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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
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
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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South Korea

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

K-pop, Mandopop, other Asian pop

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

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.

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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Members of BTS perform during the 2022 Grammy Awards show in Las Vegas, US. Photo: Reuters
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 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.

Katseye are embarking on their first tour, the Beautiful Chaos Tour. Photo: @katseyeworld/Instagram
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.

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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.

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.

Singer Jungkook of BTS performs in New York City in 2023. Photo: Reuters
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.

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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Ningning, a singer from popular K-pop group Aespa. The group has been invited to perform at the annual “Kohaku Uta Gassen” singing contest in Japan. Photo: Instagram/ @aespa_official
Jewellery

7 most creative new jewellery drops

This season sees some exciting updates in the jewellery world – from Chanel’s Première Galon watch worn by Gracie Abrams, to Maya Hawke modelling for Prada.

Stray Kids’ Bang Chan is a Fendi ambassador. Photo: Handout
South Korea

South Korea indicts Japanese woman for forcibly kissing BTS’ Jin

The suspect, who kissed the K-pop star without consent at an event in Seoul last year, was charged with indecent assault.

South Korea

Singer Nana hospitalised with injuries after overpowering home intruder

The K-pop star and her mother subdued the suspect, who is in custody on charges of aggravated robbery.

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