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Thursday, March 19, 2026
(LEAD) Shops, restaurants turn purple to welcome BTS fans
Mar 19, 20267:01 AM
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(LEAD) Shops, restaurants turn purple to welcome BTS fans

SEOUL, March 19 (Yonhap) -- Shops and restaurants in downtown Seoul were adorned...

BTS set to make long-awaited comeback with 'ARIRANG'
Mar 19, 202610:52 PM
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BTS set to make long-awaited comeback with 'ARIRANG'

Global K-pop sensation BTS will return as a full group Friday, ending a hiatus of three years and nine months from group projects with the release of its fifth studio album, "Arirang." It will be the band's first group release since "Proof" in June 2022 and the first since all of its members completed their mandatory military service. The title "Arirang" is from the name of a famous Korean folk song that is often considered the unofficial national anthem of Korea. According to BigHit Music, the group's agency, the album due out at 1 p.m. captures BTS' identity as a group that began in Korea, along with "the longing and deep love that lie within their hearts." The album consists of 14 tracks, including "Swim," "Body to Body," "Hooligan," "Aliens," "Fya" and "2.0". The lead track, "Swim," is described as an upbeat alternative pop song about navigating life's challenges, with lyrics co-written by BTS frontman RM. "Body to Body" celebrates the shared energy of performing for its dedicated fans, while "Hooligan" offers a look back at BTS' journey and "2.0" provides a candid reflection of the

Mar 19, 20268:14 AM
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aespa’s Winter Makes Generous Donation

aespa’s Winter has extended a warm helping hand to those in need! On March 19, aespa’s agency SM Entertainment announced that Winter donated 100 million won (approximately $66,722) each to the UNICEF Korea Committee and the Samsung Medical Center. According to the UNICEF Korea Committee, Winter also became a member of UNICEF’s Honors Club through… The post appeared first on .

Gov't, Hybe establish cybersecurity hotline to prepare against BTS-related online threats
Mar 19, 202611:58 PM
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Gov't, Hybe establish cybersecurity hotline to prepare against BTS-related online threats

SEOUL, March 20 (Yonhap) -- The government has set up an emergency communication...

BTS set to make long-awaited comeback with 'Arirang'
Mar 19, 20269:00 PM
Source

BTS set to make long-awaited comeback with 'Arirang'

SEOUL, March 20 (Yonhap) -- Global K-pop sensation BTS will return as a full gro...

BTS chronology: From global breakthrough to Gwanghwamun comeback
Mar 19, 20264:07 PM
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BTS chronology: From global breakthrough to Gwanghwamun comeback

When K-pop powerhouse BTS takes the stage for its comeback performance at Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square, Saturday, the moment is expected to carry significance beyond a typical return to the spotlight. More than a decade after debuting in small studios and modest concert venues, the seven members will perform in the symbolic center of the Korean capital — not only as returning superstars, but as artists whose rise has reshaped the scale and global reach of K-pop. The performance coincides with the release of "ARIRANG," BTS' first full-length studio album as a complete group in nearly four years and its first major collective activity following the completion of its members' mandatory military service. For fans and industry observers alike, the Gwanghwamun concert represents a key moment in BTS' trajectory, as well as a test of the group’s continued global drawing power. BTS — consisting of RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook — debuted in June 2013 with the single album "2 Cool 4 Skool." At a time when the K-pop industry was bombarded with rookie groups, the group distin

The Boyz members end contracts, but will go ahead with April concert
Mar 19, 20269:07 AM
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The Boyz members end contracts, but will go ahead with April concert

Nine members of K-pop group The Boyz have notified their agency, One Hundred Label, that they are terminating their exclusive contracts while still planning to move ahead with the group's concert in April. In a statement released Thursday, attorney Kim Moon-hee of Yulchon LLC, who represents nine members of the group, excluding New, said they have notified the group's agency on Feb. 10 that they were ending their exclusive contracts over what they described as “serious violations” of the agreement and an “irreparable breakdown” of trust. According to the statement, the contracts are therefore lawfully terminated and are no longer in effect. However, One Hundred Label later said it “cannot accept” the group’s notice of contract termination. Kim said the group decided to take action after the agency allegedly failed to pay members proper settlement amounts for all activities from July 2025 onwards despite having paid settlement funds through the second quarter of 2025. The attorney also claimed that although the artists repeatedly asked to review basic materials, including con

BTS marks comeback with drone light show over New York's Brooklyn Bridge
Mar 19, 20267:26 AM
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BTS marks comeback with drone light show over New York's Brooklyn Bridge

SEOUL, March 19 (Yonhap) -- K-pop supergroup BTS lit up the night sky over New Y...

