BTS creator to face prosecution probe for defrauding investorsFinancial authorities are planning to refer HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk to prosecutors on charges of securities fraud, industry officials said Wednesday. Bang is alleged to have defrauded investors and pocketed about 400 billion won ($291 million) during the company’s initial public offering (IPO) process. The capital market investigation team, an advisory body under the Financial Services Commission's Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), held a meeting on Monday and decided to file a complaint with the prosecution against Bang. The team submitted its opinion to the SFC, which is expected to address the agenda at its meeting on July 16. Referral to the prosecution is the most severe action financial regulators can take against an individual suspected of violating the Capital Markets Act. Decisions made by the investigation team are rarely reversed. The Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) has been investigating Bang over allegations that he misled investors in 2019 by falsely claiming the company had no plans to go public. Investors who trusted Bang sold their shares to a private equitJul 9, 2025By Lee Yeon-woo
'Jump'-ing into love? Lisa's rumored billionaire boyfriend visits Korea during BLACKPINK tour kickoffFrederic Arnault, CEO of Italian luxury brand Loro Piana and rumored boyfriend of BLACKPINK's Lisa, recently visited Korea and reportedly met with the heads of the country’s four leading department stores. His trip coincided with the start of BLACKPINK’s new world tour, raising speculation about a possible connection. On July Monday and Tuesday, Arnault met with Jung Joon-ho of Lotte Department Store, Kim Young-hoon of Hanwha Galleria, Park Joo-hyung of Shinsegae Department Store and Jung Ji-young of Hyundai Department Store. He visited several flagship locations, including Lotte's Jamsil branch and AvenueL, Shinsegae in Gangnam, Galleria Luxury Hall in Apgujeong and Hyundai Department Store’s main Apgujeong branch. During these visits, he reportedly toured LVMH-owned luxury boutiques, including Loro Piana. The timing of his visit has fueled speculation that Arnault coordinated his schedule to align with Lisa’s, as BLACKPINK held the first concerts of its new world tour, “Deadline,” on Saturday and Sunday in Korea. However, no sightings of the two together during the visit hJul 9, 2025By Xportsnews
The Boyz to return with new album ‘a;effect’ after Ju Haknyeon’s departureK-pop boy group The Boyz is ramping up preparations for a comeback with its 10th mini album, “a;effect,” set to drop at 6 p.m. on July 28. According to agency One Hundred, the group unveiled a schedule image via its official social media channels, detailing the promotional rollout for the upcoming release. Starting Wednesday, fans can expect a trailer, track list, concept films and photos, packaging previews and two music video teasers leading up to the album release. The wave-like design of the schedule hints at an emotional narrative and aesthetic for the new album, raising curiosity about the concept. The mini album “a;effect” marks The Boyz’s first release since their third full-length album, “Unexpected,” in March, and their first as a 10-member group following Ju Haknyeon’s departure. The singer left the team in June after reports surfaced alleging he met with Japanese adult film actress Asuka Kirara. Although Ju denied any illegal conduct and opposed the termination of his exclusive contract, his agency confirmed his exit. With this return, The Boyz are expected to sJul 9, 2025By Hankookilbo
Shinji’s agency addresses allegations against fiance Moon WonThe agency representing Shinji, a member of the co-ed group Koyote, has responded to growing allegations about her fiance, singer Moon Won, clarifying the facts and asking the public to give the couple space. In a statement released Tuesday, JG Star Entertainment, Shinji’s agency, addressed the controversy surrounding Moon Won’s behavior and past. “We do not take the recent allegations and criticisms lightly,” the agency said. “Moon Won has expressed deep remorse over the inappropriate remarks and behavior raised by viewers, particularly for failing to show respect to Shinji and other Koyote members in recent public appearances.” The agency referenced Moon’s apology regarding a YouTube program in which his demeanor was criticized, noting he had acknowledged his “immaturity” and admitted to hurting those around him, including Shinji. It said that the sudden announcement of the couple’s engagement had brought unexpected attention, which Moon struggled to navigate while juggling broadcast schedules, contributing to his lack of composure in the public eye. “We have obserJul 9, 2025By Hankookilbo
InterviewClose Your Eyes makes it snow in July with 'Snowy Summer'What do you get when you mix snow, ghosts, Christmas nostalgia and chaotic death scenes — all in the middle of summer? For rookie boy band Close Your Eyes, the result is "Snowy Summer," the group's second mini-album and most delightfully offbeat concept yet. Just three months after debuting through JTBC's audition show "PROJECT 7," the seven-piece group — Jeon Min-wook, Ma Jingxiang, Jang Yeo-jun, Kim Sung-min, Song Seung-ho, Kenshin and Seo Kyoung-bae — is already making waves not just for their looks, but for their commitment to unique storytelling. "This new album tells the story of seven unlucky ghosts," the group's leader Jeon said with a playful smile during an interview with The Korea Times at a cafe in Seoul's Yongsan District, Tuesday. "Each of us dies in our own unfortunate ways and misses out on that year's Christmas. So we return in the summer as ghosts who make it snow. That surreal contrast is what makes this album feel really special." "Snowy Summer," set to drop Wednesday, is a four-track release with two lead singles: the wintry pop anthem of the same name, and "PaJul 9, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min
