BTS fans are criticizing alleged price gouging by Busan accommodations ahead of the group’s concerts in the southern port city, taking to online forums to condemn skyrocketing room rates. One room typically costing 60,000 won ($40) per night reportedly spiked to 760,000 won during the concert period, sparking widespread outrage among fans. BTS will hold concerts in the city on June 12 and 13 as part of its “ARIRANG” world tour. The dates overlap with the group’s debut anniversary on June 13, raising expectations that domestic and global fans will travel to Busan in large numbers. The Busan Metropolitan Government is also preparing related events. Fans criticized the accommodations for excessive rate hikes capitalizing on surging demand surrounding the event. The Fair Trade Commission and the Korea Consumer Agency said they checked 135 Busan hotels and motels, finding average concert-week room rates more than doubled compared to the weekends before and after the event. Motel rates more than tripled from normal levels, while hotel rates nearly tripled. Some properties set prices mo

Annie, the idol member known as the eldest daughter of Korea’s powerful Shinsegae retail family, is drawing attention after sharing photos from her graduation at Columbia University. On Friday, Annie uploaded several photos on social media without a caption, giving fans a glimpse of her graduation ceremony in New York. The photos show Annie posing around the university campus in a light blue graduation gown, showcasing an elegant and polished look. Her long straight hairstyle and minimal styling added to the refined image that quickly sparked buzz online. In several shots, Annie is seen holding her graduation cap while looking directly into the camera, highlighting the poised visuals and luxury-family aura that have frequently made headlines since her entertainment debut. Annie is the granddaughter of Lee Myung-hee, chairwoman of Shinsegae Group, and the eldest daughter of Chung Yoo-kyung, chairwoman of Shinsegae. Because of her background, Annie has often attracted attention as a rare “chaebol idol” figure in K-pop. She debuted in June last year as a member of the co-ed group ALLDA

A wave of Korean celebrities is publicly criticizing divorce-themed reality shows for sending what many describe as random and intrusive casting messages to happily married couples. The controversy resurfaced after the wife of former NRG member Noh Yoo-min on Thursday shared screenshots showing messages of producers from JTBC’s divorce-counseling reality program who had contacted her about appearing on the show. She said the invitation was not the first one the couple had received. “Sometimes we get annoyed with each other, but not enough to divorce,” she wrote on social media. “We’re going to stay together until we die, so please stop messaging us. We’re soulmates.” The message she shared included an apology from the production team, which said, “First of all, if receiving this message made you uncomfortable, we sincerely apologize.” The issue has sparked wider discussion online about how aggressively Korean relationship reality shows are recruiting cast members as divorce-focused programs continue to gain popularity. Earlier this month, Ok-soon from Season 15 of the hit

BTS transformed Stanford Stadium into a sea of Korean flags during its sold-out concerts in California, underscoring the group’s global influence as it continues its “Arirang” world tour. The group held three concerts at Stanford Stadium on May 16, 17 and 19, drawing approximately 152,000 fans over the three days. All tickets sold out immediately after going on sale, prompting the addition of an extra show on May 19, which also quickly sold out. With the three shows, BTS became only the second a

SM Entertainment is expanding its partnership with Samsung Electronics through a new monthly concert streaming project on Samsung TV Plus. The agency announced Friday that it would launch a new K-pop series called “Monthly SM Concert” in collaboration with Samsung TV Plus, Samsung’s ad-supported streaming service. The project is the second collaboration between the two companies. Last year, Samsung TV Plus drew large attention from global K-pop fans with its exclusive livestream of “SMTown Live

K-pop artists are set to make a major showing at the 52nd American Music Awards, with acts ranging from BTS to Katseye earning nominations across some of the ceremony’s biggest categories. According to the nominations announced on May 14, BTS secured three nominations, including one considered as the ceremony’s top honor — artist of the year — as well as best male K-pop artist and song of the summer, with “Swim,” the lead track from its fifth LP “Arirang” earning a nod in the latter category. It

Spotify outlined its vision for expanding music experiences beyond streaming platforms into offline fan engagement during a press meeting held at Spotify Korea’s office in Seoul on Thursday, ahead of an exclusive live event with Le Sserafim. John Han, head of music at Spotify Korea, said the company aims to connect artists and fans through both online and offline experiences, describing it as a key part of Spotify’s long-term strategy for Korean music globally. “Our mission is always, how do we

SEOUL, May 22 (Yonhap) -- Buddhist temples in Busan and surrounding regions will...