Shops, restaurants turn purple to welcome BTS fans
Mar 19, 20266:42 AM
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Shops, restaurants turn purple to welcome BTS fans

Shops and restaurants in downtown Seoul were adorned in purple Thursday as businesses eagerly embraced the symbolic color of K-pop group BTS ahead of its highly anticipated comeback show this weekend. The seven-member act is set to perform at Gwanghwamun Square on Saturday to mark the release of its fifth studio album, "Arirang," and preparations have been under way at all levels -- from the district government to the prime minister's office -- to ensure a safe and enjoyable event. Around 260,000 fans and visitors from around the world are expected to descend on the streets stretching from the square to Sungnye Gate to witness the return of one of K-pop's biggest success stories. Outside a raw fish restaurant found west of the square, a small vase of purple flowers decorated the entrance, while employees of a nearby coffee shop wore ribbons in the five cardinal colors of Korean tradition to welcome foreign visitors in an authentic fashion. "Back when business was very hard due to the pandemic, I was soothed by BTS' songs, so I'm very happy that they will be performing not far from here,"

Mar 19, 202611:00 PM
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T.O.P Announces Comeback Date For Full-Length Album “ANOTHER DIMENSION”

T.O.P has officially kicked off the countdown to his comeback! On March 20, T.O.P’s agency TOPSPOT PICTURES announced that the singer would be releasing his first solo full-length album, “ANOTHER DIMENSION,” on April 3 at 6 p.m. KST. Last month, it was confirmed that Nana would be starring in T.O.P’s new music video for his… The post appeared first on .

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Heecmbck WE ARE SO BACK
Mar 19, 202612:20 PM
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Watch: Hearts2Hearts Takes 3rd Win For “RUDE!” On “M Countdown”; Performances By ITZY, AB6IX, And More

Hearts2Hearts has won their third music show trophy for their hit single “RUDE!” On the March 19 episode of M Countdown, the candidates for first place were BLACKPINK‘s “GO” and Hearts2Hearts’ “RUDE!” Hearts2Hearts ultimately took the prize with a total of 8,136 points. Congratulations to Hearts2Hearts! Watch the winner announcement below! Performers on today’s show included ITZY,… The post appeared first on .

The Boyz notify contract termination with One Hundred over unpaid settlements
Mar 19, 20268:31 AM
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The Boyz notify contract termination with One Hundred over unpaid settlements

The Boyz have notified their agency One Hundred of the termination of their exclusive contracts, citing unpaid settlement payments, the group’s legal representative said Thursday. According to law firm Yulchon, all members except New informed the agency last month that they would terminate their contracts due to “material breaches of the exclusive agreement and an irreparable breakdown of trust.” “The artists notified One Hundred Label of the termination of their exclusive contracts on Feb. 10,

Police to set up triple-layer barrier around BTS concert to counter terror threats
Mar 19, 20268:07 AM
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Police to set up triple-layer barrier around BTS concert to counter terror threats

Police plan to set up three layers of barricades near the site of K-pop group BTS' comeback concert this weekend as part of preventative measures against potential terror threats, officials said Thursday. The barriers will be installed at 20 locations before the event kicks off Saturday at Gwanghwamun Square in downtown Seoul, where hundreds of thousands of fans and visitors are expected. Authorities have beefed up security around the area, with plans to deploy more than 6,700 police officers, including tactical units, on the day of the concert for crowd control and safety. Concertgoers will have to go through metal detectors at the site's 31 entrances, with police vowing zero tolerance for possession of dangerous items and acts of violence or terror. Acting National Police Agency chief Yoo Jae-seong inspected the site Thursday and called for preparations against possible terror threats, citing the recent Middle East conflict as a potential security factor.

