Stray Kids' 'This & That' debuts at No. 38 on Billboard Hot 100K-pop boy band Stray Kids' new single "This & That" debuted at No. 38 on the Billboard Hot 100, according to the latest chart released Tuesday (U.S. time), marking the group's highest-ever position on the chart. The song is the title track of the group's new EP of the same name. It conveys "a bold attitude and confidence to pursue what we want without being bound by convention," according to the band. The EP also debuted atop the Billboard 200, the main albums chart, becoming the group's ninth No. 1 album. Stray Kids now has the second-most Billboard 200 No. 1 albums in the chart's history among group acts, behind The Beatles, who have 19, and has tied with The Rolling Stones. Elsewhere on the Hot 100, "Dracula," a collaboration between Jennie of K-pop girl group BLACKPINK and Australian act Tame Impala, ranked No. 8, while K-pop girl group KATSEYE's "Animal" came in at No. 30.Aug 19, 2026By Yonhap
Let K-pop idols guide your next Korean getawayK-pop stars are stepping out of the recording studio and into the role of personal travel guides. In a sleek new exhibition in Seoul, visitors are invited to explore the rich cultural tapestry of Korea through intimate, audio-guided journeys narrated by some of the country’s most beloved musicians and actors. Organized by the Korea Tourism Organization, the K-TRIP LOUNGE pop-up transforms the fourth floor of HiKR Ground — the state-run tourism promotion center in central Seoul — into an interactive travel hub running through Sept. 6. Rather than relying on traditional brochures, the exhibition spotlights breathtaking destinations across the country, such as the stargazing high-plains of Anbandegi in Gangneung, the vibrant thrills of E-World in Daegu and the historic charm of Jeonju Hanok Village. Bringing these locations to life is an impressive lineup of audio guides, including members of popular idol groups N.Flying, P1Harmony, and AMPERS&ONE, alongside rapper pH-1 and actors Yoon Jong-seok, Lee Min-ki and Lee Joo-seung. Slipping on a pair of headphones, guests can listen to theAug 19, 2026By Lee Kyung-min
BIGBANG set to drop new single on 20th debut anniversaryIconic K-pop group BIGBANG will release a new digital single Wednesday evening to mark the 20th anniversary of its debut, the group's agency said. "BiiiG," due out at 6 p.m., will be the group's first new song in four years and four months since "Still Life" was released in April 2022, according to YG Entertainment. "It is a track that demonstrates the synergy among members of BIGBANG, bringing together G-Dragon's sharp rapping, Taeyang's groovy vocals and Daeseong's powerful voice," the company said. All three members were involved in the new project, from producing the single to directing its visual concept and marketing strategy, it added. BIGBANG debuted in 2006 and became one of the leading groups of second-generation K-pop, producing hits including "Lies," "Last Farewell," "Haru Haru," "Fantastic Baby" and "Bang Bang Bang." The group will launch its new world tour, "XX: Cosmos," at Goyang Stadium in Goyang in the northwestern suburbs of Seoul from Aug. 21 to 23. The tour will include 33 shows in 19 cities across North America, Europe, Oceania and Asia.Aug 19, 2026By Yonhap
BTS lands 2 MTV VMA nominations for 'Swim'K-pop superband BTS has earned two nominations for "Swim" at this year's MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), one of the major U.S. music award shows. The group was nominated for Song of the Year and Best K-Pop for "Swim," the title track of its fifth studio album, "ARIRANG," according to the list of nominees announced by MTV on Tuesday (U.S. time). Among other K-pop acts nominated this year were BLACKPINK members Lisa and Jisoo, both for their solo and group activities, as well as Cortis, Katseye and Le Sserafim. Lisa secured four nominations for "Dream," featuring Japanese actor Kentaro Sakaguchi, a track from her debut studio album "Alter Ego." She was nominated for Best Pop, Best K-Pop, Best Cinematography and Best Editing. Cortis earned nominations for Best New Artist and Best K-Pop, while Katseye was nominated for Best K-Pop and Best Choreography. BLACKPINK's "Jump" and LE SSERAFIM "Spaghetti," featuring J-Hope of BTS, were also nominated for Best K-Pop. Jisoo received a Best Visual Effects nomination for "Eyes Closed," her collaboration with Zayn, a former member of the British boy band OAug 19, 2026By Yonhap
Why did HYBE create new label just for rookie girl group Tuide?HYBE is launching multinational teen girl group Tuide through ABD, a newly created label specializing in girl groups. As multiple labels already operate under HYBE, the move is drawing industry attention to the corporate rationale behind this independent venture and the identity the label intends to build. Tuide is set to officially debut next week. The group features seven teenagers born between 2006 and 2011 from Korea, the United States, Britain and Japan, including Seo-yeon, widely recognized as the younger sister of TWICE member Jihyo. Backed by the K-pop powerhouse, the group has already drawn significant global interest. Tuide secured 1 million TikTok followers within six days of its first post, and the promotional video "Meet my GRLS, TUIDE" featuring the track "GRLS" surpassed 5 million YouTube views as of Thursday. In its initial performances, Tuide proved it is not relying solely on the halo effect of its parent company. The group demonstrated its distinct performance style by combining a house-based sound with rhythmic footwork and varied choreography. Yet, one question remaiAug 18, 2026By Hankookilbo
