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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!

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K-pop

Boy band members spark abuse concerns with repeated distress hand signals

Members of the K-pop boy band Fantasy Boys have raised concerns after fans noticed what appeared to be distress signals during recent live broadcasts, prompting speculation of possible abuse by their agency. In a livestream clip circulating online, member Minseo was seen using a hand gesture widely recognized as a silent signal for help — a gesture developed during the COVID-19 pandemic to indicate abuse during video calls. The signal involves showing the palm, tucking in the thumb and folding the fingers over it. Hanbin, another member, was also seen making the same gesture during a music show appearance in April. As the footage spread across social media, fans shared previous messages from different members of the 10-piece group, which included mention of injuries and hospital visits. Some interpreted the posts as potential signs of abuse. With the situation quickly gaining traction, Minseo and Hanbin each addressed the controversy through a fan communication app. In an unexpected apology, Minseo asked fans not to worry and attributed the livestream incident to "extreme exhaustion." "I

May 6, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min
Boy band members spark abuse concerns with repeated distress hand signals
K-pop

K-pop stars rush May releases ahead of summer festivals, election

An unusually crowded slate of K-pop comebacks is unfolding this May, as rookie girl groups tripleS and MEOVV join chart-toppers (G)I-DLE in releasing new music — part of the industry's push to seize momentum ahead of major summer events. The 24-member group tripleS that operates through rotating sub-units, announced that it will release a new album featuring all members — ASSEMBLE25 — on May 12. Its title track, "Are You Alive," was selected through fan voting, a signature concept for the group since its 2023 debut. On the same day, MEOVV — a newly launched five-member act under The Black Label, the agency behind BIGBANG's Taeyang, BLACKPINK's Rosé and solo singer Jeon So-mi — will release its debut EP, "MY EYES OPEN VVIDE." The EP's pre-release single "HANDS UP," unveiled earlier on Monday, has already generated buzz on social media for its unexpected embrace of Brazilian punk, a genre rarely seen in K-pop. (G)I-DLE is also slated to return with a new mini album in mid-May. While details have yet to be announced, the new release will mark the group's first comeback in 10 mont

May 2, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min
K-pop stars rush May releases ahead of summer festivals, election
People & Events

MyK Festa to bring K-pop, food, comics and more to Seoul in June

A large festival celebrating Korean culture is set for Seoul's Olympic Park from June 19 to 22, bringing together music, food, webtoons and more for fans of the Korean wave, or "hallyu." The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced Thursday that it will host the inaugural MyK Festa in partnership with the Korean Foundation for International Cultural Exchange. The four-day event is designed as an "immersive festival that highlights the full spectrum of Korean lifestyle and cultural exports, from K-pop and traditional music to TV dramas, comics and cuisine," according to the ministry. The opening concert on June 19 will feature a plethora of K-pop acts including rapper Lee Young-ji, girl group aespa and rookie acts Illit and Hearts2Hearts. On June 21, K-pop girl group ITZY and solo artist Chungha are set to perform, adding star power to the lineup. Talks and conferences will offer further insights into the cultural industries behind hallyu. A June 20 international conference will feature prominent speakers, including Billboard President Mike Van and Lee Young-ah, chief strategy of

May 1, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min
MyK Festa to bring K-pop, food, comics and more to Seoul in June
K-pop

How idols coming out could reshape K-pop — or expose its limits

While Bain, the vocalist of K-pop boy band JUST B came out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community during a concert Tuesday (local time), his declaration has sparked a discussion in the broader K-pop scene about how such moments — still rare in the industry — may shape its future. The singer made the announcement during a stop on the group's "JUST ODD" world tour at The Vermont Hollywood in Los Angeles, telling the crowd mid-show, "I am proud to be a part of the LGBTQ community." His words were met with loud cheers and applause as he waved a rainbow flag onstage. Though several K-pop artists have shared their sexual orientations in recent years, Bain is the first active member of a Korean boy group to come out publicly. Earlier this year in March, Lara, an Indian American member of HYBE Label's U.S.-based girl group KATSEYE, also came out via the fan platform Weverse, adding to the slowly growing visibility of queer figures in K-pop. Tradition to representation Korea's entertainment industry has long been shaped by a conservative cultural backdrop, whereby open discussions of sexual orien

Apr 25, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min
How idols coming out could reshape K-pop — or expose its limits
K-pop

Boy bands brace for chart war in May

May is shaping up to be a massive month for K-pop boy bands, with high-profile comebacks, milestone albums and fast-rising rookies all crowding the calendar. The return parade kicks off May 2 with TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT), the polished five-member group under HYBE Labels. The band first teased its comeback during a set at Mexico's AXE Ceremonia festival, where they thrilled fans with a surprise date reveal. The group then confirmed this week that a digital single titled "Love Language" is officially on the way. The track is described as "a breezy love song powered by the group's signature energy," according to BigHit Music, TXT's label. From there, two of the scene's buzziest rookie groups — SM Entertainment's RIIZE and BOYNEXTDOOR from KOZ Entertainment, a HYBE subsidiary — are set for a head-to-head clash in May. RIIZE is preparing its first full-length album for release later in May. While the title and release date remain under wraps, the album will mark the group's first new release in 11 months, following the popular June 2024 drop, "RIIZING." BOYNEXTDOOR will also return with i

Apr 24, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min
Boy bands brace for chart war in May
K-pop

