Ador files legal action to confirm validity of contract with NewJeans

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-popDec. 5, 2024

[Today’s K-pop] Blackpink’s Rose surpasses 500m views in record time with ‘APT.’ video

Rose of Blackpink amassed 500 million views on YouTube with the music video for “APT.,” her agency The Black Label said Thursday. She achieved the feat in less than 48 days breaking the record for a K-pop artist. “APT.,” featuring Bruno Mars, came out on Oct. 18 and swept all music charts at home and abroad. The catchy tune is enjoying a six-week stay on Billboard’s Hot 100, having peaked at No. 8, the highest spot for a K-pop female solo singer. It also entered the

K-popDec. 5, 2024

BTS RM's documentary to be released in 110 countries

A documentary film chronicling the making of BTS leader RM's solo album was released Thursday in theaters in 110 countries, including Korea. The film "RM: Right People, Wrong Place" captures the eight-month journey behind RM’s second solo album, "Right Place, Wrong Person." It offers an intimate look at RM navigating the multiple roles of BTS' leader, solo artist and an ordinary man named Kim Nam-joon. Directed by Lee Seok-jun, the documentary also features th

FilmDec. 5, 2024

Use of name 'The Boyz' uncertain following trademark dispute

Boy group The Boyz is the latest in the long list of groups that face trademark disputes over their name. The Boyz, which recently moved to One Hundred Label after its contract with IST Entertainment ended, might not be able to use its name. On Wednesday night, One Hundred Label announced that negotiations with IST Entertainment over the trademark had broken down, citing “unreasonable negotiation conditions” from IST as the reason. “We have done our utmost to negotiate regardin

K-popDec. 5, 2024

[Today’s K-pop] BTS’ RM makes Rolling Stone’s best album list

The second solo album from RM was picked as one of “The 100 Best Albums of 2024” by Rolling Stone magazine. The American publication ranked the album “Right Place, Wrong Person” at No. 88, writing, “His lyrical ride is made even more mind-expanding by the music laid down by RM and his collaborators. (The album) is psychedelia-tinged and soulful, its lyrics’ intense self-interrogation balanced by music that feels like an invite to further explorations.” T

K-popDec. 4, 2024

International fans voice concerns for K-pop idols amid martial law declaration

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-popDec. 4, 2024

[Today’s K-pop] Ive logs 300m views with ‘After Like’ music video

Ive’s music video for “After Like” surpassed 300 million views on YouTube, said agency Starship Entertainment Tuesday. “After Like” is the title track from the group's third single album released in 2022. The genre-breaking hit swept all music charts in Korea and earned the group 14 trophies from television music chart shows. It also enjoyed 17 and 25 weeks straight on Billboard’s Global 200 and Global excl. US charts, respectively, peaking at No. 20 an

K-popDec. 3, 2024

Can 2025 be year of YG Entertainment?

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-popDec. 3, 2024

Industry group sides with Ador in NewJeans saga

An organization representing road managers and entertainment agency officials has stepped into K-pop's latest industry-shaking drama, calling chart-topping group NewJeans' attempt to terminate their agency contract "preposterous" in a statement released Tuesday. The statement from the Korea Management Association comes days after the quintet announced they were pulling out of their contract with Hybe subsidiary Ador in a late-night press conference Thursday. Group members cit

K-popDec. 3, 2024

Seventeen to perform at Billboard Music Awards next week

K-pop boy band Seventeen is set to take the stage at the Billboard Music Awards in Los Angeles next week. According to BBMA's official Instagram page, the group will perform "Love, Money, Fame," at the ceremony next Thursday. The lead single, which features American music producer DJ Khaled, is from its twelfth extended play, "Spill the Feels." The group has been nominated for the Top K-pop Touring Artist category at this year's ceremony. This nomination follows its

K-popDec. 3, 2024

'Chairman Bang took on risk himself and agreed to put-back option,’ Hybe says

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-popDec. 2, 2024

[Today’s K-pop] EXO’s Baekhyun to spend Christmas with fans

Baekhyun of EXO announced plans for a year-end fan meetup via agency INB100 on Monday. He will throw a “Chaotic Party” in Seoul on Dec. 21-22 inviting fans to enjoy a winter holiday atmosphere with him at the event. The second day’s live show will be broadcast online. It will be the veteran idol's first fan meeting since his “Snack Party” about 11 months ago. At the time, he toured Asia on his own for the first time that came to an end with an encore gig in Seo

K-popDec. 2, 2024

GFriend to reunite after 4 years, marking 10th debut anniversary

The girl group GFriend is making a highly anticipated return after four years with a special album and concert. GFriend will reunite to release a special album, "Season of Memories," on Jan. 13, commemorating the group's 10th debut anniversary. This marks their first group activity since the members' contract with Source Music ended four years ago. According to Source Music, the six-member group’s special album "Season of Memories" will drop on Jan. 13 at 6 p.

PerformanceDec. 2, 2024

[Herald Review] NCT Dream wraps up 3rd world tour with grand finale

NCT Dream successfully wrapped up its third world tour with all seven members onstage, including Renjun who returned from hiatus. The final performance of "The Dream Show 3: Dream Scape Finale in Seoul" took place Sunday at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul. Throughout the three-show finale concert series, which ran from Friday to Sunday, a total of 60,000 fans attended, showcasing the group’s immense popularity. As the central stage screen opened like a massive door and the members

PerformanceDec. 2, 2024

(G)I-dle confirms full-unit contract renewal at MMA

After months of speculation, (G)I-dle officially announced the renewal of their contracts with Cube Entertainment as a full unit, during the 2024 Melon Music Awards (MMA) held at the Inspire Arena in Incheon, Saturday. The group also swept five major awards at the event, including Record of the Year, Artist of the Year, KakaoBank Album of the Year, Song of the Year and Rookie of the Year. During their acceptance speech, leader Soyeon directly addressed rumors about the group’s disbandment.

K-popDec. 1, 2024

BTS members dominate charts, award shows despite military service

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-popDec. 1, 2024

'Winter Ahead' by BTS' V tops iTunes charts in 75 countries

Singer V of K-pop superband BTS has topped Apple iTunes charts in 75 countries with his latest release, "Winter Ahead," his agency said Saturday. The duet song with K-pop artist Park Hyo-sin, released on Friday, claimed the No. 1 spot on iTunes' Top Songs charts across various nations, including Britain, Germany and Japan, as of 6 a.m., according to BigHit Music. The romantic jazz track also ranked first in Worldwide iTunes Song and European iTunes Song charts. Its music video top

K-popNov. 30, 2024