Twice to be featured in NHK’s ‘Kohaku’: reports

K-pop group Twice will appear on Japanese broadcaster NHK’s annual “Year-end Song Festival,” also known as “Kohaku Uta Gassen.”Japanese media outlets including Nikkan Sports reported Wednesday that the K-pop group had decided to appear on “Kohaku” and NHK would make an official announcement Thursday. It will mark the first appearance of a K-pop group on the Japanese year-end show in six years. In 2011, Kara, Girls’ Generation and TVXQ were featured in the special.  K-pop group Twice (JYP Enterta

Nov. 15, 2017

Mnet to broadcast AMA live

Korean fans will get to see BTS’ US debut performance live at the 45th edition of the American Music Awards. Cable channel Mnet will broadcast the AMA show scheduled to take place at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles at 10 a.m. Monday (Korea Standard Time). It marks the first time a Korean broadcaster is carrying the show live.  Logo for American Music AwardsMnet has been broadcasting the Grammy Awards live for 17 years.Pop music critic Lim Jin-mo, who has hosted the broadcaster’s live broadcast

Nov. 15, 2017

Infused with new blood, Lovelyz offers early Christmas vibe with new EP

K-pop sweethearts Lovelyz’s music has been a remedy for those craving some sonic sweetness. And “Twinkle,” the lead song from the eight-piece group’s new third EP, offers K-pop fans another sugary treat to indulge in this winter. What is notable about the latest album “Fall In Lovelyz,” out Tuesday, is that the girls took their first attempt at electro dance pop with “Twinkle.” The group’s tonal transition, shifting from its signature bubblegum sound to powerful dance-driven pop, came after its

Nov. 14, 2017

2PM’s Jun.K to return with reflective EP ‘My 20s’

Boy band 2PM’s member Jun.K, who has been active as a producer and soloist recently, is set to release his new solo EP “My 20s” on Nov. 27, according to his agency JYP Entertainment on Tuesday. The agency said the upcoming EP will be a reference to Jun.K’s 20s, as the singer will turn 30 next year. “My 20s” will be the singer’s first solo release in 10 months since his special album “77-1X3-00” in January last year.  A teaser image for 2PM Jun.K’s upcoming solo EP “My 20s” (JYP Entertainment)The

Nov. 14, 2017

BTS makes guest appearance on CBS late night talk show

K-pop group BTS takes US TV shows by storm this month. Its agency, Big Hit Entertainment, said Tuesday that the K-pop sensation will take part in the recording of CBS’ “The Late Late Show With James Corden” on Wednesday as its first promotional activity during its visit to the US to perform at the American Music Awards on Sunday. BTS (Big Hit Entertainment)Earlier this month, the agency said the seven-member band would make appearances on popular TV shows “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and “The Ellen DeGe

Nov. 14, 2017

BTS' Rap Monster changes his stage name

Rap Monster of K-pop boy group BTS has changed his stage name to RM, the group's agency said Tuesday.The leader of the popular seven-member act announced the news in a post to a fan page Monday, according to Big Hit Entertainment."People started to call me 'Rap Monster,' which is part of lyrics I wrote when I was a trainee. I like the name," the 23-year-old wrote. "But I realized the name is far from the type of music I want to show you."He also said that his new name is "a better fit for the mu

Nov. 14, 2017

BTS becomes first Koreans to boast over 10 mln Twitter followers

BTS has become the first Koreans to boast 10 million followers on Twitter, its Seoul unit said Monday."BTS has hit 10 million followers on Twitter, a first for a Korean account," Twitter Korea said. The social media service posted a short video titled "The incredible rise of K-pop superstars BTS."BTS, the popular boy group also known as Bangtan Boys, surpassed the 10 million milestone at 11:15 a.m., four years and 11 months after uploading the first post on Dec. 17, 2012. (Twitter)BTS members up

Nov. 14, 2017

[Video] Colombian TV show mocks BTS for being Asian

A Colombian TV show has drawn flak for making a racist gesture when introducing BTS, a K-pop band that has been gaining worldwide popularity.The host of the show “Dia a Dia” had introduced BTS’ latest album, which had prompted a man behind him to make a “slant eyes” gesture by lifting the corners of his eyes. After the broadcast was aired, a Twitter user with the name “ARMY (fan club of BTS) Colombia” apologized on the social media platform, saying that it is “sincerely sorry” about the incident

Nov. 13, 2017

Ex-Sistar member Hyorin starts her own label ‘Brid3’

Hyorin, formerly of now-defunct K-pop act Sistar, has founded her own label “Brid3,” about two months after leaving her former agency Starship Entertainment. Hyorin announced the establishment of her agency Monday, saying that it will house video, choreography and producing professionals as well as creative directors, with whom she will produce a wide variety of musical projects. “Brid3” (bridge) was named in hopes that the company will be able to serve as a bridge between music and the public,

Nov. 13, 2017

2017 Asia Artist Awards to open with stellar lineup of artists

The 2017 Asia Artist Awards will be held Wednesday at 6 p.m. Jamsil Gymnasium in Seoul. The awards ceremony honors the outstanding achievements and international contributions of Asian artists in film, television and music. The event will showcase some of the biggest names in K-pop, including EXO, Wanna One, Super Junior, Yoona of Girls’ Generation, VIXX, Mamamoo, Seventeen and Monsta X. Other singers performing at the award show include Zico of Block B, Hwang Chi-yeul, Ailee, Apink, Crush, NU’E

