'Echo' by BTS' Jin debuts at No. 3 on Billboard 200The latest EP from K-pop boy group BTS' Jin, "Echo," has landed at No. 3 on the U.S. Billboard's main albums chart. Billboard announced Sunday (U.S. time) that "Echo" ranked behind Morgan Wallen's "I'm the Problem" and SZA's "SOS" on the Billboard 200. "Echo" is Jin's second solo EP, following "Happy," which was released in November 2024. According to Billboard, it marks the vocalist's highest-charting album to date, surpassing "Happy," which peaked at No. 4. The Billboard 200 ranks the most popular albums of the week in the United States, measured by equivalent album units, comprising physical album sales, track equivalent albums and streaming equivalent albums. "Echo" earned 43,000 equivalent album units, including 35,000 from physical album sales. On the seven-track EP, the artist explores "how various moments in life unfold in different forms," according to the agency. Its main track, "Don't Say You Love Me," delves into the ironic complexities of a crumbling relationship, where — despite the evident breakdown — the lovers find themselves unable to easily let go due to their lingeriMay 26, 2025By Yonhap
Seventeen bedazzles Seoul at 10th debut anniversary celebrationDrawing approximately 100,000 fans, K-pop powerhouse Seventeen turned Seoul into a sprawling celebration of its 10th anniversary, marking the boy band's journey since it burst onto the scene a decade ago. The large-scale event, titled "B-DAY PARTY," kicked off Friday around the city's Seom Sevit islets at Jamsu Bridge in Seocho District, spanning three days of exhibitions, performances and interactive experiences. Despite the early summer heat on Sunday, the final day of the event, fans arrived in droves — some dressed in the group's colors of rose and soft blue, while others clutched the group's official light sticks. Among them were longtime Korean fans, international visitors who traveled to see Seventeen and families simply taking in the festive atmosphere. "I've been a fan of Seventeen for nearly six to seven years," said Samantha, a 25-year-old fan from Canada. "It feels weird to be here celebrating. I want to say happy birthday and thank them for working so hard. I love everything they do and will keep supporting them." Another fan, Bree from the Philipines, said she flew all theMay 25, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min
'Slow Dancing' by BTS' V surpasses 500 million Spotify streamsBTS member V's 2023 hit single "Slow Dancing" has garnered over 500 million streams on Spotify, his agency said Friday. The song hit the milestone on the world's largest music streaming platform Wednesday, becoming his third song to do so, BigHit Music said. "Slow Dancing" is the lead track off his first solo album, "Layover," released in September 2023. It's a pop R&B track based on 1970s soul sounds, featuring a unique atmosphere with jazz elements. V's romantic and relaxed vocals, along with the improvised flute performance in the latter half, are particularly captivating. The song debuted at No. 51 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 main singles chart and No. 24 on the British Official Singles Chart Top 100 upon its release. The album "Layover" also drew popularity, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard 200.May 23, 2025By Yonhap
SM's British boy band dearALICE drops 2nd singleDearALICE, SM Entertainment's first British boy group, which was formed under a partnership with Kakao Entertainment, dropped its second single, "Sweet," on Friday. "Sweet" is an upbeat pop song inspired by the music of the early 2000s by pop stars The Neptunes and Justin Timberlake, according to SM. The new single's unique percussion and funky guitar harmonize with the members' vocals. The lyrics also incorporate British sensibilities with phrases like "sip of tea." The five-piece group debuted in February with its first single, "Ariana." The band joined the "SMTown Live 2025" tour of SM artists in Seoul last January and in Mexico City and Los Angeles this month. It is also scheduled to perform at the stop in London on June 28.May 23, 2025By Yonhap
Musician Nah Sang-hyun admits to past sexual misconduct, issues apologyNah Sang-hyun, 30, front man of the indie act Band Nah, has admitted to past allegations of sexual misconduct and issued a public apology via social media on Friday. “I sincerely apologize for the delay in addressing this matter,” Nah wrote in his statement. “Above all, I offer my deepest apologies to the author of the post, and to anyone else who may have felt discomfort or distress because of my past behavior.” The apology came after an online post surfaced alleging that Nah had touched a woman’s thigh while pretending to be intoxicated while out drinking. Acknowledging the incident, Nah said, “Though I was under the influence and don’t clearly remember the specifics, I now realize my actions caused harm.” He expressed regret for failing to apologize at the time. “I’m deeply sorry that I didn’t deliver a personal apology back then. Although it’s late, I want to offer my sincere apology now. If the author is willing, I would like to reach out directly — please feel free to send me a message.” Nah also urged others to refrain from inflicting secondary harm on tMay 23, 2025By Hankookilbo
