RIIZE charts its 'ODYSSEY' with first full-length albumAfter 11 months of preparation, K-pop boy band RIIZE is making a return with "ODYSSEY," an album tracing the path the team has walked since its debut, packed with 10 tracks and ambition to match. The "ODYSSEY" release, slated to drop on Monday at 6 p.m., marks a special milestone for the group, as its first-ever studio album since entering the scene in 2023. This is a notable move in an industry where fast-paced cycles often favor shorter mini-albums and singles, and full-length record releases are becoming increasingly uncommon. RIIZE held a press premiere on Monday, just hours before the official drop, to celebrate the occasion. Dressed in preppy outfits, the six members — Shotaro, Eunseok, Sungchan, Wonbin, Sohee and Anton — reflected the kind of confidence that comes naturally to a boy band in their early 20s. Greeting reporters, the members made it clear how much pride they take in the record. "We prepared these songs to show the kind of sound only we pursue," said the group's youngest member, Anton. "I hope you enjoy listening and watching the performance." "If someone asks whatMay 19, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min
ILLIT to drop new EP next monthRising K-pop girl group ILLIT will return with a new album next month. Belift Lab, the group's agency, announced Monday on the K-pop fan community platform Weverse that the quintet will unleash its third EP, "bomb," on June 16. The EP tells the story of the group expanding its world on its own style through interactions with "you," according to the agency. ILLIT rose to global prominence following its debut last year, with "Magnetic" becoming the first debut single by a K-pop act to enter both the U.S. Billboard's Hot 100 singles chart and the British Official Singles Chart Top 100. The group will hold its first "fan concert" in Seoul on June 7 and 8, featuring live performances, talk sessions and various fan engagement activities.May 19, 2025By Yonhap
DAY6 wrap up ‘Forever Young’ world tour in Seoul with emotional finale and 96,000 fansK-pop band DAY6 brought their third world tour, “Forever Young,” to an emotional close on Saturday, with six sold-out shows at the KSPO DOME in Seoul drawing a total of 96,000 fans. Held from May 9 to 11 and Friday to Sunday, the tour’s finale marked DAY6’s first solo concert at the iconic KSPO DOME, a venue often regarded as a milestone stage for Korean artists. The group performed in full 360-degree staging, maximizing the venue’s capacity and selling out most tickets during the presale period, a testament to their dedicated fanbase, known as My Day. “Thanks to My Day, we made it to KSPO DOME,” said member Wonpil during the final night. “It took us a long time to get here, but I’m sincerely grateful to be surrounded by you all in every direction.” The concert opened with “Best Part” and moved into a powerful setlist including hits such as “Better Better,” “Healer,” “Congratulations,” “I’m Fine,” “Shoot Me,” “Zombie” and “Happy.” The so-called “mala set” — a high-energy sequence of intense songs — featured standout moments likMay 19, 2025By KTimes
Nitpicking or fair critique? Backlash brews over i-dle Yuqi's concert ticket remarksYuqi, a Chinese member of K-pop girl group i-dle, is facing criticism after expressing frustration over having to personally pay for concert tickets to invite acquaintances, drawing attention to sky-high ticket prices in the K-pop industry. The comment came during an episode Tuesday of the YouTube variety show "Salon Drip 2," in which Yuqi appeared alongside her Thai bandmate Minnie. During the episode, host Jang Do-youn brought up reports that Minnie had spent 10 million won ($7,140) of her own money to invite roughly 100 acquaintances to a concert. Responding on Minnie's behalf, Yuqi explained that during concerts in Thailand, Minnie's family, friends and other acquaintances are usually seated together in one section. She then added, "It's our concert, but we have to buy tickets with our own money," explaining that each member receives four complimentary tickets and must pay for any additional ones. Her remarks, delivered with a hint of frustration, were perceived by some fans as insensitive, considering how difficult it is to secure tickets through competitive sales and the steep pricMay 18, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min
