‘Remove ID checks at concerts,’ fans say in viral petitionA growing number of K-pop fans are calling for the removal of real-name identification procedures at concerts, with a petition demanding the change recently going viral and gathering widespread attention. The proposal, which has been viewed over 3.6 million times, has sparked debate over privacy rights, scalping prevention and the need for regulatory reform. The issue surfaced after President Lee Jae Myung invited the public to submit ideas for policy changes via social media earlier this month. Among the proposals, one of the most talked-about was a demand to abolish the identity verification system at idol concerts, a suggestion that has resonated with many in the fandom. The ID check system, commonly used at K-pop concerts, involves comparing the name on the ticket with a valid photo ID to ensure that the ticket holder is the actual purchaser. The practice was originally introduced to combat scalping, where brokers resell tickets at inflated prices. However, fans argue the process has gone too far. A petition submitted to the National Assembly’s Culture, Sports and Tourism CommitteeJun 23, 2025By Hankookilbo
InterviewCRAVITY kicks off bold new era with rebranding, 'Dare to Crave' albumJust 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 steeJun 23, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min
K-pop producer Lee Soo-man meets with Macron to discuss global expansionSM Entertainment founder Lee Soo-man, who currently serves as the key producer of A2O Entertainment, met with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, Friday (local time), and discussed potential cooperation in the cultural sector between the two nations. A2O Entertainment said Sunday that Lee had a meeting with the French president at the Elysee Palace. The 73-year-old K-pop producer visited Paris to deliver a keynote speech at France Music Week. Lee attended the week-long event, designed to promote the French music industry to global professionals, as the sole Asian attendee. During their meeting, President Macron was said to be well aware of Lee's reputation as an outstanding entrepreneur and producer. A2O said Macron proposed the establishment of a local office for Lee in France, expressing a strong desire to foster collaboration between Korean and French creators. "This high-level interaction signifies more than a mere courtesy call, demonstrating the French government's deep recognition of K-pop's global impact and Lee's cultural vision," A2O Entertainment said. The France MusicJun 22, 2025By Baek Byung-yeul
The Boyz struggle with ongoing controversies despite distancing from Ju Haknyeon scandalThe Boyz, once praised for their unity and bold agency move, are now facing a string of controversies that have left fans disappointed. In November last year, all 11 members of the group departed IST Entertainment and joined new label Onehundred, established by MC Mong and p_Arc Group chairperson Cha Ga-won. The rare simultaneous transfer of an entire group under a single agency was viewed as a sign of strength and unity, drawing attention as a positive example of group preservation. However, 2025 has proven rocky for the group. In April, a video of member Sunwoo dropping his AirPods and shouting “My AirPods!” while entering an elevator went viral online. Criticism erupted after a security guard quickly picked up the device and handed it to him, with Sunwoo receiving backlash for not expressing thanks. The incident intensified when actress Nana, formerly of After School, commented on social media, “He needs to be scolded,” prompting Sunwoo to issue an apology. That same month, Kevin drew criticism after being invited to throw the ceremonial first pitch at a Kiwoom Heroes basebalJun 21, 2025By Xportsnews
BTS member Suga discharged from military serviceK-pop group BTS member Suga was discharged from the South Korean military on Saturday, the seventh and final member to complete the country's mandatory national service amid expectations of the band's comeback from a hiatus. Suga finished his military tenure as a social service agent Saturday with little fanfare as fans looked forward to his reunion with the rest of the band, a K-pop sensation since it started up in 2013. "We confirm that Suga effectively completed his alternative service on June 18 by using his remaining leave. His official discharge date is June 21," BTS' label, Big Hit Music, said in a statement. Unlike with his BTS bandmates, there was no public event planned to mark Suga's release because of overcrowding concerns. The seven members of the group put their global music careers on hold in 2022 to begin their military service, starting with Jin in December that year. South Korea's mandatory national service can be for terms of up to 18 months. The group is expected to hold its largest-ever world tour in 2026, an NH Securities entertainment analyst said in a report. EntertJun 21, 2025By Reuters
J-Hope's new single debuts at No. 30 on British chartA new single by J-Hope of the K-pop sensation BTS has debuted at No. 30 on the top British chart. The Official UK Singles Chart released Friday (local time) showed "Killin' It Girl (feat. GloRilla)" at No. 30, J-Hope's highest position on the chart in his solo career. J-Hope had previously peaked at No. 37 with "on the street" and No. 42 with "Sweet Dreams." "Killin' It Girl," released June 13, topped iTunes charts in 61 countries last weekend. Among other K-pop acts, "APT." by Rose of BLACKPINK with Bruno Mars dropped two spots to No. 32. The international hit peaked at No. 2 and has now been on the British chart for the 35th consecutive week.Jun 21, 2025By Yonhap
TXT to launch new world tour in AugustK-pop boy band Tomorrow X Together (TXT) will kick off its fourth world tour in August. The group announced Friday on the K-pop fan community platform Weverse that the "Act: Tomorrow" tour will begin with concerts at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Aug. 22 and 23. It marks the band's fourth global tour, following "Act: Love Sick," "Act: Sweet Mirage" and "Act: Promise." TXT wrapped up its previous tour in May, with 23 performances across 13 countries and regions. According to the group's agency, Big Hit Music, the Seoul concerts will also be available via online streaming on Weverse. It said details on additional tour dates and locations will be announced later.Jun 20, 2025By Yonhap
K-pop's 1st boy band with North Korean defectors set for global debut1VERSE, 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 ofJun 20, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min
Jeon Somi to drop new single 'EXTRA' ahead of fan meeting tourSinger Jeon Somi is set to make her return to the music scene next month with the digital single “EXTRA,” her first release in a year. Her agency, The Black Label, announced the news on Friday via official social media channels, sharing a teaser image along with the announcement that “EXTRA” will be released at 6 p.m. on July 7. The comeback follows her 2023 single “Ice Cream,” which showcased Somi’s cool and vibrant summer energy and cemented her image as a “summer queen.” Anticipation is now building over whether her latest release will again take over the season’s charts. In the teaser photo, Somi exudes a chic and mature vibe, sporting a short bob haircut and minimal black outfit, a striking contrast to the bubbly, playful image she has often embraced in the past. Somi is also scheduled to meet fans in person through her 2025 fan meeting tour, “CHAOS,” which begins in Seoul on July 19 and continues in Tokyo and Osaka. The release of her new single ahead of the tour adds to the growing excitement among fans. “EXTRA” will be available on major music streamingJun 20, 2025By Hankookilbo
Wired earphones make comeback after ILLIT’s album sparks sellout frenzyOnce pushed aside by the wireless boom, wired earphones are making a surprising comeback, this time as a must-have fashion accessory for Gen Z. What was once seen as outdated is now riding a new wave of popularity thanks to its retro appeal, affordability, and unexpected visibility in the K-pop world. As wireless earphones became the industry standard, wired models saw a steep decline in demand. With the convenience of cordless listening and sleek designs, wireless products dominated the market for years. But recently, a shift has emerged, led by Gen Z idols and fans seeking individuality in retro styling. The trend gained momentum when stars like Karina of aespa, Mark of NCT, Wonbin of RIIZE, Woonhak of BOYNEXTDOOR, and Rose of BLACKPINK were seen sporting wired earphones at airports and public events. The wired aesthetic, once considered old-fashioned, began to resonate with a generation that values uniqueness and Y2K-era nostalgia. Practical perks also contribute to its charm: Wired earphones are cheaper and don’t require charging, making them an appealing alternative for younger userJun 20, 2025By Hankookilbo