Culture ministry launches events highlighting Korean culture to coincide with BTS concert
Mar 19, 20267:47 AM
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Culture ministry launches events highlighting Korean culture to coincide with BTS concert

The culture ministry said Thursday it will launch events promoting Korean culture across five national museums and the national library in Seoul, timed to coincide with BTS' comeback concert at the city center this weekend. The events, which begin Friday, will include exhibitions, hands-on experiences and performances designed to connect Korean culture with the global K-pop sensation. The septet is scheduled to perform at Gwanghwamun Square at 8 p.m. Saturday to mark the release of its new album, "Arirang," and the concert is expected to draw some 260,000 people to the area, including 22,000 ticket holders. As part of the initiative, the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) will run an English-language guided program for international visitors titled "MMCA: Meet the K-Art" until April 19. Its Seoul gallery will also feature "BTS Sound Cube," a large outdoor media installation playing the band's music through projection mapping. The National Folk Museum will run a special program titled "K-Culture Folk Experience with BTS" through April 30, featuring traditional Korean fo

BTS says is 'thrilled' ahead of Gwanghwamun comeback show
Mar 19, 20267:47 AM
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BTS says is 'thrilled' ahead of Gwanghwamun comeback show

K-pop megastar BTS said Thursday it is "thrilled" to meet fans again ahead of the concert in central Seoul to mark its long-awaited return, expressing gratitude to public officials working to ensure the event's safety. The septet is scheduled to perform at Gwanghwamun Square at 8 p.m. Saturday to mark the release of its new album, "Arirang." As the concert is expected to draw some 260,000 people to the area — far exceeding 22,000 ticket holders, the band called for fans' cooperation in maintaining order and safety. "Since many people will be gathering, we ask that everyone enjoy the show safely," leader RM wrote on K-pop fan community platform Weverse. "Please follow the instructions of staff and security personnel. I believe that the respect and consideration of each fan make for a better performance." He added: "We are sincerely grateful to police officers, firefighters, officials from the central and local authorities and everyone who is working to ensure safety." Eldest member Jin also wrote, "Thanks to the many people who helped and supported us, we're able to hold our comeback sho

The Boyz seek contract termination, agency refuses
Mar 19, 20266:52 AM
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The Boyz seek contract termination, agency refuses

SEOUL, March 19 (Yonhap) -- Most members of K-pop boy band The Boyz have demande...

What’s next for BTS after March 21?
Mar 19, 20266:43 AM
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What’s next for BTS after March 21?

BTS is set to make its long-awaited return to the stage at Gwanghwamun Square on Saturday, but attention is already shifting to what comes next for the global supergroup. The concert — marking the group’s first full-group stage in three years — is expected to be followed by a series of high-profile international activities, signaling the start of BTS’ next chapter. First, the septet will head to New York, where they are scheduled to take part in a special fan event hosted in collaboration with S

After Heeseung's exit, ENHYPEN at crossroads as it enters 7th year
Mar 19, 20266:42 AM
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After Heeseung's exit, ENHYPEN at crossroads as it enters 7th year

K-pop group ENHYPEN is facing an unexpected turning point six years after its debut, following the departure of a member and the team’s subsequent reorganization. The sudden exit of Heeseung, the group’s main vocalist and one of its most popular members, has delivered a major shock to both the band and its fandom. For fans, the blow has been even harder since the decision was not framed as a temporary suspension of activities, but as a full departure and a pivot to a solo career. Belift Lab, the group's label, said the move came after “extensive discussions about the group’s direction and each member’s future.” In a handwritten letter, Heeseung expressed both his affection for the group and his thoughts about his own musical path. Many fans say they are still struggling to make sense of the decision, arguing that the agency offered too little explanation and that the abrupt timing and manner with which the announcement was made only worsened the emotional fallout. What it means for ENHYPEN in its seventh year Heeseung’s departure means more than just the loss of one member.

South Korea's top cultural institutions launch K-culture programs ahead of BTS comeback concert
Mar 19, 20266:13 AM
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South Korea's top cultural institutions launch K-culture programs ahead of BTS comeback concert

South Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is launching a series of cultural programs across five major national institutions to coincide with BTS' comeback concert on March 21, aiming to deepen foreign visitors' engagement with Korean heritage. Starting March 20, the National Museum of Korea, the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, the National Folk Museum of Korea, the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History, and the National Library of Korea will each offer progr

BTS says is 'thrilled' ahead of Gwanghwamun comeback show
Mar 19, 20266:08 AM
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BTS says is 'thrilled' ahead of Gwanghwamun comeback show

SEOUL, March 19 (Yonhap) -- K-pop megastar BTS said Thursday it is "thrilled" to...

