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
BTS' Jin seeks genuine empathy in his 2nd solo album, 'Echo'Jin of K-pop boy group BTS released his second solo album titled "Echo," BigHit Music said Friday. In the seven-track EP, the artist explores "how various moments in life spread out in different forms" through the keyword "resonance," as he "strove to create genuine empathy," according to the agency. Jin expressed his "unique perspective" on "common emotions and aspects of everyday life that everyone has experienced at least once" through seven songs, it added. "I like music that makes my heart swell," his agency quoted Jin as saying. "I hope many people have the same experience while listening to the new album." He added, "I would be even happier if people listened while imagining, 'What would this feel like at a concert?'" Jin explained he chose songs that are "good for performing, without setting limitations on genre, because if I am excited when performing, fans can also enjoy it." The album, led by "Don't Say You Love Me," marked Jin's first solo release in six months since "Happy" in November. He described the song as "an easy-listening song" that is slower than the other songs but thMay 16, 2025By Yonhap
K-pop idols targeted by AI deepfake appsA recent wave of advertisements using artificial intelligence (AI)-generated deepfake videos of K-pop idols has stirred backlash on social media, raising fresh concerns over the growing misuse of AI to create sexually suggestive content targeting celebrities. These advertisements for AI-powered apps recently triggered widespread concern in online communities, with users criticizing the spread of inappropriate content on short-form video platforms like TikTok and Instagram. The ads in question promote AI tools that generate videos of two people kissing, prompting users to upload their own photo alongside an image of their favorite K-pop idol to create a fabricated clip. Screenshots of these ads circulated online, with K-pop fans calling them disturbing and invasive. "Even after reporting it, the ad kept coming back ... I've seen even worse ones," one online community user wrote. Under Korean law, the non-consensual creation, manipulation, distribution or threat to distribute sexually explicit content using digital tools, such as AI, is a criminal offense. Despite the legal framework, deepfMay 15, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min
BTS' Jin to appear on Jimmy Fallon show with new singleJin of K-pop supergroup BTS will appear on the famous U.S. TV show "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" once again to promote his new single. His agency, BigHit Music, announced Thursday that Jin will perform his highly anticipated new single, "Don't Say You Love Me," on the episode set to air May 22. "Don't Say You Love Me" is the lead track for the BTS star's upcoming second solo EP, "Echo," due out Friday. Jin last appeared on the popular TV show about six months ago, where he captivated audiences with a performance of his previous single, "Running Wild," in November of last year. The show teased Jin's upcoming appearance on its official social media channels. The short video clip featured host Jimmy Fallon watching the teaser for Jin's new song, followed by Jin's voice announcing his return to the show. Jin will hold a fan event titled "Hi-Seokjin," where he will meet and connect with 1,000 lucky fans, in New York City next Friday.May 15, 2025By Yonhap
IU to drop first remake album in 8 yearsSinger-actor IU will release the third part of her "Flower Bookmark" remake album series this month, her agency said Thursday. The album "Flower Bookmark 3" will come out on May 27 at 6 p.m., according to Edam Entertainment. IU began the "Flower Bookmark" remake album project in 2014 to offer her own fresh interpretations of beloved K-pop classics. The upcoming release will mark her first remake album in about eight years since "Flower Bookmark 2," released in 2017. The cover image of the new album released by the agency features IU leaning against an old public phone, gazing at the camera. The album's tracklist will be unveiled later, according to the agency. IU has been actively working as both a singer and actress, holding a solo concert at the Seoul World Cup Stadium last year and appearing in the hit Netflix series "When Life Gives You Tangerines."May 15, 2025By Yonhap
InterviewModhaus co-founder revolutionizes K-pop fan experience with blockchainK-pop is all about fandoms. Fans drive album and merchandise sales, organize mass voting campaigns and pour unwavering support into their favorite idols. Yet, despite their central role, fans have long been excluded from decision-making. Entertainment agencies have traditionally held the power, producing idol groups and controlling their direction. Fans, until now, have merely consumed the results. In 2021, Modhaus challenged that formula. Leveraging blockchain technology, it launched a new K-pop model that allows fans to become active decision-makers in shaping a group’s activities. “Mod in Modhaus stands for modular entertainment. While most entertainment companies deliver a finalized product, our approach gives fans the experience of assembling LEGO-like pieces to create various outcomes,” said Baek Kwang-hyun, vice president and co-founder. The idea of “participatory idol groups” originated with Modhaus CEO and co-founder Jeong Byeong-gi — a veteran producer known for his work with Wonder Girls, 2PM, Lovelyz, INFINITE and Heize. Baek, who joined Jeong before the companyMay 15, 2025By Lee Yeon-woo
