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!
Welcoming the new year with a showcase of Korea's traditional hanbok attire, celebrities have used their influence to promote the cultural heritage through global photoshoot initiatives.
K-pop band DAY6 made history by becoming the first K-pop band to perform a solo concert at the monumental Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, gifting fans an unforgettable finale to 2024. With an audience of 38,000 over two nights, the quartet delivered a powerful 30-song performance that underscored its growing influence in the Korean music scene and beyond.
K-pop group Winner's Yoon was discharged from mandatory military service Thursday morning, marking the completion of his term as an active-duty soldier.
Trademark disputes over group names have become a recurring issue in the K-pop industry, impacting everything from branding to an artist's independence. The latest focus is on K-pop sensation NewJeans, which is currently involved in legal disputes with its agency, Ador.
Thirteen-member boy band Seventeen solidified its place as a K-pop juggernaut in 2024, closing in on 10 million album sales while performing in front of more than 1.5 million fans during their concerts across the globe. With record-breaking releases, sold-out tours and global accolades, the group cemented its reputation as one of the industry's most influential acts.
BTS member Jungkook and boy band Stray Kids capped the year by securing spots on the U.S. Billboard Year-End Charts as top artists of 2024, underscoring K-pop's global impact.
The entertainment industry, including K-pop act NewJeans, singer IU, Girls' Generation's Yuri and acclaimed filmmaker Park Chan-wook, united in supporting citizens calling for the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol. Through the provision of prepaid food and drinks at select establishments in Yeouido — the main financial district of Seoul and the seat of the National Assembly — celebrities expressed their gratitude and encouragement to those braving the cold in their fight for change.
As protests demanding the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol intensify across the country, K-pop has become a new centerpiece at rally sites, transforming the traditional demonstration atmosphere with infectious rhythms and resonant themes.
President Yoon Suk Yeol's fourth emergency public address on Thursday ignited widespread disappointment and anger, as citizens accused him of sidestepping accountability and justifying his controversial actions.
"I believe the truest, most beautiful image of Korea resembles the white porcelain moon jar from the (1392-1910) Joseon Kingdom era — the culture and the people of this country share charms that are simple yet elegant, luxurious without extravagance," Choi Jung-wha, president of the Corea Image Communication Institute (CICI), said during an interview with The Korea Times, Dec. 5.