‘I’m bisexual’: Megan becomes second KATSEYE member to come outMegan, a Chinese American member of HYBE’s multinational girl group KATSEYE, has publicly come out as bisexual, making her the second member of the group to do so. “I want to come out. I’m bisexual," Megan told fans during a livestream on Friday. Her comment follows previous fan speculation about her sexuality, which had circulated online for some time. Megan's statement marks the first time she has officially confirmed her identity. Fans responded with support and celebration, leaving comments such as “Truly global,” “Megan came out too” and “Congratulations.” Back in March, her Indian American bandmate Lara also came out as bisexual via the fan communication platform Weverse. With both Megan and Lara now openly identifying as bisexual, KATSEYE has become the first currently active K-pop girl group with two openly queer members. Formed through the survival audition program “The Debut: Dream Academy,” KATSEYE made their official debut under HYBE and Universal Music in June 2024. The six-member lineup includes Lara, Manon, Sophia, Daniela, Megan and Yoonchae, with meJun 6, 2025By Xportsnews
BTS to celebrate return from military duty with fan events and exhibitionsAs BTS members approach the end of their military service, a series of fan-centered events is set to celebrate their return. Entertainment agency BigHit Music announced a full schedule of both online and offline events this month, including a large-scale fan festival and a global fan art exhibition. On June 13 and 14, the 2025 BTS Festa will take place at Kintex in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province. The event is part of BTS Festa, an annual celebration marking the group’s debut on June 13, 2013. Since 2014, BTS has held a two-week festival each year in early to mid-June, combining both digital and in-person fan experiences. This year’s Festa coincides with a major milestone: the discharge of all remaining BTS members from military service. RM and V are expected to complete their duties on Tuesday, followed by Jimin and Jungkook on Wednesday. With Jin and J-Hope having already completed their service, fans are eager to see whether all seven members will make a surprise appearance at the event. The two-day festival will feature over 20 themed booths, including a Voice Zone where fans can hearJun 6, 2025By Hankookilbo
K-pop embraces interactive VR to deepen fan engagementVirtual reality (VR), once used in the K-pop scene primarily to simulate the energy of live shows, is now evolving into a tool for immersive, interactive fan experiences. From boy band Seventeen's recent album promotion to an upcoming VR concert by singer-actor Cha Eun-woo, artists are increasingly turning to cutting-edge technology to deepen their connection with fans. On May 16, Seventeen released a highlight medley video for its fifth studio album, "HAPPY BURSTDAY," incorporating VR technology to create a 360-degree virtual environment. The video, accessible through YouTube, allows viewers to navigate the digital space by simply moving their phones, with each scene corresponding to a different track from the album. Designed to broaden access beyond VR device users, the video lets fans explore changing virtual settings and hidden text reflecting each song's theme. The format aims to offer a more active listening experience, with viewers able to engage with the album directly by interacting with the space as it unfolds. The response was swift, with the video surpassing 1.74 million viewJun 6, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min
Seventeen performs 'Thunder' on 'The Kelly Clarkson Show'K-pop boy group Seventeen has appeared on U.S. NBC's "The Kelly Clarkson Show," performing "Thunder," the lead track from its fifth full-length album "Happy Burstday," according to the group's agency, Pledis Entertainment. The performance, which aired Wednesday (U.S. time), featured synchronized choreography, dramatic lighting and props -- including one combining a public telephone and a defibrillator, symbolizing themes of communication and inspiration. Host Kelly Clarkson introduced Seventeen as "K-pop's performance powerhouses," noting its international award wins and record for the highest-selling album in K-pop history. "Happy Burstday" sold over 2.52 million copies in its first week, marking the highest first-week sales among K-pop releases this year, according to the Hanteo Chart, a Korean album sales tracker.Jun 5, 2025By Yonhap
Super Junior to return with studio album marking 20th anniversaryK-pop idol group Super Junior will make a comeback with a new full-length album next month, the group's agency said Thursday. Titled "Super Junior25," in line with the name of the band's 2005 debut album, "Super Junior05," the band's 12th studio album will drop July 8, according to SM Entertainment. It marks the band's first album in two years and eight months since "The Road: Celebration," the second installment of its two-part 11th studio album series, released in December 2022. The upcoming album will feature nine tracks, the agency said, without giving further details. Debuting in November 2005, Super Junior has become an iconic act of second-generation K-pop with hit songs such as "Sorry, Sorry," "Bonamana," "Mr. Simple" and "Sexy, Free & Single." In addition to group projects, the members have gained popularity in various fields, including acting, variety TV shows, and both unit and solo activities. Super Junior will hold an online showcase event for its international fans July 8, the day of the album's release.Jun 5, 2025By Yonhap
