BTS

With less than three months to go to BTS’ album release — in what is likely to be the most anticipated K-pop group comeback of 2026 — speculation continues to run rampant on the internet over the album’s sound and potential collaborators, as well as the album's overall theme. The group announced on Jan. 5 through global fan platform Weverse the impending release of a full-length album consisting of 14 tracks that “delves into the emotional journey and introspection experienced by the members ove

As BTS prepares for its full-group comeback in March and Netflix animation hit "KPop Demon Hunters" continues to draw global attention, hallyu, or the Korean wave, is showing no signs of slowing down. Looking back at the last decade, 2016 was a landmark year that set the stage for today’s global hallyu wave — K-pop girl group BLACKPINK, debuted in 2016 and that same year, the Korean drama "Descendants of the Sun" made a splash as stars Song Joong-ki and Song Hye-kyo gained global fame. Hit dramas, breakthrough idols and blockbuster films did not only entertain — they shaped fandoms, created trends and exported Korean culture across the world. Here's a rundown of 10 iconic moments, songs, films and dramas from 2016 that set the foundation for hallyu's worldwide growth. January: “Reply 1988” Airing from late 2015 to January 2016, "Reply 1988" captured the hearts of viewers with its nostalgic portrayal of Korea in the 1980s, family bonds and first love. The final episode recorded a peak rating of 21.7 percent, the highest ever for a cable TV drama at the time. February: “Descendan

K-pop stars G-Dragon and Stray Kids are set to return to the stage for a charity concert organized by French first lady Brigitte Macron's hospital foundation in Paris, music industry sources said Thursday. According to the sources, G-Dragon and Stray Kids are among the performers scheduled for the 2026 Le Gala des Pieces Jaunes (Yellow Coins Gala) at Paris La Defense Arena on Jan. 22. The star-studded lineup for the event, organized by the Fondation des Hopitaux, also includes global pop stars Christina Maria Aguilera and A$AP Rocky. Both K-pop acts have previously performed in the event, with Stray Kids taking part in 2024. G-Dragon performed in 2025, alongside fellow BIGBANG member Taeyang, as well as BLACKPINK's Rose and BTS' J-Hope. The foundation has held the Yellow Coins fundraising campaign nearly every year since 1989 to support children and adolescents hospitalized in medical facilities. Since 2023, it has organized concerts featuring musicians from around the world to raise funds through ticket sales.

Jimin of BTS reentered Billboard’s Global excl. US chart with “Who,” extending the single’s stay on the chart to 75 weeks. The 2024 release resurfaced on the chart at No. 152, becoming the longest-charting solo K-pop song. “Who” is the focus track from his second solo EP “Muse,” which has spent 76 consecutive weeks on Billboard’s World Albums Chart, the longest run for an Asian soloist. The dance pop tune entered Billboard’s Hot 100 at No. 14 and peaked at No. 12, during its 33-week stay on the

BTS claimed the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s World Digital Song Sales chart with its 2022 single “Run BTS,” according to the latest chart published Tuesday in the US. “Run BTS” is a B-side track from the group's anthology album “Proof” and has topped the iTunes Top Songs Chart in 61 regions as expectations rise ahead of BTS' pending return. Last month, “Anpanman” from the band’s third album rose to the top of the digital sales tally, and later that same month, RM’s solo song “Nuts” resurfaced on th

During BTS’ extended hiatus, K-pop retained its global visibility but struggled to sustain the momentum it once commanded at the center of the international music conversation. While major acts such as Stray Kids, Blackpink, Twice and Seventeen filled the commercial vacuum left by BTS, none emerged as a singular symbolic force capable of defining the genre on a global scale. Newer-generation acts have been praised for polished performances and striking visuals, but critics and industry observers

BTS on Monday began promotions for its full-group comeback, unveiling a large outdoor installation in central Seoul ahead of the release of its fifth full-length album in March. The group’s name, logo and album release date are now displayed across the central staircase of the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts near Gwanghwamun Square. The installation marks the first public offline promotion tied to BTS’ return as a complete group in nearly four years. The Sejong Center, one of South Korea’s