Interview2PM's Jang Woo-young talks teamwork, overthinking, solo return with 'I'm into'Sleepless nights, tight deadlines and endless edits. For Jang Woo-young of K-pop boy band 2PM, the road to his first solo release in seven years wasn’t smooth, but it was worth every step. At a quiet cafe in Seoul's Gangnam District Wednesday, Jang could hardly contain himself. Sitting forward in his chair for an interview with The Korea Times, the singer spoke with a flood of energy about his long-awaited return as a solo artist. "To exaggerate," the JYP singer said with a laugh, "these days I feel so busy it's almost hard to breathe." On Monday, Jang is set to release "I'm into," his third mini-album and first since 2018. It's a comeback seven years in the making, delayed by mandatory military service, the COVID-19 pandemic and, according to Jang, his own tendency to overthink. "The most personal reason it took so long is that I thought too much," he said. "After I was discharged, the pandemic hit. Still, because I wanted to do well, I kept hesitating." Despite the long road, he spoke of the process with a sense of gratitude, especially the camaraderie built with his production team.Sep 15, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min
'KPop Demon Hunters' soundtrack tops Billboard albums chartThe soundtrack for Netflix's global hit animated film "KPop Demon Hunters" has reached No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard 200 albums chart. The soundtrack achieved a milestone by topping both Billboard's Hot 100 main singles chart and the Billboard 200. According to Billboard's preview released Sunday (U.S. time), the album climbed one spot to No. 1 in its 12th week of release, surpassing Sabrina Carpenter's "Man's Best Friend." "Golden," a track from the soundtrack, has held the top spot on the Hot 100 for four weeks. Billboard noted "KPop Demon Hunters" is the Billboard 200's first No. 1 animation soundtrack in three and a half years, following "Encanto" in 2022. Debuting at No. 8 in late June, the "Demon Hunters" soundtrack steadily climbed the chart as the film's popularity grew. It went on to spend seven nonconsecutive weeks at No. 2 before reaching No. 1 for the first time this week. 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 theSep 15, 2025By Yonhap
Stray Kids member donates $71,700 to Samsung Medical CenterHan, a member of K-pop boy group Stray Kids, has donated 100 million won ($71,700) to Samsung Medical Center to mark his birthday, the hospital said Sunday. Han's donation will be used to cover medical expenses for adult patients with severe illnesses and for the treatment of child and adolescent patients. "I want to thank my fans for making it possible to spend my birthday with such a meaningful act of sharing," Han said. "I hope it reaches those in need and gives them strength and courage."Sep 14, 2025By Yonhap
BTS member Suga's 'Haegeum' music video tops 100 mil. YouTube viewsThe music video for BTS member Suga's song "Haegeum" has surpassed 100 million views on YouTube, his agency BigHit Music said Sunday. It is his third solo music video to reach the milestone, following "Agust D" and "Daechwita," according to the agency. "Haegeum" is the lead track of Suga's first full-length solo album, "D-Day," released in April last year. The song's title refers to both the traditional Korean string instrument and to a Korean term meaning the lifting of restrictions. Through the title, the song highlights the theme of freedom, particularly for those who face various limitations and constraints in their daily lives and in society. The traditional instrument haegeum was used on the track.Sep 14, 2025By Yonhap
TWICE's Chaeyoung makes solo debutChaeyoung of K-pop girl group TWICE debuted as a solo artist Friday with her first individual studio album, "Lil Fantasy vol. 1." She became the fourth member of the band to go solo, following Nayeon, Jihyo and Tzuyu. "I filled the album with my tastes, thoughts and attitude," she said through her agency, JYP Entertainment, introducing it as "an album that shows everything that makes up the person Chaeyoung." With the release, the rapper said she feels like she's taking out items from a treasure chest that she's been collecting one by one. "This is a work I've been slowly preparing for a long time, and I hope many people will listen to it," she added. "Lil Fantasy vol. 1" contains 10 tracks, including the lead track, "Shoot (Firecracker)," and "Avocado," featuring the Japanese pop band Gliiico. The lead single conveys Chaeyoung's bold aspirations and stands out with its catchy melody, according to the agency. "I thought it would be nice if the lead track was a song you could dance to," Chaeyoung explained. "It contains the message, 'Let's set off firecrackers together and enjoy the party,'Sep 12, 2025By Yonhap
