was the first to take the stage,... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-drama/artists-celebrities/article/3297239/g-dragons-k-pop-concert-comeback-march-revealed-bigbang-bandmate-taeyangs-show?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-drama/artists-celebrities/article/3297239/g-dragons-k-pop-concert-comeback-march-revealed-bigbang-bandmate-taeyangs-show?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 04 Feb 2025 01:15:08 +0000 By Pyo Kyung-min If you’re a K-pop enthusiast, chances are you’ve probably heard of Mnet’s competition series Road to Kingdom. For followers of the franchise, it’s hard to miss the name, Oneus, a five-piece boy band that has appeared twice: first in 2020 and the latest, Road to Kingdom: Ace of Ace, which aired its finale in November 2024. The group finished fourth in its first appearance, edged out by seasoned industry seniors, then reached second place four years later. The five members of... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-drama/bands/article/3295125/k-pop-boy-band-oneus-road-kingdom-reality-tv-show-appearances-and-their-new-album?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-drama/bands/article/3295125/k-pop-boy-band-oneus-road-kingdom-reality-tv-show-appearances-and-their-new-album?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 17 Jan 2025 20:15:06 +0000 By Lee Gyu-lee Several groups from the first to third K-pop generations are making their return to the music scene, generating excitement from fans who welcome their comebacks after a long hiatus and creating buzz across the Korean music industry, with many eager to relive the golden years of K-pop. The 1990s girl group Baby V. O. X took the end-of-year music awards by storm last month, offering a taste of early K-pop. The group, active from the late 1990s until the early 2000s and disbanded in... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3294667/forget-newjeans-older-k-pop-groups-2ne1-and-bigbang-are-returning-stage?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3294667/forget-newjeans-older-k-pop-groups-2ne1-and-bigbang-are-returning-stage?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 Jan 2025 21:45:07 +0000 By Lee Gyu-lee K-pop boy group GOT7 will release a new album next year, making a full-fledged comeback after three years. The group’s leader, Jay B announced the news during his solo concert “Tape : Re Load” at KBS Arena in Seoul on December 7, noting that all seven members of the group are gearing up for their new album scheduled for next month. “I’ve been given permission from the members to be the one to break it. I’ve been trying hard to make it happen,” he said after performing GOT7 songs... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3290121/got7-make-2025-comeback-album-after-3-years-away-working-hard-concerts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3290121/got7-make-2025-comeback-album-after-3-years-away-working-hard-concerts?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Dec 2024 21:45:07 +0000 By Lee Gyu-lee Amid controversies and legal disputes with NewJeans, rookie girl group Illit have defied the odds, claiming the title of this year’s breakout K-pop sensation. Their debut track, “Magnetic”, soared on international charts, marking a meteoric rise for a group newly introduced to the competitive K-pop scene. Illit have been making waves in the music scene since debuting with the mini-album Super Real Me and its title track, “Magnetic”, in March. The group quickly gained attention as... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3289934/illit-are-top-k-pop-rookie-act-2024-sweeping-multiple-awards-amid-feud-newjeans?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3289934/illit-are-top-k-pop-rookie-act-2024-sweeping-multiple-awards-amid-feud-newjeans?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Dec 2024 10:15:13 +0000 By Pyo Kyung-min K-pop girl group Aespa dominated the 16th Melon Music Awards (MMA), winning seven accolades, including three grand prizes, and solidifying their status as one of the industry’s top acts. The MMA, hosted by music platform Melon, are one of Korea’s largest music awards. This year’s ceremony took place at Inspire Arena on Incheon’s Yeongjong Island, drawing 13,000 fans for a four-hour spectacle filled with live performances and the presentation of honours in 27 categories. Emerging... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/news/article/3288937/gi-dle-members-renew-contracts-label-aespas-meteoric-rise-k-pop-continues?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/news/article/3288937/gi-dle-members-renew-contracts-label-aespas-meteoric-rise-k-pop-continues?