INTERVIEW Virtual K-pop group MAVE: is more than just pretty pixels Virtual K-pop girl group MAVE: / Courtesy of Metaverse EntertainmentBy Pyo Kyung-minAhn Sung-won, head of the art directors' department at Metaverse Entertainment, speaks during an interview with The Korea Times, Sept. 6. Korea Times photo by Kim Kang-minAt first glance, MAVE: ticks all the boxes of an exemplary K-pop group ― catchy melodies, meticulous choreography and futuristic costumes that culminate in electrifying performances. However, what sets them apart is the fact that these idols are not flesh and blood ― they are virtual humans.Comprised of ZENA:, SIU:, TYRA: and MARTY:, MAVE: is challenging the very fabric of the entertainment industry, capturing global attention since debuting with their album "Pandora's Box" in January, not just for their music, but also for their stunning visuals. The semicolons in their names represent a link that connects two different worlds.MAVE: is not the first virtual idol group to grace the entertainment scene. But group integrates the essence of K-pop into its virtual persona. This fusion of traditional idol elements with cutting-edge technoSep 22, 2023By Pyo Kyung-min
BTS member Suga begins mandatory military service Suga, a member of the K-pop sensation BTS, on Friday began his mandatory military service as a social service agent.Sep 22, 2023
BTS defies K-pop's 'seven-year curse' K-pop sensation BTS has once again renewed its contract with HYBE, the management company that has been representing the septet since its debut in 2013, marking a significant milestone not just for the band but also for the K-pop industry overall.Sep 21, 2023By Pyo Kyung-min
I'LL-IT ready to carry torch for next-generation HYBE artists HYBE is looking to extend its string of recent success in launching new girl groups with the imminent debut of I’LL-IT to cement its reputation as a rising girl group powerhouse.Sep 21, 2023By Hong Hye-min
2023 MAMA Awards to be held in Tokyo This year's MAMA Awards, the K-pop industry's biggest annual year-end music awards, will be held in Tokyo in November.Sep 21, 2023
Aespa's VR concert to hit theaters Oct. 25 K-pop girl group aespa’s virtual concert will be screened at Korean movie theater chain Megabox, starting Oct. 25. It marks a first-of-its-kind collaboration between VR concert platform AmazeVR and Studio Realive, a subsidiary of aespa’s management company SM Entertainment.Sep 21, 2023By Dong Sun-hwa
All BTS members renew contracts with HYBE: agency K-pop boy band BTS / Courtesy of Big Hit MusicAll seven members of K-pop sensation BTS have renewed their contracts with agency HYBE, the company said Wednesday, with the group currently on "hiatus" as some of them perform South Korea's mandatory military service.Since their debut in 2013, BTS have been credited with generating billions of dollars for their country, as well as boosting the image and soft power of South Korea ― now a global cultural powerhouse.The K-pop juggernaut announced a "hiatus" from group activities last year and two members are currently undertaking their some 18 months of military duty.Local reports have said the band could reunite around 2025, when all of its seven members will have completed their service in the army."Our company has completed the Board of Directors' resolution to renew the exclusive contracts of seven BTS members," the band's agency, HYBE, said in a regulatory filing on Wednesday."This fact was judged to be a management matter that could affect the company's financial status and investor decision-making, and was therefore disclSep 20, 2023
Invasion of 'smart' albums Can "smart" albums replace K-pop CDs going forward?Sep 20, 2023By Dong Sun-hwa
ITZY's Lia takes break to put mental health first Lia, a member of K-pop girl band ITZY, temporarily suspended all activities due to mental health issues.Sep 20, 2023By Pyo Kyung-min
Rowoon leaves SF9 to focus on acting career Rowoon, a member of K-pop boy band SF9, has officially announced his departure from the group to focus on advancing his acting career.Sep 20, 2023By Pyo Kyung-min