The Korea Times

Yves goes viral as 'DIM' sparks global TikTok trend

Rising from her roots in K-pop girl group Loona, Yves is now making waves as a solo artist, with her song "DIM" surging in global popularity thanks to its viral success on TikTok months after its original release. According to TikTok, "DIM," a track from Yves' sophomore EP "I Did," reached No. 1 on the platform's Viral 50 chart as of Tuesday, while also securing the No. 40 spot on the broader Top 50 ranking. First released in November 2024 as the closing track of "I Did," "DIM" highlights Yves' delicate vocals, building to an evocative climax in its outro. The final minute features a layered instrumental passage that many have described as both "emotional" and "nostalgic." The song's outro, paired with the phrase "He/She doesn't know it yet, but," was what inspired a viral TikTok trend. Users transformed the track into short-form videos featuring creators unknowingly on the brink of unexpected or unfortunate events, fueling the song's popularity. So far, more than 400,000 TikTok videos have been made using "DIM," including participation from pop icon ABBA and the official TikTok account

Mar 27, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min

Yves goes viral as 'DIM' sparks global TikTok trend

Travel & Food

CICI invites Vivian Han to highlight culinary diplomacy

The Corea Image Communication Institute (CICI) hosted renowned restaurateur Vivian Han at its monthly CQ Forum Tuesday, where she spoke about her efforts to promote Korean cuisine as a form of diplomacy. CICI, a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening Korea's global presence, hosts the monthly forum, with "CQ" standing for culture and creativity quotient. Han, 58, is a leading figure in modern Korean cuisine and CEO of Congdu, a restaurant with three locations across Seoul. CICI invited her to speak at the forum as she is "a Korean food expert dedicated to spreading the excellence of Korean cuisine." Han gained national recognition in 2017 when she was invited by Cheong Wa Dae, Korea's presidential office at the time, to oversee the state banquet for U.S. President Donald Trump during his visit to Korea under the Moon Jae-in administration. At the forum, she shared the behind-the-scenes story of preparing that high-profile dinner and her broader philosophy on using Korean food to engage with the world. Among her illustrious career, one of Han's most memorable experiences was pla

Mar 26, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min

CICI invites Vivian Han to highlight culinary diplomacy

K-pop

KiiiKiii takes torch from IVE as Starship's newest act

Following in the footsteps of K-pop icon IVE, Starship Entertainment's new girl group, KiiiKiii, has stepped into the spotlight to help shape the future of K-pop — especially at a time when the industry is in dire need of new leaders of the generation. Even before its debut, KiiiKiii — featuring Jiyu, Leesol, Sui, Haum and Kya — drew attention as Starship's next big girl group, currently home to IVE, one of the most defining acts in K-pop today. When news of the group's launch, final lineup and concept photos finally broke, critics and fans were both eager to hail the girl group's rare "country girl" aesthetic, calling it a refreshing twist" in the scene. The group's prerelease title track, "I DO ME," also took the industry by storm. Upon its Feb. 24 release, the song topped YouTube's trending videos in Korea for two consecutive days while securing spots on major domestic music charts, making KiiiKiii one of the most remarkable rookies among recent K-pop acts. "We never expected this kind of response," the KiiiKiii members said, reflecting on their whirlwind pre-debut promotions du

Mar 24, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min

KiiiKiii takes torch from IVE as Starship's newest act

K-pop

REVIEW ATEEZ brings yearlong global tour to triumphant close in Seoul

After more than a year of electrifying performances across the globe, K-pop sensation ATEEZ wrapped up its world tour with a grand finale in Seoul, delivering a night of high-energy spectacle and heartfelt fan appreciation. The eight-member boy band held the final show of its "TOWARDS THE LIGHT: WILL TO POWER" tour on the weekend at KSPO Dome in Seoul's Songpa District. The concert marked the end of an extensive journey that began in Seoul in January 2024 and traversed Japan, 10 North American cities and nine European countries before returning to the group's home stage. Hours before the final curtain rose on Sunday, fans gathered outside the dome, snapping photos and soaking in the anticipation. With ATEEZ's worldwide appeal, the crowd was a vibrant mix of Korean and overseas fans, many dressed in flashy outfits for the momentous event. The show began shortly after the scheduled 5 p.m. start, opening with ATEEZ's signature high-powered choreography, intense rap delivery and main vocalist Jongho's soaring high notes. Sending waves of energy through the crowd, the opening number set the s

Mar 24, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min

[REVIEW] ATEEZ brings yearlong global tour to triumphant close in Seoul

K-pop

NewJeans voices discontent over court ruling; Hong Kong concert to proceed Sunday

