BTS' 'ARIRANG' stays in top 5 on Billboard 200 for 6th straight weekK-pop megastars BTS remained in the top ranks of the Billboard 200 for the sixth consecutive week with the group's latest album, "ARIRANG." The group's fifth studio album placed at No. 5 with 56,000 equivalent album units in the latest tracking week, down one spot from the previous week, Billboard said in a chart preview Sunday (U.S. time). "ARIRANG" previously made history as the first album by a K-pop act to spend three weeks at No. 1 following its release in March. Led by the lead single "Swim," the 14-track album marks the band's first release after a four-year hiatus caused by its members' mandatory military service. The Billboard 200 ranks the most popular albums of the week in the United States, measured by equivalent album units comprising physical and digital sales, as well as streaming and digital track downloads converted into album sales.May 4, 2026By Yonhap
InterviewHow NAZE brings multinational lineup, real-world experience to May debutThere is a particular kind of calm that comes from having already been through it. Walking into a room with NAZE, the seven-member K-pop boy group set to make its official Korean debut on Monday, that calm is the first thing you notice. These are not nervous trainees counting down the moments before their debut — they are young men who have already stood on stages in Japan, filmed a primetime TBS drama, recorded four original soundtracks and gone on a showcase tour before most Korean fans even knew their names. "We've already experienced music shows, morning live broadcasts, variety programs and meeting fans in person," said Ato, one of the group's Korean members during a predebut interview at The Korea Times headquarters in central Seoul, April 16. "So compared to a group debuting out of nowhere, we have a certain level of experience. There's a natural ease that comes through, and a comfort with cameras. That's what sets us apart," he said. NAZE, formerly known as C9ROOKIES during its predebut rollout, is the first new boy band from C9 Entertainment in five years, following labelmatesMay 4, 2026By Pyo Kyung-min
K-pop Report Card Highs, lows, hard passes of crowded March–April release calendarMarch and April arrived with an unusually wide spread, spanning solo debuts, long-awaited comebacks, rookie bets, unexpected bops and a handful that somehow felt like contractual obligations. More volume does not always mean more substance. This edition tries to figure out which ones were worth the noise. As always, strong reactions in either direction are welcome. Your taste is entirely valid, even if this review just happens to disagree. Yena — "Catch Catch" from "LOVE CATCHER," released March 11 Verdict: Worth replaying If you grew up on Orange Caramel or T-ara, "Catch Catch" will feel like running into an old friend. The electronic beat at the song's core is about as far from current K-pop trends as it can get, and that is precisely the point. In a landscape where groups are rushing toward house, then EDM, then whatever the next cycle demands, Yena has quietly built something that belongs only to her. Leaning into retro as a deliberate identity is harder to pull off than it looks. Here, it works smartly. ITZY's Yuna — "Ice Cream" from eponymous solo debut album, released March 23 VeMay 4, 2026By Pyo Kyung-min
ReviewENHYPEN shows no gaps after lineup change at Seoul concertA K-pop group's main vocalist typically carries outsized weight. The role shapes not only the quality of the music, but also the level of satisfaction a live performance delivers. When that pillar disappears, a group's stage presence, as expected, tends to take a hit. That was the biggest concern on this reporter's mind heading into ENHYPEN's Saturday concert in Seoul. On March 10, the group faced a major rupture when main vocalist Heeseung announced his departure, revealing plans to pursue a new musical path. His exit, from a position central to both ENHYPEN's sonic identity and its long-running vampire lore, sent shockwaves through the group's global fandom. Staged from Friday to Sunday at KSPO DOME in Seoul's Olympic Park, "ENHYPEN WORLD TOUR 'BLOOD SAGA'" marked the group's first large-scale homecoming performance after the shake-up. It also served as a litmus test of whether ENHYPEN could hold its ground without one of its defining members. On the Seoul leg's second day, fans in coordinated black-and-red dress code filled the arena, while members of the press gathered as the group sMay 3, 2026By Pyo Kyung-min
'Dated the CEO to become central star?' Ex-K-pop idol Hyogyeong lifts lid on industry’s dark sideA former K-pop idol is drawing attention online after sharing allegations about favoritism, dating scandals and financial struggles behind the scenes — sparking renewed debate about how the industry treats young artists. Hyogyeong, who previously performed with the girl group ARIAZ, posted a video on her YouTube channel “HYOKEY,” April 9, detailing what she described as troubling experiences and observations from her time in the entertainment industry. “I saw situations that were really messy while promoting an idol,” she said. “This didn’t happen at a major agency that everyone would recognize. Those companies invest heavily before debuts.” She then made a striking claim about another company, saying, “A member of a different group was dating the agency’s CEO despite a large age gap. Even though she lacked skill and popularity, she always stood in the center or got the ‘killing parts.’” Hyogyeong said such practices are not limited to idols. “This happens not only to idols but also to trainees and rookie actors,” she said, adding that fans may have been conMay 2, 2026By Xportsnews
