K-Pop News Archive | KpopVisage.com

KickFlip wants eyes on it with 4th EP ‘My First Kick’

Boy band KickFlip returned Monday with its fourth EP, “My First Kick,” leaning further into the bright, unruly energy the group has been building since its debut into a bolder collective statement. At a showcase in eastern Seoul, KickFlip introduced the seven-track album as a release built around “firsts,” from entering their 20s to taking on new musical and performance challenges. The album is led by the lead track “Eye-Poppin'," a hyper-punk dance song that channels an aggressive, cheeky kind

KickFlip

Seventeen powers through rain-soaked finale, promises future together at ‘New_’ encore

Under flashes of lightning and pouring rain, Seventeen brought its seven-month world tour to an emotional close in Incheon, turning what could have been a disruption into one of the most memorable moments of the show. Held April 4-5 at Incheon Asiad Main Stadium, boy band Seventeen’s world tour encore concert, “New_,” marked the final stop of the group’s global tour, which began at the same venue in September and spanned 14 cities, drawing more than 900,000 fans online and offline. The encore co

Seventeen

KickFlip turns flirting into full-blown concept with 'Eye-Poppin''

JYP Entertainment's seven-member boy group KickFlip returns Monday with its fourth mini-album "My First Kick" and lead single "Eye-Poppin'," once again fully leaning into the group's bright, boyish energy. The comeback follows last September's "My First Flip," which playfully captured the rush of first love, and marked the group's career high with more than 400,000 copies sold in its first week. This time, KickFlip turns the page to its twenties, framing the new release as both a prologue and a first leap into youth. Just hours ahead of the Monday release, the group met reporters at YES24 Live Hall in Seoul's Gwangjin District, greeting the press with the same loud enthusiasm that has defined the group since its debut. Amaru, who halted activities last September due to health reasons, did not attend. "Through variety shows, a lot of people have come to know us," Juwang said. "But we really want to show that we're also a strong performance group." Minje pointed to the team's chemistry as the foundation of that strength. "Our performances come from how close we are as members," he said. "I

Seventeen stuns fans with full-group contract renewal at encore concert finale

Seventeen said all 13 members have agreed to renew their contracts, in a surprise announcement that electrified fans on the closing night of the group’s world tour. The K-pop group made the announcement during a concert Sunday, capping a seven-month global tour that drew more than 900,000 fans to 31 shows in 14 cities, both in person and online. The group said it would continue forward “on the same boat, rowing together,” confirming plans for a second contract renewal with Pledis Entertainment. The crowd erupted as the long-anticipated commitment became official. The group said their decision was driven by their fandom, CARAT. “We want to say we love you to everyone. We will return as 13 members soon, so please wait a little longer,” the members said. They said they would remain active through unit and solo projects. The concert reached a peak as rain poured down near the finale, but the group continued performing, delivering impromptu renditions of songs, drawing an emotional response from fans. The set list also expanded to include hits and high-energy tracks combined with live

Seventeen

NCT's Ten leaves SM Entertainment, maintains group ties

Ten, a member of K-pop boy group NCT, has parted ways with SM Entertainment after his contract expired Wednesday. SM said both parties decided not to renew the contract following in-depth discussions with the artist about his career path. The agency said it plans to coordinate with Ten so he can continue participating in activities with NCT and one of its subunits, WayV. Ten addressed fans in a message released Monday following the announcement. “Since debuting with NCT U in 2016, the time I was able to meet you through NCT and WayV has been filled with truly precious and happy memories in my life,” Ten said. He said the decision followed personal reflection as he approached a new stage in his life. “As time passed and I reached the point of turning 30, I found myself asking new questions about who I am,” he said. “After much thought, I felt a desire to take on new challenges in a new environment.” Ten said he reached his decision after extensive discussions with those around him. “After many conversations and deep consideration with the members and SM staff, I decided to conc

NCT

Boy group KickFlip returns with youthful energy in 'My First Kick'

SEOUL, April 6 (Yonhap) -- K-pop boy group KickFlip returned Monday with its fou...

