ReviewMake Cha Eun-woo your fantasy boyfriend in his 1st virtual reality concertWho needs a real-life lover when Cha Eun-woo — arguably one of the most good-looking men in Korea — appears before your eyes to woo you, cry over you and plead for your love that he so desperately longs for? Sounds too good to be true? Well, it's not. At least not in the virtual world. For those tired of ordinary love stories, an extraordinary date awaits — starring the famous singer-actor — in "CHA EUN-WOO VR CONCERT: MEMORIES." Here, viewers are invited to step into a one-on-one romance with Cha in an hour-long virtual reality (VR) experience delivered in a concert-style format. The production marks Cha and his agency Fantagio's first foray into VR, combining a romantic narrative with Cha's music in a tech-forward spin. Upon entering the dedicated theater for a press screening for the concert at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Seoul Tuesday, attendees were instructed to don VR headsets that would soon transport them into a 12K-resolution virtual world where Cha awaits. Inside the show, Cha plays the leading role in a story that explores the emotional highs and lows of a romantic relaJun 18, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min
BTS' Suga set for military discharge FridayBTS member Suga will be discharged Friday after completing his mandatory military service, his agency BigHit Music said Wednesday. The agency said there will be no official event marking his discharge, and urged fans to avoid the undisclosed location in Seoul where he has been serving, citing safety risks from expected large crowds. "We kindly request you send your warm welcome and support from the heart," it said. Suga has been serving as a social service agent because of health issues. The remaining six BTS members have all completed their military service and been discharged.Jun 18, 2025By Yonhap
Court upholds ban on NewJeans' independent activities, dismisses appealThe Seoul High Court has dismissed an appeal filed by the members of NewJeans (now promoting under the name NJZ), upholding a previous injunction that bars the group from pursuing independent activities outside of their exclusive contract. The Seoul High Court's civil division, presided over by judges Hwang Byung-ha, Jeong Jong-gwan, and Lee Kyun-yong, rejected on Tuesday the appeal against the injunction filed by the group members. NewJeans had argued that HYBE, their original agency, had destroyed the mutual trust underlying their exclusive contract. They cited the company’s alleged mistreatment, its audit and dismissal of former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin, and a lack of respect for the group’s interests. The group further claimed that while HYBE would suffer only financial losses from a contract suspension, the members themselves would face irreparable damage from prolonged inactivity. However, the court rejected these arguments. It ruled that the audit and dismissal of Min were not directly linked to the exclusive contract between NewJeans and Ador, and that the contract did not contaiJun 18, 2025By Hankookilbo
Aespa unveils bold new visuals ahead of comeback with 'Dirty Work'K-pop girl group aespa is turning heads with a dramatic visual transformation ahead of their upcoming comeback. Aespa released teaser images and individual clip videos of members Karina and Giselle for their new single “Dirty Work” via their official YouTube and social media channels at midnight Monday. The visuals capture the members in striking poses and cool, photogenic expressions that match the chill and stylish vibe of the track. Previously released teaser content featuring Winter and Ningning also showcased bold styling choices, including tattoos and grillz (a type of dental jewelry worn over the teeth), signaling a departure from the group’s past aesthetics. The latest previews from Karina and Giselle add to the impact, further heightening anticipation for the new release. “Dirty Work,” which drops at 1 p.m. on June 27 on major streaming platforms, will include four tracks — a featured version with American rapper Flo Milli, an English version and an instrumental. Marking their fifth anniversary this year, aespa is also gearing up for their third world tour. The group wiJun 17, 2025By Hankookilbo
ILLIT drops new album 'bomb,' aims to surpass debut successILLIT — one of K-pop mogul Bang Si-hyuk's most beloved girl groups — is back with a burst of magic. The five-member act under Belift Lab, a HYBE Labels subsidiary, released its third mini-album "bomb," Monday, aiming to surpass the viral success of their debut single "Magnetic." In "bomb," ILLIT embraces the concept of "magical girls," delivering a message of positivity to anyone who carries untapped magic within. At a media showcase at YES24 Live Hall in Seoul, Monday, just hours ahead of the album's release, the members spoke about their own transformation. "It's been eight months since our last release and we're so grateful to our fans who waited," Moka said. "We worked extra hard because we couldn't wait to share this with everyone. This album is packed with songs we're confident in." The new concept takes inspiration from anime-style magical girls but with a twist. "The magical girl we envision is someone any ordinary girl can become once she recognizes her own potential," Iroha explained. "The message this time is about overcoming negativity — anyone can become a magical girl.Jun 16, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min
