今日 K-POP

SEOUL, April 21 (Yonhap) -- Police said Tuesday they have filed for an arrest wa...

K-pop juggernaut BTS placed at No. 10 on the Billboard's Hot 100 singles chart with "SWIM" in its fourth week on the chart after debuting at No. 1. The song, the lead track from the group's fifth studio album, "ARIRANG," moved down five places from No. 5 the previous week, Billboard said in a chart preview Monday (U.S. time). "SWIM" had spent four weeks at No. 1 on both of Billboard's global charts — the Billboard Global 200 and the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. charts — as well as the Digital Song Sales chart. Elsewhere on the Hot 100, Ella Langley's "Choosin' Texas" held the No. 1 spot for a second straight week, marking its seventh time atop the chart overall. Olivia Dean's "Man I Need" ranked No. 2, followed by Bruno Mars' "I Just Might." "Golden," from the soundtrack of Netflix's hit animated film "KPop Demon Hunters," remained at No. 7 for another week.

BTS

BTS member J-Hope has drawn attention after posting an emotional selfie, revealing a deeply personal moment that unfolded in the middle of the group’s ongoing world tour. J-Hope shared several photos on social media on Monday with the caption “BTS WORLD TOUR ‘ARIRANG’ TOKYO.” The images captured a mix of behind-the-scenes moments to high-energy performances on stage. Among them, one photo stood out: A close-up of the artist with tears in his eyes, his face visibly swollen and flushed. The raw image quickly spread across fan communities and social media, with many interpreting it as reflecting the emotional toll of a recent family loss. According to the singer, he learned of his grandmother’s death shortly after arriving in Japan for the Tokyo leg of the tour. During a concert, he told fans, “After coming to Japan, I heard that my grandmother, who raised me since I was young, had passed away,” sharing his grief and drawing an emotional response from the audience. Despite the loss, J-Hope continued to perform, documenting both his off-stage moments and his time in the spotl

j-hopeBTS

BTS is spending its fourth week on Billboard’s Hot 100 at No. 10 with “Swim,” according to the chart preview published Tuesday. The main track from the group's fifth studio album “Arirang” fell five rungs from the previous week, after having made a chart-topping debut on the rankings. It was the band’s seventh song overall to occupy the top spot on the main songs chart and sixth to debut at the top. The single has charted four weeks at No. 1 on both the Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global

BTS

About a year into its career and currently mid-tour, seven-piece K-pop boy band CLOSE YOUR EYES (CYE) is already releasing music that has something to say. The group, formed in 2025 through JTBC's survival program "PROJECT 7," dropped its first digital single, "OVEREXPOSED," Tuesday. It's a two-track release built around the concept of overexposure in photography — the point at which too much light wipes an image out entirely. The idea, as the group describes it, is about still wanting to leave a record of yourself when everything feels uncertain. "It's an appetizer," said Jeon Min-wook, the group's eldest, during an interview at The Korea Times headquarters in Seoul, Tuesday. "Before a new side of us is revealed in the upcoming album, 'OVEREXPOSED' is a preview of what's coming." The single follows the group's third mini-album "blackout," and Jeon is clear that the narrative is intentional and ongoing. "We put a lot of meaning into 'Eternity,' our debut project. Then we woke up from 'blackout,' and we've spent a year," he said. "This single is an extension of that. It's a statement of

CLOSE YOUR EYES

Rookie girl group Unchild stepped into the K-pop scene with a confident message of individuality, unveiling its debut digital single “We Are Unchild” at a media showcase Tuesday in central Seoul. The showcase marked the official debut of the six-member act — Heekie, Tina, Haeun, Yeeun, Ako and Evon — who introduced themselves as a team determined to break away from conventions. The group’s name reflects that ambition. By adopting the prefix “un-,” Unchild positions itself as a collective that re

Taeyang of Big Bang will make his solo return on May 18 with his fourth LP, “Quintessence,” The Black Label said Tuesday. The album will release at 6 p.m., marking Taeyang’s first solo effort in about three years, since 2023 EP “Down to Earth,” and his first LP in nearly nine years, following “White Night” in 2017. The newly unveiled cover image of the album features two angelic figures forming the letter “Q,” referencing the album’s title. “Quintessence” hints at a project centered on the artis

TaeyangBig Bang

SEOUL, April 21 (Yonhap) -- K-pop juggernaut BTS placed at No. 10 on the Billboa...