KickFlip

WJSN's Dayoung brings new confidence to 'What's a Girl to Do'

"I really thought only my mom and I would buy my album." It's a blunt admission from Dayoung, the youngest member of K-pop girl group WJSN, but one that frames the unlikely path she’s taken over the past year. When the singer quietly made her solo debut last September with "gonna love me right?" and its viral lead single, "body," she wasn’t thinking about chart success or viral traction. If anything, she was bracing for the worst. "I didn’t have enough confidence," she said during an interview with The Korea Times at Starship Entertainment headquarters, the singer's management label, Thursday. "I was worried if I release physical albums, they would just sit in storage. I didn’t want to get heartbroken by that." Instead, "body" did the exact opposite. The track began to pick up momentum as listeners responded to both its energy and her raw delivery. What started as a cautious solo experiment quickly turned into a defining moment. "I didn’t expect that kind of love at all," the singer said. "But because of that, I got the chance to release another album. That’s something I’m r

Dayoung

Cosmic Girls

Dayoung returns with ‘What’s a girl to do,’ opting for a different path after ‘Body’

After making a striking solo debut with “Body” in September, girl group WJSN’s Dayoung is returning with a follow-up that aims not to repeat that success, but to move in a different direction. Dayoung’s second solo EP, “What’s a Girl To Do,” released Tuesday, follows the strong performance of her first solo, which marked a breakout moment and helped establish her as an act distinct from her image in WJSN. With the new EP, Dayoung further expands her role as a solo artist, taking part in writing

Dayoung

Cosmic Girls

3 injured after safety fence collapses at Super Junior concert in Seoul

SEOUL, April 6 (Yonhap) -- Three spectators were injured after a safety fence co...

Super Junior

Dancing Bora: the small studio in Seoul that teems with purple energy

With 200,000 followers on TikTok under the account @dancingbora, Lee Chae-hyun is widely recognized by BTS fans. As a remarkable dancer, ARMYs from around the world seek her classes to learn the moves to the globally famous idol group's songs. Without talent, she would not have made it this far, but there was one other key element. "If it is anything that can promote BTS, I will do it," Lee said without hesitation, when contacted for a visit to her studio for an interview. Her sincerity for the seven-member group is behind the studio’s name Dancing Bora. “Bora” means purple in Korean, a reference to the official color of BTS’ fandom. For Lee, becoming a fan of BTS changed the course of her life. Having majored in musical theater, she performed for a while but found it wasn't right for her and moved on to run a small restaurant with her mom. But then she encountered BTS in 2017. With a passion for dancing, she began uploading her cover dance videos in 2018 to BTS fan communities, back when it was known BTS members kept an eye on these sites. Fans started requesting she teach them,

BTS

Ex-NCT Mark leaves message before quitting fan platform

Mark, formerly of NCT, had a brief chat with fans Monday on a fan communication platform before closing his account. “I wanted to tell you in person before but it was not something I could act on based on my personal feelings … everyone must have been quite surprised,” he said. The idol apologized and expressed thanks, but told fans he would be back soon, trailed by a crying emoji. SM Entertainment made the announcement Friday that Mark will leave NCT and the management company effective April 8

Mark

NCT

3 fans injured after safety fence collapses at Super Junior concert in Seoul

Three spectators were injured after a safety fence collapsed during a Super Junior concert in Seoul on Sunday, prompting an apology from SM Entertainment, the group's agency. The accident occurred during the last of three Seoul concerts held by the K-pop group at the KSPO Dome when member Ryeowook approached the audience while performing an encore song, according to the agency. Fans surged forward, causing the fence in the seating area to give way. The concert was part of the group's "Super Show 10" world tour to mark its 20th anniversary since debut. SM Entertainment said the injured fans were immediately taken to hospital and treated for sprains and bruises, with doctors recommending two weeks of rest. "We deeply apologize to those affected and their families," the company said in a statement. "As the organizer, we take full responsibility and will ensure thorough safety checks to prevent similar accidents in the future."

