Entertainment - The Korea Times

‘Cheers and tears’: BTS’ Jimin and Jungkook return from military service to emotional fan reunion

BTS members Jimin and Jungkook were officially discharged from the South Korean military on Wednesday, bringing fans — known as ARMY — to cheers, sobs and emotional reunions. The two completed their service in the 5th Infantry Division in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi Province, and held a brief five-minute greeting for the press at Yeoncheon Sports Complex around 8 a.m. on June 11. Despite the early hour, thousands of ARMY from around the world flocked to the site from the break of dawn. While RM and V’s discharge drew large crowds the previous day, the turnout for Jimin and Jungkook was nearly triple in size. Fans arrived from across Asia as well as from Europe and South America, with many holding banners and signs congratulating the two idols. Messages like “Congrats on your discharge, Jimin” and “Golden Jungkook is back” adorned the streets and stadium alongside large wrapped buses and ad balloons. One 30-year-old fan, Anaisa Silva, who traveled from Portugal a month in advance, said she was overwhelmed with emotion. “I’m just so grateful he’s back,” she said of Jimin.

Jun 11, 2025By Xportsnews

‘Cheers and tears’: BTS’ Jimin and Jungkook return from military service to emotional fan reunion

BLACKPINK's Rose ties record for longest-charting K-pop song on Billboard Hot 100

BLACKPINK member Rose has tied the record for the longest-charting K-pop song on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 with her solo single "APT.," which logged its 33rd week on the chart. The track ranked No. 24 in the latest update released by Billboard on Tuesday (U.S. time), down two spots from the previous week. It matches the 33-week run of "Who," the lead single from BTS member Jimin's second solo album. Released in October 2024, "APT." has helped Rose extend her record as the longest-charting K-pop female soloist on the Hot 100 every week. The song's album, "rosie," placed No. 190 on Billboard's main albums chart, the Billboard 200. Meanwhile, K-pop boy band Seventeen debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 with "Happy Burstday," its fifth full-length album.

Jun 11, 2025By Yonhap

BLACKPINK's Rose ties record for longest-charting K-pop song on Billboard Hot 100

Aespa to launch third world tour, kicking off in Seoul in August

K-pop girl group aespa is set to embark on its third world tour this year, further expanding its global presence as the quartet marks its fifth anniversary. SM Entertainment announced on Tuesday that aespa will launch the “2025 aespa Live Tour SYNK: Aexix Line” starting with a three-day concert series at the KSPO Dome in Seoul from Aug. 29 to 31. The announcement was made alongside a logo poster unveiled on the group’s official social media channels. The group previously proved its formidable drawing power by selling out all seats — including restricted view sections — at its Seoul encore concert in March during its second world tour. The upcoming tour is expected to attract high demand as well. Following the Seoul concerts, aespa will head to Japan for an arena tour that begins in Fukuoka on Oct. 4. The group is scheduled to perform 10 shows across four major cities, including Tokyo, Aichi and Osaka. Additional international tour dates are expected to be announced later. Tickets for the Seoul shows will be available through Melon Ticket, with fan club pre-sales opening at 8 p.m

Jun 11, 2025By Hankookilbo

Aespa to launch third world tour, kicking off in Seoul in August

BTS' Jimin, Jungkook discharged from military service

Jimin and Jungkook, members of the K-pop megagroup BTS, were discharged from the South Korean military Wednesday after completing their 18-month mandatory service, as fans eagerly awaited their return. The two stars, dressed in military uniforms, saluted a cheering crowd at a public sports facility near their former unit in Yeoncheon, about 60 kilometers north of Seoul, during a brief ceremony. Hundreds of fans and journalists gathered at the site, with fans erupting in applause and cheers as the duo arrived. Jimin and Jungkook greeted the crowd with bright smiles, holding bouquets presented by their agency officials. "It's been quite a long time since COVID-19 and then the military, so thank you so much for waiting for us," Jimin said. "I think we can continue to draw the picture we've been envisioning, and we'll prepare and show you an even better side of ourselves." He added: "It was my first time in the military, and honestly, it wasn't an easy place. If you see soldiers passing by, I'd be very grateful if you could even just say a warm word to them." Jungkook, appearing slightly flust

Jun 11, 2025By Yonhap

BTS' Jimin, Jungkook discharged from military service

Are US K-pop fans turning away as album sales tumble?

K-pop album sales have entered a downward trajectory, with recent data showing a notable decline in the U.S. market, sparking debate over whether K-pop's Western expansion is faltering, or whether fan behavior is simply evolving. According to data released Tuesday by the Korea Music Content Association’s Circle Chart, domestic album sales from January to April this year, including exports, stood at 23.4 million units, a 26 percent drop compared to the same period last year. The market peaked in 2023 with 32.7 million units, but has now declined for a second consecutive year. However, export data from Korea Customs Service paints a more nuanced picture. Overseas album exports reached $71.68 million during the same four-month span, a slight increase from $70.85 million the previous year. This bump reflects a surge in sales to China, which rose from $4.31 million to $17.63 million. Meanwhile, exports to Japan dropped by 22 percent to $23.94 million, and exports to the U.S. plummeted by nearly 47 percent. This trend is also visible on Billboard charts. In the first five months of 2023, twel

Jun 11, 2025By Hankookilbo

Are US K-pop fans turning away as album sales tumble?

