Giselle of aespa celebrates Japanese producer's birthday amid dating rumorsGiselle of K-pop girl group aespa posted a photo with producer and songwriter Shintaro Yasuda on Saturday, reviving dating rumors from May. She shared the photo on social media showing the pair wearing helmets and masks obscuring their faces. Giselle captioned the photo "Hbd" — an acronym for happy birthday — with a black heart emoji. Yasuda has produced for K-pop acts including STAYC, Yuju and Le Sserafim. He co-wrote and produced Giselle's solo songs "Dopamine" and "Tornado." Dating speculation Similar social media posts fueled speculation in May that the two were dating. Online users pointed to photos of slushies that appeared to be from the same store, as well as cherry blossom pictures uploaded around similar times last spring. Although the posts provided no confirmation of a romantic relationship, the claims drew mixed reactions online. While some dismissed the speculation as groundless, fellow aespa member Ningning previously drew attention by leaving a laughing-and-crying emoji on a community post discussing the rumors. Online users interpreted the emoji in different ways, not1d agoBy Xportsnews
BLACKPINK's Jennie to release new solo singleJennie of K-pop girl group BLACKPINK will release a new solo single titled "Less than a Lover" this week, OA Entertainment said Tuesday. "Less than a Lover," set for release at 1 p.m. Friday (local time), is a summer song featuring lo-fi guitar sounds and a vintage electric keyboard, layered with more subdued and mature vocals, according to her agency. The track marks a stylistic shift from Jennie's previous performance-focused releases. Jennie participated in writing the lyrics and directing the music video while also contributing to the overall production process, the agency said. The singer has already unveiled the song at several major international music festivals, including the Governors Ball Music Festival 2026 in the United States, Denmark's Roskilde Festival, Poland's Open'er Festival and Spain's Mad Cool Festival. Jennie is scheduled to continue performing at global festivals next month, including Lollapalooza Chicago in the U.S. and Summer Sonic 2026 in Japan.1d agoBy Yonhap
CORTIS draws mixed reviews for short runtime, recycled setlistK-pop boy band CORTIS sparked backlash following its first solo concert as fans expressed disappointment over the show's short runtime and recycled setlist. The rookie boy band kicked off its "2026 CORTIS TOUR <PUT YOUR PHONE DOWN>" at Inspire Arena in Incheon on Saturday. Prior to the show, the members released a statement through BigHit Music. "We are grateful to hold a solo concert less than a year after our debut," the group said. "We will do our best to give the audience an unforgettable experience." However, online forums and social media quickly filled with criticism regarding the event's overall value. Fans noted the performance — which cost 143,000 won ($96) — was cut short at one hour and 40 minutes despite an initially announced two-hour runtime. The lack of costume changes also disappointed fans. Concertgoers also criticized the group's repetitive setlist. CORTIS performed its signature track "REDRED" four times and played "YOUNGCREATORCREW" five times. While defenders argued the group's limited repertoire is expected for an act that debuted less than a year ago, critics2d agoBy Hankookilbo
Singer-actress IU cancels concert, postpones album release due to illnessSinger-actress IU said Monday she is canceling her September concert in Goyang and postponing the release of her new album due to an ear disorder. IU said she made the decision following professional medical advice after her symptoms of patulous Eustachian tube worsened. The condition can cause autophony, hearing one's own breathing and aural fullness. "My chronic symptoms of patulous Eustachian tube are getting worse," IU wrote on her fan platform Berriz. "I think I may have pushed myself a little these past few years without thinking about my health out of enthusiasm for my work." She apologized to her fans for not being able to keep her promise to perform in concert. The release of her sixth full-length album will also be postponed as its promotion would involve concerts and tours, she said. "I will do everything I can to ensure the wait is not too long and will return as soon as possible with my new album and concert," she wrote. "Please just wait a little."2d agoBy Yonhap
Psy's 'Gangnam Style' tops 6 bil. YouTube viewsSinger Psy's megahit "Gangnam Style" has surpassed 6 billion views on YouTube, becoming the most-watched K-pop music video of all time, his agency said Monday. The music video reached the milestone Friday, about 14 years after the song's release in July 2012, according to P Nation. It previously exceeded 5 billion views in December 2023. "Surpassing 6 billion views is not only a symbolic milestone in the history of K-pop, but it demonstrates the enduring power of content that continues to be enjoyed across countries and generations," the company said. During a concert Sunday, Psy celebrated the achievement and promised fans to upload a new video on YouTube, thanking them for their support. "Gangnam Style" propelled Psy to global stardom with its catchy beat, satirical take on Seoul's affluent Gangnam neighborhood and signature horse-riding dance. The song peaked at No. 2 on Billboard's Hot 100, and its music video became the first K-pop music video to top 1 billion views on YouTube.2d agoBy Yonhap