Ryeowook

Super Junior

Watch: NEXZ Reveals Comeback Date With “Mmchk” Trailer

JYP Entertainment’s global boy group NEXZ is gearing up for their return! On April 6, a trailer was unveiled for the group’s comeback with “Mmchk.” “Mmchk” is set to be released on April 27 at 6 p.m. KST. Check out the trailer below: The post appeared first on .

NEXZ

Han Sun Hwa Transforms Into A Passionate Student Teacher In New Comedy Horror Film Poster

Upcoming film “Teaching Intership” (literal translation) has unveiled its first poster! “Teaching Intership” is a high-school comedy horror about Eun Gyeong (Han Sun Hwa), a passionate Gen Z student teacher who administers a deadly mock exam against the ghost of the college entrance test, along with a group of girls in a black magic club.… The post appeared first on .

Han

Ten To Leave SM Entertainment + Remain With NCT And WayV

NCT’s Ten is leaving SM Entertainment. On April 6, it was announced that Ten’s contract with SM will conclude on April 8. However, he will continue participating in WayV and NCT activities when possible. Read the full notice below: Hello, this is SM Entertainment.We would like to begin by expressing our sincere gratitude to everyone… The post appeared first on .

NCT

BTS' 'Swim' dips one spot to No. 2 on Billboard singles chart

"Swim," the lead track from BTS' fifth studio album "Arirang," has slipped one spot to No. 2 on the U.S. Billboard's main singles chart. The upbeat alternative pop track came in behind chart-topper Ella Langley's "Choosin' Texas" on the Billboard Hot 100 for the week of April 11, according to a Billboard preview released Monday (U.S. time). Meanwhile, the 14-track album ruled the Billboard 200 albums chart for two consecutive weeks, making history for a K-pop act to achieve the feat. "Arirang" explores the identity of BTS as a group that began in Korea and the universal emotions its members have encountered throughout their lives. "Swim" is an upbeat alternative pop song about navigating life's challenges, with lyrics co-written by the group's front man, RM.

RM

BTS

BTS' 'Swim' dips one spot to No. 2 on Billboard singles chart

SEOUL. April 7 (Yonhap) -- "Swim," the lead track from BTS' fifth studio album "...

BTS

Billlie to bring out 1st LP next month

Girl group Billlie is poised to release its first studio album in May, according to Mystic Story on Monday. “The Collective Soul and Unconscious: Chapter Two” is a follow-up effort to second EP “The Collective Soul and Unconscious: Chapter One,” which included the hit song “GingaMingaYo.” The seven-piece girl group dropped the single “Cloud Palace — False Awakening” ahead of the album release in January. In November last year, attendees at a fan meeting event got a first listen of the song. The

Billlie

Lee Seung Gi Terminates Contract With Big Planet Made

Lee Seung Gi has parted ways with his agency Big Planet Made Entertainment. On April 6, Lee Seung Gi’s legal representative released the following official statement: Hello, this is attorney Yoon Yong Seok of Hyunmyung Law Office representing Lee Seung Gi. On behalf of Lee Seung Gi (hereinafter, the “Artist”), we would like to state… The post appeared first on .

What’s driving the recent wave of K-pop idol departures

A recent wave of departures by popular idols — from Heeseung of Enhypen to Mark and Ten of NCT — has surprised fans, with multiple members leaving their groups within a single month. Industry insiders, however, say such moves are not unusual, particularly among idols in the later stages of their careers. They point to a combination of artistic ambition, contract cycles and the growing financial independence enabled by social media. Heeseung announced on March 10 that he would leave Enhypen and t

Ten of NCT to leave SM following Mark’s departure

Ten of NCT and WayV has ended his exclusive contract with SM Entertainment as of Monday, the agency confirmed. “After in-depth discussions with Ten regarding his future activities, we have agreed to conclude his exclusive contract as of April 8,” SM Entertainment said in a statement. “We will continue to coordinate so that Ten can participate in WayV and NCT group activities in the future.” The Thai idol’s future participation in NCT and WayV activities are expected to be arranged on a case-by-c