Finding BTS when they needed them
Mar 19, 20263:30 AM
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Finding BTS when they needed them

Among fans of BTS, known collectively as Army, there is a saying shared across the fandom: You find BTS when you need them. For British fan Maxine Wilson, the phrase feels literal. Wilson discovered the group in 2018 while struggling with severe depression and a rare form of epilepsy. After an argument with her father, she threw her phone against the wall in frustration. The screen lit up and YouTube had opened — and a BTS song began to play. “I just remember sitting on the floor crying and the

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moonstruckwonie Nah this is so real tho
Hybe denies speculation of political motive behind BTS' red-themed comeback events
Mar 19, 202612:19 AM
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Hybe denies speculation of political motive behind BTS' red-themed comeback events

Hybe, the K-pop giant behind K-pop supergroup BTS, has dismissed speculation that a plan by the Seoul metropolitan government to illuminate major landmarks in red for the group's long-awaited comeback is politically motivated. The city government recently announced it would light 15 landmarks, including N Seoul Tower on Mount Nam, Lotte World Tower, the Sebitseom islands and Cheonggye Stream, in red on Friday and Saturday nights to celebrate the return of BTS. The decision prompted some fans and

Mar 19, 20266:40 AM
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ONE HUNDRED Responds To Reports Of THE BOYZ’s Contract Termination + Members Release Official Statement

ONE HUNDRED has released a statement addressing reports that nine members of THE BOYZ are seeking to terminate their contracts. On March 19, THE FACT reported that Sangyeon, Jacob, Younghoon, Hyunjae, Juyeon, Kevin, Q, Sunwoo, and Eric—nine members of THE BOYZ, excluding New—sent a certified letter to ONE HUNDRED CEO Cha Ga Won in February,… The post appeared first on .

Mar 19, 20263:29 AM
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GOT7’s Park Jinyoung Confirmed To Make Spring Solo Comeback

GOT7’s Park Jinyoung is gearing up for a comeback! On March 19, his agency BH Entertainment said he is currently focused on working on his next album, aiming for a comeback in May. The release will be his second mini album, and he plans to enhance its quality by participating in writing the lyrics. Park… The post appeared first on .

BTS marks comeback with drone light show over New York's Brooklyn Bridge
Mar 19, 20267:47 AM

BTS marks comeback with drone light show over New York's Brooklyn Bridge

K-pop supergroup BTS lit up the night sky over New York with a drone light show Wednesday (U.S. time) to mark its long-awaited comeback and the release of its fifth studio album, "Arirang." According to music industry sources, drones formed images, including "BTS" and the logo of its upcoming album "Arirang," the album's campaign phrase, "What is your love song?" and the number "7" for the group's members, in a 15-minute display over the Brooklyn Bridge. BTS is set to release the new album, its first as a full group in three years and nine months, on Friday and stage a free outdoor concert at Seoul's Gwanghwamun Square the next day to mark the release. The group is scheduled to travel to the United States next week to perform at "Spotify x BTS: Swimside" in New York on Monday, followed by appearances on NBC's "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" on March 25 and 26.

The Boyz seek contract termination, agency refuses
Mar 19, 20267:47 AM

The Boyz seek contract termination, agency refuses

Most members of K-pop boy band The Boyz have demanded their exclusive contracts with their agency One Hundred be terminated, but on Thursday, it said it would not accept their request. Local law firm Yulchon, representing nine members, excluding New, said the same day that the group notified the agency on Feb. 10 of the desired termination, citing "serious breaches of contract" and an "irretrievable breakdown of trust." Attorney Kim Moon-hee said the agency has failed to pay the group's earnings for all activities since July 2025 and ignored repeated requests to provide settlement data, accusing it of neglecting basic management duties. Kim alleged One Hundred also withheld staff pay for months and failed to cover essential expenses for the group's activities, prompting the members to conclude they could "no longer continue under such conditions." One Hundred rejected the claims, saying the demand for contract termination was "unacceptable." The agency said it had signed the group on the condition that all 11 members would work together throughout the contract period. However, it noted t