Teddy’s girl group MEOVV sheds mystery and surges into the spotlightRookie girl group MEOVV, backed by star producer Teddy, has kicked off a bold new chapter — ditching its former mystique and diving headfirst into mainstream K-pop promotions. On May 12, MEOVV released its first mini-album “MY EYES OPEN VVIDE,” marking a comeback packed with meaningful firsts: its first physical album, its first pre-release track and its first in-person fan sign event. These steps signal the group’s intention to build a closer relationship with fans while expanding its musical identity. “This comeback includes a lot of first-time experiences, and we discovered new sides of each other, which makes it feel really special,” the members said during a media showcase. “We’re looking forward to showing fans our full range of music and charms. Since we’ll be meeting fans more often, we hope to become closer.” MEOVV debuted under Teddy's agency THEBLACKLABEL and attracted major attention even before its official launch. Member Ella, known to be close with BLACKPINK’s Jisoo, received public congratulations from the superstar via social media. Despite the buzzMay 14, 2025By KTimes
Aespa’s Karina shares playful apology after snapping photos with fellow SM starsKarina of girl group aespa charmed fans with a lighthearted post after sharing a series of photos taken with fellow SM Entertainment artists. On May 13, Karina uploaded multiple images to her social media account with the caption “aespa-deul,” a casual way of referring to her group members. Among the highlights was a snapshot with fellow aespa member Winter, both posing alongside name tags labeled “Seulgi” and “Irene,” hinting at interactions with Red Velvet members. Karina’s choppy bangs and bright expression added a refreshing flair to her look. In a follow-up post, she jokingly wrote, “I had planned to get photos with all the SM TOWN artists, but I ask for your understanding — I’m not very outgoing or diligent,” ending the caption with a string of self-deprecating gibberish to emphasize her regret in a humorous tone. The post also included pictures with various SM artists, including members of the agency’s rookie girl group Hearts2Hearts, all radiating their signature beauty and charm. Karina’s candid and relatable tone quickly earned praise from fans, who aMay 14, 2025By KTimes
‘HAPPY BURSTDAY’: Seventeen unveils tracklist featuring Pharrell Williams and TimbalandK-pop group Seventeen are set to mark a striking rebirth with their new title track “THUNDER,” part of their upcoming full-length album “HAPPY BURSTDAY,” whose track list was revealed Tuesday night. Released via the group’s official social media channels at 10 p.m. on Tuesday, the video teaser unveiled that the fifth studio album will include 16 tracks in total — three group songs and individual solo tracks from all 13 members — making it the group’s largest collection of new songs to date. The title track “THUNDER” compares the members' journey of expanding their individual worlds to thunder and lightning, symbolizing their transformation into unique, unmistakable artists. It was co-written and composed by Woozi, the group’s lead producer, and Bumzu, with member S.Coups also credited as a co-composer. The album opens with “HBD,” a high-energy group track that abbreviates “Happy Birthday.” The song is a celebratory anthem that marks the group’s 10th anniversary and their musical rebirth. Another standout group song, “Bad Influence,” grabs attention foMay 14, 2025By KTimes
IVE's Jang Won-young channels ‘candy girl’ charm in tube top and denimIVE’s Jang Won-young is turning heads once again with her sweet and lively visuals. On Monday, Jang shared several photos on her official account with the caption, "Gonna do my makeup with Tanning Kitty." The photos revealed behind-the-scenes shots from a recent photoshoot. Jang wore a baby pink tube top paired with a flower-shaped hairpin, evoking a playful Hawaiian vibe. In another look, she sported a sky-blue tube tank top with denim jeans for a casual flair. A high ponytail completed her bubbly, fresh aesthetic. Fans responded enthusiastically with comments like, "Wonyoung can pull off any concept — she’s a concept queen," "She’s the ultimate summer girl" and "Even as Kitty Girl, she’s gorgeous." Jang and her group IVE recently wrapped up their "2025 IVE FAN CONCERT 'IVE SCOUT' IN JAPAN" tour with a final performance at the K-Arena Yokohama in Yokohama City on April 30. This article from Xportsnews is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.May 13, 2025By KTimes