BTS

K-pop group NewJeans is fueling speculation over a comeback after resurfacing on social media for the first time in six months — and fans are reading the timing as anything but coincidental. On April 21, the group’s official channel uploaded multiple photos of member Hyein with the caption “HAPPY HYEIN DAY,” marking her birthday. In the images, Hyein appears with long, straight hair and a refined look, drawing attention for her evolving visuals. The post is the account’s first update since late last October, when it celebrated the third anniversary of the group’s fandom. The sudden return has sparked a wave of reactions across fan communities and social media, with many interpreting it as a signal that the group may be resuming activities. Speculation has been further fueled by recent sightings of members in Europe. On April 12, Hyein and Haerin were reportedly spotted in Copenhagen, Denmark. Their agency ADOR later said that Hanni had also traveled there with them. The developments come after months of uncertainty surrounding the group. Several members had been involved in a

HyeinHaerinHanni

SEOUL, April 21 (Yonhap) -- Police said Tuesday they have filed for an arrest wa...

In a move that signals a blurring of the lines between classical music and global pop culture, world-renowned soprano Sumi Jo signed an exclusive recording contract with SM Entertainment. The partnership, announced through the company’s classical imprint, SM Classics, positions Jo as the label’s first exclusive artist and serves as a strategic cornerstone for the firm’s expansion into the international classical market. The deal arrives as Jo prepares to mark her 40th anniversary with the release of a new album, "Continuum," slated for May. The 11-track project is framed not merely as a retrospective, but as a bridge between the rigorous traditions of the operatic stage and the slick, contemporary sensibilities of the Seoul music industry. In a statement, Jo characterized the work as a "culmination and a new beginning," featuring a repertoire that ranges from previously unrecorded coloratura arias to modern compositions that defy easy categorization. The album also leans into the collaborative spirit of the K-pop era. It features a duet with Suho, the leader of K-pop boy band EXO,

SuhoExo

South Korean prosecutors on Tuesday sought an 18-month prison sentence for Winner member Song Min-ho, who has been indicted for violating the Military Service Act during his mandatory social service duty. At the first hearing held at the Seoul Western District Court in Seoul, the 33-year-old rapper, songwriter and producer admitted to all charges and said that, if given another opportunity, he would complete his service faithfully until the end. According to prosecutors, Song took more than 100

SEOUL, April 21 (Yonhap) -- Police said Tuesday they have filed for an arrest wa...

Seoul unveiled on Tuesday a 2.7 trillion won ($1.9 billion) plan to transform Chang-dong, a neighborhood in the city's northeastern Dobong District, into a 24/7 K-pop-themed cultural hub, anchored by a new concert venue as well as a cluster of entertainment and commercial facilities intended to draw more visitors north of the Han River. According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the “K-entertainment town” project is meant to serve as a new economic engine for the area and beyond as the city aims to draw 30 million foreign tourists a year. “Chang-dong and the surrounding Sanggye area will no longer be the outskirts of Seoul, but will become the cultural and artistic hub of the city and a solid economic core that will shoulder its future as a key area in opening the era of 30 million foreign tourists,” Mayor Oh Se-hoon said during a press conference. The central part of the scheme is the Seoul Arena, a K-pop concert hall slated for a May 2027 opening. The place will be able to accommodate up to 28,000 fans per performance and is expected to host some 100 large-scale shows a y

Legal counsel for BLACKPINK's Jisoo issued a statement over recent allegations involving a family member, after reports emerged that a man identified as the brother of a member of a well-known K-pop girl group had been arrested on charges of sexually harassing an online streamer. "Some media reports, online communities and social media platforms have been recklessly linking the artist and Blissoo to the family-related issue spreading online, while defaming them based on false claims," said Eun Hyun-ho, an attorney at Kim & Chang, legal representative for Jisoo’s agency Blissoo. "The issue currently being raised is entirely unrelated to the artist and Blissoo, and many of the claims circulating online are either unverified speculation or plainly false," the law firm said. It added that Jisoo, who began her career at a young age and has long lived independently from her family, had no knowledge whatsoever of her brother’s private life. The statement also rejected claims that the controversial figure had ties to Jisoo or her agency. "Although the artist received limited advice from a fa

BLACKPINK

Prosecutors on Tuesday demanded an 18-month prison term for Song Min-ho, a member of K-pop boy band WINNER, over allegations of negligence related to his alternative mandatory service. Song is accused of failing to properly fulfill his duty as a social service agent at a facility in western Seoul from March 2023 to December 2024, such as not showing up to work for more than 100 days, inconsecutively. Prosecutors requested the sentence during the case's first hearing at the Seoul Western District Court, arguing that Song appeared to have been absent for long periods of time and effectively did not carry out his service. Song, who appeared for the trial, admitted to all charges and voiced hope to carry out his service again if given the chance. "As a person who is loved by many, (I) feel sorry for showing an embarrassing side of myself instead of setting an example," he said, adding that his struggles with bipolar disorder and panic disorder cannot be excuses. "If given an opportunity to serve again, (I) wish to faithfully fulfill it until the end." All able-bodied South Korean men are requi

