NewJeans to release new EP 'Get Up' ahead of 1st anniv. K-pop girl group NewJeans is seen in this photo provided by ADOR. YonhapK-pop girl group NewJeans will drop its second EP, titled "Get Up," on Friday, the band's agency said.The album will hit music services worldwide at 1 p.m., a day before the band's first anniversary, according to ADOR.The group's last release was "OMG," a single released in January.The new album will have six songs, including three leading tracks ― "Super Shy," "Cool With You" and "ETA."NewJeans said it will maintain their signature trendy and "easy listening" style from previous albums."We have so far tried to show our true selves as NewJeans," the group said through the agency. "We want to continue pursuing new music that everyone can comfortably listen to and enjoy in the future."The group also said it has made lots of new attempts with the forthcoming album at the same time.The group had to film music videos and learn choreography for all six tracks, according to member Minji. "In this album, the vocal parts are very different from what we've done before," Hanni said. "The members' airy vocals sound more appeJul 21, 2023
BTS' synergy will be powerful when reunited, says Jungkook BTS' Jungkook poses in a radio booth for BBC Radio 1 “Live Lounge,” July 20. Courtesy of BigHit MusicJungkook of K-pop supergroup BTS has expressed his anticipation for the group's future reunion after all the members complete their military service, saying their synergy will be much more powerful then."It's good that we all have time to grow up individually through our solo projects that reflect our own characteristics and taste," the vocalist said during his appearance on BBC Radio 1's "Live Lounge" on Thursday. "After these times of personal growth, our synergy will be much more powerful as one team. I want to witness that as soon as possible."BTS' Jungkook sings for BBC Radio 1 “Live Lounge,” July 20. Courtesy of BigHit MusicIt marks his second appearance on "Live Lounge" in about two years with his last appearance dating back to 2021 when he performed as part of a group.On Thursday's program, he performed his first solo single, "Seven," and "Let There Be Love," a classic song by the British rock band Oasis."I have been waiting to meet my fans with great sJul 21, 2023
From BBGIRLS to MAMAMOO+, high-profile stars to heat up K-pop scene in August By Dong Sun-hwaAugust is going to be an electrifying month for K-pop lovers around the world, with a legion of K-pop stars including BBGIRLS and MAMAMOO+ gearing up for their August releases. BBGIRLS (Aug. 3)The teaser for K-pop act BBGIRLS' upcoming song / Courtesy of Warner Music KoreaBBGIRLS, formerly known as Brave Girls, are set to release a new song under their new label Warner Music Korea, Aug. 3.Brave Girls were created by Brave Entertainment in 2011 and were rebranded with the current members ― Minyoung, Yujeong, Eunji and Yuna ― in 2016. The group was catapulted to fame in 2021 with the belated success of its 2017 summer anthem, “Rollin,'” but Brave Entertainment said in February that the quartet decided to part ways with the company following contract termination. Many fans were anxious that the group would disband, but its members soon heralded their new beginning, revealing that they had signed exclusive contracts with Warner Music Korea, a subsidiary of the American global music conglomerate. The group also changed its name to BBGIRLS. To whet its fans' appeJul 20, 2023By Dong Sun-hwa
Jungkook of BTS to appear on BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge Jungkook of BTS / Courtesy of Big Hit MusicBy Hong Hye-minBTS member Jungkook is scheduled to make an appearance on a renowned music program on BBC Radio.BBC Radio's Live Lounge announced on their official social media channel on Wednesday that Jungkook of BTS will be appearing as a guest for the program on Thursday. This marks Jungkook's first return to the show in two years after joining the program in 2021 as a member of BTS. Jungkook is expected to perform his first solo single “Seven” released on July 14, as well as a number of covers for the show.Live Lounge on BBC Radio One is one of the most popular and highly-regarded music programs in the world, inviting world-famous artists each week to perform their own tracks as well as covers. Jungkook's appearance on Live Lounge will be available for viewing Thursday on the BBC Radio One website and YouTube.Jungkook's first solo track “Seven” was ranked number one on Spotify's “Daily Top Song Global” chart for the fifth consecutive day as of Tuesday, achieving 11.2 million daily streams.Hong Hye-min Jul 20, 2023
BLACKSWAN expands scope of K-pop K-pop group BLACKSWAN / Courtesy of D.R MusicBy Hong Hye-minK-pop artists used to be typified by Korean upstarts who enrolled in a trainee system operated by the country's myriad of talent agencies from a very young age. However, this definition has taken on a broader meaning amid the continued evolution of K-pop and significant changes taking place within the industry. BLACKSWAN originally debuted in 2020 as a multinational idol group with both Korean and non-Korean members. However, it became the first K-pop band comprised only of non-Korean members after the last of its Korean contingent left the group in 2022. The group is currently made up of Fatou from Belgium, Sriya from India, Gabi from Brazil and Nvee from the United States, all of them winning contestants in an audition program run by D.R Music.BLACKSWAN's all-international lineup gives it a unique identity, unlike most other idol groups that have gone through the grueling K-pop trainee process. But there can be no doubts about BLACKSWAN's credentials as a legitimate K-pop group, as all their lyrics Korean and mainly targetJul 20, 2023
