NCT Dream to drop new EP next monthBoy group NCT Dream will return next month with a new album after four months. SM Entertainment, the group's agency, said Monday the K-pop septet will release its sixth EP, "Beat It Up" on Nov. 17. "Beat It Up" marks the band's first album since "Go Back to the Future," its fifth full-length album released in July. The upcoming album, themed around "the speed of time," will tell the members' personal stories of running toward their dreams at their own pace since childhood, according to the agency. The album comprises six tracks in total, including the title track. "Through this album, NCT Dream expresses the confidence that they have much more to show in the future and their determination to steadfastly move forward at their own speed and with their own methods," SM said in a release.Oct 27, 2025By Yonhap
'KPop Demon Hunters' soundtrack holds No. 2 spot on Billboard albums chartThe soundtrack for Netflix's hit animated film "Kpop Demon Hunters" remained at No. 2 in its 18th week on Billboard's main albums chart. According to a Billboard preview released Sunday (U.S. time), the album ranked just behind global pop star Taylor Swift's latest studio album, "The Life of a Showgirl," for the third week in a row. The soundtrack previously topped the chart twice before ceding the No. 1 spot to Swift. The Billboard 200 ranks the most popular albums of the week in the United States, measured by equivalent album units, comprising physical sales, track-equivalent units and streaming-equivalent units. During the latest tracking week, the "KPop Demon Hunters" soundtrack earned 96,000 equivalent album units, down 8 percent from the previous week.Oct 27, 2025By Yonhap
BTS' RM to deliver keynote at APEC CEO SummitBTS leader RM is set to deliver a keynote speech at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit set for Wednesday in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province. It is the first time a K-pop artist will take part in an APEC summit as a speaker. RM will speak in English about the APEC region's culture industry and the Korean culture's soft power. Leaders of 21 member economies and businesses will attend the APEC CEO Summit, a business forum discussing innovative industries and new trends. BTS is set to release a new album in spring, and is preparing for a world tour, the group's first in six years. According to reports, BTS will stage 65 performances around the world during the upcoming tour.Oct 27, 2025By Kim Bo-eun
InterviewWith 'Beat-Boxer,' NEXZ returns to home turf to prove its powerA year after their ambitious debut, boy band NEXZ evolved from promising rookies into one of the most dynamic new forces bridging K-pop and J-pop. Formed through a collaboration between JYP Entertainment and Sony Music Entertainment Japan, the seven-member act — Tomoya, Yu, Haru, So Geon, Seita, Hyui and Yuki — have spent the past year performing across both countries, earning a significant fandom with their bilingual charm and powerful performances. Now, with their new mini-album, "Beat-Boxer" set for release Monday evening, NEXZ are heading back to Korea, bringing with them a year's worth of growth and a clearer vision. "It's been six months since our last work," said Hyui, reflecting on the Korean comeback during an interview with The Korea Times at a cafe in Seoul's Seongdong District, Thursday. "We worked really hard to show a cooler and more mature side." The five-track release marks another step in their creative evolution, according to NEXZ. Members Tomoya, Yu and Haru took part in choreographing both the title track and pre-release single "I'm Him," continuing their hands-oOct 27, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min
From stage to hugs, BLACKPINK members show unbreakable bond in TaiwanBLACKPINK proved their sisterly bond remains as strong as ever — both on and off stage — during their tour stop in Taiwan. On Oct. 23, Lisa shared a series of behind-the-scenes photos from the group’s concert in Kaohsiung, captioned, “Kick-off in Asia with Kaohsiung Blinks.” The post quickly went viral, delighting fans who praised the group’s warmth and visual chemistry. In the photos, Lisa and Jisoo wore cropped leather tops and shorts that highlighted their chic stage charisma. Holding wide-brimmed hats and posing together, the two channeled a playful Western vibe that caught fans’ attention across social media. Additional images revealed a heartwarming backstage moment between Lisa and Rosé. The two stood close together, with Rosé resting her head on Lisa’s shoulder and wrapping her arm around Lisa’s waist, a gesture that symbolized BLACKPINK’s enduring friendship even after years of global touring. The final shot captured all four members — Lisa, Jisoo, Rosé and Jennie — embracing tightly onstage as the crowd filled the arena. The touching image, surroundedOct 25, 2025By Xportsnews
