TXT’s Huening Kai denies dating rumor: ‘She’s just an acquaintance’Huening Kai of K-pop group Tomorrow X Together (TXT) has directly addressed rumors of a romantic relationship after a video showing him with a woman spread online. The singer clarified that the woman in question is simply a friend and asked fans not to worry. The video, which circulated on social media and online communities, appeared to show Huening Kai helping a woman who seemed intoxicated as they left a bar together and got into a car. Some online users speculated that the two were dating, and the rumor quickly spread. Huening Kai posted a lengthy message on fan community platform Weverse to personally explain the situation Friday. “I felt too sorry to MOA (TXT’s fandom) to stay silent, and I didn’t see any reason to avoid talking about it,” he wrote. “I was with an acquaintance and couldn’t just leave her there, so I took her home and went straight back to the dorm. Most places were closed because of the holiday, and that was one of the few open spots.” He went on, “I’ve always avoided going out because I didn’t want to cause any trouble for the members. But sinOct 10, 2025By Hankookilbo
BLACKPINK's Jisoo releases new solo single featuring ZaynJisoo of K-pop girl group BLACKPINK returned Friday with a new solo single featuring British pop star Zayn. "Eyes Closed" was released on major music streaming platforms in and outside South Korea at the start of the day, her agency, Blissoo, said. It marks the artist's first new release in eight months since her solo album "Amortage" came out in February. Zayn, a former member of the British boy band One Direction, is featured on the new single. Blissoo described the song as offering "a new experience," blending Jisoo's distinctive vocals with Zayn's smoky, textured voice.Oct 10, 2025By Yonhap
TVXQ's Yunho to release 1st solo studio album next monthK-pop duo TVXQ's U-Know Yunho will release his first individual full-length album, "I Know," on Nov. 5, his agency said Friday. "Body Language," one of the album's two lead tracks, will be prereleased Monday, several weeks ahead of the album's full launch, according to SM Entertainment. The dance track, mixing blues, funk, and retro hip-hop, conveys a message of becoming one and having fun through dancing. "U-Know Yunho's cheerful vocals add bright and pleasant energy to the song," SM said in a release.Oct 10, 2025By Yonhap
TWICE to drop special album marking 10th anniversaryGirl group TWICE will release a special album Friday to celebrate the 10th anniversary of its debut, the group's agency said. The album, "Ten: The Story Goes On," is a tribute to Once, the group's devoted fandom that has supported it for the past decade, JYP Entertainment said. The agency added that the album conveys the message that TWICE's story, which began with its 2015 debut album "The Story Begins," continues to this day. "Ten" features 10 tracks, including the lead single "Me+U" and solo songs from all nine members. "Me+U" is an R&B pop track that blends a smooth melody with a fresh groove. The lyrics express TWICE's promise of eternal friendship to each other and to Once, according to the agency. The members contributed ideas for the lyrics, and noted K-pop producer Kenzie took part in the songwriting and composition. TWICE is currently on its sixth world tour, "This Is For," which includes 63 concerts across 42 countries and regions.Oct 10, 2025By Yonhap
Seo In-young opens up about weight gain and nose implant removal, reveals potential comebackSinger Seo In-young has drawn attention for her candid updates shared during a recent live broadcast on her social media account. The artist, who announced her divorce last November, appeared more relaxed and open as she spoke with fans about her current life. During the livestream, fans noticed Seo had gained some weight. When one asked if she had her wisdom teeth removed, she laughed and replied, “No, I just gained weight. I’m not a pig, but yes, I put on some weight. I used to weigh 42 kilograms, but I’ve gained since then.” She added, “I can always lose it again. Honestly, I liked being thin, but I feel more comfortable now. I’ve gained weight because I’ve been eating well — I spent money on good food, so I’ll just have to work hard to lose it again.” Seo also revealed that she had previously lost 10 kilograms through a traditional Korean medicine diet but gained the weight back. “I lost 10 kilograms with herbal medicine, but I started eating whatever I wanted again, so I’m thinking about taking it again,” she said. In another surprising admission, the singeOct 10, 2025By Xportsnews
Sung Hoon of R&B group Brown Eyed Soul says label told him to ‘kneel before Naul’Singer Sung Hoon, who left the R&B group Brown Eyed Soul in 2023, has reignited a dispute with the group’s agency, Long Play Music, over the circumstances of his departure. Both sides have released conflicting accounts in a heated exchange online. Sung Hoon posted a lengthy statement on his social media on Oct. 7, saying he “finally decided to speak up” about why he left the group. He recalled waiting for a group album in 2022, but said delays continued as member Naul was recovering from throat problems. “I prayed for his recovery and was relieved to see him appear on (MBC show) ‘Hangout with Yoo,’” he said. Sung Hoon claimed he was blindsided when he later learned through the internet that Naul was planning a solo project. “That’s when 20 years of pent-up frustration and anger began to explode,” he said, adding that the company even blocked him from running his YouTube channel. “They told me to kneel and beg Naul if I wanted to keep doing YouTube. What still hurts is when they said they didn’t know if my brothers would forgive me,” he said. He went on to say thOct 10, 2025By Hankookilbo