BTS member RM shared an incident from boot camp during his mandatory military service. RM recounted the story during a Wednesday livestream on Weverse, an online fan platform owned by BTS management company HYBE. During the broadcast, RM said he lent his credit card to trainees from another platoon to buy snacks, but they charged 660,000 won ($436.70) at the post exchange, buying everything from everyday items to "snail cream," a popular Korean skin care product at the military stores. He said the transaction crashed the register, reportedly the first time this happened at a Korean army boot camp. Because the register crashed, the company commander summoned RM and the trainees for questioning. RM initially defended the recruits, saying he just told them to buy snacks, but discovered they purchased skin care and health products to send to their mothers. RM said the receipt listed more than 100 items. He added the trainees eventually apologized. RM accepted the apology but joked that buying snail creams was a bit too much. BTS released its fifth full-length album, "ARIRANG," on March 20 afte

Hearts2Hearts garnered 100 million views on YouTube with the music video for “Rude!,” said label SM Entertainment on Friday. This is the first time the eight-member act has reached the milestone. The group performed the digital single for the first time on stage at its fan meetup in Seoul. The upbeat dance tune, released in February, ranked No. 2 on Melon’s Top 100 and earned the group first place on television music chart shows five times. Hearts2Hearts also released a remix and sang the song i

Le Sserafim says its newest album may be centered on fear, but the message behind it ultimately came from learning how to face those emotions together. Ahead of the release of its second LP “Pureflow Pt. 1,” members Yunjin, Sakura, Kazuha and Eunchae sat down for a round interview Monday at a cafe in Seongdong-gu, eastern Seoul, where they reflected on the pressures they experienced while growing as a group and how those fears ultimately brought them closer together. Leader Chaewon was unable to

Seungmin of Stray Kids will not be able to perform at The Governors Ball in New York on June 6, label JYP Entertainment said Thursday. Although he has been treated for pain in his left ankle, he was diagnosed with a stress fracture, it explained. Due to the condition that prevents him from taking long flights, the idol will have to miss out on the gig. Stray Kids arestill set to take the stage at the music event on the second day as a headlining artist, but will do so with seven members. Separat

Riize is set to return next month with its second EP ‘II.’ The six-track EP, led by the lead track “Do Your Dance,” will be released on June 15, SM Entertainment said Friday. Preorders for the album opened the same day through online and offline music retailers. The upcoming release follows Riize’s November 2025 single “Fame.” According to the agency, “II” is intended to capture the group “in its most direct and intuitive form,” reflecting the inspiration and experiences Riize has accumulated th

Arte Museum in Las Vegas has opened “BTS The City Arirang” as an official partner of the K pop company Hybe’s project “The City,” a citywide fan experience program connecting concerts and events across cities, coinciding with BTS tour. The immersive art museum, operated by D’strict, unveiled the exhibition “Arte Museum X BTS The City Arirang” on Wednesday ahead of BTS concert in the city Saturday. The exhibition centers on BTS’ fifth studio album “Arirang,” which topped both the Billboard 200 an