Members of K-pop group NewJeans, who recently attempted to pursue independent activities under the name NJZ, were "disappointed" by the court ruling on Friday that blocked their efforts to operate outside of Ador, according to an article published in Time magazine. The American weekly magazine reported Saturday (local time) that the five members of NewJeans — Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin and Hyein — shared their reaction to the decision, adding that they "didn't expect the issues in the K-pop industry to change overnight." The Friday ruling granted an injunction filed by Hybe subsidiary Ador, which sought to maintain management control over the group and prevent its members from signing independent advertising contracts. As a result, the five members are now unable to pursue independent music activities until the first trial verdict is reached in their main lawsuit regarding the validity of their exclusive contracts. Speaking to Time through an interpreter in a video interview, the members reportedly expressed their frustration with the current state. "Compared to everything we've

Mar 23, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min

NewJeans voices discontent over court ruling; Hong Kong concert to proceed Sunday

K-pop

SM's rookie boy bands to release new music in April, May

K-pop giant SM Entertainment has confirmed upcoming releases from two of its rookie boy bands, NCT WISH and RIIZE, with new albums scheduled for April and May. NCT WISH, the latest subunit of the label's expansive NCT ensemble, will release its second mini-album, "poppop," on April 14, an official statement said Thursday. The album will feature six tracks, including the title track of the same name, as well as “Melt Inside My Pocket,” “Design,” “1000,” “Silly Dance” and “Still 3PM.” Since its debut in January 2024, the six-member boy band has become a rising force in K-pop, selling nearly 2 million albums across its three releases: debut single "WISH," second single "Songbird" and mini-album "Steady." This accomplishment has made them one of the top-selling rookies of 2024. The group will also continue its streak by launching the "NCT WISH ASIA TOUR LOG" this year. Kicking off with concerts at Seoul's Olympic Handball Arena from March 21 to 23, the group will meet fans in eight Asian cities, including Macau, Manila, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taipei, Jakarta and Bangkok, f

Mar 20, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min

SM's rookie boy bands to release new music in April, May

K-pop

Lee Jun-ho of 2PM to leave JYP after 17 years

Singer and actor Lee Jun-ho, a member of K-pop group 2PM, will part ways with JYP Entertainment next month, ending a 17-year relationship with the agency. JYP announced Thursday that Lee's exclusive contract will expire on April 15 and that both sides have agreed not to renew it after discussions. "Based on deep mutual trust, we have renewed our contract multiple times and shared the brightest seasons of his career," the agency said in a statement, emphasizing its long-standing relationship with the singer-actor. Lee debuted in 2008 as a member of 2PM, a performance-driven boy band under the K-pop label. The group rose to fame with a string of hits, including "Heartbeat" (2009), "Again & Again" (2009) and "Hands Up" (2011), standing out in the scene for its physically demanding performances. In 2020, five years after its initial release, the group's 2015 track "My House" experienced a sudden resurgence in popularity, marking an unexpected second peak in the group's career. Lee's dance videos of the song on local music shows went especially viral, propelling him to a new career high. Follo

Mar 20, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min

Lee Jun-ho of 2PM to leave JYP after 17 years

K-pop

NCT's Mark unveils '+82 Pressin' featuring Haechan ahead of solo debut

NCT's Mark is setting the stage for his solo debut with the release of "+82 Pressin (Feat. Haechan)," a prerelease duet that serves as the long-awaited collaboration with fellow member Haechan.

Mar 19, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min

NCT's Mark unveils '+82 Pressin' featuring Haechan ahead of solo debut

K-pop

New K-pop audition show under fire for allegedly exploiting minors

An upcoming K-pop audition show has drawn criticism from fans worldwide, with many condemning its premise of recruiting girls — all under the age of 15 — to compete for a spot in a new idol group. Experts argue the show exposes minors to potential exploitation and sexualization under the guise of entertainment. The program under fire, broadcaster MBN's "UNDER15," features 59 young girls born after 2009 as contestants, labeling itself as the "world's first K-pop prodigy discovery project for contestants under 15." The show is spearheaded by Seo Hye-jin, CEO of Crea Studio, known for producing the popular trot show franchises, "Miss Trot" and "Mister Trot." "We are aiming to select members who can lead the K-pop scene, chosen directly by our viewers," Seo reportedly said while announcing the show's launch. "I might get criticized for saying this, but our goal is to create an 'underage BLACKPINK.'" If Seo's remarks weren't enough, teaser videos and promotional images for the show display the young contestants wearing heavy stage makeup and revealing outfits. Footage also captured them s

Mar 19, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min