Odd Atelier denies claim Jennie opened US branch in California

Blackpink's Jennie has not established a US branch of her agency, Odd Atelier, in California, contrary to local media claims, the company told The Korea Herald on Monday. Local media reported Sunday that Jennie had opened Odd Atelier's first overseas branch in California and was already operating through the entity, OA Entertainment, Inc. It was incorporated in California on Oct. 13 and is currently listed as an active corporation. The media outlets also speculated that the California entity was

2026-07-20 14:50:44:00

G-Dragon brings star power to K-heritage

For nearly two decades, G-Dragon has been one of K-pop's most influential artists. This month, however, the Big Bang member is taking on a new role beyond music — serving as the public face of South Korea's efforts to promote one of the world's most significant gatherings on cultural heritage. On July 3, the Korea Heritage Service appointed G-Dragon as an honorary ambassador for the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, to be held in Busan from July 19 to 29. As South Korea prepar

2026-07-18 16:00:00:00

Big Hit Music denies copyright infringement claims over BTS' 'Swim'

Big Hit Music, Hybe's music subsidiary and BTS' agency, on Friday denied allegations that the group's global hit "Swim" infringed on the copyright of a song by three US songwriters. "'Swim' is an independent creation," the agency said in a statement shared with The Korea Herald. "The allegations in the lawsuit are unilateral and unsubstantiated. We will respond firmly through the appropriate legal process." The statement came after US songwriters Steve Cooper, Jon Sandler and Greylyn Johnson fil

2026-07-10 17:27:31:00

BTS' V debuts as Jinro's first global ambassador

BTS member V made his debut as the world’s bestselling spirit Jinro's first global ambassador Thursday with the release of a teaser video on the brand's social media channels. The 19-second clip opens with V inside an ascending elevator sporting two-tone hair. When the doors open, the words "Jinro's New Visual" appear on screen and the singer appears holding a box bearing the Jinro logo in Korean. HiteJinro announced July 3 that V had been selected as the first global ambassador in the soju bran

2026-07-10 15:29:09:00

Ador reviewing internal records after NewJeans' 'ETA' hit with US copyright suit

Ador said Thursday it is reviewing internal records after a local media outlet reported that NewJeans' 2023 hit "ETA" had become the subject of a copyright infringement lawsuit in the US. According to the Wednesday report, US music publishing company All Surface Publishing filed a copyright infringement lawsuit Tuesday with the US District Court for the Central District of California against NewJeans, 250, Beenzino, Hybe, Ador, BANA, Apple and others. The plaintiff alleges that "ETA" copied "Sam

2026-07-09 14:57:54:00

As K-pop costs soar, government plans bigger boost for smaller agencies

The Culture Ministry plans to double expansion support for small and mid-sized music agencies next year, as the government seeks to bolster the competitiveness of the country's music industry, Culture Minister Chae Hwi-young said Wednesday. Chae said the ministry is looking to expand the Global Leap Program for Small and Midsized Music Agencies, a program introduced this year to help promising companies enter overseas markets. "We launched the program this year, and we're looking to roughly doub

2026-07-09 14:41:45:00

Ateez's Yunho ended long-term relationship: report

Ateez member Yunho has ended his long-term relationship with a non-celebrity partner, according to a local media report Wednesday. The singer is said to have ended the relationship about three months ago and has not resumed contact with his former partner. A source close to Yunho said the two had been friends since their school days before developing a romantic relationship and remained together for many years. The outlet also quoted an agency official as saying that Yunho had personally confirm

2026-07-08 17:55:29:00

Hybe seeks next generation of K-pop producers

Hybe will launch its 2026 Hybe Next New Creator producer audition, seeking new music creators to join its global multilabel system, the company announced Tuesday. According to Hybe's official website, successful applicants will have the opportunity to work with labels under Hybe Music Group, including Big Hit Music, Belift Lab, Pledis Entertainment, Hybe Japan and YX Labels. The labels are home to some of K-pop's biggest acts, including BTS, Tomorrow X Together, Enhypen, Illit, Seventeen and &Te

2026-07-08 15:54:39:00

One of K-pop's few coed groups KARD to disband after world tour

KARD, one of modern K-pop's few mixed-gender groups, will disband after nine years following the release of its first full-length album and a farewell world tour, DSP Media announced Monday. The agency said the decision was reached through mutual agreement. "After careful discussions with all four members, we have agreed to bring KARD's journey to a close following these promotions," DSP Media said. It also thanked the group's fandom, Hidden KARD, for its support over the years and asked fans to

2026-07-07 17:06:43:00

Global music moguls turn to Korea for next growth engine

Global music industry heavyweights are increasingly viewing South Korea as a gateway to the Asian entertainment market, with rapper and entrepreneur Jay-Z becoming the latest to establish a Korea-focused business. Following Ne-Yo's announcement in March that his Pacific Music Group would open a Korean branch to expand across Asia, Jay-Z's investment firm MarcyPen has partnered with Hanwha Asset Management to launch an investment company specializing in Korean entertainment and cultural businesse

2026-07-07 15:29:54:00