Singer Jeong Dong-won admits underage driving, ready for punishmentSinger Jeong Dong-won (JD1) has admitted to driving without a license as a minor, after it was belatedly revealed that prosecutors had indicted him on charges of violating the Road Traffic Act. According to a News1 report on Sept. 11, Jeong, now 18, was referred to prosecutors earlier this year for driving a car without a license in a provincial city in 2023, when he was 16. Korean law allows individuals to obtain a driver’s license starting at 18. Violating this law can result in up to 10 months in prison or a fine of 3 million won ($2,200). Showplay Entertainment, Jeong’s agency, issued a statement acknowledging the incident. “Jeong practiced driving for about 10 minutes near his family home in Hadong, accompanied by a passenger who recorded it,” the agency said, adding that the singer deeply regrets the mistake. The agency also disclosed that the case surfaced after Jeong was blackmailed. An unnamed acquaintance stole Jeong’s phone and, along with accomplices, accessed his photo album. They threatened to release video footage of the underage driving unless he paid more than 2Sep 12, 2025By Hankookilbo
BLACKPINK member Jennie’s no-makeup selfies go viral: ‘She looks like a baby’BLACKPINK's Jennie captivated fans by sharing photos that highlighted her natural look. On Sept. 8, Jennie posted several photos on her personal account without any captions. In the images, she is seen wearing a red headset while gazing into the camera. Her makeup-free face and slightly tousled hair drew attention to her youthful glow. Many fans noted that she looked as if she were still in her teens. Online users reacted with comments such as "So cute," "She looks like a baby," "I could believe she's a teenager," "Jennie looks so young," and "Jennie is 16 years old." BLACKPINK is set to make history by becoming the first K-pop girl group to hold a solo concert at London's iconic Wembley Stadium, performing on Sept. 15 and 16 (local time). This article from Xportsnews is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.Sep 10, 2025By Xportsnews
Bang Si-hyuk to be summoned over stock manipulation probe on Sept. 15Bang Si-hyuk, chairman of K-pop powerhouse HYBE, will appear before police on Sept. 15 for questioning on allegations of unfair trading linked to the company’s initial public offering (IPO). According to police officials on Wednesday, Bang is scheduled to report to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency’s financial crimes unit at 10 a.m. that day. As public appearances are the rule for such cases, he is expected to walk past a press line before entering Mapo District Office. Bang and several former HYBE executives are under investigation for violating the Capital Markets Act. Police suspect that during HYBE’s IPO process, they misled existing shareholders into believing there were no plans for a listing, inducing them to sell their shares to a private equity fund’s special purpose company. HYBE’s IPO was later pursued, generating an estimated 400 billion won ($291 million) in illicit gains for those involved. The investigation, which began in December 2023, has faced hurdles. Police sought search warrants for the Korea Exchange in April and May, but prosecutors rejected the requeSep 10, 2025By Hankookilbo
EXO’s December comeback sparks questions over Lay's return, CBX participationEXO has set the K-pop world abuzz after dropping a surprise teaser announcing a December comeback, just 12 days before the group’s youngest member, Sehun, completes his mandatory social service. At 1:26 a.m. on Monday, EXO’s official social media account posted a mysterious teaser poster with the phrase “DECEMBER 2025” and the cryptic tagline, “When we become true one, a new world awakens.” Fans noted that the line references the narration from the music video for EXO’s debut song “MAMA," hinting at an expansion of the group’s long-standing fictional universe. The timing of the teaser — released during a total lunar eclipse, a motif often used in EXO’s storylines — further deepened fan curiosity. Return after years of military service Since 2019, when Xiumin and D.O. enlisted, EXO has been unable to promote as a full group. That will change on Sept. 20 when Sehun completes his service, officially marking the end of the group’s “military hiatus.” Earlier this year, Kai was discharged, and members including Suho hinted that EXO was preparing for a long-awaitedSep 9, 2025By Xportsnews
Fin.K.L’s Ock Joo-hyun reflects on career, addresses marriage hesitationSinger and musical actor Ock Joo-hyun, formerly of first-generation girl group Fin.K.L, has opened up about longstanding misconceptions that she is opposed to marriage. Ock appeared on the Sept. 8 broadcast of a Channel A variety show where she welcomes singer Tei and musical actress Lee Ji-hye as guests for a home-cooked meal. Debuting in 1998 with Fin.K.L, Ock rose to stardom in the late 1990s and transitioned to a career in musicals in 2005. She shared stories from her 27 years in the industry, including behind-the-scenes episodes from her Fin.K.L days. Ock also revealed how she once felt about her Fin.K.L identity: “When I debuted in musicals, I wished people would forget I was Ock Joo-hyun from Fin.K.L. But I’ve realized Fin.K.L is inseparable from my life.” She said that the group’s ongoing project of remaking its hit songs is meant as a gesture of gratitude to fans who have supported them. She added that the project has reminded her of her roots as a singer, sharing that Lee Hyo-ri featured in the recording of “Feel Your Love” in August, and that the group’s winter reSep 9, 2025By Hankookilbo