BTS' 'Beyond the Story' becomes 1st Korean book to top New York Times bestseller lists The cover image of BTS' first official book, titled "Beyond the Story: 10-year Record of BTS" / Courtesy of BigHit Music K-pop giant BTS' first official book, "Beyond the Story: 10-year Record of BTS," has topped New York Times bestseller lists.According to the lists released by the U.S. newspaper Wednesday (U.S. time), the English version of the book shot to the top of this week's bestseller lists for "hardcover nonfiction" books and "combined print e-book nonfiction" books.The book was published on July 9 in 23 different languages, including Korean, English and Japanese, to commemorate the group's 10th anniversary.It marks the first time that a book by a Korean author has topped the lists, according to the band's agency, BigHit Music."Beyond the Story" is a collection of photos, essays and interviews that tell the story of BTS' 10-year journey to become the global pop icon. The book also includes exclusive content, such as never-before-seen photos and videos.It waJul 20, 2023
Mirae gears up for comeback after 10-month hiatus K-pop boy band Mirae / Courtesy of RBW and DSP MediaBy Hong Hye-minK-pop group Mirae is looking to take the music industry by storm with their long-awaited comeback following a 10-month break.On Wednesday, Mirae will drop their fifth mini-album titled “Boys will be Boys” as a follow-up to their fourth mini-album “Ourturn” released in September last year. Their latest album will feature a collection of refreshing summer tracks that capture the youthful energy of Mirae and its seven band members. The title track “JUMP!” combines elements of pop, new jack swing and alternative rock, and looks to please listeners with its rhythmic and highly-addictive chorus. The buoyant, uplifting mood of the track also creates a powerful synergy with Mirae's relaxed and carefree attitude.The music video for the track is also a nod to Mirae's love for the game of basketball. Mirae members can be seen jumping and shooting and basketball, showcasing their vibrant energy and performance that's become a signature for the band.The new album will also feature a variety of sJul 19, 2023
Singer B.I to embark on first European tour Korean rapper and singer B.I / Courtesy of 131 LabelBy Hong Hye-minK-pop singer B.I is set to embark on his first-ever tour to Europe in the second half of the year.B.I's scheduled “Love or Die” tour will take the singer to 16 cities all over Europe in September and October.The tour will kick off on September 19 in Utrecht, Netherlands before moving across the continent, with stops in Paris, Barcelona, Zurich, Milan, Hamburg, Cologne and London for a total of 16 concerts.Despite this being B.I's first European tour, the scale of the event is a reflection of B.I's global popularity and influence. Naturally, anticipation is running high over what B.I may have in store for his fans when he takes to the stage in Europe.The announcement poster for B.I's “Love or Die” tour was officially unveiled by his representative 131 Label on Monday, with the charismatic look shown by B.I in the image triggering an enthusiastic reaction from global music fans.B.I has many concerts and events lined up for the second half of the year, following a comeback in June with his second Jul 19, 2023
TREND REPORT BLACKPINK's Lisa shines in mix-and-match styling BLACKPINK's Lisa at BST Hyde Park Festival in London / Courtesy of YG EntertainmentBy Hong Hye-minBLACKPINK's Lisa showed the world why she's a global fashion icon with her bold, mix-and-match styling at a music festival in London.On July 2, BLACKPINK became the first K-pop artist to headline the BST Hyde Park Festival in London. Marking their first appearance at the event, BLACKPINK drew a sold-out crowd of over 65,000 according to a BBC tally.Showcasing their usual brand of polished and energetic performance, BLACKPINK also drew the attention of fans for their unique fashion style that was tailored for each individual member of BLACKPINK, centered around the colors white, black and red.In particular, Lisa stole the spotlight with an outfit made of altered garments from Australian fashion designer Dion Lee's eponymous brand.One of the outfits worn by Lisa at BST Hyde Park Festival was an altered crop top with a half-moon cutout that exposed her midriff. The top originally had three strands around the waist, creating a three-dimensional effect, and the cutout created a bold and advenJul 18, 2023
Former Jewelry member Cho Min-ah claims she was harassed by group mates Former K-pop idol Cho Min-ah / Captured from Cho's SNSBy Hong Hye-minThe now-disbanded K-pop girl group Jewelry is facing allegations of abuse and harassment, following new revelations from a former member.Cho Min-ah, who was a member of Jewelry from 2002 to 2005, revealed in a social media post on Saturday that she had experienced symptoms of panic disorder, which required her to take medication until recently. She uploaded another post on Monday expressing her gratitude for all the support and encouragement she had received, saying, “I shared my earlier message in support of others who are also struggling with panic disorder, but I feel truly grateful for all the words of encouragement I've gotten.”Cho clarified that the rumors she had been suffering from panic attacks since her early twenties were false, but did reveal that she'd been “bullied” by her Jewelry group mates during that time for more than three years.She said, “They were always smoking inside the van, and I felt like a human ashtray. It was mentally draining, but I did my best to endure. Jul 18, 2023