BTS, TWICE and BLACKPINK return: K-pop’s biggest names set for major comebackSome of K-pop’s most iconic acts are gearing up for long-awaited comebacks, drawing intense global attention from fans across the world. First up is BTS, whose members are nearing the end of their mandatory military service. RM and V will be discharged on Tuesday, followed by Jimin and Jungkook on Wednesday. Suga, who has been serving as a public service worker, will complete his alternative service on June 21. This marks the official end of the group’s military hiatus. The oldest member, Jin, completed his service in December 2022, and J-Hope followed suit last year. With all members set to reunite this month, industry watchers anticipate a full group comeback either by the end of this year or early next year. Both Jin and J-Hope have been actively pursuing solo projects — from albums and tours to variety show appearances — maintaining their popularity and presence. Now, with BTS preparing to return as a full group, attention is building around what’s next for the global superstars. TWICE, now performing at stadium-scale venues, is also set to return on July 11. While the grouJun 5, 2025By Xportsnews
K-pop eyes China market as Lee's election raises hopes for end of Hallyu banPresident Lee Jae-myung’s pledge to boost Korea’s cultural industry has sparked renewed optimism in the K-pop sector, with many seeing it as a possible signal that the long-standing "hanhanryeong" — China’s unofficial ban on Korean entertainment, or hallyu — may soon be lifted. “K-culture is economy and national competitiveness. I will further grow Korea’s cultural industry,” Lee said during his inauguration speech on Wednesday, promising to make Korea a country where culture thrives. By emphasizing culture as a driver of economic growth and international competitiveness, Lee’s remarks, combined with his focus on pragmatic diplomacy, have raised expectations of improved Seoul-Beijing ties, potentially reopening a Chinese market that has remained largely closed to K-pop since 2016 under the hallyu ban. China-facing strategies Some K-pop agencies have already begun preparing. On April 2, HYBE established a local subsidiary, HYBE China, in Beijing — its fourth overseas branch following those in Japan, the U.S. and Latin America. While HYBE said that it currently has no imJun 5, 2025By Hankookilbo
Girl group USPEER debuts with bold ambition: ‘Our goal is Coachella’USPEER, the first new girl group from WM Entertainment in 10 years, officially made their debut on Wednesday with a media showcase held at SBS Prism Tower in Seoul to celebrate the release of their debut single, “SPEED ZONE.” The group name, a blend of “US” (representing unity) and “PEER” (meaning to look or inquire), symbolizes the group’s mission to seek truth, understand the essence of the world and build a better future together. Through their music, USPEER aims to communicate with global fans and form a shared connection. Their debut single “SPEED ZONE” uses speed as a metaphor for the group’s energy and vitality, capturing the journey of seven girls — Soee, Chaena, Daon, Sian, Seoyou, Roa, and Yeowon — as they step onto the starting line and begin to move forward at their own pace. The album reflects themes of self-assurance, growth and a positive, driven identity. Carrying torch from Oh My Girl As WM Entertainment’s first girl group since Oh My Girl debuted a decade ago, USPEER faces high expectations, but the members are determined to focus on showing thJun 5, 2025By Hankookilbo
EXO’s Baekhyun proves global power with Billboard success and sold-out solo tourEXO’s Baekhyun has once again demonstrated his global influence, landing on four major Billboard charts with his latest release and selling out venues for his first solo world tour. According to his agency INB100, Baekhyun’s fifth mini album, "Essence of Reverie," released on May 19, has achieved significant milestones on the Billboard charts dated Saturday. He ranked No. 1 on the Emerging Artists chart, No. 4 on Top Album Sales, No. 35 on Billboard Artists and made his debut on the Billboard 200 at No. 121, a notable feat for a solo K-pop act. Upon release, the album topped iTunes Top Albums charts in 24 regions, while its title track “Elevator” ranked No. 1 on the Top Songs chart in 14 regions. The album also surpassed 1 million copies in initial sales within just three days. Baekhyun’s first solo world tour, Reverie, marking the 13th year since his debut, is also gaining momentum. His Sao Paulo concert in Brazil sold out quickly, prompting the addition of a second show. With more cities yet to begin ticket sales, the scale of the tour is expected to grow further. The ReverieJun 5, 2025By Hankookilbo
YouTuber ordered to pay $36,000 to IVE agency over Jang Won-young defamationA Seoul court has ruled in favor of Starship Entertainment, the agency behind K-pop girl group IVE, in a defamation lawsuit against the operator of the controversial YouTube channel Sojang. The court ordered the defendant to pay 50 million won ($36,000) in damages. Judge Choi Mi-young of the Seoul Central District Court’s civil division ruled on Wednesday that the channel operator, identified by the surname Park, must compensate Starship for spreading false and defamatory content about IVE member Jang Won-young between April 2021 and June 2023. The court also ruled that Park must pay interest of 5 percent annually from Aug. 12, 2023, to June 4, 2024, and 12 percent annually from the following day until the full amount is paid. Starship filed the lawsuit in November 2022, initially seeking 100 million won in damages, claiming that Park had posted malicious rumors targeting Jang. Separately, Jang also filed her own lawsuit against Park in October 2023, seeking 100 million won in damages for the posting of defamatory and false content on Sojang channel. In January, the appeals court ruled pJun 5, 2025By Hankookilbo