NCT

T.O.P proves himself strong with 1st solo LP

T.O.P's first solo full-length album reaffirmed his strength across music charts and platforms. His LP “Another Dimension,” released April 3, generated approximately 1.47 million streams on Spotify on the day of release, the most for an album released this year from a K-pop solo artist. It is the first K-pop solo album this year to surpass 1 million streams on the platform. The 11-track set topped the iTunes Top Albums Chart in 15 regions, ranking No. 3 on iTunes Albums Chart Worldwide and hitti

BTS’ ‘Arirang’ tops Billboard 200 for second consecutive week, a K-pop first

BTS’ fifth album has topped the Billboard 200 albums chart for the second consecutive week, becoming the first K-pop album to achieve the feat. According to a chart preview released by Billboard on Sunday, “Arirang” remained at No. 1 on the main albums chart, surpassing new releases including Ye’s “Bully,” which debuted at No. 2, and Melanie Martinez’s “Hades” at No. 3. BTS’ latest achievement marks the group’s seventh No. 1 album on the Billboard 200. The Billboard 200 ranks albums based on a c

BTS

All Seventeen members renew contracts

All 13 members of Seventeen chose to stay with the group, renewing their contracts with Pledis Entertainment for the second time. Leader S. Coups broke the news Sunday in Incheon at the final encore concert for Seventeen's “New_” tour. He said the members had come to the decision after a long and deep discussion, and hoped to “row hard forward together on the same ship.” S. Coups, on stage with only eight other members, added that “It would have been even better if Hoshi and Woozi were here, too

Hoshi

Woozi

Seventeen

3 injured after safety fence collapses at Super Junior concert in Seoul

Three spectators were injured after a safety fence collapsed during a Super Junior concert in Seoul on Sunday, prompting an apology from SM Entertainment, the group's agency. The accident occurred during the last of three Seoul concerts held by the K-pop group at the KSPO Dome when member Ryeowook approached the audience while performing an encore song, according to the agency. Fans surged forward, causing the fence in the seating area to give way. The concert was part of the group's "Super Show 10" world tour to mark its 20th anniversary since debut. SM Entertainment said the injured fans were immediately taken to hospital and treated for sprains and bruises, with doctors recommending two weeks of rest. "We deeply apologize to those affected and their families," the company said in a statement. "As the organizer, we take full responsibility and will ensure thorough safety checks to prevent similar accidents in the future."

Ryeowook

Super Junior

3 injured after safety fence collapses at Super Junior concert in Seoul

Three spectators were injured after a safety fence collapsed during a Super Junior concert in Seoul on Sunday, prompting an apology from SM Entertainment, the group's agency. The accident occurred during the last of three Seoul concerts held by the K-pop group at the KSPO Dome when member Ryeowook approached the audience while performing an encore song, according to the agency. Fans surged forward, causing the fence in the seating area to give way. The concert was part of the group's "Super Show

Ryeowook

Super Junior

Soompi’s K-Pop Music Chart 2026, April Week 1

BTS’ “SWIM” moves up five spots to become the new No. 1 song this week. Congratulations to BTS! IVE’s “BANG BANG,” which topped the chart for the past four weeks, is down one spot to No. 2 this week. Up two spots to No. 3 is Yena’s “Catch Catch.” There is only one new song… The post appeared first on .

BTS

IVE

Watch: IU And Byeon Woo Seok Push For Their Contract Marriage Despite Noh Sang Hyun And Gong Seung Yeon’s Opposition In “Perfect Crown” Teaser

MBC’s upcoming Friday–Saturday drama “Perfect Crown” has released a highlight video ahead of its premiere! Set in an alternate universe where modern-day Korea is a constitutional monarchy, “Perfect Crown” tells the love story of Seong Hui Ju (IU), a chaebol heiress who has everything but is only a commoner in status, and Grand Prince Ian… The post appeared first on .

IU

Seok

Hyun