BTS 'father' Bang Si-hyuk dominates K-culture rich list as members trail behind
Mar 19, 20266:32 AM

BTS 'father' Bang Si-hyuk dominates K-culture rich list as members trail behind

Bang Si-hyuk, the chairman of HYBE and nicknamed the “father of BTS,” has once again taken the top spot among K-culture stock tycoons — this time by an overwhelming margin that is sparking renewed attention across the industry. According to a report released on March 19 by the Korea CXO Institute, Bang holds shares valued at 4.8 trillion won ($3.6 billion), making him the richest individual in Korea’s cultural content sector through stock holdings. The survey analyzed shareholders with stakes exceeding 10 billion won in publicly listed companies involved in film, music, dramas, webtoons and web novels. As of March 17, a total of 27 individuals met that threshold, with their combined stock holdings reaching 6.127 trillion won — up by more than 127.6 billion won in just over three months. What stands out is just how dominant Bang’s position is. His holdings alone account for roughly 78 percent of the total wealth among the top 27 shareholders, underscoring HYBE’s outsized influence in the K-pop economy. Trailing far behind in second place is JYP Entertainment founder Park Jin

A taste of 'ARIRANG': 7 limited edition BTS treats for fans in Seoul
Mar 19, 20266:17 AM

A taste of 'ARIRANG': 7 limited edition BTS treats for fans in Seoul

Are you in Seoul for the long-awaited BTS comeback show? Excitement has been building for weeks, with fans counting down the days to this highly anticipated event. But it’s not just fans that have been preparing. Major cafes and restaurants across Korea are also joining the celebration. From coffee shops to hotels and restaurants, many are offering limited edition BTS menus inspired by "ARIRANG," creating a unique fusion of music and gastronomy. These special offerings are not only a treat for fans but also an opportunity to showcase Korean food culture to the world in a creative and memorable way. 1. Compose Coffee Starting Friday and running through April 13, Compose Coffee is launching two exclusive beverages: THE CITY Ganache Chocolate Latte and THE CITY All-Day Oat. Each purchase comes with limited edition BTS straws and cup sleeves — perfect collectibles for fans. Just be sure to arrive early, as these are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Member V of BTS is the official ambassador for the coffee brand. Check their Instagram for more information @compose_coffee. 2. Cuc

Culture ministry launches events highlighting Korean culture to coincide with BTS concert
Mar 19, 20266:12 AM

Culture ministry launches events highlighting Korean culture to coincide with BTS concert

SEOUL, March 19 (Yonhap) -- The culture ministry said Thursday it will launch ev...

A taste of 'ARIRANG': 7 exclusive BTS treats for fans in Seoul
Mar 19, 20266:07 AM

A taste of 'ARIRANG': 7 exclusive BTS treats for fans in Seoul

Are you in Seoul for the long-awaited BTS comeback show? Excitement has been building for weeks, with fans counting down the days to this highly anticipated event. But it’s not just fans that have been preparing. Major cafes and restaurants across Korea are also joining the celebration. From coffee shops to hotels and restaurants, many are offering exclusive BTS menus inspired by "ARIRANG," creating a unique fusion of music and gastronomy. These special offerings are not only a treat for fans but also an opportunity to showcase Korean food culture to the world in a creative and memorable way. 1. Compose Coffee Starting Friday and running through April 13, Compose Coffee is launching two exclusive beverages: THE CITY Ganache Chocolate Latte and THE CITY All-Day Oat. Each purchase comes with limited edition BTS straws and cup sleeves — perfect collectibles for fans. Just be sure to arrive early, as these are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Check their Instagram for more information @compose_coffee. 2. Cuchara In collaboration with BTS, Korean-Mexican fusion restaurant Cucha

Shops, restaurants turn purple to welcome BTS fans
Mar 19, 20266:06 AM

Shops, restaurants turn purple to welcome BTS fans

SEOUL, March 19 (Yonhap) -- Shops and restaurants in downtown Seoul were adorned...

