BTS' RM expresses readiness for group's return following military dischargeRM, the leader of K-pop megagroup BTS, on Friday expressed a strong anticipation for the group's long-awaited return to the music scene, following his recent completion of Korea's mandatory military service. His remarks came as the group marked its 12th debut anniversary. "We will truly try to do even better once more," RM wrote on the K-pop fan community platform Weverse. "I'm going to try to go somewhere again, though I don't know where. I just want to walk romantically together." The Grammy-nominated septet has been on hiatus from group projects since mid-2022 as members enlisted in the military to fulfill their mandatory service. Korea requires all able-bodied men to serve between 18 to 21 months in the military. RM, whose real name is Kim Nam-joon, was discharged Tuesday alongside fellow member V, joining Jin and J-Hope, who completed their service last year. The remaining member, Suga, is scheduled to complete his service on June 21, raising hopes of a full-group comeback within this year. In his Weverse message, RM reflected on his time away and thanked fans for their patience. "I'mJun 13, 2025By Yonhap
BTS' J-Hope to drop 'Killin' It Girl'J-Hope of K-pop supergroup BTS will release his new digital single, "Killin' It Girl (feat. GloRilla)," on Friday. The single, set for release at 1 p.m., culminates the rapper-dancer's latest digital single project that also includes "Sweet Dreams (feat. Miguel)" and "Mona Lisa," according to his agency, BigHit Music. Ahead of the song's release, J-Hope shared his excitement about the new song through his agency. "I'm very thrilled that the final track of my solo single project is finally being released," he said. "I've prepared very powerful music and performances, so I hope ARMY will enjoy it," he added, using the name of the BTS fandom. He described the song as one that "definitely delivers a satisfying listening experience." "The verse starts with a very hip mood, but as it transitions to the chorus, pop sensibilities are added, creating a song with a contrasting charm. The highly addictive chorus, in particular, will leave a deep impression on many people," he said, highlighting key points of the song. BigHit described it as a hip-hop song with an addictive hook that candidly capturesJun 13, 2025By Yonhap
ATEEZ brings summer energy to new album ‘Golden Hour: Part.3’K-pop powerhouse ATEEZ amplified anticipation for its 12th mini-album, “GOLDEN HOUR: Part.3," offering a glimpse into the album rich in raw emotion, bold experimentation and seasonal charm. The showcase opened with a cinematic music video that signaled a departure from ATEEZ’s signature intense sound and high-energy performances. Instead, it introduced a softer, more sensual vibe — playful and refreshing, yet still packing a punch. “We’ve worked hard over the past seven months to prepare this album. As much as fans have waited for it, we’ll work just as hard during promotions,” the group’s leader Hongjoong said during a press conference in Seoul, Thursday, a day ahead of the release, expressing both confidence and excitement. Member San added, “It’s thrilling to present a new side of us," hinting that the band will dive into a range of activities with the new album. The group embraced the spirit of summer while maintaining their hallmark emotional depth. “We really wanted to deliver a summer song,” Yeosang said. “Each member worked hard, knowing that our fans werJun 12, 2025By Youn Ye-jin
Super Junior to hold world tour marking 20th anniversaryK-pop idol group Super Junior will launch a world tour as it celebrates the 20th anniversary since its debut this year, the group's agency, SM Entertainment said Thursday. The tour titled "Super Show 10" will kick off in Seoul on Aug. 23-24 and continue in 15 other big cities around the world, including Hong Kong, Jakarta, Manila and Mexico City. Debuting in November 2005, the group has gained global popularity with hit songs such as "Sorry, Sorry" and "Mr. Simple." Ahead of the world tour, the group is set to release its 12th full-length album, "Super Junior25," on July 8.Jun 12, 2025By Yonhap
Reunite or go solo? What’s next for BTS now that military service is over“I’m grateful you waited for us even though a year and a half is a long time,” said Jungkook of BTS on Wednesday, after completing his mandatory military service. “I hope we can return the favor soon with something special.” Jungkook made the comment through a fan platform just hours after being discharged from the Korean Army’s 5th Infantry Division alongside fellow member Jimin. “I gained 10 kilograms during my service,” Jimin added with a smile, “even though I tried to manage it.” RM and V were discharged the day before, and now that Jimin and Jungkook have followed, all seven BTS members are officially civilians. It marks the end of a nearly three-year hiatus that began in December 2022, when the group’s eldest member Jin first enlisted. Suga, currently serving as a public service worker, is scheduled to complete his duty on June 21. To mark the group’s 11th anniversary, HYBE is hosting “2025 BTS FESTA” on Friday and Saturday at KINTEX in Goyang, just outside Seoul. Major international outlets quickly picked up the news. The New York Times noted that the fJun 12, 2025By Hankookilbo