EPEX postpones China concert; member Keum suspends activitiesK-pop boy band EPEX has postponed its upcoming concert in China and will temporarily continue as a seven-member group following the suspension of member Keum's activities due to personal reasons, the group's agency said. C9 Entertainment announced Friday that Keum would halt all promotional and group activities, citing unspecified personal circumstances. "Until related matters are resolved, Keum will be suspending his activities," the agency said through a statement. "EPEX will proceed as a seven-member group starting today. We ask for fans' understanding." Keum also recently stepped down as an emcee for the MBC music show "Show! Champion," wrapping up a 14-month run with the April 30 broadcast. News of his hiatus follows another setback for the group. On May 9, just three weeks before the scheduled event, EPEX's concert in Fuzhou, China, was abruptly postponed. The group had been scheduled to perform on May 31 at MAAQUU x CH8 LIVEHOUSE as part of its "2025 EPEX CONCERT 'YOUTH DAYS'" tour. The performance would have marked the first concert in China by a K-pop boy band composed entirely oMay 18, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min
BTS' Jin tops iTunes chart in 63 countries with new solo album 'Echo'Jin of K-pop boy group BTS reached No. 1 on the iTunes top album chart in over 60 nations with his second solo album "Echo," BigHit Music said Saturday. The seven-track album achieved the milestone on the second day of its release, topping the category in 63 nations, including Brazil, France, Germany and Japan, as of 7 a.m. The album's lead-off track "Don't Say You Love Me" also topped the iTunes top song chart in 61 nations. In "Echo," Jin explores how various moments in one's life spread out in different forms through the keyword "resonance," according to his agency.May 17, 2025By Yonhap
Virtual idol group Plave takes legal action over stalking and defamationThe agency of Plave, a five-member virtual idol group (voiced by a real group), is taking legal measures to respond to online harassment and stalking, its agency announced. On Thursday, agency Blast shared a statement through the fan platform Weverse, saying it is “closely monitoring acts of defamation, malicious comments, doxing, and stalking behavior that threatens the private lives of Plave members,” and is “pursuing strict legal action.” Blast revealed that previous lawsuits had already resulted in court rulings acknowledging civil liability, with follow-up enforcement procedures underway. In March, the agency filed criminal complaints against individuals who had posted malicious content, including personal information and defamatory remarks about Plave members. Investigations are currently ongoing across the country, with several suspects identified. “We will apply a zero-tolerance policy to these incidents, proceeding with civil claims for damages following criminal prosecution,” the agency said. Blast also addressed recent stalking behavior, saying, “We have confirmeMay 17, 2025By Hankookilbo
‘Rosé’s ‘APT.’ rakes in $9.7 million in two weeks from streaming alone’K-pop singer Rosé’s song “APT.” has stunned fans with its massive earnings, with streaming revenue alone reportedly reaching 13.3 billion won (approximately $9.7 million) just two weeks after its release. The figures were revealed during the 265th episode of KBS Joy’s “20th Century Hit Song,” which aired Friday night under the theme “Smells like money — jaw-dropping hit songs.” The program highlighted songs that became massive commercial successes. Host Mi-joo teased viewers by asking, “Do you know what Rosé’s “APT.,” EXO’s “Growl,” and BTS’s “Dynamite” all have in common?” She then explained, “They’re all huge hits that brought in enormous revenue. Rosé earned 13.3 billion won from streaming alone within two weeks of releasing ‘APT.’” Mi-joo continued by revealing that EXO earned 10.5 billion won from physical album sales of “Growl,” while BTS’s “Dynamite” generated revenue in the 200 billion won range, showcasing the staggering scale of K-pop’s global success. When co-host Kim Hee-chul asked what she would do with that kiMay 17, 2025By Xportsnews
Rose's new single 'Messy' debuts on British music chart"Messy," the latest single by Rose, the K-pop sensation behind the global smash-hit song "APT.," has debuted on the UK Official Singles Chart. "Messy" has debuted at No. 100 on the weekly music chart, while "APT.," featuring Bruno Mars, remained steady at No. 26, marking its 30th straight week on the chart The new song serves as an original soundtrack for the Hollywood sports action drama film "F1," featuring Brad Pitt. It was released on May 8.May 17, 2025By Yonhap
Virtual band Plave set for six-city Asian tourThe virtual K-pop boy band Plave will embark on a six-city Asian tour, starting in August, its agency, Vlast, said Friday. The five-member group will kick off the "DASH: Quantum Leap" tour at Seoul's KSPO Dome from Aug. 15-17, marking a historic first as a virtual band performing at the massive venue, which holds over 10,000 spectators. Following Seoul, the group will perform in Taipei on Aug. 23, Hong Kong on Oct. 1, Jakarta on Oct. 18, Bangkok on Oct. 25 and Tokyo on Nov. 1-2. Plave, which debuted in March 2023, became a million-seller with its third EP, "Caligo Pt.1," released in February. The five-track EP was Plave's first new album in about five months. The lead track, "Dash," performed well, charting on Billboard's Global 200. Plave is set to make its debut in Japan by releasing a new Japanese single.May 16, 2025By Yonhap
