From BLACKPINK, TWICE to NCT, TXT: Big names lead K-pop's July jam sessionK-pop is turning up the heat this July as top-tier acts BLACKPINK, TWICE, NCT DREAM, Tomorrow X Together (TXT) and more gear up for high-profile releases in what's shaping up to be a jam-packed summer lineup. The month begins with a faceoff between two of the genre's most iconic girl groups: BLACKPINK from YG Entertainment and TWICE from JYPE. BLACKPINK will unveil a new song during the group's upcoming "DEADLINE" world concert tour, slated for Saturday and Sunday at the Goyang Sports Complex, Gyeonggi Province. This marks the group's first release as a full unit in two years and eight months, following its 2022 studio album "BORN PINK." Expectations are sky-high, especially as all four members have risen to global A-list status during the hiatus — from Rosé’s “APT” and Jennie’s “Mantra” to Lisa’s “Rockstar” and Jisoo’s “Amortage.” Details about the new song remain under wraps, though its music video was reportedly filmed in Korea. TWICE will release its fourth full-length album, "THIS IS FOR," on July 11, the band's first studio album since "Formula of Love: OJul 2, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min
New K-pop boy band AHOF steps into spotlight with big dreams, global rootsYet another survival audition show has given rise to the next K-pop hopefuls — a nine-member boy band called AHOF, who say they're aiming for nothing less than a spot in the genre's hall of fame. Formed through SBS audition program "Universe League" (2024), the group features a lineup that spans the globe: Jeongwoo, Woongki, Han and Juwon from Korea; Steven from Australia; Shuaibo from China; JL from the Philippines; Chih En from Taiwan; and Daisuke from Japan. The name AHOF stands for "All-time Hall of Famer," but in Korean it also translates to the number nine, hinting at the idea of being "unfinished" and the group's desire to keep growing. AHOF officially took its first step into the industry Tuesday with the release of its debut album, "WHO WE ARE." Just a few hours earlier, the group hosted a media showcase at YES24 Live Hall in eastern Seoul to celebrate the launch. The show hit a brief snag when a stage lighting glitch delayed the start by about 10 minutes, but the AHOF members appeared unfazed as they each shared their hopes for the debut. "I'm so happy and thrilled that my dreJul 1, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min
P1Harmony to launch world tour, take stage at Intuit Dome in USK-pop boy band P1Harmony will launch its biggest world tour to date, with performances across major arena venues in North and Latin America, their agency FNC Entertainment said Tuesday. Titled "2025 P1Harmony LIVE TOUR [P1ustage H : MOST WANTED] IN NORTH AMERICA," the tour will begin on Sept. 27 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Additional stops include Eaglebank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia (Sept. 29); Coca-Cola Coliseum in Toronto (Oct. 1); Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas (Oct. 4); Gas South Arena in Duluth, Georgia (Oct. 9); United Center in Chicago (Oct. 14); Intuit Dome in Los Angeles (Oct. 18); and Oakland Arena in Oakland, California (Oct. 21). All venues are large-scale arenas, underscoring the group's growing international presence. After entering the arena circuit during their previous "P1ustage H: UTOP1A" tour, this marks P1Harmony’s first full arena tour in North America. Notably, the Intuit Dome in LA, which has hosted global stars like Bruno Mars and Olivia Rodrigo, will see P1Harmony become only the second K-pop act to perform there. Following the North AmeJul 1, 2025By Hankookilbo
Babymonster to drop 'Hot Sauce,' an '80s-style hip-hop singleRising girl group Babymonster from YG Entertainment will release a new single titled "Hot Sauce" on Tuesday, the company said. "Hot Sauce" is a high-energy summer dance track that reinterprets 1980s old-school hip-hop in Babymonster's signature style. The lyrics compare a bold, confident attitude with spicy food, according to the agency. The song's dynamic feel is driven by a rhythmic beat and rap layered over a synth bass and upbeat brass. Refreshing vocals and a catchy chorus add to the song's appeal, YG added. Following "Hot Sauce," Babymonster is scheduled to release another single in September and an EP in October. In August, the group will perform at Japan's Summer Sonic festival and kick off its second U.S. tour.Jul 1, 2025By Yonhap
BTS to drop first-ever live album this monthK-pop supergroup BTS will release its first-ever live album this month, the group's agency, BigHit Music, announced Tuesday, offering fans a chance to relive the global "Permission to Dance on Stage" tour. The album, "Permission to Dance on Stage — Live," will roll out July 18, featuring 22 tracks recorded during the 2021-2022 tour, including live renditions of hit songs, such as "On," "Fire," "Dope" and "Idol," according to the agency. It said in a statement that it hopes the album serves as an opportunity for fans to "recall the memories" of the concerts and wished for "every moment spent with BTS to shine brightly in your hearts for a long time." The "Permission to Dance on Stage" tour spanned 12 shows across three cities: Seoul, Los Angeles and Las Vegas. It drew a total of 4 million members of ARMY, the group's devoted fan base, through various platforms, including online livestreaming. The tour also marked a significant milestone for the septet, as they became the first Korean artists to perform at major U.S. venues, including SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and Allegiant Stadium inJul 1, 2025By Yonhap