Jennie marks Hangeul Day with new Korean font Zen SerifBLACKPINK member and successful solo K-pop artist Jennie is celebrating Hangeul Day by highlighting the beauty of the Korean alphabet through the release of a new typeface. Her label OA Entertainment announced the launch of Zen Serif, a new Korean font that combines traditional Korean aesthetics and contemporary design sensibilities, on Thursday, coinciding with Hangeul Day, which commemorates the creation of the Korean writing system. The agency explained that Zen Serif was designed with the hope that more people would find Hangeul both practical and visually appealing. The style minimizes excessive ornamentation and incorporates soft curves, reflecting OA Entertainment’s attention to detail. By blending elements of the calligraphic black letter type style with the elegance of Hangeul, the font achieves a distinctive and harmonious look. The font is available for free use, though the label restricts its application in political contexts or in any manner that promotes violence, discrimination or violates the rights of others. In collaboration with Meta, OA Entertainment also made Zen SOct 9, 2025By Kwon Mee-yoo
Why 'Idol Star Athletics Championships' is still K-pop holiday essentialK-pop's long-running holiday TV ritual, “Idol Star Athletics Championships” (ISAC), is celebrating its 15th anniversary this Chuseok, reminding fans and its audience why the show remains a holiday classic. This year’s special, airing in three parts from Monday through Wednesday, brings together a record 374 idols from 61 K-pop groups, cementing its reputation as one of the largest and most lively spectacles in Korean pop culture. The appeal of ISAC lies in is engaging blend of celebrity and sports competition. For fans used to seeing their favorite stars grace music shows and red carpets, ISAC offers an entirely new perspective. From track sprints, ssireum (traditional Korean wresting) to revived penalty shootouts and taking shots at gold in pistol shooting, the program offers fans a candid and unscripted glimpse into idols’ teamwork, rivalry and personalities that are rarely seen in traditional idol promotions. While ISAC has become part of Korea’s Chuseok tradition, with many families making it a holiday viewing ritual, its history is also marked by persistent criticism overOct 7, 2025By Lee Hae-rin
'Golden' from 'Kpop Demon Hunters' soundtrack slips to No. 2 on British Official chart"Golden," the smash hit single from the original soundtrack of the Netflix animation film "Kpop Demon Hunters," dropped to No. 2 on the British Official Singles Chart Top 100 after seven consecutive weeks at No. 1. According to the chart unveiled Friday (local time), "Golden" was overtaken by Olivia Dean's "Man I Need," which had held the No. 2 spot for five straight weeks. Sung by Korean American artists Ejae, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami as the film's fictional girl group Huntr/x, "Golden" debuted on the chart at No. 93. It went on to spend eight weeks at No. 1 overall, including a seven-week consecutive run, and has remained in the top 10 for 12 consecutive weeks. The song has also topped the U.S. Billboard's Hot 100 main singles chart for seven weeks. Other songs from the soundtrack also performed high on the British chart, with "Soda Pop," "Your Idol" and "Takedown" ranking fifth, eighth and 76th, respectively. Released June 20, the animated sensation has officially become the most-watched title in the streaming platform's history across both films and TV series.Oct 4, 2025By Yonhap
Xdinary Heroes to release new EP ‘LXVE to DEATH’ on Oct. 24Xdinary Heroes, the JYP Entertainment rock band that has been steadily building its presence in Korea and on the global music scene, is set to make a comeback later this month with a new mini album. JYP announced Wednesday that the band will release “LXVE to DEATH” on Oct. 24, unveiling a teaser poster on its official social media channels. The image, which resembles a pulsing heart made of flickering lights, has drawn attention, raising expectations for the group’s expanded narrative and signature genre-blending sound. The band has earned the nickname “melting pot of genres” with each release, combining diverse styles with a distinct conceptual universe. Their upcoming work is expected to build on that reputation. Xdinary Heroes has cemented its status as a live performance powerhouse this year. Following their world tour “Beautiful Mind,” they staged “Xdinary Heroes Summer Special ‘The Xcape’” at Olympic Park’s Handball Gymnasium in Seoul in July, meeting fans at home. In August, the group made their debut at Lollapalooza Chicago, one of the world’s leading musOct 2, 2025By Hankookilbo