BTS' Jimin surprises young cancer patient with heartwarming momentA young fan battling cancer received an unforgettable surprise at a BTS concert in Texas when Jimin stepped toward the audience, embraced her and gave her a gentle kiss on the cheek. BTS held a concert on its "ARIRANG" world tour in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday (local time), with a group of children with serious illnesses among those invited to attend the show. During the concert, Jimin walked toward the audience and approached Olivya, a pediatric cancer patient. After making eye contact with her, the BTS member warmly embraced the young fan before giving her a light kiss on the cheek. Overjoyed by the unexpected interaction, Olivya exclaimed, "I got a kiss!" as she celebrated the moment. The encounter was shared Monday on the official social media account of Heroes for Children, a U.S. nonprofit organization that supports children with cancer and their families. The organization had arranged for Olivya and other children to attend the BTS concert. "For a child who has faced some incredibly difficult moments, Jimin gave Olivya a moment filled with joy, love and pure happiness,” the orgaAug 18, 2026By Xportsnews
Stray Kids says 9th Billboard 200 No. 1 is 'great honor'K-pop boy band Stray Kids said Tuesday it was deeply honored to have its ninth consecutive album reach No. 1 on the Billboard 200, describing the achievement as a meaningful milestone for the group and K-pop. Billboard said in a chart preview published Sunday (U.S. time) that Stray Kids' 10th EP, "This & That," debuted atop the chart this week. The boy group now has the second-most Billboard 200 No. 1 albums in the chart's history, behind The Beatles, who have 19, and tied with The Rolling Stones. "We have achieved our ninth No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in our ninth year since debut, almost as if it were destined," the group said in a statement released through its agency, JYP Entertainment. Stray Kids said the latest chart-topping achievement was particularly significant because it gave the group the record for the most No. 1 albums by a group in the 21st century. The group's EP "This & That" consists of eight tracks, including the title track of the same name. It conveys "a bold attitude and confidence to pursue what we want without being bound by convention," according to the band. StrayAug 18, 2026By Yonhap
Can K-pop answer criticism that it is a corporate product?When British band Massive Attack covered Seo Taiji and Boys’ “Regret of the Times” during their set at the Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival, it was clearly meant to provoke. Their social media posts and onstage performance made the message evidently clear: K-pop, which once stood as a form of resistance against state censorship, has now become subjugated to capitalism and mass commodification. The possibility of it being a mere fan service for their Korean audience can be dismissed, with the band delivering the same message during its performances in Japan and Sweden. It was crystal clear that their intent was to raise questions about K-pop, which has become globally influential. Some took issue with the band including a footage of the 1980 Gwangju Uprising during its “Regret of the Times” performance, complaining that it amounted to a “political message.” The resulting controversy feels almost reminiscent of the censorship battle Seo Taiji and Boys faced when Korea's Public Performance Ethics Committee objected to the song's lyrics 30 years ago. More importantly, it entirAug 18, 2026By Hankookilbo
Grammys hint at change to controversial Asian pop category following BTS boycottThe organizer of the Grammy Awards hinted at a possible change to the “Best Asian Pop Music Performance” category following BTS’ refusal to submit its music for consideration. Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, which organizes the Grammy Awards, released a statement addressing concerns over the new category on Friday, according to reports published Saturday by multiple outlets, including Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter and Rolling Stone. “It’s clear from our numerous conversations with many stakeholders over the past two weeks that, regardless of our intent and desire to be even more inclusive, there are some artists in this space who feel that this category isn’t representing the music they work so hard to create in the way they wish,” he said in his statement. “The management and Board are committed to working together to keep pace with that progress and ensure the musicians we intend to honor feel truly seen and heard by our actions.” Billboard reported that the Recording Academy may make changes to the controversial category. The controversy arose overAug 18, 2026By Hankookilbo
From rookie crew to global phenomenon: CORTIS reflects on whirlwind 1st yearOne year after its debut, boy band CORTIS has shattered records and established itself as one of the most compelling forces in modern K-pop. Known affectionately as the "Young Creator Crew" for writing and producing its own music, videos and choreography, the five-member group — consisting of Martin, James, Joohoon, Seonghyun and Keonho — has enjoyed a meteoric rise. Its second EP, "GREENGREEN," spent 13 consecutive weeks on the Billboard 200 chart after entering at No. 3, marking the longest run for a boy group debuting in the past five years. Across all platforms, the band's 14-track catalog has amassed more than 1.1 billion Spotify streams. Fresh off its sold-out North American tour, which wrapped in San Francisco on Sunday, CORTIS sat down via its agency, BigHit Music, to look back on a landmark year ahead of its "BIRTHDAY PARTY" anniversary concerts at Seoul's Hwajeong Gymnasium on Saturday and Sunday. Q: How does it feel to mark your first anniversary? Martin: Time has flown by so fast it hardly feels real. It’s been a year of growth both as an artist and as an individual. NaAug 18, 2026By Jhoo Dong-chan
