NCT 127 to release 7th album 'BLINGY' Aug. 24, marking 10th anniversaryA decade into a career defined by avant-garde production and muscular choreography, NCT 127 is stepping into its milestone 10th anniversary with a renewed declaration of unity. The Seoul-based group will release its seventh full-length album, "BLINGY," on Aug. 24, launching a compelling new chapter for one of K-pop’s most distinct musical identities. Set to drop at 6 p.m. across major streaming platforms, the nine-track project doubles as a reflective victory lap and a forward-looking manifesto. According to SM Entertainment, the record synthesizes the group's decade-long journey, grounding its narrative in collective pride and the steadfast bond of a one team commitment as they forge ahead. Since debuting in July 2016 with a mission to project Seoul’s vibrant sound onto the global stage, NCT 127 has built a legacy on uncompromising sonic experimentalism. Signature hits like "Cherry Bomb," "Kick It," "Sticker" and "Walk" established a template of heavy industrial beats, complex harmonies and theatrical performances that set the group apart in an increasingly crowded global market. TJul 27, 2026By Jhoo Dong-chan
BabyMonster sets Aug. 3 release for 'MOON' music video with haunting new teaserCurrently sweeping through packed arenas across Japan, the rising K-pop septet BabyMonster is translating its live stage energy back into the digital realm. On Aug. 3 at midnight, the group will release the official music video for "MOON" — a track that first sparked fervor among fans during its world tour opener in Seoul earlier this summer. The release marks the fourth music video rollout from the group’s third mini-album, CHOOM, following visual treatments for the title track, "SUGAR HONEY ICE TEA," and "I LIKE IT." The strategy fulfills a multitrack visual commitment previously outlined by YG Entertainment’s executive producer, Yang Hyun-suk, aiming to sustain long-tail momentum in a fast-moving global music market. Musically, "MOON" represents a striking stylistic pivot. Driven by a heavy 808 bassline and minimal, deliberate production, the Southern trap-infused R&B number relies on eerie synths and surreal lyrics to weave a uniquely haunting narrative. It offers a sharp departure from the sun-drenched pop palettes typical of midsummer releases. A teaser poster released Monday sJul 27, 2026By Lee Kyung-min
BTS' 'ARIRANG' returns to top 10 on Billboard 200"ARIRANG," the fifth studio album of K-pop megaband BTS, has returned to the top 10 of the U.S. Billboard's main albums chart. The album reached No. 9 on the Billboard 200 in the latest tracking period, up from 26th in the previous week, according to a chart preview by Billboard on Sunday (U.S. time). The on-week climb was attributed to an increase in album sales following the group's release of a special vinyl edition of "ARIRANG," which includes two bonus tracks: "Voice Message: Love Song" and "Normal." The Billboard also cited BTS' recent co-headlining of the first-ever halftime show at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, where the group performed its 2020 megahit "Dynamite." Released in March, "ARIRANG" became the first album by a K-pop act to spend three consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard chart. Elsewhere on the chart, American singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams clinched her first No. 1 with her third full-length album, "Daughter from Hell." The Billboard 200 ranks the most popular albums of the week in the United States, measured by equivalent album units comprising physical and digJul 27, 2026By Yonhap
Stray Kids to drop digital album ahead of new EPK-pop boy band Stray Kids is set to release a digital album, "SKZ-REPLAY 2026 Pt.1," on Aug. 1, as part of a weeklong run of content leading up to the release of its new mini album "THIS & THAT" due Aug. 7. The digital album, described by the group's label JYP Entertainment as a gift expressing gratitude and sincerity toward fans, arrives at midnight on Aug. 1, the eighth anniversary of the group's official fandom, STAY. The tracklist and cover image are scheduled to be unveiled Monday. The release anchors "2026 STAYweeK," a seven-day celebration running from Saturday through Aug. 1. The group posted a timetable on its official social media channels at midnight Saturday, laying out daily content for fans. The lineup includes the group's first short-form drama series, themed around a fictional company run with fans, with two episodes each released Saturday, Monday and Aug. 1. A pop-up cafe celebrating the fandom's birthday, named after the group's March digital single "Stay," opened Saturday in Seongdong District, Seoul, and runs through Aug. 2 for official fan club members. Other offerinJul 26, 2026By Pyo Kyung-min