Bang Si-hyuk reigns over K-pop stock wealth
Mar 19, 20265:47 AM

Bang Si-hyuk reigns over K-pop stock wealth

Hybe Chairman Bang Si-hyuk dominated South Korea’s culture and content sector in shareholder wealth, holding shares worth 4.8 trillion won ($3.2 billion) as of Tuesday, according to a report from the Korea CXO Institute released Thursday. Bang, widely credited with building BTS, owns 13.15 million shares in Hybe — far outpacing other major figures in the industry. A total of 27 individual shareholders in the sector held stakes worth more than 10 billion won each, with their combined holdings ris

What will ‘ARIRANG’ sound like? Meet the global producers behind BTS’ new album
Mar 19, 20265:07 AM

What will ‘ARIRANG’ sound like? Meet the global producers behind BTS’ new album

In less than 24 hours, K-pop supergroup BTS will release “ARIRANG,” its first full-length album since 2020. Despite one of the largest-scale album promotions K-pop has ever seen, musical details about BTS’ upcoming release continue to remain shrouded in mystery, making the world more curious than ever. Many wonder, what new musical direction will BTS take? It has been six years since the release of BTS’ last full-length album, “MAP OF THE SOUL: 7.” While the band has showcased its musical idiosyncrasies in the past years, with members dabbling in genres like alternative (RM’s "Right Place, Wrong Person") and jazz (V’s "Layover"), many are curious how the seven musicians will come together again for this new record. BTS has only released a 14-song track list and two teaser videos for its upcoming single — turning its dedicated fandom into sleuths as they seek out more clues about the album. Fans noted world-renowned producers credited on the track list, some of whom are known for making some of the most critically acclaimed songs of all time. One of the producers of BTS

BLACKPINK Jisoo's 'Boyfriend on Demand' takes No. 1 spot globally amid acting debate
Mar 19, 20264:57 AM

BLACKPINK Jisoo's 'Boyfriend on Demand' takes No. 1 spot globally amid acting debate

BLACKPINK member and actress Jisoo marked her biggest acting career milestone yet with her lead role in the Netflix series, "Boyfriend on Demand," though the debate over her acting skills persists. The romantic comedy took the No. 1 spot in the Global Top 10 Non-English TV show category on the Netflix Tudum website Wednesday, reaching the Top 10 list in 47 countries. The series also maintained the top spot for two consecutive weeks in the TV-OTT integrated drama online buzz rankings for the second week of March, according to Good Data Corporation's FUNdex . "Boyfriend on Demand" generated massive prerelease buzz purely based on Jisoo's casting. While her status as a global K-pop star drew initial interest, critics raised concerns about her individual capacity to carry the narrative alone. Viewers previously criticized her performance in her earlier works, "Snowdrop" and "Newtopia." Upon release, the show quickly climbed viewership rankings worldwide. Jisoo's global fandom drove initial momentum, but sustaining long viewing times requires more than star power. The show succeeded by combi

'BTS Pilgrimage': Fans walk in BTS’ footsteps, share Seoul moments ahead of concert
Mar 19, 20263:38 AM

'BTS Pilgrimage': Fans walk in BTS’ footsteps, share Seoul moments ahead of concert

“It’s incredible. I can’t believe that I’m here.” Sodikjonova Shakhrizoda paused in the middle of Gwanghwamun Square, her "Army Bomb," BTS' official light stick, in hand, taking in the city she had only seen through screens for years. In a few days, BTS will perform on the same ground she stands on. Shakhrizoda had made the trip from Uzbekistan after multiple attempts to secure a visa, arriving just days before the long-awaited BTS comeback. “They healed me,” she said, adding that being here, in

Seoul's red lights in honor of BTS draw political scrutiny
Mar 19, 20263:03 AM

Seoul's red lights in honor of BTS draw political scrutiny

With BTS' comeback concert just two days away, Seoul is set to glow in red, a decision that has sparked controversy as the group's signature color is purple and the chosen hue carries potential political overtones. The Seoul Metropolitan Government said it will illuminate 15 of the city’s landmarks — including Sebitseom, Cheonggyecheon, Seoul Botanic Park, N Seoul Tower and Lotte World Tower — in red for two hours from 7:30 p.m. on both Friday, the day of BTS' album release, and Saturday, the da

