BLACKPINK's Jisoo explains tears at 10th anniversary to stop rumorsBLACKPINK member and actor Jisoo addressed the speculation surrounding her tears at a fan event marking the group’s 10th anniversary, asking fans to stop spreading baseless rumors. Jisoo posted a lengthy message on an online fan platform Sunday. "I think many people were surprised because I cried yesterday," Jisoo said, referring to the anniversary event. "I am a human too. Believe it or not, I'm not a robot." She described the tense atmosphere surrounding the event. "Because finding the boundary between words I want to say, words I can say, words I am allowed to say and words I don't necessarily have to say is difficult, it seems it was hard for everyone to speak openly yesterday," she said. Pushing back against rumors of discord, she emphasized her affection for the group. "I just wanted to say that all four of us love everyone so, so, so much," Jisoo said, adding that the members deeply value their fans and one another. She rejected attempts to interpret her emotional display. "I hope you don't read too much into my tears. I just want to say I was moved by a mix of emotions about us beiAug 10, 2026By Hankookilbo
From 'BTS Boulevard' to US governor's praise: BTS sweeps N. America on 'ARIRANG' tourAs its ongoing "ARIRANG" world tour sweeps across North America, Korean boy group BTS is capturing more than just enthusiastic crowds — It is inspiring local governments to roll out the red carpet with a series of high-profile official tributes. Toronto City Council has recently approved a plan to temporarily co-name a stretch of Yonge Street in the city's North York district as "BTS Boulevard" from Aug. 21 to Sept. 23, ahead of the group's concerts there from Aug. 22-23. The council also plans to ask the city to proclaim the concert dates "BTS Weekend." A BigHit Music official said Toronto had contacted the agency to seek approval for the use of BTS' intellectual property in connection with the street naming and the weekend proclamation. BTS is touring North America after completing European dates in cities including London, Paris and Munich. The group is scheduled to perform at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on Aug. 10 and 11, AT&T Stadium in Arlington on Aug. 15 and 16, and Rogers Stadium in Toronto on Aug. 22 and 23. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, whose state includes Baltimore, welcomedAug 10, 2026By Yonhap
TWICE's Jeongyeon leaves JYP to pursue acting careerJeongyeon, a member of K-pop girl group TWICE, has left her longtime agency, JYP Entertainment, and signed with a star agency that represents her older sister, actor Gong Seung-yeon, the company said Monday. Jeongyeon, whose real name is Yoo Jeong-yeon, has signed an exclusive contract with Varo Entertainment after 11 years with JYP, where she debuted as a member of TWICE in 2015. "We are truly delighted to form a valuable relationship with Yoo Jeong-yeon, who possesses a diverse range of charms and infinite potential," Varo said in a statement. Jeongyeon plans to begin pursuing her acting career under the agency while continuing her activities with TWICE, one of the leading girl groups in the K-pop industry. In a message posted on social media, she said she had been afraid to leave a familiar environment but found the courage to do so thanks to her fellow members and the group's fans, known as Once. "Although I am moving to a new home and beginning a new challenge, I will continue to protect TWICE, which is at the very heart of who I am," she said. "Standing before Once as a member of TWAug 10, 2026By Yonhap
$5 rice cake becomes symbol of BLACKPINK fans' frustration over 10th anniversaryBLACKPINK's 10th anniversary was supposed to be a celebration of a decade at the top of K-pop. Instead, some longtime fans are asking how such a major milestone could feel so hastily put together. Frustration has spread among fans in Korea and overseas over what they see as insufficient preparation and communication surrounding the group's 10th anniversary, with criticism ranging from a last-minute meet-and-greet and its small scale to a group livestream that lasted only about 10 minutes. For many fans, however, the issue is not the size or cost of the celebration. Their complaint is strikingly simple: After waiting through long periods with relatively little group activity, they wanted the four members to spend meaningful time together with fans on a once-in-a-lifetime anniversary. "Where else would you find a fandom this easy to please, and they still couldn't do it?" one online reaction said. BLACKPINK marked the 10th anniversary of its debut on Saturday, but controversy had already begun before the anniversary arrived. A special 10th-anniversary meet-and-greet was announced just two dAug 10, 2026By Xportsnews
ReviewSmall stage, big reminder of K-pop beyond spotlightLast Saturday belonged to the arenas. K-pop girl group aespa filled Gocheok Sky Dome, one of the largest concert venues operating in Seoul, while veteran boy band 2PM filled Inspire Arena in Incheon and HYBE Labels' ENHYPEN pulled fans down the peninsula to Busan. Among them they divided the evening, the kind of night that forces a choice on anyone with a ticketing calendar. Some fans, however, made a different one and walked into the relatively small YES24 Live Hall in eastern Seoul's Gwangjin District at 5 p.m. the same day, where boy band LUN8 was holding "OFF-ZONE," the Fantagio boy band's first fan concert since debuting in June 2023. In Korean fandom slang, LUN8 is referred to by some as a member of "nugudom," a term coined from "nugu," or the Korean word for "who," used for acts the wider public cannot name. It is a ranking disguised as a joke, and it has a way of settling the question of talent before anyone asks it. The first thing staff handed over at the door answered that question in its own quiet way. LUN8 has no official lightstick, a piece of merchandise most groups treatAug 10, 2026By Pyo Kyung-min
