What J-Hope’s solo tour finale says about BTS’ future as a groupMore than 27,000 fans filled Goyang Stadium for what became a three-hour celebration led by one man: BTS’ J-Hope. He stood solo on the massive stage, once unthinkable for a K-pop artist without their team, and proved that he could command a stadium-level concert entirely on his own. The significance extended beyond personal achievement; it served as a powerful preview of what lies ahead for BTS as the group approaches a long-awaited reunion. J-Hope held the “j-hope Tour ‘HOPE ON THE STAGE’ FINAL” at Goyang Sports Complex Main Stadium, Gyeonggi Province, on June 13 and 14. The shows marked the encore and conclusion of his first solo world tour, which began in February. From the moment the final concerts were announced, global ARMY, BTS’ official fandom, responded with overwhelming anticipation. What made the event even more notable was that it marked BTS’ first-ever performance at Goyang Sports Complex. While BTS has conquered nearly every major concert venue in Korea, the group had never staged a solo concert there, until now — and not as a group, but through J-Hope’s sJun 20, 2025By Hankookilbo
MyK FESTA kicks off in Seoul to expand global reach of Korean waveIn promoting Korean popular culture, the government has traditionally taken a supporting role. However, at MyK FESTA, the government is stepping to the fore. The four-day event organized by the ministry kicked off Thursday at Olympic Park in southeastern Seoul, featuring a mix of concerts, panel discussions and business networking. It has drawn a diverse crowd — from K-pop fans and beauty influencers to content creators and international buyers. “This event is an opportunity to help Korean popular culture expand into broader fields,” an official from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said on condition of anonymity. “In the medium to long term, we aim to develop MyK FESTA into a leading cultural industry expo, akin to the CES.” On the opening afternoon, the area outside the venue was relatively calm. Small groups of K-pop fans from both Korea and abroad gathered near registration booths or waited for ticket pickup. The crowd size was modest early in the day, with most attendees anticipating the evening concert. Waiting for the concert to start, the fans sampled Korean fJun 19, 2025By Kim Se-jeong
The Boyz's former member denies prostitution allegationsJuhaknyeon, who recently departed from the K-pop boy group The Boyz following a controversy over his private life, on Thursday acknowledged he drank with a former Japanese adult video actress but denied allegations of purchasing sex. "I'm sorry to my fans and everyone who were shocked by the news articles about me for causing trouble due to this disgraceful incident," Juhaknyeon wrote in a post on his social media page. "It is true that I was present at a drinking gathering with acquaintances in the early hours of May 30, 2025," he continued. "But I never committed any illegal acts, including prostitution as reported by some media outlets or mentioned in rumors." He again apologized for his actions and said he deeply regrets his behavior. The 26-year-old singer had suspended his activities as a member of the group Monday, citing unspecified "personal issues." However, two days later, after media reports emerged that he had been seen drinking with the former adult video actress at a bar in Tokyo, his agency, One Hundred Label, announced that he would leave the group and that his exclusiveJun 19, 2025By Yonhap
Forestella’s Ko Woo-rim shares story of romance and marriage with figure skating star Kim YunaKo Woo-rim, a member of crossover vocal group Forestella, opened up about his relationship with Olympic figure skating champion Kim Yuna, revealing how their romance began and eventually led to marriage. Appearing on MBC’s talk show “Radio Star” on Wednesday, Ko recalled that Kim Yuna had made the first move. “It was my wife who contacted me first,” he said, referring to their first meeting on May 21, 2018, during an ice show where Forestella performed. After the performance, Kim sent a thank-you message to Forestella’s leader, Cho Min-kyu, which led to the two eventually meeting for a meal. It happened to be Ko’s birthday, and Kim sent him a congratulatory message, marking the start of their relationship. Ko said the couple dated in secret for four years. “I wasn’t widely known at the time, so people didn’t really notice,” he said. “When I exchanged messages with her, I felt a sense of calm. I thought, ‘This is the kind of person I could marry.’” He also spoke about how Kim supported him when he was considering military service. “She coolly told me, ‘JuJun 19, 2025By Hankookilbo