From 'Burn the Stage' to 'BTS: The Return,' BTS cinematic universe comes full circle
Mar 19, 20262:53 AM

From 'Burn the Stage' to 'BTS: The Return,' BTS cinematic universe comes full circle

Seoul hasn't seen anything quite like this in a long time. By the time BTS takes the stage at Gwanghwamun Square on Saturday, with the storied Gyeongbokgung as a backdrop and an estimated 260,000 fans packed into a stretch of road that normally handles morning commuters, the city will have already spent a week purple. Hotels in central Seoul are booking rooms at five times their usual rate. Subway trains will skip stations closest to the venue. The government has placed the surrounding districts

ZEROBASEONE split shocks fans as 4 members plan rival debut after contract exit
Mar 19, 20262:52 AM

ZEROBASEONE split shocks fans as 4 members plan rival debut after contract exit

A looming split inside K-pop group ZEROBASEONE is igniting intense debate among fans, after four members opted not to extend their contracts and instead prepare for a separate debut — potentially setting up a direct showdown with their former bandmates. On Wednesday, a representative from YH Entertainment told Xportsnews that ZEROBASEONE members Zhang Hao, Ricky, Kim Gyuvin and Han Yujin are preparing to debut as a new group. While the agency did not confirm specific details, local reports said the quartet is targeting a May 26 debut under the name “N Double.” The move comes as ZEROBASEONE, a nine-member project group formed through Mnet’s survival show “Boys Planet” in 2023, approaches the end of its originally planned two-and-a-half-year run. The group recently extended its activities by two months, with promotions now set to conclude in March. YH Entertainment said in January that it had agreed with the four members to “take time to carefully prepare for their next steps based on mutual trust,” adding that it is “reviewing various directions” to help each artist m

Cravity goes dark in 3rd Japan single
Mar 19, 20262:44 AM

Cravity goes dark in 3rd Japan single

Cravity released “Blast Out,” its third single album in Japan, on Thursday, Starship Entertainment has announced. The newest endeavor consists of six tracks including the title track, which shines a light on darker, stronger shades on the nine bandmates. Also included are “Koijyanai? Don’t You Love Me?,” which was prereleased in January, and “Paradox,” for which Serim, Allen and Woobin co-wrote lyrics. Woobin also participated in writing the melody. The nonet will have a mini showcase in Tokyo t

3 TWS members team up with 24kGoldn
Mar 19, 20262:10 AM

3 TWS members team up with 24kGoldn

Dohoon, Jihoon and Kyungmin of TWS collaborated with US hip-hop musician 24kGoldn on “You Like It I Love It,” which releases March 23, said the group’s agency Pledis Entertainment Thursday. The upbeat pop tune is part of NHN Bugs' singles project, essential;studio, which uploaded a teaser of the artists vibing together on their phones to its YouTube channel, @essentialme. 24kGoldn is the artist behind “Mood,” which topped Billboard’s Hot 100 for eight weeks and claimed the No. 1 spot on the UK’s

GOT7’s Jinyoung to release solo album in May
Mar 19, 20261:48 AM

GOT7’s Jinyoung to release solo album in May

Park Jinyoung of GOT7 is putting together a solo album set to be released in May, according to BH Entertainment on Thursday. He is said to have participated in writing lyrics as well. Park dropped his first solo mini album, "Chapter 0: With," in 2023, and has two digital singles as a solo act: "Dive" from 2021 and "Christmas Fever" from last year. Alongside his music career, he has also been active as an actor, appearing in a series of TV dramas and movies. In the ongoing series "Shining," Park

Hyoyeon announces new party single, brand showcase
Mar 19, 20261:25 AM

Hyoyeon announces new party single, brand showcase

Hyoyeon of Girls' Generation is set to return with the new single “Moveurbody” on Monday at 6 p.m., SM Entertainment announced Thursday. The track fuses Brazilian phonk and hard techno into a high-energy hybrid sound, powered by Hyoyeon’s dynamic vocals and a pulsating rave atmosphere. She participated in the song’s writing, composition and arrangement, delivering lyrics with a commanding message that urges listeners to dance. Since debuting as a DJ with “Sober” in 2018, Hyoyeon has established