The Boyz' Juhaknyeon to take break for personal reasonsJuhaknyeon, a member of the K-pop boy band The Boyz, will temporarily halt all activities due to personal reasons, the group's agency said Monday. "We inform you that The Boyz member Juhaknyeon will be suspending his activities due to personal circumstances," One Hundred Label said in a statement. "We apologize for causing concern among the fans with this sudden news and ask for your generous understanding." The agency did not disclose further details regarding the nature or duration of the hiatus. Juhaknyeon debuted with The Boyz in 2017. The 11-member group has built a sizable fan base both in South Korea and internationally with chart-topping tracks, including "Thrill Ride" and "Maverick." The group joined One Hundred Label in December after parting ways with IST Entertainment.Jun 16, 2025By Yonhap
ReviewIrene & Seulgi's first solo concert proves Red Velvet's legacy transcends lineupRed Velvet's iconic duo, Irene & Seulgi, proved over the weekend that the group's signature elegance and performance power remain unshaken, even as its members move forward on different paths. The two held their first standalone unit concert, "2025 IRENE & SEULGI Concert Tour 'BALANCE,'" at Seoul's Olympic Hall over the weekend, marking the opening of the duo's Asia tour and their first full concert since debuting as a Red Velvet subunit five years ago. The event came on the heels of April's bittersweet announcement that only Irene, Joy and Seulgi had renewed their contracts with SM Entertainment, while Wendy and Yeri had joined other agencies. Though SM emphasized that Red Velvet was not disbanding, the news left many fans grieving the uncertain future of the group. On social media, some even described the group's most recent track, "Cosmic" — with its emotional lyrics, delicate bridge and soaring climax — as the most perfect "disbandment song." But the Irene & Seulgi concert sent a different message: that Red Velvet's artistry would persist, regardless of its current form. The 4,000Jun 16, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min
Brand behind BTS member Jungkook’s controversial hat denies political messageThe fashion brand behind a hat worn by BTS member Jungkook has apologized for sparking controversy but denied any political intent in the design. The backlash erupted after Jungkook was spotted wearing a cap bearing the phrase “MAKE TOKYO GREAT AGAIN” during a rehearsal for J-Hope’s solo world tour encore concert held at Goyang Stadium on Friday. The phrase, adapted from former U.S. President Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan, has been frequently used by Japanese far-right figures, drawing criticism over its perceived nationalist connotations. Following the incident, Japanese streetwear brand BASICKS issued a statement on social media on Saturday. “We sincerely apologize to anyone who felt uncomfortable,” the brand said, while maintaining that the design was not intended to convey any political stance. “We believe in the freedom to express ideas through fashion," it said. "The design was not meant to convey any political stance, rather it was an iconic way to express our hopes for a thriving Tokyo fashion scene.” Jungkook, who was discharged from mandatoJun 16, 2025By Hankookilbo
ENHYPEN's new album debuts at No. 3 on Billboard 200K-pop boy group ENHYPEN has debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200, the main albums chart in the United States, with its latest release. According to a chart preview published by Billboard on Sunday (local time), ENHYPEN 's "Desire: Unleash" ranked third behind U.S. pop stars Morgan Wallen and Lil Wayne. It marks the group's fifth entry into the chart's top 10 — a notable achievement that underscores its growing international presence. ENHYPEN has placed every one of its five most recent albums within the top 10 of the Billboard 200. Its highest ranking to date was No. 2, achieved with its previous release, the second full-length album "Romance: Untold." The Billboard 200 ranks the most popular albums of the week in the United States, measured by equivalent album units, comprising physical album sales, track equivalent albums and streaming equivalent albums. Enhypen earned 100,000 album units, including 95,000 from physical album sales, during the latest chart tracking week.Jun 16, 2025By Yonhap
Singer Yoon Ddan Ddan denies ex-wife’s abuse claims, admits emotional affairSinger-songwriter Yoon Ddan Ddan has broken his silence and issued a statement denying allegations of domestic abuse and infidelity made by his ex-wife, singer Eunjong, earlier this week. In a post shared on his social media on Saturday, Yoon responded to the claims that sparked widespread criticism online after Eunjong publicly accused him of violence and cheating during their marriage. “There were times when our disagreements escalated into verbal and physical altercations. I acknowledge that I resorted to physical force, but it was in response to repeated verbal and physical abuse from her as well,” he wrote. Yoon also addressed financial matters in the marriage, claiming he was the sole breadwinner. “Despite receiving a salary and over 5 million won ($3,600) a month for personal expenses, my ex-wife often said it wasn’t enough,” he said. “She frequently demanded a divorce, but I tried to hold on because it was my choice to marry and I wanted to protect our family.” Regarding the accusation of infidelity, Yoon admitted to having emotionally engaged with another person.Jun 16, 2025By Hankookilbo
