Evan says solo debut is part of finding his 'true self’

Evan, formerly Heeseung of Enhypen, has shared his first thoughts on life as a solo artist following the release of his debut single "Ride or Die" on Monday. While he did not directly address why he left the boy group to pursue an independent career — a move some fans continue to dispute, arguing Belift Lab forced his departure — Evan suggested he is focused on discovering his authentic self through music. In a written Q&A released through Belift Lab on the same day, Evan reflected on what he lo

2026-06-22 16:57:42:00

Secret bets on nostalgia, reinvention in comeback

Former hit girl group Secret is embarking on a new chapter, returning with its first new music for the first time in 12 years and introducing a new member in place of two original members. The comeback has drawn attention not only because of the group's lengthy hiatus, but also because it reflects a growing trend in K-pop. As the cost of launching rookie groups continues to rise, more companies are finding value in reviving familiar brands. "Secret Flavor," released Thursday, marks Secret's firs

2026-06-21 19:30:41:00

Le Sserafim, Illit, Katseye's 'Iconic By Mistake' breaks into UK chart

The collaboration single "Iconic By Mistake" by Le Sserafim, Illit and Katseye continues to gain traction globally, entering the UK Official Singles Chart and posting strong performances on Spotify's worldwide rankings. According to the latest UK Official Charts released Friday, "Iconic By Mistake" debuted at No. 22 on the Official Singles Top 100 chart for the week of June 19-25. The chart combines audio and video streaming, downloads and physical sales into a single ranking system. Songs that

2026-06-21 13:26:01:00

More aspiring K-pop idols are retiring in their 20s

More aspiring K-pop idols are retiring in their 20s as unstable incomes, uncertain career prospects and mounting mental strain push many lesser-known artists to leave the industry early. CLC member Kwon Eun-bin made her retirement official Tuesday, announcing that the girl group's concert in Taipei in July, marking the 11th anniversary of its debut, will be her final activity as a singer. The 26-year-old first gained public recognition through the survival audition program "Produce 101" before d

2026-06-18 17:32:33:00

Why K-pop companies are betting on India

As K-pop companies expand into India in search of their next growth engine, veteran songwriter Alex Karlsson believes the country could become one of the world's five largest music markets within a decade — a development that could reshape the trajectory of the Korean music industry. The Swedish American producer, whose songwriting credits include BTS' "We Are Bulletproof: The Eternal," SuperM's "Tiger Inside," Enhypen's "Fever" and Ateez's "Bouncy (K-Hot Chilli Peppers)," said India represents

2026-06-18 13:15:30:00

New Grammy category could boost BTS’ chances of first win

BTS may be closer than ever to winning its first Grammy Award after the Recording Academy on Tuesday announced the introduction of five new categories beginning with the 2027 ceremony, including a category dedicated to Asian pop music. Among the additions is best asian pop music performance, a category created to recognize outstanding performances in Asian pop music by artists from Asia or those recognized within Asian music markets. The new award immediately positions BTS as a leading contender

2026-06-17 15:27:23:00

Hongdae live music venue Club On-Air to enter hiatus from July

Club On-Air, a Hongdae live music venue known for hosting performances by acclaimed musicians and the filming location for the hit YouTube series "Psick Show," will enter an indefinite hiatus starting in July. The venue said it would suspend operations after June due to building-related circumstances as it prepares for a major overhaul. "For the past five years, we have worked tirelessly to provide the best musical experiences for artists and audiences," Club On-Air said in a statement. "After o

2026-06-12 17:39:33:00

Jay B embraces his R&B roots for introspective third EP 'Tr.ee'

Jay B is continuing to follow the musical path he believes suits him best. The singer's third solo EP "Tr.ee," released Wednesday, is a six-track project that pairs the R&B sound he has long favored with an introspective exploration of growth, relationships and emotional uncertainty. While his boy group GOT7 built its catalog around pop, dance and genre-blending tracks suited to a seven-member group, Jay B said his solo work has given him greater room to explore the sounds that first inspired hi

2026-06-12 15:22:04:00

[Exclusive] Big Bang preparing August return with physical single

Big Bang is expected to return with a physical single featuring around two to three new songs as part of its 20th-anniversary comeback in August, industry sources said Wednesday. While the group has already hinted at new music and a world tour this year, sources told The Korea Herald that a single release currently appears more likely than a full-length album. "Big Bang will likely release new songs in a single format with around three tracks," one source said on condition of anonymity. The sour

2026-06-12 14:24:38:00

BTS took a bold but necessary gamble with 'Swim,' Karlsson says

Swedish songwriter and producer Alex Karlsson has spent more than a decade helping shape the sound of K-pop from behind the scenes. Since beginning his collaboration with SM Entertainment in 2013, Karlsson has infused elements of Swedish pop songwriting into numerous K-pop releases. His credits span some of the industry's biggest acts, including BTS' "We Are Bulletproof: The Eternal," SuperM's "Tiger Inside," Enhypen's "Fever," Tomorrow X Together's "Loser=Lover" and Ateez's "Bouncy (K-Hot Chill

2026-06-11 16:07:22:00