The Boyz’s Ju Haknyeon leaves group after private meeting with former Japanese AV actressJu Haknyeon of K-pop boy group The Boyz has withdrawn from the team and terminated his exclusive contract following a controversy over a private meeting with a former Japanese adult video (AV) actress. On Wednesday, the group’s agency, Onehundred, announced, “As soon as we were informed of a recent issue involving Ju Haknyeon’s private life, we took immediate steps to suspend his activities and spent time verifying the facts thoroughly.” “After careful review, we recognized the seriousness of the situation and concluded that it would be difficult to maintain trust in him as an artist,” the agency said. “Following sufficient discussion with the members of The Boyz, we have decided to confirm Ju Haknyeon’s withdrawal from the group and the termination of his contract.” The agency added, “This decision was unavoidable in order to protect The Boyz members and the team. We ask for your understanding. Ju Haknyeon will cease all activities as a member of The Boyz as of today.” According to a report by News1, Ju Haknyeon privately met with former AV actress Asuka Kirara atJun 18, 2025By Xportsnews
ReviewMake Cha Eun-woo your fantasy boyfriend in his 1st virtual reality concertWho 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 relaJun 18, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min
BTS' Suga set for military discharge FridayBTS member Suga will be discharged Friday after completing his mandatory military service, his agency BigHit Music said Wednesday. The agency said there will be no official event marking his discharge, and urged fans to avoid the undisclosed location in Seoul where he has been serving, citing safety risks from expected large crowds. "We kindly request you send your warm welcome and support from the heart," it said. Suga has been serving as a social service agent because of health issues. The remaining six BTS members have all completed their military service and been discharged.Jun 18, 2025By Yonhap
Court upholds ban on NewJeans' independent activities, dismisses appealThe Seoul High Court has dismissed an appeal filed by the members of NewJeans (now promoting under the name NJZ), upholding a previous injunction that bars the group from pursuing independent activities outside of their exclusive contract. The Seoul High Court's civil division, presided over by judges Hwang Byung-ha, Jeong Jong-gwan, and Lee Kyun-yong, rejected on Tuesday the appeal against the injunction filed by the group members. NewJeans had argued that HYBE, their original agency, had destroyed the mutual trust underlying their exclusive contract. They cited the company’s alleged mistreatment, its audit and dismissal of former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin, and a lack of respect for the group’s interests. The group further claimed that while HYBE would suffer only financial losses from a contract suspension, the members themselves would face irreparable damage from prolonged inactivity. However, the court rejected these arguments. It ruled that the audit and dismissal of Min were not directly linked to the exclusive contract between NewJeans and Ador, and that the contract did not contaiJun 18, 2025By Hankookilbo
Aespa unveils bold new visuals ahead of comeback with 'Dirty Work'K-pop girl group aespa is turning heads with a dramatic visual transformation ahead of their upcoming comeback. Aespa released teaser images and individual clip videos of members Karina and Giselle for their new single “Dirty Work” via their official YouTube and social media channels at midnight Monday. The visuals capture the members in striking poses and cool, photogenic expressions that match the chill and stylish vibe of the track. Previously released teaser content featuring Winter and Ningning also showcased bold styling choices, including tattoos and grillz (a type of dental jewelry worn over the teeth), signaling a departure from the group’s past aesthetics. The latest previews from Karina and Giselle add to the impact, further heightening anticipation for the new release. “Dirty Work,” which drops at 1 p.m. on June 27 on major streaming platforms, will include four tracks — a featured version with American rapper Flo Milli, an English version and an instrumental. Marking their fifth anniversary this year, aespa is also gearing up for their third world tour. The group wiJun 17, 2025By Hankookilbo
ILLIT drops new album 'bomb,' aims to surpass debut successILLIT — 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