HYBE to launch new 7-member girl group Tuide this yearK-pop powerhouse HYBE on Monday unveiled the name and logo of its upcoming girl group Tuide set to debut later this year. The seven-member act will be the first group to debut under Hybe's new label ABD, according to the company. Its name comes from the phrase "Tune the tide," which reflects the group's aspiration to express each member's unique individuality while coming together to create a harmonious sound, it added. Veteran producer Han Sung-soo of Pledis Entertainment, who has previously worked with artists including Seventeen, After School, Iz*one and TWS, will lead production for the new girl group, according to HYBE. With Tuide's debut, HYBE will expand its lineup of girl groups, which includes Le Sserafim under Source Music, NewJeans under ADOR, Illit under Belift Lab and Katseye under HYBE Labels.2d agoBy Yonhap
BTS headlines first halftime show at World Cup finalK-pop supergroup BTS performed in the first-ever halftime show at a FIFA World Cup final on Sunday (U.S. time), sharing the stage with other global pop stars, including Madonna, Shakira and Justin Bieber. The group appeared as the second performer during the halftime of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, marking a milestone moment that blended sport and music on one of the world's biggest stages. Madonna opened the show with "Music," emerging alongside roller-skating dancers, before BTS member Jung Kook took to the stage to perform the group's megahit "Dynamite." The remaining members joined sequentially, delivering a full-group performance at the center of the field to loud cheers from the crowd. Suga wore a jersey featuring the emblem of Red Devils, the official supporting group for the South Korean national football team, while both Jimin and J-Hope sported outfits bearing the number seven, which represents both the football team captain Son Heung-min's jersey number and the number of BTS members, dr2d agoBy Yonhap
Why BTS Gwanghwamun show shocked Japanese social media usersKorean culture has become part of everyday life around the world. Former U.S. President Barack Obama nodded along as children at a care home sang “Soda Pop,” a song from the animated film “KPop Demon Hunters.” Director Steven Spielberg waved a K-pop light stick at the Academy Awards. Such scenes, in which people across generations share an enthusiasm for Korean culture, would once have been difficult to imagine. They reflect the global rise of Korean content and K-pop fandom. Korean content exports reached a record 22.26 trillion won ($14.9 billion) in 2025, according to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. The global spectacle highlights how overseas audiences interpret the Korean wave and its impact on local cultures. Audiences see different stages at BTS show One of the biggest events in Korean popular culture during the first half of 2026 came March 21, when K-pop supergroup BTS staged its comeback concert at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul. The official event title was "BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE | ARIRANG." Netflix streamed the show live to more than 190 countries, turJul 18, 2026By Hankookilbo
Can CORTIS break the K-pop mold with first world tour 'Put Your Phone Down?'"Put your phone down." That is the title of boy group CORTIS' (Martin, James, Juhoon, Seonghyeon and Keonho) first world tour, which kicks off with two concerts at Inspire Arena in Incheon this weekend. At first glance, the phrase appears to discourage fans from recording cherished moments on their smartphones during the show. But the tour poster, which features the members headbanging so intensely that their faces are barely visible, conveys a different message: Stop filming and join the fun. Approaching the first anniversary of its Aug. 18 debut last year, CORTIS has consistently resisted being confined to the traditional image of a K-pop idol group. Both of the group's EPs — "Color Outside the Lines" and "GREENGREEN" — are rooted in rage hip-hop while incorporating elements of alternative R&B and other contemporary global music trends. Rather than pursuing safe mainstream appeal, the group has embraced experimentation. Its lyrics, including playful lines such as "Protect your knees / Cover your butt" from "REDRED," also stand apart from conventional K-pop songwriting with their quJul 17, 2026By Hankookilbo
ZEROBASEONE teases nostalgic Japan comeback with new concept photosK-pop boy group ZEROBASEONE is building anticipation for its upcoming Japanese comeback by unveiling a second set of concept photos that embraces nostalgic summer vibes and youthful memories. The group — Sung Han-bin, Kim Ji-woong, Seok Matthew, Kim Tae-rae and Park Gun-wook — released individual concept images for its second Japanese EP, "Kaiki LOVE (回帰LOVE)," through its official social media accounts on Wednesday and Thursday. The new photos feature the members at a quiet countryside train station and aboard a vintage train, with each member portraying a different facet of youth. Dressed in classic outfits such as shirts, ties and denim, the members showcase relaxed, natural charms while warm film-inspired tones and scenic summer backdrops create a nostalgic atmosphere. The train station and railway imagery have also fueled fan speculation about the album's storyline, offering a distinctly different mood from the first concept photos released earlier and highlighting the group's versatility. "Kaiki LOVE" marks ZEROBASEONE's first Japanese release in about 10 months since the sJul 17, 2026By Xportsnews
