What to expect in K-pop in 2025?

Music critics predict continued growth of global K-pop market with return of BTS, Blackpink From the return of BTS and Blackpink to the debuts of new groups from major agencies -- SM Entertainment, YG Entertainment and JYP Entertainment -- the 2025 K-pop scene is brimming with excitement and anticipation. Industry insiders predict that world tours by leading K-pop acts will further boost the music market’s global presence this year. However, the industry also faces mounting pressure to address l

Jan. 2, 2025

Global artists set to shine on Korean stages in early 2025

From dream pop to J-pop: upcoming international acts in Korea A diverse lineup of musicians, spanning generations and genres, is set to visit Korea in 2025. From globally acclaimed rock legends to rising indie stars, the upcoming performances promise to captivate audiences across generations and musical tastes. St. Vincent, an iconic guitarist representing 2010s American indie rock, will return to Korea after a decade. The concert is scheduled for Jan. 6 at Yes 24 Live Hall in eastern Seoul, mar

Jan. 2, 2025

JYP postpones debut promotion for KickFlip amid national mourning period

New boy band's debut promotion to start Jan. 6 K-pop powerhouse JYP Entertainment has postponed the debut promotion schedule for its new boy group, KickFlip, as the country observes a national mourning period following the deadly plane crash in Muan, South Jeolla Province, on Sunday. Originally set to begin Wednesday, promotional activities for KickFlip were rescheduled after the tragedy to start on Jan. 6. “We will provide updates accordingly if any further changes take place. We ask for the un

Jan. 1, 2025

Rookie band Hi-Fi Un!corn to go global with Sony Music Label

Hi-Fi Un!corn signs with Sony Music Label on New Year's day Hi-Fi Un!corn has taken a significant step toward global success by signing a contract with Sony Music Japan on New Year’s Day. FNC Entertainment announced Wednesday that the group has officially partnered with Japan's largest music label, which wields substantial influence both domestically and across the broader Asian music market. Hi-Fi Un!corn is a five-member band comprising guitarist Kim Hyun-yul, bassist Son Ki-yoon, vocalist and

Jan. 1, 2025

Trot star Lim Young-woong to hold concerts during mourning period

The singer offers refunds to fans wishing to pay respects to plane crash victims Trot singer Lim Young-woong confirmed on Tuesday that he will proceed with his concerts in Seoul from Thursday to Saturday as originally scheduled. The concerts coincide with the week-long government-declared national mourning period, which ends Saturday, to honor the victims and families affected by the tragic plane crash at Muan International Airport in South Jeolla Province on Sunday. Despite the overlap, Lim dec

Jan. 1, 2025

[Today’s K-pop] Le Sserafim’s Yunjin postpones releasing solo song

Heo Yunjin of Le Sserafim decided to hold off releasing a self-written song that was due out Tuesday, said agency Source Music. She was planning to unveil “Jellyfish” but will do so later out of respect for the victims of the Muan plane crash and their families. As the song title suggests, she was inspired by the sea creature that freely swims around in deep blue waters. The R&B soul number is her fifth self-written work, and she gave fans a taste of it on a livestream to the pleasant surprise o

Dec. 31, 2024

Lim Young-woong tops 'K-Brand Index' amid controversy

Lim solidifies his position as a representative artist of Korea Trot singer Lim Young-woong has been named the top artist in the K-Brand Index for 2024, according to the Asia Brand Research Institute on Monday. The K-Brand Index, a big data evaluation system developed by the institute, uses a panel of experts for verification, from extracting candidate samples to selecting indices, ensuring reliability. This year’s artist category was determined by analyzing 5.64 billion online data points colle

Dec. 31, 2024

Ador addresses NewJeans’ attendance at Japanese events during national mourning period

Girl group received Excellence Award at the 66th Japan Record Awards for the second consecutive year Ador, the K-pop agency home to girl group NewJeans, released a statement expressing condolences for the victims of the recent plane crash in Korea and addressed the issue of the group’s participation at scheduled events in Japan. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the victims of the Jeju Air crash and their grieving families. Our thoughts are with those affected by this tragedy,” Ador posted