For a K-pop group that has built its reputation on cinematic scale and relentless touring, the next step isn't just about maintaining momentum — it is about challenging the audience. ATEEZ, the eight-member powerhouse known for explosive choreography, will release its 14th mini-album, "GOLDEN HOUR : Part.5," on June 26, its agency, KQ Entertainment, said Friday. The release comes a mere four months after its previous record, signaling an aggressive release strategy designed to capitalize on a rapidly expanding Western footprint. The announcement arrived via a cryptic midnight video on the group’s official YouTube channel. Featuring fragmented, rapid-fire imagery and an ominous voiceover repeating the phrase “Question yourself,” the teaser culminates with the word “BAD” flashing across the screen. The gothic tone hints at a stark thematic pivot for a group whose narrative universe has long blended pirate mythology with dystopian sci-fi. The stakes for the new release are notably high. In February, ATEEZ’s 13th mini-album, "GOLDEN HOUR : Part.4," debuted at No. 3 on the Billbo

RIIZE, the SM Entertainment group whose signature "emotional pop" has already secured three consecutive million-selling records, said Friday that it will release its second mini-album, "II," on June 15. Led by the high-octane title track "Do your dance," the six-track collection comes just seven months after its single "Fame," arriving at a critical juncture as the group enters its fourth year on the global stage. The upcoming release aims to channel the kinetic energy of RIIZE's recent world tours into a broader, cross-border invitation to the dance floor. Last May, RIIZE secured its third consecutive million-seller status with its debut studio album, "ODYSSEY." Now entering its fourth year since debut, the group is no longer just chasing trends — it is defining them. The new six-track mini-album promises a deeper dive into emotional pop — a genre RIIZE has uniquely carved out for itself. The album is led by the title track "Do your dance," an anthem designed to showcase the group’s sharp choreography and raw, experiential growth. According to insiders, "II" reflects the members'

Mamamoo's special single, “4ward,” will be released on June 4, the group's agency RBW Entertainment confirmed Friday. The single will be the first new material to feature all four members in more than 3 1/2 years, and the timetable poster for the digital single underlined the reunion saying: “Four as one. Moving 4ward.” Now in its 12th year the group will follow up its new release with an international tour bearing the same title. The quartet will kick it off in Seoul in June with a three-night

Ateez teased June comeback with short clip for 14th EP on Friday, released through agency KQ Entertainment. The sliver of trailer for mini album, “Golden Hour: Part 5,” showed “sopro,” a ruby-colored magical artifact that is featured throughout the group’s “Golden Hour” series, captured the eyes constantly changing shapes while a voice chanted “Be doubtful” in Korean. The upcoming set rolls out on June 26, about four months since the previous EP, which sat at No. 3 on Billboard 200. Two days aft

SEOUL, May 22 (Yonhap) -- K-pop boy group Ateez will be back with its 14th EP ne...

Le Sserafim is returning with its second LP, this time revisiting the very idea that defined its debut. The girl group releases its second LP “Pureflow Pt. 1” on Friday. Led by the lead track “Boompala,” the 11-track album captures the group’s shift from declaring itself “fearless” to acknowledging fear as part of growth. Ahead of the album's release, four members held a round interview on Monday at a cafe in Seongdong-gu, eastern Seoul. Leader Chaewon was unable to attend, as she is recovering

SEOUL, May 22 (Yonhap) -- Four years after arriving on the K-pop scene with a me...

Three years after its first full-length record, K-pop girl group LE SSERAFIM is ready to tell a different story about fear. The five-member group is set to drop "PUREFLOW pt.1," its second studio album on Friday, built around a premise that inverts the group's debut message. While the group's first record declared strength through fearlessness, this one argues the opposite — that fear, faced directly, is what makes you stronger. "When we first debuted, the message was that we were strong because we had no fear," said Huh Yun-jin, the group's primary songwriter, said during an interview with The Korea Times in Seoul, Monday. "Now it's that we're strong because we faced our fears." The group's leader Kim Chae-won was not able to join the interview due to a neck injury. Eleven new songs in the "PUREFLOW" album follow that premise, across genres ranging from Latin house to punk to funk. Formed by Source Music, a HYBE subsidiary, LE SSERAFIM debuted in May 2022 with its EP "Fearless." The group's name is an anagram of "I'm Fearless," and from the start built its identity around a unique kind