Xdinary Heroes’ Jun Han apologizes for racial, eugenic commentsJun Han, a member of the K-pop rock band Xdinary Heroes, has issued a public apology after drawing backlash for remarks interpreted as promoting eugenic ideology during an online conversation with fans. The controversy erupted when Jun Han, in a chat on fan communication platform Bubble, responded to a fan’s comment about genetic research by asking whether it would be possible to “combine the strengths of different races” — citing examples such as “the superior sugar metabolism of white people, the physical abilities of Black people and the intelligence of Asians and Indians.” The comment sparked immediate criticism from fans and the public, with many accusing the singer of echoing ideas associated with eugenics, a discredited, pseudoscientific belief system based in racist assumptions. Eugenics promotes selective breeding of humans based on desirable traits supposedly associated with different ethnicities, groups and races. Jun Han took to Xdinary Heroes’ official social media to apologize on Sunday. “I sincerely apologize for my careless remarks that hurt and offendedJul 1, 2025By Hankookilbo
ENHYPEN agency takes legal action against stalkers, online abusersK-pop boy band ENHYPEN’s agency has vowed to take strong legal action against stalkers, malicious commenters and those violating the members’ privacy, citing escalating threats to their safety and wellbeing. Belift Lab issued a public statement via fan platform Weverse on Sunday, detailing ongoing legal proceedings and investigations related to repeated invasions of privacy and defamation. “Despite multiple warnings to stop invading the artists’ private lives, such behavior has not only persisted but become more severe,” the agency said. “The psychological and physical harm inflicted on the members has reached an intolerable level. We will respond with all possible legal measures.” According to the agency, a recent incident involved intruders unlawfully entering the members’ residence and secretly filming them. Belift Lab said the individuals were caught in the act and reported to police on charges of trespassing and violating Korea’s anti-stalking laws. “They were apprehended on the spot and are currently under police investigation,” the agency said, adding that itJul 1, 2025By Hankookilbo
NCT Wish, RIIZE lead keyring album craze in K-popIn the ever-evolving world of K-pop, where physical albums double as collectibles, a new trend is taking hold: the rise of keyring-format albums. These mini-sized, music-enabled charms are capturing the attention of fans and artists alike, blending fandom culture with portable tech and playful design. Once seen primarily as fashion accessories, keyrings have become popular items in Korea’s MZ generation culture. Their affordability and ability to express personal taste through customization made them a must-have item among young consumers. Now, the K-pop industry has embraced their appeal, giving birth to albums that double as keychains. Leading the charge is NCT Wish's "Wichu" album, widely credited as the breakout success of the keyring album format. Designed as a plush character keyring, "Wichu" contains an NFC chip inside a zippered pouch. With a simple tap on a mobile device, fans can access the album’s full track list and digital content. The product sparked a frenzy upon release, selling out rapidly and expanding NCT Wish’s fan base beyond hardcore followers. Its cute designJun 30, 2025By Hankookilbo
AKMU's Lee Chan-hyuk to drop 2nd solo studio albumLee Chan-hyuk, the brother of K-pop's famous sibling duo AKMU, will make a comeback as a solo artist with his second studio album next month, his agency said Monday. Announcing that the album titled "Eros" will drop at 6 p.m. on July 14, YG Entertainment also unveiled a teaser video for the upcoming release on its official social media channels. "You will be able to experience Lee Chan-hyuk's unrivaled producing, as well as delicate storytelling and music that attempts to break the mold," the agency said in a release. Lee won the 2012-2013 SBS audition program "K-pop Star" Season 2 as a duo with his younger sister Lee Su-hyun and officially debuted in 2014. AKMU has since released numerous hit songs, such as "200%," "How Can I Love the Heartbreak, You're the One I Love," "Re-Bye" and "Love Lee," with the brother gaining recognition as a singer-songwriter by personally writing and composing these hits. He debuted as a solo artist in 2022 with his first studio album, "Error," receiving critical acclaim.Jun 30, 2025By Yonhap
K-pop group 2NE1 to perform halftime show at Tottenham-Newcastle match in SeoulK-pop girl group 2NE1 will take the stage for the halftime show for an upcoming football match in Seoul pitting Tottenham Hotspur against Newcastle United, match organizers said Monday. Coupang Play, a South Korean streaming platform, announced the veteran quartet as the halftime performer for the second match of the annual Coupang Play series between Tottenham and Newcastle at 8 p.m. on Aug. 3 at Seoul World Cup Stadium in Seoul. 2NE1 burst onto the K-pop scene in 2009, churning out one hit single after another. The group's second studio album, "Crush," debuted at No. 61 on the Billboard 200 in 2014. It became the best-selling K-pop album and the highest-charting K-pop album on the Billboard album chart up to that point. The group split in November 2016 but got back together to perform at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in April 2022. Then the group embarked on the "Welcome Back Tour" and has sold out every show in its Asian stops. Newcastle are also scheduled to play Team K League, made up of star players from the South Korean league, on July 30 at Suwon World Cup StadiumJun 30, 2025By Yonhap
