K-pop idols are finding their own voices via solo careers

As K-pop’s summer release season continues, another trend has emerged alongside the industry’s biggest group releases: more established group members are stepping back into the spotlight as solo artists. From Apink’s Jung Eun-ji, Day6’s Young K and Oh My Girl’s Mimi, as well as Shinee’s Taemin and Minho and Exo’s D.O., a growing number of established idols are using solo projects to showcase artistic identities that differ from the images they have cultivated within their groups. Among such arti

2026-08-12 17:06:36:00

Online rumors say Blackpink’s Lisa and Thai actor Blue Pongtiwat are dating

Blackpink’s Lisa has recently been embroiled in dating rumors with Thai actor Blue Pongtiwat, after alleged sightings of the two together surfaced across multiple countries. Posts circulating on social media and online communities in recent days have claimed that Lisa and Pongtiwat were seen together not only in Thailand but also in Hong Kong and Japan. Some online users have further alleged that the actor spent time with Lisa’s family members in Thailand, fueling speculation that the pair may b

2026-08-12 13:56:52:00

Police launch probe into alleged leak of NewJeans Hanni’s visa information

Police have launched an investigation into allegations that Ador unlawfully disclosed NewJeans member Hanni's visa information to the media during the agency's contract dispute with the singer. According to Seoul Yongsan Police Station on Tuesday, investigators on Monday questioned attorney Park Kang-hoon — the legal representative of culture critic Kim Sung-soo who filed a complaint against Ador and several of its employees on suspicion of violating the Personal Information Protection Act. Foll

2026-08-11 13:47:47:00

Jeong Eunji maps love through summer on 5th EP ‘Summer, I’

Singer Jeong Eunji is set to return with her fifth EP, “Summer, I,” presenting seven tracks that trace the many stages of love through the imagery and emotions of summer. Jeong held a listening session with the press in Gangnam-gu, southern Seoul, on Thursday, ahead of the album’s Tuesday release, introducing the record as one of her most personal projects to date. “Summer, I” marks her first release since her remake album “Log” in November 2022 and her first EP since “Simple” in July 2020. The

2026-08-11 07:00:00:00

Big Bang to release new single 'Biiig' on 20th anniversary

Big Bang will mark the 20th anniversary of its debut with the release of a new digital single, “Biiig,” on Aug. 19, YG Entertainment announced Monday. The single, set for release at 6 p.m. that day, will be the veteran group’s first new music since the digital single “Still Life,” released in April 2022. YG unveiled a teaser poster for the release featuring silhouettes of the members against blue, red and yellow lights, along with the title “Biiig.” According to the agency, the title references

2026-08-10 17:09:20:00

Nowz ventures into disco with new single ‘Achilles’

Boy group Nowz returned Wednesday with digital single “Achilles,” embracing an '80s-inspired disco sound as the quintet takes on a more mature image after its previous release in November 2025. The release marks the group’s first Korean comeback in 10 months since the single “Play Ball” and follows its Japanese debut EP, “Nowz,” released in March. It also continues the group’s musical evolution after experimenting with rock, EDM and hip-hop across recent releases. At a showcase ahead of the sing

2026-08-06 15:32:46:00

The Boyz to continue group activities as 9-member act

The Boyz will continue group activities as a nine-member act after signing an agreement to promote under a new label structure, the group announced Thursday. Sangyeon, Jacob, Younghoon, Hyunjae, Juyeon, Kevin, Q, Sunwoo and Eric have completed a group contract to continue promoting as The Boyz, while preparations are underway for activities under a newly established label. New is not part of the group agreement. The announcement comes months after the nine members of the group, excluding New, no

2026-08-06 14:16:59:00

SM Entertainment unveils second-half lineup

SM Entertainment unveiled its second-half artist lineup Wednesday, confirming new releases by Minho of Shinee and boy group WayV, along with a single from a new Girls’ Generation unit. The company’s third-quarter lineup includes Red Velvet’s latest EP “Velvet Summer,” released Monday, as well as NCT 127’s upcoming LP “Blingy,” a solo EP from Shinee’s Minho, and an EP from WayV. A single is also due to be released from Girls’ Generation members Hyoyeon, Yuri and Sooyoung, who recently launched th

2026-08-05 21:11:42:00

Weverse launches AI-powered search assistant for fans

Weverse introduced a beta version of an artificial intelligence-powered search assistant on Wednesday, designed to help users quickly find artist-related information across its fan platform. The global fan community announced that through Weverse AI, fans will be able to search for official announcements, live-streamed content and merchandise all at once using their language of preference. Powered by Google’s Gemini AI model, the feature integrates search results from both Weverse and Weverse Sh

2026-08-05 20:38:39:00

TXT’s Yeonjun to throw first pitch at LA Dodgers game

Tomorrow X Together’s Yeonjun is set to throw the ceremonial first pitch at an upcoming Los Angeles Dodgers game, according to Big Hit Music Wednesday. The singer will take the mound at Dodger Stadium on Aug. 13 before the Dodgers take on the Milwaukee Brewers, the agency said. Yeonjun will also participate in the Dodgers’ annual Korean Heritage Night, a cultural event celebrating Korean culture and the Korean American community. He is scheduled to perform during the event. The appearance comes

2026-08-05 20:32:28:00