Dec. 31, 2024

NTT Docomo launches Japanese girl group Cosmosy with K-pop-inspired system

4-member group aims to captivate K-pop fans with fresh appeal On Thursday, Japan’s largest telecommunications company NTT Docomo unveiled its first girl group Cosmosy, composed of Japanese members and created primarily with K-pop producer teams. The group’s name is derived from “Cosmos of Youth,” symbolizing the potential of youth, infinite possibilities, growth and conflict. “Details regarding Cosmosy’s global debut, including label partnerships and digital music services, will be announced soo

Dec. 31, 2024

Female K-pop idols reveal struggles with extreme dieting on documentary

Female K-pop idols have opened up about the severe pressure of extreme dieting and societal beauty standards in the SBS documentary “Bodymentary,” which aired Sunday. From legendary artist Kim Wan-sun to Hwasa of Mamamoo, female artists spoke about health issues and the emotional struggles that had long been hidden behind the K-pop industry’s glamorous facade. Soyou, a member of the 2010s popular girl group Sistar, revealed the relentless pressure she faced during her trainee days in her intervi

Dec. 30, 2024

K-pop events postponed as South Korea in period of national mourning after plane crash

Broadcasters announce changes to annual live awards shows K-pop artists and entertainment companies have postponed or canceled promotions and year-end events following the tragic plane crash at Muan International Airport in Muan, South Jeolla Province, on Sunday. The crash, which claimed 179 lives, prompted the government to declare a weeklong national mourning period. While there is no formal prohibition on entertainment activities during the mourning period, it is customary for artists and age

Dec. 30, 2024

Jungkook first Asian artist to surpass 2.1 billion streams on Spotify

The singer's single 'Seven' continues to set records Jungkook of BTS has set a record as the first and only Asian artist to surpass 2.1 billion streams on Spotify. With his solo single "Seven," Jungkook achieved over 2.1 billion cumulative streams on the world’s largest music streaming platform. Released on July 14, 2023, the song reached this milestone in 518 days, marking the fourth fastest track in Spotify's history to hit 2.1 billion streams worldwide. Additionally, Jungkook secured two solo

Dec. 30, 2024

Lee Seung-hwan sues Gumi Mayor over concert cancellation

The singer to proceed with lawsuit for damages, constitutional appeal Singer Lee Seung-hwan is officially proceeding with a lawsuit against Gumi Mayor Kim Jang-ho over the cancellation of his concert venue reservation. The lawsuit will also include concert ticket holders as co-plaintiffs. Attorney Lim Jae-sung from Haemaru Law Firm, representing Lee, announced on Lee's official website on Saturday, “We are recruiting plaintiffs for a damages lawsuit against Gumi Mayor Kim Jang-ho, who unilateral

Dec. 29, 2024

[What to play] Warm up your winter with tender melodies

As sidewalks freeze over, tree branches grow bare, and delicate snowflakes drift through the air, winter's chill is here. Embrace the season by enjoying winter-themed songs that capture its quiet beauty while offering warmth through heartfelt melodies and lyrics. "The Snowman" by Jung Seung-hwan One of Korea's most beloved young ballad singers, Jung Seung-hwan, evokes images of a snow-covered landscape with the fairytale-like melody of “The Snowman.” Released on Feb. 19, 2018, as a pre-release

Dec. 28, 2024

G-dragon's performance on SBS show sparks controversy

While fans praised his strong stage presence, others criticized his poor live performance K-pop fans took a trip down memory lane watching G-Dragon's live stage for the SBS Gayo Daejeon on Christmas Day, but the performance left some disappointed. The K-pop icon graced the annual music event's ending with his mega-hits "Crooked" (2013), "Sober" (2016) and his latest song "Power," released on Oct. 31. When his performance was released on YouTube, it instantly became the most trending video on You

Dec. 27, 2024