May is K-pop's biggest month for girl groups' releases in yearsA crowded slate of K-pop girl group releases is set to define May, with BABYMONSTER, NMIXX, ITZY, LE SSERAFIM and aespa all returning within weeks of one another. Adding to the momentum is a long-awaited reunion by I.O.I, nearly a decade after its disbandment, setting up one of the most competitive release windows. YG Entertainment's youngest act BABYMONSTER opens the month May 4 with its third mini-album, "CHOOM." Positioned as an heir to the company's girl group lineage that includes BLACKPINK and 2NE1, the group has similarly built global attention since debut through performance-focused releases. According to YG, the new album spans hip-hop, dance and R&B, with the lead track and B-sides “MOON,” “I LIKE IT” and “LOCKED IN” aimed at showcasing the group's range. Girl group NMIXX under JYP Entertainment follows May 11 with its fifth mini-album, "Heavy Serenade." The title track was reportedly co-written by singer-songwriter Hanroro, known for sentimental hits "0+0," "1111" and "Let Me Love My Youth." After debuting with its self-described "MIXX-pop" genre in 2022 to mixed rMay 1, 2026By Pyo Kyung-min
YG bets on next BLACKPINK and BIGBANG? New boy group and ‘Next Monster’ rollout signals bold two-track pushYG Entertainment is ramping up its next-generation idol strategy with a rare double launch — preparing a new boy group for September while simultaneously unveiling members of its upcoming girl group, tentatively branded “Next Monster.” On April 30, the agency confirmed that a five-member boy group will debut in September, marking YG’s first new male act in six years since TREASURE. The announcement has quickly gained traction among K-pop fans, as YG is known for launching fewer but highly distinctive groups compared to its competitors. Executive producer Yang Hyun-suk said, "We previously mentioned plans to launch a new boy group this fall, and we are currently aiming to introduce them in September. Many are curious about the number of members, so it will be five." At the same time, YG continues to build anticipation for its new girl group project, widely referred to as “Next Monster,” which follows BABYMONSTER. On the same day, the company revealed its third member, Kayci, after previously introducing members Evelli and Chanya. Kayci, described as a Korean-Chinese mixed-heriMay 1, 2026By Xportsnews
She looks healthier — TWICE’s Nayeon draws praise as fans push back on ‘bone-thin’ trendNayeon of TWICE is gaining attention online for looking slightly fuller than before — an unexpected shift that fans are celebrating amid growing concerns over the K-pop industry’s so-called “bone-thin” beauty trend. Clips from TWICE’s recent overseas tour, including fan-shot videos and official appearances, have been rapidly spreading across social media and online communities. In the footage, Nayeon appears a bit less slender compared to her past image, though she still maintains a slim figure overall. Rather than criticism, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Many fans said the subtle change enhances her signature bright, “juicy” charm — a popular Korean term used to describe a fresh, lively and youthful appeal. On stage, her more energetic performance has also drawn praise, reinforcing the idea that the change reflects improved health rather than weight gain alone. Online reactions highlight the shift in sentiment. “She looks like a bunny raised with lots of love,” one user said. Others commented, “She’s so cute,” “She looks even prettier,” anMay 1, 2026By Xportsnews
SM launches 1st official K-pop merch store in China amid thaw signalsSM Entertainment opened its first official merchandise store in China, marking a notable step in the K-pop powerhouse's push into a market where cultural ties with Seoul have long been strained. The company launched the SMTOWN STORE Shanghai, Wednesday, at Xinliubai YOUNG in Shanghai’s Xujiahui District, as part of a broader effort to expand its global retail footprint. Spanning about 335 square meters, the store offers official merchandise from SM artists — aespa, the NCT subunits, RIIZE, Girls' Generation, Red Velvet and more — alongside a light stick display zone, album photo walls and large multimedia screens, positioning the space as more than a conventional retail outlet. Located near the city's Xujiahui Station, which serves subway lines 1, 9 and 11, the site benefits from steady foot traffic and proximity to major universities such as Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Fudan University, drawing a young, trend-driven consumer base. According to an SM press release, interest was strong ahead of the opening, fueled by social media buzz. A themed pop-up tied to the label's boy bMay 1, 2026By Pyo Kyung-min
‘They go way back?’ BLACKPINK’s Jennie and WOODZ reveal decade-long friendshipSinger WOODZ revealed a decade-long friendship with BLACKPINK's Jennie in a YouTube vlog posted Wednesday. The two artists made their first on-camera appearance together in the video titled, "Why bother date with JENNIE." WOODZ acknowledged the novelty of the situation, saying it was "really awkward" to be on camera together despite their long-standing relationship. WOODZ accompanied Jennie on a shopping trip, showing he knows her habits well. "Are you buying sweatpants again? You usually only buy sweatpants, don't you?" he asked, predicting her preference. The pair recounted a shared past that stretches back to childhood, revealing they attended the same elementary school. WOODZ recalled meeting Jennie at a high school festival when he was an agency trainee and she was already a well-known figure, an encounter Jennie joked she did not remember. The two frequently crossed paths while commuting to their respective entertainment agencies and became close friends. Jennie acknowledged the unexpected nature of their bond. "Our connection is deep," she said. "People are curious about why we areApr 30, 2026By Xportsnews