EVAN's debut EP 'Death of Me' arrives Sept. 7Solo artist EVAN, formerly known as Heeseung of the boy group ENHYPEN, is set to release his first extended play, "DEATH OF ME," Sept. 7, his agency Belift Lab said Monday. The upcoming EP marks his first return since debuting his solo digital single, "Ride or Die," just two months ago. Belift Lab, a subsidiary under HYBE that continues to manage ENHYPEN, confirmed that EVAN once again took a hands-on role in producing the album from start to finish. Building on the creative autonomy of his debut single, the new project channels candid reflections on his inner self alongside a firm resolve for his future, translating those personal themes into a rich, multifaceted sound. EVAN parted ways with ENHYPEN in March to forge an independent artistic path while remaining under Belift Lab. Rebranding under his childhood moniker rather than his birth name, Lee Hee-seung, the singer allowed ENHYPEN to transition into a six-member line-up while he established a distinct solo identity. His initial solo offering, "Ride or Die," proved his global appeal by topping iTunes Top Songs charts in nine countrAug 10, 2026By Jhoo Dong-chan
K-pop's rising quintet KiiiKiii delivers ultimate Gen Z summer soundtrackIn the hyper-curated, highly theatrical machinery of modern K-pop, the mandatory summer anthem often risks devolving into predictable tropical house beats and sun-drenched cliches. Enter KiiiKiii, the dynamic five-member group — comprising Jiyu, Isol, Sui, Haeum and Kiiya — who are systematically dismantling those expectations with their sharp, irreverent Gen Z sensibility. Released Monday via Starship Entertainment, the group's third mini-album, "WhyKiiiKiii," poses a cheeky, rhetorical question: "Why KiiiKiii?" Their answer is an explosive, six-track sonic dive that gleefully ignores rigid pop boundaries in favor of eclectic, boundary-pushing experimentation. At the center of this release stands the track "Pop Off Pop Off." Grounded in a pulsating electronic synth-pop beat, the song immediately hooks the listener with a relentless rhythm and an unforgettably sticky chorus. Instead of playing it safe, KiiiKiii infuses the track with chaotic wit and summery imagery — evoking burning heat and whimsical sandcastles — delivering a track that feels tailor-made for viral TikTok dancAug 10, 2026By Jhoo Dong-chan
ENHYPEN electrifies Busan with live premiere of 'Bloody Paradise'ENHYPEN brought its comeback momentum to Busan over the weekend, unveiling its new title track “Bloody Paradise” for the first time before a roaring home crowd. The six-member group performed for 160 minutes Saturday and Sunday at Sajik Indoor Gymnasium, powering through 28 songs during its “ENHYPEN WORLD TOUR ‘BLOOD SAGA’ IN BUSAN.” The concert, held about two weeks before the release of the group’s eighth mini album, “THE SIN : BLISS,” reached its peak with the first performance of “Bloody Paradise.” Built around Brazilian funk rhythms, the song paired a driving beat with the group’s sharp, kinetic choreography, drawing an especially loud response from fans. On the first night, fans erupted at the song’s debut, while the second night brought a full-throated singalong just a day after its first public performance. The set moved through a tightly constructed narrative rather than simply stacking songs, following the group’s dark fantasy storyline of breaking through forces that stand between the members and their fans. ENHYPEN opened with “Knife” before moviAug 10, 2026By Lee Kyung-min
Seventeen's Seungkwan and Dino to enlist together in military band; Mingyu to begin alternative service in SeptemberThree more members of Seventeen are set to begin their mandatory military service, with Seungkwan and Dino enlisting together in an Army military band and Mingyu beginning alternative service in September. Pledis Entertainment said Monday through fan platform Weverse that Seungkwan and Dino will enlist on Oct. 26. "Seungkwan and Dino are scheduled to enlist in the Army military band on Oct. 26," the agency said, confirming that the two members will begin their service on the same day. Mingyu, meanwhile, will begin fulfilling his military service obligation on Sept. 10 through alternative service. South Korea requires most able-bodied men to complete mandatory military service, meaning enlistments can temporarily reshape the activities of K-pop groups with multiple Korean male members. According to Pledis Entertainment, all three members will participate in their scheduled official activities until their respective service begins. No separate official events will be held on the days they report for duty. "All three members will be unable to participate in Seventeen's activities after beginnAug 10, 2026By Xportsnews
BIGBANG to release new single on 20th anniversaryK-pop idol group BIGBANG will release a new digital single on Aug. 19 to mark the 20th anniversary of its debut, its agency YG Entertainment said Monday. The song, titled "BiiiG", will be the group's first new release in four years and four months, following "Still Life" in April 2022. "'BiiiG' is the song that most clearly shows BIGBANG's present as it marks its 20th debut anniversary," the agency said. "We hope you look forward to another musical spectrum from BIGBANG, which has built its own musical world over many years." 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 10, 2026By Yonhap