Kiss of Life returns with sultry R&B flair in new mini-album ‘224’

K-pop girl group Kiss of Life returns to heat up the summer, this time with a deeper and sultrier R&B sound that marks a new chapter in their musical evolution. The group held a media showcase Monday at Yes24 Live Hall in Gwangjin District, Seoul, to celebrate the release of their fourth mini-album, "224." Following the bright, sexy energy of their past summer hits “Sticky” and “Igloo,” "224" explores the journey of selfhood and emotional liberation through the flow of time — “today, tomorrow and forever.” The group uses their signature bold yet sophisticated sound to send a message of self-discovery to those who’ve lost touch with their inner identity. More confident than ever Julie opened the event by saying, “We’re now in our third year since debut, and it’s been eight months since our last release. We worked really hard on this album, so please show it lots of love.” Fresh off their first world tour, which ran from last October through May, the group says they’ve grown significantly as performers. “We learned so much from meeting our global fans,” said Natt

Jun 10, 2025By Hankookilbo

Kiss of Life returns with sultry R&B flair in new mini-album ‘224’

Park Joon-hyung of g.o.d. responds after Gyeongju mayor calls group ‘washed up’

Singer Park Joon-hyung of legendary K-pop group g.o.d. has spoken out after Gyeongju Mayor Joo Nak-young drew backlash for describing the group as “washed up.” The comment came during a pre-recording of KBS2’s "Immortal Songs: Gyeongju APEC Special" on Monday in Gyeongju’s Bodeok-dong. The lineup featured artists including g.o.d., Hwasa, ATEEZ, Zo Zazz, Kiki and PSY. According to attendees, Joo took the microphone during the taping and said, upon seeing g.o.d. on the lineup, “They’re singers from our generation — aren’t they kind of washed up now?” The comment quickly sparked outrage, particularly among g.o.d. fans, who demanded an apology through the city government’s website and social media. The mayor issued an apology via his social media. “I deeply regret if my words caused discomfort. I had no intention of belittling any artist. As someone from the same generation, I said it with affection and delight at seeing god, a group we loved so much, still actively performing.” He continued, “g.o.d. is one of Korea’s most beloved cultural icons. I remember their m

Jun 10, 2025By Hankookilbo

Park Joon-hyung of g.o.d. responds after Gyeongju mayor calls group ‘washed up’

BTS' RM, V discharged from military service

RM and V, members of K-pop megagroup BTS, were discharged from South Korea's mandatory military service Tuesday, becoming the third and fourth of the septet to complete their duty. The two artists enlisted in December 2023, with RM serving in the Army's military band and V assigned to a special mission unit under the military police. Their discharge follows that of Jin and J-Hope, who completed their service in June and October last year, respectively. Jimin and Jungkook are scheduled to be discharged Wednesday, while Suga, who served as a social service agent due to health issues, is expected to complete his duty June 21. In South Korea, all able-bodied men are required to serve between 18 and 21 months in the military. The upcoming discharges mark a key step toward BTS' highly anticipated full-group return to the music scene. Last week, V signaled his readiness to resume activities, telling fans on the Weverse platform: "ARMY, I want to see you soon. You've waited for me," using the name for BTS' fandom. Hybe, the parent company of BTS' label, BigHit Music, wrapped its headquarters in Se

Jun 10, 2025By Yonhap

BTS' RM, V discharged from military service

TWICE sets off on 'THIS IS FOR' world tour with top-tier creative team

K-pop powerhouse TWICE will kick off its sixth world tour, "THIS IS FOR," in July, JYP Entertainment announced Monday. The label revealed the tour's official poster and teaser video on social media, marking its first world tour in about a year. According to the company, the tour will feature a 360-degree stage setup at each venue, aiming to create a more immersive concert experience. Joining the production is the renowned multimedia creative studio Moment Factory, known for working with global artists Olivia Rodrigo, Billie Eilish, Ed Sheeran, Madonna, Red Hot Chili Peppers and U2. Also on board is show director Mukhtar O.S. Mukhtar, who most recently helped stage Super Bowl halftime performances for rapper Kendrick Lamar and R&B artist Usher. The tour kicks off July 19-20 at Inspire Arena in Incheon, followed by stops in Osaka on July 26-27, Aichi on Aug. 23-24, Fukuoka on Aug. 30-31, Tokyo on Sept. 16-17, Macau on Sept. 27-28, Bulacan on Oct. 4, Singapore on Oct. 11-12, Sydney on Nov. 1-2, Melbourne on Nov. 8-9, Kaohsiung on Nov. 22, Hong Kong on Dec. 6 and Bangkok on Dec. 13-14. Addit

Jun 9, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min

TWICE sets off on 'THIS IS FOR' world tour with top-tier creative team

With 'Girls Will Be Girls,' ITZY marks 6 years with strength, sisterhood

K-pop powerhouse ITZY stormed back onto the scene Monday with its new mini-album “Girls Will Be Girls,” in celebration of the group’s sixth anniversary. “This comeback is significant to us,” said group leader Yeji during a press conference at Sofitel Ambassador Seoul in Gangnam District. “We put much thought into what ITZY represents today — our unity, strength and the message we want to deliver as artists who’ve grown together for six years." Since their debut in 2019 with “Dalla Dalla,” the five-member act — Yeji, Lia, Ryujin, Chaeryeong and Yuna — has carved a niche in the K-pop landscape with their unapologetically bold attitude. The five-track album includes the title song “Girls Will Be Girls,” along with “Kiss & Tell,” “Locked N Loaded,” “Promise” and “Walk.” Each track tells a story of camaraderie and sisterhood as well as each member’s personal growth and ITZY’s connection as a team. The title track captures the group’s signature confidence with a driving rhythm and soaring harmonies. It also reaffirms ITZY’s position as a voic

Jun 9, 2025By Kim Min-ji

K-pop