SM Classics releases first album ‘Across the New World’

K-pop powerhouse also releases brand film 'Across The New World' on SM Town’s YouTube channel SM Entertainment’s classical and jazz label SM Classics unveiled its first album “Across the New World” on Friday. The LP's title, “Across The New World,” reflects the label’s mission to bridge K-pop and classical music, presenting a fusion of past and present genres. The new album features 14 orchestral renditions of iconic SM hit songs, including new arrangements of the double main tracks “Rising Sun”

Jan. 24, 2025

J-Hope, Seventeen join Pharrell for Louis Vuitton 2025 F/W fashion show

J-Hope collaborated with American rapper Don Toliver on new song 'LV Bag' BTS' J-Hope and Seventeen were featured on new tracks unveiled during Louis Vuitton’s Men’s Fall-Winter 2025 Show, held in Paris, Tuesday. J-Hope lent his voice to Pharrell Williams’ new song “LV Bag,” which closed the fashion show. Williams, who also serves as Louis Vuitton’s men’s creative director, created the track specifically for the event. J-Hope collaborated with American rapper Don Toliver on the song, making a st

Jan. 23, 2025

NewJeans appoints legal representative to continue fight with Ador

K-pop group seeks new name amid ongoing legal battle The dispute between K-pop girl group NewJeans and their agency Ador appears far from reaching a resolution. “We intend to clearly expose the wrongdoings of Ador and Hybe through legal procedures and to fight confidently in court to reveal the truth,” NewJeans said Thursday on its social media account. The group has enlisted Shin & Kim LLC as its legal representative to counter Ador’s recent legal actions. This follows the members’ declaration

Jan. 23, 2025

NewJeans may take short break until Hanni's visa issue resolved

New E-6 visa typically takes two to three months to process NewJeans are expected to pause full-group activities for the next two to three months due to the work visa of member Hanni, who has dual Vietnamese and Australian nationality. Hanni's E-6 visa is due to expire next month. The E-6 visa allows K-pop singers and other entertainment industry workers of foreign nationality to work in the entertainment industry in South Korea. The situation is complicated by the unresolved dispute between Han

Jan. 22, 2025

Jennie's 'Ruby' set for early spring release

Album shines with features by Doechii and Dua Lipa Jennie of Blackpink is set to release her first solo studio album, "Ruby," on March 7, according to her agency Odd Atelier, Wednesday. The album will feature 15 tracks, including her hit single “Mantra.” Released last October, it topped iTunes’ Top Songs chart in 47 countries, including the US, Brazil, Singapore and Mexico. “Mantra” was also the first song by a female K-pop solo artist to achieve No. 1 on iTunes' Top Songs chart in the US, and a

Jan. 22, 2025

K-pop’s seemingly unstoppable rise shows signs of slowing

New big-name groups essential to sustain K-pop’s momentum globally, experts say K-pop’s once-unyielding growth is showing signs of faltering, raising concerns about the lack of globally dominant groups that can sustain the genre’s popularity after BTS and Blackpink. Industry experts suggest that the surge in concerts by K-pop groups post-COVID-19 may have led to strong export and sales figures in recent years. However, they warn against relying on these metrics as the sole indicators of growth.

Jan. 21, 2025

YG Entertainment to hold nationwide audition tour

K-pop agency seeks to discover next generation of K-pop stars YG Entertainment is launching a nationwide audition tour to discover the next generation of K-pop stars who will shape the future of K-pop. The “2025 YG National Audition Tour” will run Feb. 7-23, spanning six cities with seven audition sessions. The tour begins in Gwangju on Feb 7, followed by stops in Daejeon on Feb. 8, Jeonju in North Jeolla Province on Feb. 9, Daegu on Feb. 15, Busan on Feb. 16, and concludes with two sessions in

Jan. 21, 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

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