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 02 Dec 2024 05:30:13 +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 Chart-topping K-pop group NewJeans have announced their decision to leave their label Ador, accusing the company of “mistreatment”. The news comes two weeks after the girl group sent an ultimatum to Ador’s parent company Hybe – the label behind K-pop sensation BTS – telling it they would terminate their contract unless a set of demands was met. “From midnight today, our contract will be terminated with Ador,” member Minji said at a news conference on November 28. NewJeans made their debut in... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3288590/k-pops-newjeans-split-label-ador-citing-mistreatment-and-lack-respect?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3288590/k-pops-newjeans-split-label-ador-citing-mistreatment-and-lack-respect?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 29 Nov 2024 02:17:45 +0000 By Lee Gyu-lee November will be an exciting month for the K-pop scene, featuring new music from major stars like BTS’ Jin and Shinee’s Minho and rising rookies Babymonster and TWS. BTS member Jin will drop his first solo album since he was discharged from mandatory military service in June. The album, titled Happy and slated for release on November 15, will include six songs across various genres based on band sounds. “The album shares a message about embarking on a journey to find happiness... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3283871/k-pop-megastars-jin-bts-and-shinees-minho-are-dropping-solo-albums-november?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3283871/k-pop-megastars-jin-bts-and-shinees-minho-are-dropping-solo-albums-november?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 27 Oct 2024 20:15:07 +0000 By Lee Gyu-lee When CNBlue debuted with the song “Loner” in January 2010, the band took the K-pop world by storm, making an enormous hit soon after its release. Some 14 years later, the group – vocalist Jung Yong-hwa, drummer Kang Min-hyuk and bassist Lee Jung-shin – have released their 10th mini-album, X, reflecting on the career they have built over the past decade. The new album, which hit the shelves on October 14, comprises six tracks the members took part in composing and writing the... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3282283/k-pop-band-cnblue-reflects-their-14-year-career-and-new-mini-album-x?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3282283/k-pop-band-cnblue-reflects-their-14-year-career-and-new-mini-album-x?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 15 Oct 2024 03:17:06 +0000 By Pyo Kyung-min Second-generation K-pop girl group 2NE1 recently reunited for their first full-group performance in over a decade, electrifying fans and restamping their legendary status on the music scene. From October 4 to 6, the quartet took the stage at Seoul’s Olympic Hall for their three-day “2024 2NE1 Concert ‘Welcome Back’ in Seoul” performance. The shows, which marked their return after a lengthy 10-and-a-half-year hiatus, sold out instantly when tickets went on sale, highlighting the... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3281336/2ne1-reunion-concerts-seoul-electrify-fans-beloved-k-pop-girl-group?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3281336/2ne1-reunion-concerts-seoul-electrify-fans-beloved-k-pop-girl-group?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 07 Oct 2024 07:15:08 +0000 By Pyo Kyung-min Katseye, a multinational girl group under the powerhouse Korean music label Hybe, are beginning their journey to create music that transcends the boundaries of K-pop, with the goal of captivating a broader global audience. Formed through the TV audition programme The Debut: Dream Academy, which attracted over 120,000 applicants from all over the world, Katseye is the first joint project between K-pop giant Hybe and Geffen Records from the United States. The group stands out as... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3278202/katseye-multinational-k-pop-girl-group-based-us-talk-diversity-and-first-asia-tour?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3278202/katseye-multinational-k-pop-girl-group-based-us-talk-diversity-and-first-asia-tour?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Sep 2024 10:15:07 +0000 American fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger browses through a rail of custom-made suits worn to this year’s Met Gala by K-pop stars Stray Kids, before opening up a tuxedo to reveal a special label. The eight-member South Korean boy group caused an online frenzy when the Tommy Hilfiger brand ambassadors became the first K-pop group to attend the prestigious Manhattan fashion event in May. “We did a special label ‘Tommy Hilfiger with the Stray Kids’ and they loved it, we loved it and I think it will... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/fashion-beauty/article/3278071/lisa-lv-bts-jin-gucci-stray-kids-met-gala-luxury-fashion-embraces-k-pop?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/fashion-beauty/article/3278071/lisa-lv-bts-jin-gucci-stray-kids-met-gala-luxury-fashion-embraces-k-pop?