Samara Joy to hold first concert in Korea

Rising jazz star with 3 Grammy awards to perform in Seoul in February American jazz vocalist Samara Joy, a three-time Grammy Award winner, is set to perform in Korea for the first time. The concert organizer, Joy will take the stage at 6:30 p.m., Feb. 16 at the Art Hall Mac of Mapo Art Center, Seoul, according to Jazz Bridge Company, the concert organizer, The performance will primarily feature tracks from her third studio album, "Portrait," released in October last year, along with some unrelea

Jan. 21, 2025

Seventeen to hold fan events during Asia tour

Diverse fan-participation events planned for Jakarta, Bangkok Seventeen will hold fan events in Jakarta and Bangkok from Feb. 10 to March 12, around the time of the K-pop group's world tour concerts "Right Here" in the two cities. In Jakarta, the iconic tourist attraction Taman Mini Indonesia Indah will host activities inspired by Seventeen's popular content series "Going Seventeen," such as roulette games and quizzes. At PIK2, located on Jakarta's northern coast, fans can enjoy a sunset DJ part

Jan. 21, 2025

Stray Kids log 30m album sales in Korea, Japan

Stray Kids have accumulated 30 million album sales in Korea and Japan, according to label JYP Entertainment on Monday, citing a local tally. The eight-member act debuted in March 2018 and has released 25 albums in the two countries. In Korea, it has 17 albums under its belt, from the pre-debut album “Mixtape” to its most recent endeavor, “Hop” – which logged over 27.72 million shipments. In Japan, it released eight albums, including its second Japan studio album “Giant,” which sold more than 3.4

Jan. 20, 2025

GOT7 returns with first new album in 3 years

GOT7 is making a comeback with 13th EP “Winter Heptagon” Monday and shared their thoughts through a Q&A sheet released through agency Kakao Entertainment. The band of seven is rolling out an album almost three years since its previous EP. It took a while as it took time to sort things out, but everyone is so happy and excited to return as a full group, said Mark. The album title reflects how the seven members are even stronger when together, explained Jay B. It consists of nine tracks, all of wh

Jan. 20, 2025

Hybe may face ban on using facial recognition technology at concerts

Lawmaker proposed amendment to limit Hybe's Face Pass Hybe may face restrictions on using its newly introduced facial recognition technology, Face Pass, for concert and event admission. The technology is set to debut at TWS’ first fan meeting in Seoul from Feb. 14 to 16. Rep. Lee Soo-jin of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea proposed an amendment to the Personal Protection Act on Jan. 16 to limit Hybe’s use of the facial recognition system, citing concerns about excessive demands for

Jan. 20, 2025

Seventeen's Jun to star alongside legendary stars in Chinese film

Jun to appear on screen with Jackie Chan, Tony Leung Ka-fai Seventeen member Jun is set to make his mark on the big screen, starring in the upcoming Chinese film "The Shadow’s Edge" alongside global icons Jackie Chan and Tony Leung Ka-fai. According to Jun's agency Pledis Entertainment, Jun will play gang member Hu Feng in the crime thriller slated for release later this year. The movie delves into a gripping battle between a notorious criminal organization and the police determined to bring the

Jan. 20, 2025

Korean Canadian singer faces lawsuit over alleged political activity as foreign national

Musician says freedom of speech being suppressed Korean Canadian singer JK Kim Dong-uk, also known as John Kim, said via social media on Saturday that his freedom of speech is being violated, after an internet user filed a lawsuit accusing him of engaging in political activities as a foreign national. Kim has openly supported President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was formally arrested Sunday in connection to his declaration of martial law last month, and has called for the withdrawal of his impeachment,

Jan. 19, 2025

BTS’ J-Hope to perform at Paris charity event

BTS fans join fundraising for charity with K-pop star BTS member J-Hope will take the stage Wednesday at the Le Gala des Pieces Jaunes charity event at La Defense Arena in Paris. The event, organized by France’s Operation Pieces Jaunes foundation and led by First Lady Brigitte Macron, raises funds to support hospitalized children and adolescents. J-Hope will be the first Korean male solo artist to perform at the gala, along with global stars such as Katy Perry, John Legend and Rose of Blackpink.

Jan. 19, 2025

Rose's 'APT.' remains No. 2 on British Official Singles Chart

"APT.," the latest single from BLACKPINK member Rose, held its No. 2 position on the British Official Singles Chart Top 100 for the third consecutive week. Despite speculation the song featuring global pop icon Bruno Mars might clinch the top spot this week, it remained in second place just behind Gracie Abrams' "That's So True," according to the latest chart released Friday (British time). Initially debuting at No. 4 in October last year, "APT." has experienced a roller-coaster journey on the c

Jan. 18, 2025

Singer-songwriter An Shinae celebrates life

After years of laying low in Jeju, An returns with vibrant, hopeful energy From a vocal group member to producer and songwriter, An Shinae has carved out her niche in the competitive music industry before taking a yearslong break. Following the digital single "Dear City" released last July, An solidified her return as a singer-songwriter Wednesday with the new EP, "Dear Life." “The first series focused on healing the pain of city life, while the new one explores the expanded possibilities that c

Jan. 18, 2025

'Lore' distinguishes one K-pop group from another

As a cultural movement encompassing vast genres, K-pop has sprouted countless creative branches, one of the most enriching being lore. Referring to the fictional worlds or storylines crafted by many K-pop artists, lore began emerging in the 2010s as a tool for defining groups' identities. EXO, considered one of the pioneers of this trend, debuted as a boy group drawing inspiration from the concept of exoplanets. According to the storyline, members come from an unknown world, with their memories

Jan. 18, 2025

[Today’s K-pop] Seventeen’s Jeonghan to drop solo single

Jeonghan of Seventeen will release a solo single on Jan. 27, agency Pledis Entertainment announced Friday. He is to drop “Better Half (Feat. Omoinotake),” delivering his heartfelt appreciation to fans and thanking them for making him a better person. Jeonghan has been fulfilling his mandatory military duty through an alternative program as a social worker since September last year, as the first member of the 13-piece act to do so. Before enlisting, he put out “This Man” as part of a duo with Won

Jan. 17, 2025

YG Entertainment to drop actor management, refocus on music

From Blackpink, Treasure to new rookies, YG Entertainment will present big K-pop events this year YG Entertainment will discontinue its actor management business as part of a broader restructuring to concentrate on music. In a statement released Friday, the agency said, “To focus on our primary business of music, we are reorganizing our business structure. As part of this process, we will discontinue our actor management operations.” YG was once home to prominent actors such as Cha Seung-won, Ch

Jan. 17, 2025

Which K-pop stars will appear at SM Classics concert?

Minho of SHINee, Wendy of Red Velvet set to appear on stage SM Entertainment’s classical and jazz label, SM Classics, is set to host its first orchestral concert in celebration of the company’s 30th anniversary. According to SM Entertainment on Friday, the SM Classics Live 2025 With the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra concert will take place Feb. 14 at the Seoul Arts Center Concert Hall in Seocho-gu and on Feb. 15 at the Lotte Concert Hall in Songpa-gu, Seoul. The event will feature orchestral rend

Jan. 17, 2025

K-pop albums dominate physical album sales ranking. Why?

Stray Kids, Enhypen, TXT, Twice stand strong on Luminate's album sales chart Expert points to unique relationship between K-pop artists and fans as well as agencies' strategies Despite the dominance of streaming in today’s music landscape, K-pop albums continued to secure a remarkable position in global physical sales last year. According to the 2024 Year-End Music Report released by Luminate, which provides in-depth analysis and data on the music and entertainment industry, seven of the top 10

Jan. 17, 2025