my timesThe Korea Times
pzzang

Pyo Kyung-min

Korea Times K-Culture Reporter

Stay tuned for Pyo Kyung-min's latest K-pop stories, where she digs into the backstories that matter. She’d love to hear from you — share your thoughts at pzzang@koreatimes.co.kr. After all, every article gets better with insights from those who love the scene, just like she does!

Go to Email

Read more

K-pop

CRAVITY kicks off bold new era with rebranding, 'Dare to Crave' album

Just when it might have been easy to stay the course, K-pop boy band CRAVITY has chosen the harder path: reinvention. Currently five years into their career, the nine-member boy band is entering a bold new chapter — marked by a complete group rebrand, a shift in leadership and the release of "Dare to Crave," the group's second full-length album and first in three years. "We looked back on everything we've done so far," said member Seongmin during an interview with The Korea Times at the group's agency headquarters in Gangnam District, Seoul, Thursday. "This time, we're starting with the mindset of debuting all over again." Though the timing may seem bold, the members said it's not without cause. Debuting at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, CRAVITY faced empty stages and cheers that came through screens, slowing their momentum due to circumstances beyond their control. Now, with fans in the seats and wind at their backs, the group is ready for a major reset. A big part of the reboot includes appointing Wonjin and Hyeongjun as co-leaders, succeeding founding leader Serim, who had stee

Jun 23, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min
CRAVITY kicks off bold new era with rebranding, 'Dare to Crave' album
K-pop

K-pop's 1st boy band with North Korean defectors set for global debut

1VERSE, a five-member multinational boy band including North Korean defectors — a first in K-pop history — officially announced its global debut slated for next month. Its agency, Singing Beetle, revealed through the group's official social media channels on Thursday that a global debut showcase will be livestreamed worldwide on July 18. The lineup includes Hyuk and Seok, both originally from North Korea, alongside Nathan, a Thai-Laotian American; Kenny, a Chinese American; and Aito from Japan — forming a rare multinational act that marks the first time North Korean defectors have entered the K-pop idol industry. The name 1VERSE reflects the idea of individual "verses" coming together to create one "universe." The "1" is pronounced "uni," symbolizing unity and harmony, according to the agency. Singing Beetle says the group has already drawn early international attention, with media coverage and growing fan interest even before its debut. Through platforms like YouTube, Instagram and TikTok, 1VERSE has shared behind-the-scenes training footage, vocal and dance covers and glimpses of

Jun 20, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min
K-pop's 1st boy band with North Korean defectors set for global debut
  • Knocking on door of world's biggest music market
K-pop

Make Cha Eun-woo your fantasy boyfriend in his 1st virtual reality concert

Who needs a real-life lover when Cha Eun-woo — arguably one of the most good-looking men in Korea — appears before your eyes to woo you, cry over you and plead for your love that he so desperately longs for? Sounds too good to be true? Well, it's not. At least not in the virtual world. For those tired of ordinary love stories, an extraordinary date awaits — starring the famous singer-actor — in "CHA EUN-WOO VR CONCERT: MEMORIES." Here, viewers are invited to step into a one-on-one romance with Cha in an hour-long virtual reality (VR) experience delivered in a concert-style format. The production marks Cha and his agency Fantagio's first foray into VR, combining a romantic narrative with Cha's music in a tech-forward spin. Upon entering the dedicated theater for a press screening for the concert at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Seoul Tuesday, attendees were instructed to don VR headsets that would soon transport them into a 12K-resolution virtual world where Cha awaits. Inside the show, Cha plays the leading role in a story that explores the emotional highs and lows of a romantic rela

Jun 18, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min
Make Cha Eun-woo your fantasy boyfriend in his 1st virtual reality concert
K-pop

ILLIT drops new album 'bomb,' aims to surpass debut success

ILLIT — one of K-pop mogul Bang Si-hyuk's most beloved girl groups — is back with a burst of magic. The five-member act under Belift Lab, a HYBE Labels subsidiary, released its third mini-album "bomb," Monday, aiming to surpass the viral success of their debut single "Magnetic." In "bomb," ILLIT embraces the concept of "magical girls," delivering a message of positivity to anyone who carries untapped magic within. At a media showcase at YES24 Live Hall in Seoul, Monday, just hours ahead of the album's release, the members spoke about their own transformation. "It's been eight months since our last release and we're so grateful to our fans who waited," Moka said. "We worked extra hard because we couldn't wait to share this with everyone. This album is packed with songs we're confident in." The new concept takes inspiration from anime-style magical girls but with a twist. "The magical girl we envision is someone any ordinary girl can become once she recognizes her own potential," Iroha explained. "The message this time is about overcoming negativity — anyone can become a magical girl.

