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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

INTERVIEW Roy Kim embraces new band sounds in spring release 'As Is'

After a 13-year career that began with his breakout on a talent show, singer-songwriter Roy Kim is back — this time with a twist. Expanding beyond his signature emotional ballads, he's now diving into full-band sounds, just in time for spring blooms. With his latest release, "As Is," Kim worked closely with a full band throughout the recording process for the first time, shaping what he calls his "most sonically refined" sound yet. "People tend to associate me with emotive ballads, but I've always wanted to embrace a fuller band setup," the 31-year-old said in an interview with The Korea Times at a cafe in Seoul's Gangnam District on Monday. "With spring in the air and band music resonating with listeners more than ever, this felt like the perfect time to release this song." Kim's journey to stardom kicked off with his victory on "Superstar K4" in 2012, Mnet's wildly popular talent show. But according to Kim, his dream of becoming a singer stretches back much further — to his middle school days as a wannabe rock star. He cited rock legends like Green Day, Oasis, U2 and Nirvana as earl

Apr 2, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min
[INTERVIEW] Roy Kim embraces new band sounds in spring release 'As Is'
Shows & Dramas

Kim Soo-hyun denies dating Kim Sae-ron as a minor, clarifies relationship timeline

Actor Kim Soo-hyun on Monday refuted allegations that he had dated the late actor Kim Sae-ron when she was underage, reiterating his previous statement that their relationship began after she became an adult. During a press conference attended by Kim Soo-hyun and his legal representatives from LKB & Partners, the actor maintained that he and Kim Sae-ron were in a relationship for about a year, five years ago. “Outside of being actors, we were just like any other couple,” he said. The sudden press event came as a response to mounting allegations that Kim Soo-hyun had dated Kim Sae-ron since she was a minor and had allegedly groomed her. Crying and sniffling throughout the entire event, the actor argued that Kim Sae-ron's family is framing him as a pedophile responsible for her death, using fabricated evidence. “I accept responsibility for what I have done and will take any criticism for it,” Kim Soo-hyun said. “But I cannot take responsibility for something I did not do. For the people who still believe in me, I want to set the record straight.” Initially, Kim Soo-hyun had denie

Mar 31, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min
Kim Soo-hyun denies dating Kim Sae-ron as a minor, clarifies relationship timeline
K-pop

NewJeans fans divided as protest trucks call for reconciliation with agency

As the legal battle between K-pop girl group NewJeans and its agency Ador drags on, a faction of the group's fanbase exposed a deepening divide among fans over the conflict by staging a protest truck rally outside HYBE's headquarters, urging the members to reopen dialogue with the company. The demonstration, which began Thursday, featured trucks sent by some members of NewJeans' official fan club, Bunnies, parked outside HYBE's headquarters in Yongsan District, Seoul. LED screens displayed messages urging the group to reconsider its current moves pursuing independence, including "A conversation with Ador is necessary," and "The risks NewJeans will face are too great to regret later." The protest comes after a March 21 ruling by the Seoul Central District Court that granted Ador's injunction, blocking NewJeans from signing contracts without its agency Ador and effectively halting the group's bid for independence that began in November 2024. Two days later, NewJeans escalated its stance, announcing during its appearance at ComplexCon Hong Kong that it would suspend all activities indefini

Mar 28, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min
NewJeans fans divided as protest trucks call for reconciliation with agency
K-pop

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
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