The lyrics of "Into the New World," Girls' Generation's 2007 debut single, echoed through the streets of Yeouido on Saturday evening: "Our rough road is before our eyes. Unknown future and walls. I won't change, I'm not giving up." What could have been a scene from a K-pop concert was, in fact, a massive demonstration being held in response to an unthinkable development in South Korean democracy: a president's shock declaration of martial law. The str

Social Affairs Dec. 7, 2024

A coalition of over 160 Christian organizations, including the National Council of Churches in Korea (NCCK) and the Christian Action for the Current Situation, announced they will hold a prayer meeting on Saturday at 1 p.m. in front of the NCCK’s headquarters in Jongno-gu, Seoul, to demand the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol. “Emergency martial law was declared without legitimate procedure or justification, and has reversed the clock on democracy,” the group said in a st

Culture Dec. 6, 2024

The Korea Entertainment Producer’s Association released a statement Friday condemning NewJeans for “unilaterally” terminating their exclusive contract with its agency Ador. It is the second organization from the K-pop industry that publicly defined its position in favor of Ador, after the Korea Management Association urged NewJeans on Monday to retract their decision. “An exclusive contract is not just a document, but the result of shared trust and promises. The notion th

K-pop Dec. 6, 2024

Picture book fest at Seoul Forest library Throughout Dec. 15, Seoul Forest will turn into a magical winter haven with its "Picture Book Library in the Woods" festival. Held at the Seoul Forest Community Center from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the event offers enchanting exhibitions, live music and interactive activities, creating a cozy and festive experience for all ages. The event features performances involving storytelling with music, such as "I love you today as well," and a pict

Culture Dec. 6, 2024

Ador filed a lawsuit with the Seoul Central District Court Tuesday to confirm the validity of its exclusive contract with NewJeans which the group claimed to have terminated, the company said on Thursday. The agency said it deemed it necessary to take this step to affirm that exclusive contracts cannot be unilaterally terminated based on individual claims, ensuring clarity for the artists and other stakeholders involved. “This decision was not made lightly,” the agency said in a stat

K-pop Dec. 5, 2024

Army Chief of Staff Gen. Park An-su, who was named martial law commander following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of martial law on Tuesday, has become a topic of discussion due to his 2013 appearance on the popular reality TV show “Real Man.” The appointment of Gen. Park as martial law commander quickly sparked online chatter, with internet users on social media recalling his appearance on the local reality show 11 years ago. Back then, he was a colonel commanding the 5

Television Dec. 5, 2024

K-pop fans around the world have expressed deep concerns for their favorite idols, particularly those currently serving in the military, following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of martial law late Tuesday night. The sudden announcement, which was lifted Wednesday morning, has left fans worried about the safety of both the artists and the broader population in South Korea, a country they admire. Nana Oh, a Korean immigrant living in Michigan and a fan of BTS, said the emergency situ

K-pop Dec. 4, 2024

After the opposition-led National Assembly voted to demand the revocation of martial law declared by President Yoon Suk Yeol late Tuesday, airborne troops withdrew from the National Assembly building in Yeouido, Seoul, early Wednesday, amidst applause and growing calls from citizens demanding the president’s impeachment. The martial law declaration, made at 10:30 p.m., sparked immediate public outrage, with hundreds of people assembling at the National Assembly and demanding its repeal. At

Politics Dec. 4, 2024

YG Entertainment, once a dominant force in the K-pop industry with groups like Big Bang, 2NE1 and Blackpink, is preparing for what it hopes will be a transformative year in 2025. The company, which has faced significant challenges over the past five years, is now gearing up for an active schedule featuring its top artists and a potential new group debut. YG Entertainment Founder and Executive Producer Yang Hyun-suk hinted at an ambitious lineup for 2025 in a video shared on the company’s o

K-pop Dec. 3, 2024

Hybe said on Monday that Chairman Bang Si-hyuk secured approximately 400 billion won ($285 million) during the company’s initial public offering in 2020 by executing what is called a put-back option at the request of one of its investors, adding that the arrangement does not violate the Capital Markets Act. “In 2018, STIC Investments came to us and strongly requested our IPO timeline, worrying about uncertainties. When we refused, they demanded a put-back option instead,” a Hyb

K-pop Dec. 2, 2024

Despite most members of BTS serving their mandatory military duty, the group continues to dominate music charts and year-end award ceremonies, with its members achieving remarkable individual successes. Jungkook, the last member in the group to join the army, took home three trophies at the 2024 Melon Music Awards (MMA) held at Inspire Arena in Incheon, Saturday. He was honored in the main prize, the Top 10 category, as well as best solo – male, and Millions Top 10. Jungkook has now won al

K-pop Dec. 1, 2024

With Ador likely gearing up to start a legal battle, its now-former K-pop girl group NewJeans appears ready to move forward with their activities, signaling the start of what could be a long legal fight over rights and compensation. NewJeans' members announced the termination of their exclusive contracts with Ador Thursday, citing breaches of contract by the agency. The quintet asserted during the press conference in Seoul that they owe no penalties or compensation. Still, questions about t

K-pop Nov. 29, 2024

NewJeans took an early flight to Tokyo on Friday, marking the girl group's first activity since unilaterally terminating their exclusive contract with Ador. The group is set to appear on Nihon TV’s “Best Artist 2024,” Saturday, and Fuji TV’s “2024 FNS Music Festival,” on Dec. 4. At Gimpo International Airport, in Gyeonggi Province, the group briefly bowed to the press before proceeding to the departure gate without commenting on the ongoing dispute. The t

K-pop Nov. 29, 2024

NewJeans has unilaterally terminated its exclusive contract with Ador, a subsidiary of Hybe, and announced plans to embark on a new journey outside the company, during a press conference held in Seoul, Thursday. "Our contract will be terminated as of midnight, today. It was Ador and Hybe that violated the contract, so we are ending it," member Minji said. "Moreover, we have never breached our exclusive contract and have always given our best efforts. There is no reason for us to p

K-pop Nov. 28, 2024

Popular K-pop girl group NewJeans has announced plans to terminate its exclusive contract with Ador, a subsidiary of Hybe, its PR agency confirmed Thursday. The group is set to hold a press conference at 8:30 p.m. Thursday to address the decision.

K-pop Nov. 28, 2024