NCT Wish’s first full-length album sold over a million copies — 1.28 million — on its release day, label SM Entertainment announced Tuesday. “Ode to Love” is the third million-selling set from the NCT subunit, following its second EP “poppop” and third EP “Color,” both from last year. The new album's title track climbed to No. 3 on Melon’s Top 100 after debuting atop its Hot 100. All ten tracks from the set made major Korean music charts. The album comes on the heels of the six-piece act’s inter

NCT WISHNCT

Tomorrow X Together’s eighth EP, “7th Year: A Moment of Stillness in the Thorns,” headed straight to the top of Oricon’s Weekly Album Ranking. It is the group’s 14th consecutive album to top the Japanese chart, extending its own record for placing the most records in the No. 1 spot for an international artist, label Big Hit Music said Tuesday. The six-track mini album topped Oricon’s Daily Album Ranking twice, while lead single “Stick With You” spent four days at No. 1 on LINE Music’s daily song

TOMORROW X TOGETHER

SEOUL, April 21 (Yonhap) -- Prosecutors on Tuesday demanded an 18-month prison t...

Aespa will launch an international tour with 25 stops, the group's label SM Entertainment announced Tuesday. Under the title “Synk: _ae-_,” the tour will kick off Aug. 7. with two shows in Seoul. After a visit to Taipei, the group will fly around Latin and North America for the remainder of 2026. In January next year, aespa will tour Europe showcasing new material from its second album, “Lemonade,” which will be released on May 29. Meanwhile, the four members will perform at Tokyo Dome this week

Aespa

Taeyang of veteran K-pop group BIGBANG will release his new individual album on May 18, his agency, The Black Label, said Tuesday. The new release titled "Quintessence" is the singer's fourth full-length solo album. It marks his first release in about three years since his individual EP "Down to Earth" in 2023 and his first studio album in nearly nine years following "White Night" in 2017. Details of the upcoming album have not been unveiled. "Through 'Quintessence,' Taeyang will showcase his capabilities as an all-round solo artist and present a new musical world of his own," the agency said. Taeyang, who debuted with BIGBANG in 2006, celebrates his 20th anniversary this year. The group recently performed at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, California, on April 12 and 19, where they also unveiled plans for a new album and a world tour.

TaeyangBig Bang

Moka of Illit will be absent from group activities for the time being, said agency Belift Lab Monday, citing health reasons. She will focus on recovery and treatment as her doctor has advised, but expressed strong wishes to participate, the agency added. Belift Lab did not provide details regarding her condition. The five-member group is slated to return April 30 with its fourth EP, “Mamihlapinatapai.” Illit has been releasing a series of teaser content for the upcoming set, including a “Free Ri

ILLIT

Police have sought an arrest warrant for Hybe Chairman Bang Si-hyuk, officials said Tuesday. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's financial crimes investigation unit said it has booked Bang on charges of fraudulent and unfair trading and is moving to secure his custody. The move comes just a day after Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency Commissioner Park Jung-bo said during a press briefing that the investigation into Bang was "essentially complete” and could be concluded in the near future. Bang

SEOUL, April 21 (Yonhap) -- Taeyang of veteran K-pop group BIGBANG will release ...

TaeyangBig Bang

K-pop project girl group I.O.I will return to the music scene next month, marking the 10th anniversary of its debut and ending a nine-year hiatus, the group's agency said Tuesday. Swing Entertainment said the group will release its third EP "I.O.I: Loop" on May 19, followed by promotional activities. A promotional schedule released via the agency's official social media accounts showed that a pre-release track is set to be unveiled May 4. The group will also stage a three-day concert at Jamsil indoor stadium in Seoul starting May 29 to mark the comeback. However, promotional activities for the upcoming album will involve only nine of the group's 11 members with two — Kang Mi-na and Zhou Jieqiong — sitting out due to individual schedules. Formed through local cable TV channel Mnet's 2016 audition program "Produce 101," the group debuted in May that year. It quickly rose to prominence with hits such as "Very Very Very" and "Downpour" before disbanding in January 2017 after a final standalone concert.

MinaI.O.I

SEOUL, April 21 (Yonhap) -- K-pop project girl group I.O.I will return to the mu...

I.O.I