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K-pop idols

K-pop idols
The Korean wave - or hallyu - has swept over the world. South Korea’s K-pop idols are now among the biggest celebrities in the world, with standout stars including BTS members Jungkook and Jimin, and Blackpink’s Lisa and Jennie
A couple runs along the seafront next to the beach in Da Nang, central Vietnam, last year. Photo: AFP
Vietnam

In Vietnam’s Da Nang, South Korean tourism boom meets growing resentment

The coastal city has become a hub for Korean tourists and businesses, but workers and residents say the boom has also exposed frictions.

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Trending in China

K-pop star G-Dragon’s ‘Lunar New Year’ greetings divide China fans, ignite firestorm

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Scams and swindles

‘K-wave’ scams exploiting Brazil’s superfans trigger police pact

China-South Korea relations

K-pop’s big freeze: are cracks in China’s cultural blockade a thaw?

A decade-long geopolitical chill has kept South Korean entertainers largely locked out of the Chinese market, but fans find ways to connect.

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Global K-pop phenomenon BTS has just unveiled plans for their biggest tour yet, but it will not include any stops in mainland China. Photo: Reuters
South Korea

Why do South Korea’s Hallyu heroes find taxes so … taxing?

As K-culture conquers the world, its wealthy stars keep falling foul of a tax system ‘that has not yet fully caught up’.

K-pop, Mandopop, other Asian pop

K-pop-loving business expert breaks down the systems that drive the industry

Choi Jung-kiu’s new book analyses K-pop’s working parts using examples drawn from active idol groups, recent releases and everyday practices.

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Hong Kong

2016 trends from Pokemon Go to poke bowls amid viral internet nostalgia

Looking back at 2016 is viral online, but what was hot back then? We look at food, travel, health and pop culture trends from a decade ago.

People play Pokemon Go in Hong Kong on July 25, 2016, the day it was released in the city. The online game was one of the hottest trends in the city 10 years ago. Photo: Nora Tam
Singapore

Set-jetting to Singapore: how K-pop is driving new tourism push

Ticket sales for K-pop events in Singapore increased by about 250 per cent between 2022 and 2024.

South Korea

K-drama star Cha Eun-woo’s ad campaigns pulled amid tax scrutiny in South Korea

The actor is contesting an additional tax assessment of more than US$13 million tied to a company registered under his mother’s name.

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Hong Kong entertainment

Blackpink fans gear up for Hong Kong finale

K-pop fans are gearing up for shows, with Hong Kong the final stop of the band’s global tour.

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A Blackpink fan takes a selfie at a pop-up store in Kai Tak Mall 2. Photo: Karma Lo
South Korea

BTS’ comeback concert sparks Dynamite price hikes in South Korea’s Busan

The K-pop group’s show in Busan is months away but already room prices have soared beyond the 1 million mark.

K-pop megastar group BTS performs onstage during the Grammy Awards in Las Vegas on April 3, 2022. Photo: AFP
Blackpink

Blackpink star Jennie’s 8 top brand collaborations as she turns 30

The K-pop singer has been a style icon for Chanel, Jean Paul Gaultier, Calvin Klein, Jacquemus, Adidas and more.

Malaysia

‘I know I’ll cry’: BTS frenzy grips Malaysia as fans worry about scalpers

The K-pop band is returning to Malaysia for two shows in Kuala Lumpur after over a decade, sparking fan frenzy and ticket battles.

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Netflix

Video | KPop Demon Hunters leads to record export of ramyeon

The surge in food exports from the country comes amid the popularity of Netflix film KPop Demon Hunters.

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South Korea

South Korean singer Nana’s home intruder claims he ‘never touched her’

The intruder, who sustained a slight cut in the struggle, has also accused the K-pop star of attempted murder.

South Korean singer and actress Nana. Photo: Instagram/jin_a_nana
South Korea

BTS are back! A new album and tour are coming after their military service

South Korea’s top act has been on hiatus since 2022 for military service. Their new album is the first since 2022’s record-breaking ‘Proof’.

Fame and celebrity

Q&A | What’s next for Katseye after their Beautiful Chaos Tour?

In just a year, Megan Skiendiel, Daniela Avanzini, Sophia Laforteza, Lara Raj, Manon Bannerman and Yoonchae went from trainees to global pop stars.

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South Korea

Worship to witch hunts: how South Korea’s fandoms turn on their idols

When stars shine brightest in the glare of publicity, the darkness that follows can feel absolute. This December, three more lights went out.

K-pop fans react during a concert in Seoul in 2023. Photo: AFP
Trending in China

China influencer aping Blackpink’s Rosé sparks fandom-celebrity grey area debate

Blonde-haired content creator who identifies as ‘Blink’ online appears at event dressed like star, signs postcards bearing image of iconic singer.

Hong Kong property

Kai Tak Stadium lifts Hong Kong’s status as major sports and entertainment venue

The 50,000-seat stadium drives repeat tourism, supports retailers and helps prop up retail property landlords, experts say.

TV shows and streaming video

KPop Demon Hunters pop-up proves huge hit in Seoul. Next up is Hong Kong

An immersive KPop Demon Hunters pop-up, complete with merchandise and scene recreations, has opened in Seoul and will later tour globally.

Life-size mannequins display the signature costumes of the girl group Huntrix at a KPop Demon Hunters pop-up in Seoul. Photo: The Korea Times
South Korea

‘It’s all in English now’: South Koreans fall out of love with K-pop

Long-time listeners say the genre has lost its identity, with English lyrics and shorter tracks alienating the local fan base.

Members of K-pop act BTS attend the 2022 Grammy Awards in Las Vegas. Photo: TNS
Beauty

Why 1960s Bardot-style glamour is coming back

Sydney Sweeney, Selena Gomez and Zendaya add to the bombshell revival, with voluminous blowouts and cinematic drama back on the red carpet.

South Korea

‘Erase the couple tattoo’: BTS’ Jungkook faces fan fury over dating rumours

Fans parked a protest truck outside the band’s management company’s office in Seoul, demanding clarity from the K-pop star.

South Korea

Bright lights, dim future? K-pop teen trainees drop out as reality bites

In South Korea, the number of K-pop trainees who quit after joining an agency was 34.4 per cent in 2022, up 3.4 percentage points from 2020.

Members of Day6, a rock band under the K-pop giant JYP Entertainment. Photo: JYP Entertainment
Blackpink

How K-pop idols are helping Korea’s ‘kimjang vest’ make a comeback

The iconic vest, long associated with older women making kimchi in the countryside, is being revived by young consumers embracing the ‘grandma-chic’ aesthetic.

Blackpink’s Jennie and Aespa’s Karina are just two K-pop idols who are bringing the kimjang vest back into vogue. Photos: @jennierubyjane, @katarinabluu/Instagram
Fashion

8 cosy yet stylish down jackets just in time for winter

Whatever your preferred fit and style, there’s a puffer jacket for you from these luxury houses and leading fashion brands.

Japan

Petition filed in Japan over K-pop act Aespa’s singer posting atomic bomb image

A petition has been filed calling for Aespa, a popular K-pop group, to be banned from taking part in a New Year’s Eve music event in Japan.

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