BLACKPINK to release new song 'Jump' FridayGirl group BLACKPINK is set to release a new single, "Jump," on Friday, YG Entertainment said Tuesday. The agency uploaded a teaser of the song's music video, helmed by award-winning director Dave Meyers, on its official blog. The teaser features dynamic camerawork and striking visuals of the member's photos flashing across massive skyscraper billboards. The song marks the group's first new music in two years and eight months. BLACKPINK performed the song for the first time during its "Deadline" concert at Goyang Sports Complex Main Stadium in Goyang, just northwest of Seoul, last weekend. "Jump" will be released at 1 p.m. Friday.Jul 8, 2025By Yonhap
BLACKPINK’s agency YG apologizes over obstructed-view seating at concertYG Entertainment has issued an apology following complaints about obstructed views during BLACKPINK’s concert held over the weekend in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province. “We sincerely apologize for the limited stage visibility experienced by some fans in the N3 section during the BLACKPINK concert last weekend,” the agency said in a statement released Monday. The controversy arose after BLACKPINK kicked off their new world tour, “DEADLINE,” with concerts held July 5-6 at Goyang Sports Complex Main Stadium. After the shows, several concertgoers voiced frustration online, saying their view of the stage was completely blocked by large screen structures despite having purchased standard-price seats. The issue centered on the N3 section, where seats were sold for 132,000 won ($96) as Category B seats, which were not designated as “obstructed view.” However, fans in the section reported having an even worse view than those who had purchased the 99,000-won obstructed-view tickets. YG acknowledged that the company had attempted to enhance the viewing experience in the section by installing aJul 8, 2025By Hankookilbo
ReviewBLACKPINK sets Goyang ablaze with historic stadium tour kickoff, debuts new track 'JUMP'Nearly two years after their last group concert, BLACKPINK proved they've still got unmatched star power — together and solo. The global superstars — Jennie, Jisoo, Rose and Lisa — reunited as a full group over the weekend for a long-awaited concert, marking their first group performance in nearly two years. In the time since, each member has soared to individual superstardom, building global fan bases that only heightened anticipation for their return. With scorching solo momentum behind them and a new song in their pocket, the quartet set Goyang Sports Complex in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, ablaze with their signature blend of style, power and show-stopping visuals. Billed as the kickoff to their new "DEADLINE" tour, the Goyang concert made history on multiple fronts. BLACKPINK became the first K-pop girl group to perform at the stadium, setting a new attendance record — some 78,000 fans for two concerts — for the venue. Fans arrived hours early on Sunday, decked out in signature colors black and pink, filling the area outside with chants and cheers. As the summer heat began tJul 7, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min
RIIZE wraps up first solo concert with 31,000 fans, launches Asia tourK-pop boy group RIIZE has successfully completed the opening leg of its first-ever solo concert tour, “RIIZING LOUD,” in Seoul, drawing more than 31,000 fans over three sold-out shows from July 4 to 6. Held at the KSPO Dome in Olympic Park, the three-day event marked a milestone for the group, which debuted in 2023, as it embarks on a larger journey to grow into one of the leading acts of K-pop’s fifth generation. The concerts also launched the group’s first Asia tour, which will take them to 14 cities including Tokyo, Jakarta, Manila and Singapore. The shows, themed as a coming-of-age “Odyssey,” took inspiration from the ancient Greek epic and reimagined the story through RIIZE’s music and growth narrative. The six members — Shotaro, Eunseok, Sungchan, Wonbin, Sohee, and Anton — performed a total of 24 songs in five conceptual segments, including “Siren,” “Odyssey,” “Talk Saxy,” “Get a Guitar” and “Boom Boom Bass.” “We’ve finally reached the last day of our Seoul concert. Let’s give it everything we’ve got and make it a night to remember,”Jul 7, 2025By Hankookilbo
BTS ranks 34th on Apple Music's most-streamed songs of past decadeFour Korean songs, including hits by BTS and BLACKPINK's Rose, have been included in Apple Music's list of the 500 most-streamed tracks of the past decade. According to the "10 Years of Apple Music: Top Songs" playlist, released by the streaming service on Sunday (U.S. time) to mark its 10th anniversary, BTS' 2020 global hit single "Dynamite" ranked 34th — the highest among K-pop tracks. "Dynamite" was also the only K-pop song to appear in the top 100. The next highest-ranked K-pop entry was BTS' 2021 single "Butter," which placed 252nd. Both tracks enjoyed worldwide success, reaching the top five of Apple Music's "Today's Top 100: Global" chart upon their release. Also on the list was "Baby Shark," which ranked 351st. The viral children's song by Pinkfong gained international recognition with its repetitive lyric, "Baby Shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo." BLACKPINK's Rose and pop star Bruno Mars placed 459th with their collaboration single "APT.," which held the No. 1 spot on Apple Music's "Today's Top 100: Global" chart for more than 60 consecutive days. The overall top spot went to Ed ShJul 7, 2025By Yonhap