From Tokyo to Gangnam: Cosmosy's K-pop dream takes flight

Making it in the K-pop world is no easy feat. Years of grueling training may finally lead to a debut, but even then, life under the constant scrutiny of the public can be challenging — especially for foreigners navigating an unfamiliar culture and language barriers. But for Cosmosy, a four-member girl group made up entirely of Japanese members, the challenge is part of the thrill. "It really hit me when we performed on a music show for the first time," Cosmosy's Kamión said in fluent Korean during an exclusive interview Wednesday with The Korea Times at a studio in Seoul's Gangnam District. "With fans right in front of us, it finally felt real — like, 'We actually debuted!'" Cosmosy — composed of Amei, Kamión, Himesha and De_Hana — officially launched into the K-pop world on April 11 with the digital single "Lucky=One." They had first introduced themselves through a pre-debut track, "zigy=zigy," released on Dec. 31. The group is co-managed under the Japanese label, NTT Docomo Studio & Live, and Sony Music Entertainment Korea. Despite their Japanese backgrounds, Cosmosy proudly i

Apr 24, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min
From Tokyo to Gangnam: Cosmosy's K-pop dream takes flight
People & Events

Seoul invites residents to modern hanbok fashion show along Deoksu Palace wall

The Seoul Metropolitan Government is hosting a modern "hanbok" fashion show on May 2 along the stone-walled path outside Deoksu Palace in Jung District. The show will be held twice — at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. — spotlighting a new wave of hanbok, Korea's traditional attire, reimagined with contemporary flair. The runway will stretch from the palace's Daehan Gate to the roundabout by the Seoul Museum of Art, offering a fusion of history and style. Four hanbok brands — Seodamhwa, Guiroe, Ccomaque and Studio Hyeon — all known for their craftsmanship and efforts to modernize the garment, will take part in the event. "The stone walls of Deoksugung-gil and the surrounding historic architecture create vastly different atmospheres depending on the light," said Joo Yong-tae, Seoul's director-general of economy. "That's why this fashion show was designed to unfold in both daylight and evening." "We hope many citizens will experience this picture-perfect runway where hanbok meets the beauty of Deoksugung-gil," Joo added. The fashion show is part of the broader Seoul Fashion Road initiative, aimed

Apr 23, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min
Seoul invites residents to modern hanbok fashion show along Deoksu Palace wall
K-pop

K-pop acts seek to dominate international festivals

K-pop's presence at the world's top music festivals is no longer a novelty. As global lineups increasingly feature Korean artists alongside Western superstars, the genre has become a staple on international stages. The 2025 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, which concluded last weekend in California, was the latest testament to K-pop’s global reach, featuring standout performances from BLACKPINK members Jennie and Lisa and boy band ENHYPEN. Social media lit up following the performances, with TikTok users praising BLACKPINK's Jennie and Lisa for their delivery despite the desert heat and technical issues. ENHYPEN's set drew equally fervent reactions, with some fans joking they "literally broke their vocal cords" from cheering too hard. K-pop is also making inroads across other major global festivals, including Lollapalooza, which now spans North and South America as well as Europe. At Lollapalooza Chicago, which kicks off July 31, TWICE is expected to make headlines — marking another major festival milestone for the girl group. Also joining the lineup are JYP Entertainment la

Apr 22, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min
K-pop acts seek to dominate international festivals
Music

Pianist Cho Seong-jin to launch nationwide tour featuring Ravel's works

Pianist Cho Seong-jin will embark on a nationwide recital tour in June to mark the release of his album featuring the complete solo piano works of French composer Maurice Ravel (1875–1937). Concert organizer Credia Music & Artists announced Monday that Cho will hold eight commemorative performances across Korea, beginning on June 12 at Arts Center Incheon. The tour will continue through July with stops in Seoul on June 14 and 17, Seongnam on June 15, Daegu on June 20, Gimhae on June 21, Daejeon on July 2 and Cheonan on July 6. The tour commemorates the 150th anniversary of Ravel's birth and is part of Cho's larger project to present the French composer's complete solo piano repertoire along with his two piano concertos. Cho previously released the first part of this project, "Ravel: The Complete Solo Piano Works," on Jan. 17. A second album, featuring Ravel's piano concertos recorded with the Boston Symphony Orchestra under Latvian conductor Andris Nelsons, was released on Feb. 21. Following the album releases, Cho launched an international recital tour that has already made stops at m

Apr 22, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min
Pianist Cho Seong-jin to launch nationwide tour featuring Ravel's works
K-pop

TWS showcases thrill of turning 20 with new album 'TRY WITH US'

Channeling the excitement of stepping into their 20s, K-pop boy band TWS released its third mini album, "TRY WITH US," Monday, hoping to build on the momentum it gained as one of last year's most promising rookie groups. Just hours before the album dropped, the six members — Shinyu, Dohoon, Youngjae, Hanjin, Jihoon and Kyungmin — gathered at Blue Square's SOL Travel Hall in Seoul's Yongsan District for a press event, where they shared stories behind the making of the new project. According to the group, the album tells "the story of being 20 — embracing new challenges with joy and courage, and stepping into the unknown with the spirit of youth." For Jihoon and Hanjin — who both turn 20 in Korean age this year — the album holds a deeper meaning. "I was born in 2006, so I turned 20 this year. Preparing for this album while stepping into my 20s has been such a happy experience," Jihoon said. "Being 20 is exciting and all, but I think it's also a time full of effort and new challenges. This album really feels like it captures that chapter of my life, and that makes me truly happy." "

Apr 21, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min
TWS showcases thrill of turning 20 with new album 'TRY WITH US'
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