Nov. 13, 2017

Wanna One returns with toned down ‘Nothing Without You’

About three months ago, the emergence of K-pop act Wanna One breathed new life into K-pop. With the strong support of its loyal, die-hard fans, this 11-piece K-pop rookie has quickly carved out its niche, dominating both airwaves and commercials, as well as magazines and TV shows.  Wanna One poses during a press event for “1-1=0 (Nothing Without You),” a repackaged version of its debut EP “1X1=1 (To Be One)” in Seoul on Monday (Yonhap)Enjoying its heyday as one of the biggest hits in the current

Nov. 13, 2017

BTS sets date for Steve Aoki remix version of ‘Mic Drop’

Music fans who have eagerly waited for the collaboration among BTS, Steve Aoki and Desiigner will have to wait a little longer, as the boy band announced Monday that it will push back the release date for the remix version of “Mic Drop” to Nov. 24.The K-pop star’s release of the track -- originally included in its latest EP “Love Yourself Seung Her” -- was initially scheduled for Friday. (Big Hit Entertainment)“After discussing with our partners in the US, we thought it would be better for the s

Nov. 13, 2017

Lotte Duty Free taps BTS as new model

Lotte Duty Free, South Korea's top duty-free operator, said Monday it has tapped K-pop boy band BTS as its new model, as local retailers aim to attract more foreign customers amid a normalization of ties between Seoul and Beijing over a US missile defense system.Including BTS, Lotte Duty Free has 58 K-pop celebrities, including actor Lee Min-ho and K-pop girl group Twice, as its model, according to the company.  (Lotte Duty Free)The duty-free operator's move to expand its presence in the global

Nov. 13, 2017

Shawn Mendes wins best artist at MTV Europe Music Awards

LONDON (AFP) - Canadian teen singer Shawn Mendes on Sunday won best artist and best song at the MTV Europe Music Awards (EMA) in London, pipping heavyweight competitors such as Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus and Ed Sheeran.The awards ceremony at Wembley Arena, the first to be staged in the British capital in 20 years, were hosted by Rita Ora and featured performances by U2 and David Guetta.In a first for the EMAs, which were created in 1994, MTV announced categories stripped of gender in a bid to “br

Nov. 13, 2017

B1A4’s Gongchan apologizes for remarks regarding fans, bank account

B1A4’s Gongchan has apologized for his recent remarks regarding fans and VIXX member Hongbin’s bank account on Twitter. On Sunday, while talking to his close friend Hongbin of VIXX, Gongchan wrote on Twitter, “Fans want your bank account number. Try putting it on here for 0.5 seconds. Let’s leave fans (to) decide our travel and hotels here.” Gongchan of B1A4 (WM Entertainment)　His words caused a stir on social media. After netizens criticized Gongchan for his alleged intention to use fans’ money

Nov. 12, 2017

Block B to hold 1st solo concert in nearly 2 years

Boy band Block B will celebrate its recent release of the new EP “Montage” with a solo concert in Seoul.According to its agency Seven Seasons, the K-pop act will hold concerts on Jan. 27 and 28 at Jamsil Olympic Stadium in Songpa-gu, Seoul. The concerts will be titled “Block B Blockbuster ‘Montage,’” and will be its first solo concerts in about 21 months. A teaser image for Block B’s concert in January (Seven Seasons)The group’s agency on Sunday revealed the news along with a teaser image of the

Nov. 12, 2017

Twice riding high without a hitch

In the volatile world of K-pop, hundreds of acts rise and fade into obscurity each year. For every successful TVXQ and Girls’ Generation, there have been other groups like The Grace and M.I.L.K. Since entering the music scene two years ago, JYP Entertainment’s newest heavyweight Twice has stood tall and broken records with hits. The nine-piece group on Saturday once again topped the brand reputation chart based on monthly research by the Korea Reputation Center. Based on big data related to cert

Nov. 12, 2017

Super Junior to hold ‘Super Show 7’ next month

K-pop boy band Super Junior will hold its signature concert series “Super Show 7” on Dec. 16 and 17 at Jamsil Gymnasium in Seoul.It will be the group’s first concert in two years and five months since it wrapped up the encore concerts for “Super Junior World Tour Super Show 6” in July 2015. The members of the K-pop group also participated in the concert planning, the group’s agency S.M. Entertainment said. Ticket sales for the December concerts will open at 8 p.m. on Nov. 21 at ticket.yes24.com.

Nov. 10, 2017

Sooyoung of Girls' Generation signs with Daniel Henney's agency

Singer and actress Choi Soo-young, better known by her stage name Sooyoung from Girls' Generation, has found a new agency after leaving S.M. Entertainment last month.Echo Global Group, which manages, among others, Daniel Henney of "Criminal Minds," announced Friday it has signed a contract with the idol-turned-actress. The company said it won't spare any efforts to support her so that she can keep growing as an actor and a singer.Last month, she let her contract with the K-pop powerhouse lapse,

Nov. 10, 2017

Victon celebrates 1 year anniversary with EP

Victon is sending a thank-you message to fans, who stuck with the group through thick and thin, with the release of its fourth EP “From. VICTON” on Thursday.The boy band was to release the record at 6 p.m. in celebration of the one-year anniversary of its debut.“The record carries a message of gratitude toward fans, who have shown unwavering love (toward the group),” the group’s agency Plan A Entertainment said. The teaser for the music video of “Remember Me.” / Plan A EntertainmentThe lead trac

Nov. 9, 2017