‘Cheers and tears’: BTS’ Jimin and Jungkook return from military service to emotional fan reunionBTS members Jimin and Jungkook were officially discharged from the South Korean military on Wednesday, bringing fans — known as ARMY — to cheers, sobs and emotional reunions. The two completed their service in the 5th Infantry Division in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi Province, and held a brief five-minute greeting for the press at Yeoncheon Sports Complex around 8 a.m. on June 11. Despite the early hour, thousands of ARMY from around the world flocked to the site from the break of dawn. While RM and V’s discharge drew large crowds the previous day, the turnout for Jimin and Jungkook was nearly triple in size. Fans arrived from across Asia as well as from Europe and South America, with many holding banners and signs congratulating the two idols. Messages like “Congrats on your discharge, Jimin” and “Golden Jungkook is back” adorned the streets and stadium alongside large wrapped buses and ad balloons. One 30-year-old fan, Anaisa Silva, who traveled from Portugal a month in advance, said she was overwhelmed with emotion. “I’m just so grateful he’s back,” she said of Jimin.Jun 11, 2025By Xportsnews
BLACKPINK's Rose ties record for longest-charting K-pop song on Billboard Hot 100BLACKPINK member Rose has tied the record for the longest-charting K-pop song on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 with her solo single "APT.," which logged its 33rd week on the chart. The track ranked No. 24 in the latest update released by Billboard on Tuesday (U.S. time), down two spots from the previous week. It matches the 33-week run of "Who," the lead single from BTS member Jimin's second solo album. Released in October 2024, "APT." has helped Rose extend her record as the longest-charting K-pop female soloist on the Hot 100 every week. The song's album, "rosie," placed No. 190 on Billboard's main albums chart, the Billboard 200. Meanwhile, K-pop boy band Seventeen debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 with "Happy Burstday," its fifth full-length album.Jun 11, 2025By Yonhap
Aespa to launch third world tour, kicking off in Seoul in AugustK-pop girl group aespa is set to embark on its third world tour this year, further expanding its global presence as the quartet marks its fifth anniversary. SM Entertainment announced on Tuesday that aespa will launch the “2025 aespa Live Tour SYNK: Aexix Line” starting with a three-day concert series at the KSPO Dome in Seoul from Aug. 29 to 31. The announcement was made alongside a logo poster unveiled on the group’s official social media channels. The group previously proved its formidable drawing power by selling out all seats — including restricted view sections — at its Seoul encore concert in March during its second world tour. The upcoming tour is expected to attract high demand as well. Following the Seoul concerts, aespa will head to Japan for an arena tour that begins in Fukuoka on Oct. 4. The group is scheduled to perform 10 shows across four major cities, including Tokyo, Aichi and Osaka. Additional international tour dates are expected to be announced later. Tickets for the Seoul shows will be available through Melon Ticket, with fan club pre-sales opening at 8 p.mJun 11, 2025By Hankookilbo
BTS' Jimin, Jungkook discharged from military serviceJimin and Jungkook, members of the K-pop megagroup BTS, were discharged from the South Korean military Wednesday after completing their 18-month mandatory service, as fans eagerly awaited their return. The two stars, dressed in military uniforms, saluted a cheering crowd at a public sports facility near their former unit in Yeoncheon, about 60 kilometers north of Seoul, during a brief ceremony. Hundreds of fans and journalists gathered at the site, with fans erupting in applause and cheers as the duo arrived. Jimin and Jungkook greeted the crowd with bright smiles, holding bouquets presented by their agency officials. "It's been quite a long time since COVID-19 and then the military, so thank you so much for waiting for us," Jimin said. "I think we can continue to draw the picture we've been envisioning, and we'll prepare and show you an even better side of ourselves." He added: "It was my first time in the military, and honestly, it wasn't an easy place. If you see soldiers passing by, I'd be very grateful if you could even just say a warm word to them." Jungkook, appearing slightly flustJun 11, 2025By Yonhap
Are US K-pop fans turning away as album sales tumble?K-pop album sales have entered a downward trajectory, with recent data showing a notable decline in the U.S. market, sparking debate over whether K-pop's Western expansion is faltering, or whether fan behavior is simply evolving. According to data released Tuesday by the Korea Music Content Association’s Circle Chart, domestic album sales from January to April this year, including exports, stood at 23.4 million units, a 26 percent drop compared to the same period last year. The market peaked in 2023 with 32.7 million units, but has now declined for a second consecutive year. However, export data from Korea Customs Service paints a more nuanced picture. Overseas album exports reached $71.68 million during the same four-month span, a slight increase from $70.85 million the previous year. This bump reflects a surge in sales to China, which rose from $4.31 million to $17.63 million. Meanwhile, exports to Japan dropped by 22 percent to $23.94 million, and exports to the U.S. plummeted by nearly 47 percent. This trend is also visible on Billboard charts. In the first five months of 2023, twelJun 11, 2025By Hankookilbo