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 11 Sep 2024 20:15:07 +0000 New Apple TV+ documentary series K-Pop Idols offers an intimate look at how the K-pop industry is embracing diversity while grappling with challenges in a field that demands perfection. The six-part series features Korean-American star Jessi and up-and-coming K-pop groups including Cravity and Blackswan, and documents the highs and lows of their careers. Korean pop is known for blending vocals with precise choreography. Blackswan members Fatou and Nvee say they practise up to 10 hours a day,... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3276849/dating-bans-dieting-managing-diversity-k-pop-idols-apple-tv-music-biz-docuseries?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3276849/dating-bans-dieting-managing-diversity-k-pop-idols-apple-tv-music-biz-docuseries?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 02 Sep 2024 23:15:12 +0000 By Pyo Kyung-min In the dynamic world of K-pop, new idol groups are frequently hailed as unique or exceptional. Big Ocean, a boy band who debuted in April, truly live up to these claims. The trio – Park Hyun-jin, Lee Chan-yeon and Kim Ji-seok – are making waves not only for their music but also for breaking new ground as K-pop’s first idol group with hearing loss. When the group debuted on April 20, coinciding with Korea’s Day of People with Disabilities, many questioned whether a deaf group... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3276205/meet-big-ocean-first-deaf-k-pop-idol-group-and-find-out-how-they-make-music?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3276205/meet-big-ocean-first-deaf-k-pop-idol-group-and-find-out-how-they-make-music?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 31 Aug 2024 03:15:12 +0000 By Pyo Kyung-min One might expect that after nine years in the competitive K-pop industry, a group would be so seasoned that releasing albums and performing on stage is somewhat routine. However, SF9, who debuted in 2016, remain a refreshing exception. Despite the members’ extensive experience, they continue to set ambitious goals and bring fresh energy to the stage, proving that their journey is far from over. “I still want to perform at Wembley Stadium [in London], one of our dream venues, and... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3275162/how-k-pop-boy-band-sf9-are-keeping-things-fresh-new-mini-album-fantasy-drops?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3275162/how-k-pop-boy-band-sf9-are-keeping-things-fresh-new-mini-album-fantasy-drops?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 21 Aug 2024 09:15:08 +0000 By Lee Gyu-lee When Blackpink made their debut in the summer of 2016, the four-piece act garnered much attention for being K-pop powerhouse YG Entertainment’s first girl group in seven years since the debut of 2NE1. The group, who have set astonishing milestones, celebrated their eighth anniversary on August 8, and released their concert film Blackpink World Tour [Born Pink] in Cinemas on July 31. The film brings to the screen the group’s concert in Seoul last year, a finale performance of their... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3273803/blackpink-mark-8-years-top-k-pop-debut-superstars-their-own-brand?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3273803/blackpink-mark-8-years-top-k-pop-debut-superstars-their-own-brand?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 10 Aug 2024 20:15:09 +0000 Shopping in Hong Kong just got a lot cooler thanks to a pop-up in Causeway Bay on Hong Kong Island that features merchandise from girl group NewJeans, one of the hottest K-pop acts on the block. While the girls will not physically be in the city, fans can buy swag relating to the group’s latest song, “Supernatural”. If you are looking for a unique sustainable gift, then Paper-Roses at PMQ in Central is the place to go, while the IFC Mall in Central is the spot to be with a pop-up by beauty brand... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/fashion-beauty/article/3273675/5-shopping-hits-hong-kong-weekend-august-9-10-newjeans-pop-gift-shop?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/fashion-beauty/article/3273675/5-shopping-hits-hong-kong-weekend-august-9-10-newjeans-pop-gift-shop?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 09 Aug 2024 03:15:08 +0000 By Lee Gyu-lee Stray Kids have established themselves firmly as the most successful K-pop group on the global stage since BTS, captivating a devoted fan base with their dark and experimental albums. As the group carves out a niche, the secret to their global success lies not just in genre-defying music, but also in the ability to connect deeply with fans across diverse cultures. Stray Kids released their new album, ATE, on July 19, and the album and its lead single “Chk Chk Boom” have already... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3272968/how-k-pop-group-stray-kids-sang-and-danced-their-way-global-success?