Jun 16, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min
ILLIT drops new album 'bomb,' aims to surpass debut success
K-pop

Irene & Seulgi's first solo concert proves Red Velvet's legacy transcends lineup

Red Velvet's iconic duo, Irene & Seulgi, proved over the weekend that the group's signature elegance and performance power remain unshaken, even as its members move forward on different paths. The two held their first standalone unit concert, "2025 IRENE & SEULGI Concert Tour 'BALANCE,'" at Seoul's Olympic Hall over the weekend, marking the opening of the duo's Asia tour and their first full concert since debuting as a Red Velvet subunit five years ago. The event came on the heels of April's bittersweet announcement that only Irene, Joy and Seulgi had renewed their contracts with SM Entertainment, while Wendy and Yeri had joined other agencies. Though SM emphasized that Red Velvet was not disbanding, the news left many fans grieving the uncertain future of the group. On social media, some even described the group's most recent track, "Cosmic" — with its emotional lyrics, delicate bridge and soaring climax — as the most perfect "disbandment song." But the Irene & Seulgi concert sent a different message: that Red Velvet's artistry would persist, regardless of its current form. The 4,000

Jun 16, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min
Irene & Seulgi's first solo concert proves Red Velvet's legacy transcends lineup
K-pop

Underdog boy bands eye redemption through 'BOYS II PLANET'

In the glittering world of K-pop, not every idol gets their moment in the spotlight. This July, members of underdog boy groups, including VERIVERY, WEi, DKB and DRIPPIN, will compete for a second shot at stardom in Mnet's upcoming survival show "BOYS II PLANET." The new program follows contestants from two symbolic "planets" — "K" for Korea and "C" for China. Finalists from each side will ultimately unite on "BOYS II PLANET," where they will vie for a spot in a new global boy band. Produced by Mnet, the network behind popular audition shows that launched groups like I.O.I, IZ*ONE, Wanna One and ZeroBaseOne, the new series has also drawn a diverse pool of contestants that includes active idol group members alongside rookie trainees. Among the familiar names are Dongheon, Gyehyeon and Kangmin of VERIVERY, a seven-member group that debuted in 2018. Though the group previously reached the finals of Mnet's "Road to Kingdom" in 2020, the group struggled to maintain momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic. Kim Jun-seo of six-member boy band WEi is returning to the survival show scene as well. H

Jun 15, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min
Underdog boy bands eye redemption through 'BOYS II PLANET'
Trends

25 years apart, one fight: Queer icons on shattering Korea's closet

When TV personality Hong Seok-cheon first came out in 2000, it was technically on his own terms — but the fallout was far from what he intended. His initial disclosure, made during the taping of a public broadcast, was edited out by a producer who said it was to “protect” him. Hoping to take control of his story, he then gave a magazine interview, intended as a quiet step forward. But the news was leaked and sensationalized, turning his sexuality into headline fodder — “I am homo(sexual)” — pushing him into a years-long exile from Korea’s conservative television industry. Fast-forward more than two decades to when Bain of K-pop boy band JUST B stood before thousands at a concert in Los Angeles in April and came out in his own words — “I’m proud to be a part of the LGBTQ+ community, as a gay person.” Draped in and waving a Pride flag and singing Lady Gaga’s queer anthem “Born This Way,” he was met with applause. It was a moment that would’ve been unthinkable in Hong’s time. And yet, both moments carried the same weight — the cost of truth and the risk

Jun 13, 2025By Kwon Mee-yoo and Pyo Kyung-min
25 years apart, one fight: Queer icons on shattering Korea's closet
K-pop