Min Hee-jin reportedly launches new agency, with NewJeans ruling on the horizonFormer ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin has reportedly established a new entertainment agency, raising speculation over a potential reunion with NewJeans. According to a Newstop report on Oct. 24, Min has completed corporate registration for a new company named OOAK Co., Ltd. The business scope includes artist management, music and album production, music distribution, and concert and event planning, signaling a full-scale return to the entertainment industry. This marks Min’s first official move since parting ways with ADOR earlier this year. Industry insiders view the timing as strategic, noting that the first court ruling in the exclusive contract validity lawsuit between ADOR and the NewJeans members is expected at the end of this month. If the court sides with the members — who notified ADOR last November of their contract termination — Min could potentially sign them under her new agency. OOAK’s headquarters are reportedly located near Garosu-gil in Seoul’s Gangnam District, with a new building currently under construction. The company’s registered capital stands at about 30 milliOct 25, 2025By Xportsnews
Park Bom reignites feud with YG Entertainment, claims company ‘ruined’ her looksSinger Park Bom of girl group 2NE1 has once again taken aim at YG Entertainment, alleging that the agency mistreated her and failed to provide proper support. The post, uploaded Thursday, was deleted shortly afterward, but screenshots quickly spread online, heightening fans’ concern over her mental and physical health. Earlier this week, Park made headlines after sharing a handwritten legal complaint accusing YG’s founder and producer Yang Hyun-suk of withholding her earnings — a document that included an incomprehensible figure of about 4.5 quadrillion won. Her agency, D-Nation Entertainment, has since denied that any lawsuit was filed and stated that her earnings from 2NE1 activities were settled in full. Despite the company’s clarification and its assurance that Park was taking time off for treatment and recovery, the singer returned to social media less than a day later with a series of new posts targeting YG. In one memo-style image, she wrote, “They made my face look awful — just for laughs,” adding, “Come to think of it, YG never paid for my surgeries. The few I diOct 24, 2025By Hankookilbo
BTS' Jin to conclude world tour with encore concerts in IncheonJin of K-pop boy band BTS asked fans on Friday to come "with a fluttering heart" to his upcoming encore solo concerts in Incheon, set to take place next week. Jin shared his excitement for the upcoming shows at Incheon Munhak Stadium, which will conclude his nine-city solo world tour that began in June, spanning nine cities across Japan, the United States and Europe, according to BigHit Music. "I will take responsibility for the passion of the performance on the day of the concert. Just come join me with a fluttering heart," he said in a statement released by his agency. The two shows, slated for next Friday and Saturday, are expected to feature new elements, including a rearranged medley of songs. "There will be a song that I haven't sung in a long time," he said. "I'm wondering if ARMY will remember it. There will also be exclusive stage elements just for this event, so it is worth looking forward to," he added, referring to BTS' official fandom. Jin also reminded fans to prepare for the cold weather and bundle up for the outdoor venue. "I hope everyone, including myself, has real fun duOct 24, 2025By Yonhap
Ailee moved to tears as she opens up about struggles with pregnancySinger Ailee, 36, tearfully shared her struggles with conceiving a child, revealing that she and her husband, Choi Si-hoon, are preparing for possible in-vitro fertilization (IVF) after facing challenges with natural pregnancy. Ailee uploaded a video on her YouTube channel Wednesday, titled “Hoping for a miracle... Starting management for my best physical condition.” In the video’s description, she wrote, “There have been many changes in my life as I prepare for pregnancy. It’s not an easy process, but I’m trying to stay positive by exercising and maintaining a healthy diet every day. I’m still hoping for natural conception, but if needed, I may have to consider IVF. I’d appreciate any advice or experiences from those who have been through this.” The video shows Ailee and her husband, Choi, following a strict diet and fitness plan together. “It’s been harder than I thought to conceive,” Choi said. “We’re both young and healthy, so I assumed it would happen right away, but it hasn’t. This month will be our last try for natural conception, and if it doesn’tOct 24, 2025By Hankookilbo
Denial of visa for singer Yoo Seung-jun questioned at National Assembly audit in LAControversy over the government’s continued refusal to issue a visa to singer Yoo Seung-jun, also known as Steve Yoo, who renounced his Korean citizenship two decades ago to avoid mandatory military service, resurfaced during a National Assembly audit held at the Korean Consulate General in Los Angeles. Rep. Kim Tae-ho of the People Power Party on Wednesday (local time) pressed Consul General Kim Young-wan during the National Assembly’s Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee audit, saying, “The Supreme Court has ruled in Yoo’s favor twice. Why does the LA Consulate still refuse to issue his visa?" Consul General Kim responded that “each Supreme Court ruling pointed out different legal issues,” adding that “since there could be similar cases, the government believes further judicial review by higher courts is needed.” Rep. Kim acknowledged public resentment toward Yoo’s draft evasion but urged a more balanced approach. “While it’s hard to forgive his initial act, he has endured immense psychological and social hardship for 20 years,” he said. “Korea’s militaOct 23, 2025By Hankookilbo