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3272968/how-k-pop-group-stray-kids-sang-and-danced-their-way-global-success?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 06 Aug 2024 03:15:10 +0000 By Pyo Kyung-min K-pop girl group Le Sserafim have released a documentary that takes a look at the challenges the members face as idols. While the documentary has been praised for its authenticity in showcasing the dedication of the members and their struggles, it remains uncertain if it is enough to quell scrutiny over their performing abilities. On July 29, the group’s agency Hybe Labels dropped all five episodes of the documentary, Le Sserafim – Make It Look Easy, on its official YouTube... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3272740/le-sserafim-fly-wall-documentary-divides-opinion-about-k-pop-girl-group?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3272740/le-sserafim-fly-wall-documentary-divides-opinion-about-k-pop-girl-group?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 03 Aug 2024 02:10:53 +0000 By Pyo Kyung-min Get ready for a sizzling August as a wave of K-pop icons returns with fresh tracks to set the summer alight. Headlining this month’s line-up are big names including Le Sserafim, Taemin, ZeroBaseOne (ZB1) and Nmixx, all poised to keep fans cool with their hot new releases. Known for their outstanding onstage performances, K-pop girl group Nmixx are set to return with a new album, Fe3O4: Stick Out, slated for release on August 19. The girl group created buzz for its coming release... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3272590/best-new-k-pop-music-dropping-august-2024-le-sserafim-taemin-nmixx-and-more?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3272590/best-new-k-pop-music-dropping-august-2024-le-sserafim-taemin-nmixx-and-more?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 02 Aug 2024 09:15:10 +0000 By KTimes In two years, NewJeans have become one of the hottest K-pop acts, and have cemented their place in the music scene by breaking numerous records on South Korean and international charts. The girl group have achieved rapid success, topping the US Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard 200 charts, among others, with all five of their albums selling over a million copies since their debut. Praised for their unique concepts, music and outstanding achievements, NewJeans continue to make strides in... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3271562/2-years-newjeans-and-girls-thank-fans-their-k-pop-success-love-you-all?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3271562/2-years-newjeans-and-girls-thank-fans-their-k-pop-success-love-you-all?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 24 Jul 2024 09:15:08 +0000 “This is a career highlight,” popular K-pop group Stray Kids said as they headlined the British Summer Time (BST) Hyde Park Festival on Sunday. The eight-man group from South Korea debuted in 2018 after being formed by JYP Entertainment through a reality show. They have won over fans around the world with their genre-mixing sound and hit songs such as “God’s Menu”, “S-Class” and “Maniac”. Made up of members Changbin, Felix, Hyunjin, Lee Know, Han, Seungmin, Bang Chan and I.N, Stray Kids were... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/news/article/3270437/global-k-pop-stars-stray-kids-uk-festival-debut-ahead-comeback-album-ates-release?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/news/article/3270437/global-k-pop-stars-stray-kids-uk-festival-debut-ahead-comeback-album-ates-release?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 15 Jul 2024 03:15:08 +0000 In Christine Ma-Kellams’ debut novel The Band, a cancelled K-pop idol flees South Korea for Southern California, where a chance encounter in an H-Mart grocery store leads to him lying low in the home of a slightly older psychology professor. He is handsome and charismatic; she is unhappy in her marriage. But this isn’t going where that might make you think. “The idea mostly came out of my experiences as a reader,” Ma-Kellams says of this meet-cute that zigs where others zag. “My singular pet... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/3265352/author-k-pop-novel-band-explains-why-her-story-no-cliched-traditional-romance?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/3265352/author-k-pop-novel-band-explains-why-her-story-no-cliched-traditional-romance?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 06 Jun 2024 20:15:08 +0000 By Dong Sun-hwa The chart competition among K-pop stars will intensify in the next few weeks, as several acts release new music. Among them are girl groups NewJeans and Aespa, boy band Treasure and RM from BTS. NewJeans’ new album, How Sweet, is set to arrive on May 24. It will feature two tracks, titled “How Sweet” and “Bubble Gum”, along with instrumental versions of both songs, as announced by the quintet’s management company, Ador. The details about the lead track, “How Sweet”, have been... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3263427/bts-rm-newjeans-aespa-and-treasure-go-head-head-k-pop-charts-clutch-new-releases?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3263427/bts-rm-newjeans-aespa-and-treasure-go-head-head-k-pop-charts-clutch-new-releases?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 21 May 2024 03:15:19 +0000 By Pyo Kyung-min Seoul’s Seongdong district has been abuzz in recent days as crowds, many donning purple, gather near a studio building. The reason for the excitement? Fans of the superstar boy group BTS – also known as BTS Army – from across the globe have come here to visit the group’s latest pop-up store, BTS Pop-up: Monochrome. Despite the absence of the K-pop group’s members, who are currently fulfilling their mandatory military service in South Korea, excitement at the venue remains... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3261684/bts-seoul-pop-monochrome-draws-bands-army-fans-despite-k-pop-superstars-absence-korean-military?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3261684/bts-seoul-pop-monochrome-draws-bands-army-fans-despite-k-pop-superstars-absence-korean-military?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 07 May 2024 09:15:16 +0000 Eighteen years ago, when it was announced that the now 36-year-old Kyuhyun was to join K-pop group Super Junior, the group’s fans were in uproar. Among what is known as the second generation of K-pop groups – those that debuted in the early 2000s – Super Junior are one of the most successful. Other groups of that era include TVXQ and BigBang. When Kyuhyun joined in May 2006, the 12-member group were relative newcomers who had debuted around six months earlier. In that short space of time, their... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/artists-celebrities/article/3260931/super-juniors-kyuhyun-his-love-his-fans-and-why-he-couldnt-be-k-pop-rookie-today?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/artists-celebrities/article/3260931/super-juniors-kyuhyun-his-love-his-fans-and-why-he-couldnt-be-k-pop-rookie-today?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 02 May 2024 03:15:08 +0000 Everybody has their own take on K-pop. Some cannot get enough of it. Others discount it, saying they cannot differentiate between individual singers and groups. It’s hard to argue against the fact that it has gained international success – and there is no denying the gruelling process of becoming a K-pop idol. For 26-year-old Kang Hyeong-gu, better known by his stage name, Kino, the journey has not been smooth, predictable or full of success – he has been in the music industry for nearly half of... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/artists-celebrities/article/3260859/k-pop-star-kino-going-solo-his-new-album-and-surviving-gruelling-k-pop-training-schedule?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/artists-celebrities/article/3260859/k-pop-star-kino-going-solo-his-new-album-and-surviving-gruelling-k-pop-training-schedule?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 30 Apr 2024 23:15:14 +0000 Rookie music group XG drew a huge roar at August 2023’s KCON LA festival, a gathering for fans of Korean pop music, with their cover of 2NE1’s 2011 hit “I Am the Best”. Singing to tens of thousands in Los Angeles, the seven young women looked just like any other K-pop group, with one exception – all of the XG members are Japanese. The two-year-old group, now on the verge of global popularity, was formed in the same way that many K-pop groups are. Led by a half-Korean, half-Japanese,... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3256753/move-over-k-pop-j-pop-groups-want-share-global-fan-base-and-netflix-and-tiktok-are-helping?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3256753/move-over-k-pop-j-pop-groups-want-share-global-fan-base-and-netflix-and-tiktok-are-helping?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 27 Mar 2024 11:15:13 +0000 By Pyo Kyung-min Despite a hiatus for their military service, Day6 – a K-pop rock band – stand out for their members’ instrumental talents and heartfelt lyrics. Formed in 2015, Day6 consists of four members – Sungjin, Young K, Wonpil and Dowoon. The start of the coronavirus pandemic posed significant challenges for the group. Their strength laid in their live performance, and social distancing restrictions meant that traditional opportunities to showcase their music evaporated. Then, starting... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3256094/k-pop-rock-band-day6-their-timeless-sound-and-new-album-fourever-and-its-ultimate-anthem-life-ahead?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3256094/k-pop-rock-band-day6-their-timeless-sound-and-new-album-fourever-and-its-ultimate-anthem-life-ahead?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 21 Mar 2024 11:15:23 +0000