Seventeen to throw concert on Han River bridge Sunday; city ramps up security measuresA landmark K-pop concert by boy band Seventeen will take place on Sunday on the Jamsu Bridge in Seoul, marking the first K-pop concert on a Han River bridge. The concert, titled "B-DAY PARTY: BURST Stage" and held to celebrate the band's 10th anniversary, is expected to draw tens of thousands of fans to the bridge and a nearby park. "This anniversary concert is a great opportunity to showcase the beauty of the Han River and Jamsu Bridge to fans around the world," a Seoul city official stated through the Thursday release. The concert is part of a larger weekend festival in the area, and officials anticipate approximately 100,000 visitors over the three-day period. Meanwhile, the city is ramping up safety measures ahead of the concert. The city government announced Thursday that access restrictions will be in place on the Jamsu Bridge in Seoul's Seocho District before and after the concert, which will start at 7:30 p.m. While seating on the bridge is limited to 6,000 and requires advance reservation, a first-come, first-served live viewing area will be open to the public at nearby Banpo HanMay 22, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min
BTS' Jin appears on Jimmy Fallon showJin of K-pop supergroup BTS has returned to the popular U.S. TV program "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" to promote his new single. In the episode aired on NBC on Wednesday (U.S. time), Jin playfully switched roles with host Jimmy Fallon, briefly taking over as the show's emcee and showcasing his charming personality. It marks his first appearance on the show in six months since November, when he captivated audiences with a performance of his previous single, "Running Wild." When asked by Fallon about his upcoming solo fan concert tour, Jin joked, "You might be expecting my vocal skills, but I hope you're most excited to see my face up close." Jin also performed "Don't Say You Love Me," the lead track of his latest album, "Echo," which was released last Friday. He is set to hold a special fan event, titled "Hi-Seokjin," in New York City on Friday, where he will meet and connect with 1,000 lucky fans. He will then return to his home country to kick off his first fan concert tour in Goyang, just northwest of Seoul, next Wednesday and Thursday.May 22, 2025By Yonhap
Baekhyun's new album becomes 4th consecutive million-sellerBaekhyun of K-pop boy group EXO has achieved his fourth consecutive million-seller with his latest album, "Essence of Reverie," which has sold over 1 million copies, his agency said Thursday. Released Monday, Baekhyun's fifth EP reached the milestone two days later, based on data from Hanteo Chart, a local album sales tracker, according to INB100. It marks the singer's fourth consecutive million-seller out of a total of five solo releases. "Essence of Reverie" explores Baekhyun's reflections on his past and future.May 22, 2025By Yonhap
SHINee celebrates 17-year legacy with new single, 3-day concertK-pop boy band SHINee is set to release a new single album titled "Poet | Artist" at midnight Sunday, marking the 17th anniversary of its debut, SM Entertainment announced Thursday. The digital single includes two tracks — the eponymous title song and a B-side, "Starlight." According to SM, the new title track was written and composed by late member Jonghyun, who died in 2017. An electro-pop song, it features lyrics that "encourage embracing creativity in life," urging listeners to "live as poets and artists, not only through art but also through how they navigate the world." The second track, "Starlight," is a medium-tempo dance track that likens the feeling of getting to know someone to being illuminated by starlight in darkness. The band will also debut both songs live during its upcoming concert series, "SHINee WORLD VII 'E.S.S.A.Y,'" which will have a three day run, from Friday to Sunday, at the KSPO Dome in Songpa District, Seoul. The concert will be a retrospective journey that traces SHINee's 17-year musical legacy. Alongside SHINee's biggest hits, the group will perform fan-favoMay 22, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min
Solo acts dominate Korean charts as K-pop groups fade from top rankingsSolo artists have taken over Korea’s digital music charts in a notable shift, edging out idol groups that once reigned supreme. Since April, the top spots across major charts have consistently been filled by solo performers, a stark contrast to past trends dominated by K-pop groups. According to data from the Korea Music Content Association’s Circle Chart, solo artists have held all five top positions on the digital chart — which combines streaming and downloads — for eight consecutive weeks from March 16 to May 10. Recent chart-toppers include WOODZ’s “Drowning,” Jennie’s “Like Jennie,” G-Dragon’s “Too Bad,” 10CM’s “To Reach You,” Zo Zazz’s “Don’t You Know?” and Hwang Garam’s “I Am a Firefly.” A similar trend is visible on Korea’s largest music platform, Melon. Since girl group IVE’s “Love & Heart” ranked No. 5 in the third week of March, solo acts have monopolized the top five. In the most recent weekly chart (May 12–18), aespa’s “Whiplash,” released in October last year, was the highest-ranking K-pop group song at No. 7. ThMay 22, 2025By Hankookilbo
