Dec 6, 2019

BTS' Suga releases collaboration with Halsey

Suga, a member of K-pop sensation BTS, released a song in collaboration with American singer-songwriter Halsey on Friday.The song, "SUGA's Interlude," featuring the BTS member is one of the tracks on Halsey's new album, "Manic," to be officially released on Jan. 17. The two sides pre-released the track in digital single format through major online music stores and streaming platforms on Friday ahead of the official release next month.  It is the second joint project betw

Dec 5, 2019

What went wrong at MAMA 2019

Mnet’s year-end music awards show met with many viewers’ disappointment

Dec 5, 2019

Playlist: 10 relaxing IU songs to keep you warm this winter

The nippy winter is in full swing -- time to take out the cozy essentials like a fuzzy blanket, padded coat and, most importantly, a renewed winter playlist. And just in time, K-pop fans have recently been treated to a new album from IU, whose sweet, comforting vocals make her one of the most sought-after acts this time of the season. While the chart-topping singer-songwriter is beloved regardless of the weather, many of her emotional ballads have especially served as a remedy for winter blues,

Dec 4, 2019

K-pop star Kang Daniel suspends engagements over mental health

K-pop star Kang Daniel has temporarily halted entertainment activities, his management company said Wednesday, citing Kang’s ongoing struggle with depression and panic disorder Wednesday.Kang has canceled recordings for TV programs, including “Show! Champion,” an MBC music program that was scheduled for Wednesday. “Securing enough rest for the artist’s condition is the first priority,” management agency Konnect Entertainment said in a statement, adding th

Dec 1, 2019

K-Pop stars introduce favorite sightseeing spots in Korea

A number of K-Pop stars joined a campaign to introduce attractions in Korea by taking videos of their favorite spots, aimed at giving travel tips to foreigners. The campaign is organized by Seo Kyoung-duk, a Sungshin Women’s University professor. The content, created by the K-pop stars, is shared on Korea Tourism Organization’s social media accounts, with translations in English, Chinese and Japanese. The campaign kicked off with two members of K-Pop group NU’EST, Min-hyun and

Nov 27, 2019

EXO taps into inner darkness with ‘Obsession’

It’s been one of EXO’s most prolific years, as it has seen both individual and duo projects from its members, some of them promoting as part of S.M. Entertainment’s supergroup SuperM. And the K-pop juggernaut has capped a packed year by putting out its long-awaited “Obsession” album, fronted by new obsession-worthy single of the same title. Thumping with urban synth and bass, “Obsession” is an edgy hip-hop dance track that marks a stylish shift from the

Nov 26, 2019

Blackpink’s eight most defining tracks

Megahits that propelled the group to international stardom

Nov 25, 2019

[INTERVIEW] Ryan Jhun believes embracing new sound bodes well for K-pop’s future

Over the past few years, the K-pop scene has seen a flood of foreign producers and songwriters landing credits on notable hits. Fans are already familiar with names like Teddy Riley, LDN Nosie and Divine Music, who are often credited on songs from big acts like EXO, Girls’ Generation and SHINee. K-pop powerhouses like S.M. Entertainment have also been extending their global reach to push their musical boundaries. And at the forefront of the crossover movement is Ryan Jhun, a K-pop mas

Nov 20, 2019

BTS off to New Zealand on ‘Bon Voyage’

The fourth season of BTS’ travel show “Bon Voyage” was unveiled on Tuesday evening, with the seven bandmates seen preparing for their trip to New Zealand.In the first episode, released exclusively via Weverse, the members got together at a Chinese restaurant in August, to brainstorm and prepare for the trip that took place in September. The members were supposed to do some research on New Zealand before the meeting. They discussed what they wanted to do there while eating

Nov 19, 2019

CIX goes political in “Hello, Strange Place,” raises voice for teenagers

CIX is striking a political tone with the boy band’s second EP, “Hello Chapter 2: Hello, Strange Place,” set for release Tuesday.Having debuted in July, the five-piece act appears to be fairly comfortable in highlighting social issues facing teenagers in South Korea in their music, such as studying too hard, school violence and neglect on the part of adults.Speaking at a press showcase, Yonghee said, “The album talks about many of the issues affecting our generation with

Nov 17, 2019

Mamamoo sings about self-confidence in new single ‘Hip’

Mamamoo has returned with the single “Hip” centering on self-confidence.It is the lead track off the group’s second full-length album, “Reality in Black,” released last week. “Hip” is a rhythmical dance track overflowing with charismatic brass and string sounds. The fierce anthem, co-written by Hwasa, talks about how being true to oneself and confident embody real “hipness,” or coolness. Firing back at naysayers of the group, the four singers

Nov 14, 2019

[INTERVIEW] Eric Nam talks about first English album, hopes of winning over global fans

Although he doesn’t make as many TV appearances as he used to, Eric Nam’s musical career is in full swing -- more than ever, in fact. Over the past few years, the 30-year-old Korean American singer has made himself known both in the K-pop scene and elsewhere with world tours, genre-bending music and high-profile collaborations with world-renowned acts. But he decided to get more intimate with his global fans with his first English album, “Before We Begin.” “I’

Nov 13, 2019

Return of 1st-generation K-pop bands bring old fans back together

The origin of today's globally acclaimed K-pop's allure unquestionably dates back to the late 1990s, when the music scene witnessed the birth of the first batch of K-pop stars and their enthusiastic fans. First-generation bands like H.O.T., Sechs Kies, S.E.S. or Fin.K.L who laid the foundation for today's K-pop symbols such as BTS or BLACKPINK have returned to show business to enjoy a renaissance on the back of a widespread retro trend.  To mark the 30th anniversary of its launch next year,

Nov 11, 2019

Blackpink becomes 1st K-pop group to have music video with over 1b YouTube views

Blackpink has become the first K-pop group to have a music video with more than 1 billion views on YouTube, the group's Seoul-based agency said Monday.YG Entertainment said that the female group's "Ddu-Du Ddu-Du" music video surpassed the threshold in the afternoon, nearly 17 months after it was released last June. Blackpink is the second K-pop artist with the achievement, after singer PSY, whose mega-hit "Gangnam Style" has 3.4 billion views on YouTube.The quartet, who