SHINee’s Onew to tour Asia for solo fan meetups
Mar 19, 20261:18 AM

SHINee’s Onew to tour Asia for solo fan meetups

Onew of SHINee is planning to visit five cities in Asia for his solo fan meetup tour, “Tough Love,” Griffin Entertainment announced Wednesday. The tour will kick off in Taiwan capital Taipei on April 3 and will bring him back to Seoul on April 11, before visits to Hong Kong, Tokyo and Osaka, Japan. Fan meetings in Osaka will run for three days and in Tokyo two days. The event is named after the fifth EP, which Onew brought out earlier this month, which topped iTunes albums charts in nine regions

Hybe denies speculation of political motive behind BTS' red-themed comeback events
Mar 19, 202612:17 AM

Hybe denies speculation of political motive behind BTS' red-themed comeback events

Hybe, the K-pop giant behind K-pop supergroup BTS, has dismissed speculation that a plan by the Seoul metropolitan government to illuminate major landmarks in red for the group's long-awaited comeback is politically motivated. The city government recently announced it would light 15 landmarks, including N Seoul Tower on Mount Nam, Lotte World Tower, the Sebitseom islands and Cheonggye Stream, in red on Friday and Saturday nights to celebrate the return of BTS. The decision prompted some fans and internet users to speculate that the move was intended to promote a specific political party ahead of the June local elections, as red is the symbolic color of the main opposition People Power Party, to which Mayor Oh Se-hoon belongs. "The red color theme was chosen to reflect the key visual identity of BTS' upcoming album 'Arirang,'" Hybe said in a statement Wednesday. "The Seoul city government is using the color at our request." The agency also urged the public not to excessively interpret mass cultural events through a political perspective. The statement came after a flood of online posts eme

Hybe denies speculation of political motive behind BTS' red-themed comeback events
Mar 19, 202612:07 AM

Hybe denies speculation of political motive behind BTS' red-themed comeback events

SEOUL, March 19 (Yonhap) -- Hybe, the K-pop giant behind K-pop supergroup BTS, h...

Mar 19, 202610:41 PM

AMPERS&ONE Announces April Comeback Date With “DEFINITION” Teaser

Mark your calendars for AMPERS&ONE’s return! On March 20, FNC Entertainment officially announced the date and details for the boy group’s upcoming comeback next month. AMPERS&ONE will be returning with their fourth mini album “DEFINITION” on April 8 at 6 p.m. KST, marking their first comeback since releasing “LOUD & PROUD” approximately eight months prior.… The post appeared first on .

Mar 19, 202610:09 PM

(EDITORIAL from Korea JoongAng Daily on March 20)

Seoul's Gwanghwamun area will become a global stage on Saturday as BTS returns w...

Mar 19, 20266:50 AM

VIVIZ, Lee Mujin, And BE’O Notify Big Planet Made Of Exclusive Contract Termination + Agency Briefly Responds

It has been reported that the girl group VIVIZ and singers Lee Mujin and BE’O have notified their agency Big Planet Made Entertainment that they are terminating their exclusive contracts. On March 19, a media outlet reported that VIVIZ, Lee Mujin, and BE’O sent Big Planet Made Entertainment a notice of termination of their exclusive… The post appeared first on .

Mar 19, 20263:39 AM

9 THE BOYZ Members Reportedly Notify ONE HUNDRED Of Contract Termination

Nine members of THE BOYZ have reportedly notified their agency ONE HUNDRED of contract termination. On March 19, THE FACT reported that Sangyeon, Jacob, Younghoon, Hyunjae, Juyeon, Kevin, New, Q, Sunwoo, and Eric—nine members of THE BOYZ excluding New—sent a certificate of contents to ONE HUNDRED CEO Cha Ga Won back in February, notifying her… The post appeared first on .

Mar 19, 20262:16 AM

MODYSSEY Announces Debut With Single Album “1. Got Hooked: An Addictive Symphony”

MODYSSEY is gearing up for their debut! Formed through the “BOYS II PLANET” spin-off “PLANET C : HOME RACE,” MODYSSEY is a seven-member group under ONECEAD Entertainment, a new agency co-established by JYP CHINA, CJ ENM, Tencent Music Entertainment. On March 19, a teaser was released for the group’s first single album “1. Got Hooked:… The post appeared first on .