TWICE sets off on 'THIS IS FOR' world tour with top-tier creative team

K-pop powerhouse TWICE will kick off its sixth world tour, "THIS IS FOR," in July, JYP Entertainment announced Monday. The label revealed the tour's official poster and teaser video on social media, marking its first world tour in about a year. According to the company, the tour will feature a 360-degree stage setup at each venue, aiming to create a more immersive concert experience. Joining the production is the renowned multimedia creative studio Moment Factory, known for working with global artists Olivia Rodrigo, Billie Eilish, Ed Sheeran, Madonna, Red Hot Chili Peppers and U2. Also on board is show director Mukhtar O.S. Mukhtar, who most recently helped stage Super Bowl halftime performances for rapper Kendrick Lamar and R&B artist Usher. The tour kicks off July 19-20 at Inspire Arena in Incheon, followed by stops in Osaka on July 26-27, Aichi on Aug. 23-24, Fukuoka on Aug. 30-31, Tokyo on Sept. 16-17, Macau on Sept. 27-28, Bulacan on Oct. 4, Singapore on Oct. 11-12, Sydney on Nov. 1-2, Melbourne on Nov. 8-9, Kaohsiung on Nov. 22, Hong Kong on Dec. 6 and Bangkok on Dec. 13-14. Addit

Jun 9, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min
TWICE sets off on 'THIS IS FOR' world tour with top-tier creative team
K-pop

From stadium anthems to dreamy rock: NCT's Doyoung soars solo

At first glance, Doyoung might seem like the quintessential SM Entertainment powerhouse — a fierce vocalist at the heart of NCT 127, one of the label's best-selling boy bands. On stage with his bandmates, he belts through high notes and intense choreography with razor-sharp precision. But Doyoung's solo music tells a different story — one that's calmer, deeper and very personal. "Performing as NCT 127 now feels like working on a group project with my closest friends. It's fun and I rely on them a lot," Doyoung said in an interview Thursday with The Korea Times at a cafe near SM's headquarters in eastern Seoul. "Making music alone, on the other hand, is way harder," he expressed. "While group activities feel like a dopamine rush, solo work requires more introspection and communication, so there's a different kind of fulfillment when it comes together." His second solo album, "Soar," set for release on Monday, reflects that shift — trading stadium-ready anthems for band-driven sounds. While his solo debut "YOUTH" in 2024 captured the turbulence of growing up, the singer says "Soar" is

Jun 9, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min
From stadium anthems to dreamy rock: NCT's Doyoung soars solo
K-pop

K-pop embraces interactive VR to deepen fan engagement

Virtual reality (VR), once used in the K-pop scene primarily to simulate the energy of live shows, is now evolving into a tool for immersive, interactive fan experiences. From boy band Seventeen's recent album promotion to an upcoming VR concert by singer-actor Cha Eun-woo, artists are increasingly turning to cutting-edge technology to deepen their connection with fans. On May 16, Seventeen released a highlight medley video for its fifth studio album, "HAPPY BURSTDAY," incorporating VR technology to create a 360-degree virtual environment. The video, accessible through YouTube, allows viewers to navigate the digital space by simply moving their phones, with each scene corresponding to a different track from the album. Designed to broaden access beyond VR device users, the video lets fans explore changing virtual settings and hidden text reflecting each song's theme. The format aims to offer a more active listening experience, with viewers able to engage with the album directly by interacting with the space as it unfolds. The response was swift, with the video surpassing 1.74 million view

Jun 6, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min
K-pop embraces interactive VR to deepen fan engagement
previous page
3031323334
next page

Top 5 stories

Korea Times
About Us
Introduction
History
Contact Us
Products & Services
Subscribe
E-paper
RSS Service
Content Sales
Site Map
Policy
Code of Ethics
Ombudsman
Privacy Policy
Youth Protection Policy
Terms of Service
Copyright Policy
Family Site
Hankookilbo
Dongwha Group
FacebookXYoutubeInstagram
CEO & Publisher: Oh Young-jinDigital News Email: webmaster@koreatimes.co.krTel: 02-724-2114Online newspaper registration No: 서울,아52844Date of registration: 2020.02.05Masthead: The Korea TimesCopyright © koreatimes.co.kr. All rights reserved.