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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

Controversy-hit rapper Jessi to drop new music under independent label

Rapper Jessi is stepping back into the music scene with a new digital single, "Newsflash," set for release Friday, marking her first major move since launching her own independent label, UNNI Company. Framed around a breaking news concept, "Newsflash" is described as a hip-hop track that delivers "a raw and confident message reflecting Jessi's trademark unfiltered style," according to a statement Thursday. A teaser video released Wednesday also features Jessi under spotlights with the lyrics, "Don't believe all the hype" — seen as a pointed nod to recent media scrutiny. The single arrives nearly a year after Jessi stepped away from the music scene amid a legal controversy that briefly stalled her career. Last September, the rapper became embroiled in a public dispute after a fan alleged they were assaulted by someone in her entourage while seeking an autograph in southern Seoul. At the time, Jessi was investigated by the police as a suspect in the case, facing accusations of assault and harboring a criminal. She was recently cleared of all charges. "Newsflash" marks her first release fo

Jun 26, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min
Controversy-hit rapper Jessi to drop new music under independent label
K-pop

H1-KEY chases summer queen status with new release 'Lovestruck'

While many are packing for vacations or curating their ultimate summer playlists, K-pop girl group H1-KEY is welcoming the season a little differently — by dropping a new, summer-themed album and aiming straight for the crown. The group's new project, "Lovestruck," marks its first comeback in a year, and according to its four members — Seoi, Riina, Hwiseo and Yel — it sets the tone for what they hope will be their most vibrant chapter yet. "This is a comeback we've all been looking forward to," said Seoi, the group's leader and eldest member, during an interview Friday with The Korea Times at a cafe in southern Seoul. "It's exciting, and we're all hoping this summer song will really connect with more people." Packed with energy, emotion and a splash of bittersweet charm, the five-track release, set to drop Thursday afternoon, depicts young love and fleeting summers. In particular, the lead single, "Summer Was You," taps into something a little deeper than K-pop's typical summer anthems, which are usually full of sweltering party vibes. "The lead single is not just about the fun part

Jun 26, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min
H1-KEY chases summer queen status with new release 'Lovestruck'
K-pop

What 'KPop Demon Hunters' gets right, wrong about K-pop industry

After spending a few years covering the fast-paced, high-gloss K-pop industry, a reporter inevitably starts to see through the glitter. You get familiar with the ins and outs — from the hot "tea" fans usually crave to the industry's darkest lore you wish you never knew. Yet, in fan-driven fiction and spin-offs made to celebrate the K-pop fantasy, those insider truths rarely surface. The industry's smallest details often remain a secret, carefully concealed under K-pop's golden rule: Faults and fears must never be seen. If that phrase rings a bell, you might already be on your way to becoming a K-pop trendsetter yourself. This is the exact mantra followed by Huntrix, the fictional K-pop girl group at the center of "KPop Demon Hunters," the new animated film that dropped last Friday on Netflix. The movie — the first internationally produced animated feature to focus on K-pop — reimagines K-pop stars as demon slayers. Huntrix's trio of members — Rumi, the leader and main vocalist; Mira, the main dancer; and Zoey, the rapper and lyricist — use the power of K-pop to fight evil spirit

Jun 25, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min
What 'KPop Demon Hunters' gets right, wrong about K-pop industry
  • ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ takes world by storm, combining K-pop energy with Korean heritage
K-pop

Baby DONT Cry enters K-pop scene with bold image, big-name backing, early backlash

What happens when PSY, the iconic "Gangnam Style" songster, launches his first K-pop girl group, with music produced by i-dle's hitmaker Soyeon? That question took a step toward an answer Monday, as rookie girl group Baby DONT Cry officially debuted through a media showcase at Blue Square in Yongsan District, Seoul. The four-piece act is the first girl group to be launched under P Nation, the agency led by Psy and home to artists like Hwasa, Heize and Crush. Comprising two Korean members, Yihyun and Beni, and two Japanese members, Kumi and Mia, the group said it sets itself apart with a bold and mischievous attitude that breaks from the conventional image of most K-pop girl groups. Leader Yihyun, visibly nervous but firm in tone, explained the meaning behind the group's name. "The 'baby' in our name isn't about being fragile," said Yihyun. "It stands for innocence, but also strength. We're not someone you need to protect. We represent our own pure and confident image." Kumi added her own perspective in her still-developing Korean. "We're like popping candy. Sweet and cute, but strong and f

Jun 23, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min
Baby DONT Cry enters K-pop scene with bold image, big-name backing, early backlash
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'
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