'Biggest turning point in my life': After 22 years, ex-2NE1 member Sandara Park finally making her own musicIt took Sandara Park 22 years to finally use her voice to sing a song of her own. Those years saw her debut and build a career in the Philippines, move to Korea, perform as a member of a K-pop group and eventually go solo. Now, the seasoned veteran is ready to let go of the industry’s established formulas for success, which she knows all too well, and embark on a new journey as an artist making music of her own. “This is the biggest turning point in my life,” Park said in an interview with the Hankook Ilbo. “Over the past 22 years, I’ve worn many hats, from singer and television host to variety-show personality and musical actor. But the one thing I never got to do was create my own music and sing my own songs.” Park had accumulated plenty of stories over the years, many of which she had kept to herself. There was no shortage of material. Whenever something came to mind, she made sure to write it down in her smartphone notes or diaries. The problem was that she did not quite know how to convey those thoughts to her listeners. That uncertainty was what had held her back fromJul 24, 2026By Hankookilbo
NewJeans' Haerin's changed look sparks questions over 1 missing featureNewJeans member Haerin has sparked online discussion after fans noticed a subtle but significant change in her appearance in newly released anniversary content, with many pointing to the apparent disappearance of one of her signature features. The group's agency, Ador, released new videos and photos Wednesday to celebrate its fourth debut anniversary. The content drew particular attention because it marked the first newly released material distributed through Ador following a legal battle between the agency and the NewJeans members. In 2024, the five members declared they were terminating their exclusive contracts with the agency. However, members Hanni, Haerin and Hyein eventually returned to the agency after a Seoul district court ruled in favor of Ador, confirming the validity of their contracts. Danielle has since been removed from the group after Ador terminated her contract, while Minji's status remains unconfirmed. Still, the anniversary content featured Hanni, Haerin and Hyein with Minji, delighting fans by showing the group with the same polished image they were known for beforJul 24, 2026By Xportsnews
ENHYPEN joins 'Twilight' cast at San Diego Comic-Con 2026 panelSAN DIEGO — K-pop group ENHYPEN joined Catherine Hardwicke, director of the first “Twilight” film, and franchise actors Peter Facinelli and Ashley Greene at US' biggest pop culture convention, Thursday. More than 120,000 people are expected at the four-day convention, which began in 1970 with a gathering of several hundred sci-fi and comics fans and an in-person appearance from Marvel icon Jack Kirby. The band joined a Thursday panel about vampire storytelling. It marked one of many moments of cross-pop culture exchanges. Members of distinct fandoms unite through cosplay, showing off handmade costumes and exchanging photos. Brionna Slavalk, 27, traveled from Indiana to attend the convention dressed as the elf paladin Vaelus from “Critical Role,” a Dungeons & Dragons-themed web series. Her skin was painted purple. “Obviously I am partial to the body paint. I think it looks really neat when people do that. I saw somebody who was red, who I think is from ‘Hazbin Hotel,’ who was amazing. We just saw three Doctor Dooms over there!” she said. “It’s a blast.” Johnny DeppJul 24, 2026By AP
Shakira shares backstage photo with BTS, surprises fans with Korean greetingGlobal pop star Shakira delighted fans after sharing a backstage photo with K-pop supergroup BTS and surprised fans with a Korean greeting following their performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final halftime show. The photo posted by Shakira on social media showed her posing arm in arm with BTS members backstage, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere. Both artists performed during the halftime show at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on earlier this week. BTS energized the crowd with its global hit “Dynamite,” while Shakira closed the show with her official World Cup anthem, “Dai Dai.” Alongside the photo, Shakira simply wrote "BTS" and added a heart emoji, drawing enthusiastic reactions from fans. She also uploaded a short video in which she greeted viewers in Korean, earning praise from Korean fans for the unexpected gesture. The Korean greeting was reportedly coached by global choreographer Kany, who has previously appeared on Korean entertainment programs. Kany serves as the lead choreographer for “Dai Dai,” the official song of the 2026 FJul 23, 2026By Xportsnews
Boy group Cortis' 2nd EP tops 3 mil. copies in salesThe latest album from K-pop boy group Cortis has sold more than 3 million copies, its agency said Thursday, making it the second triple million-seller among albums released so far this year. BigHit Music said Cortis' second EP, "GreenGreen," recorded cumulative sales of 3,099,000 copies, citing data released by Circle Chart for the week of July 12-18. It took 11 weeks for the group to hit the milestone since the album was released May 4. "GreenGreen" became the second album released in Korea this year to become a triple million-seller, following BTS' fifth studio album, "Arirang." The album's lead track, "RedRed," has remained high on domestic music charts, including Melon, one of the country's leading streaming platforms. Cortis will launch its six-city North American tour next month, stopping in Toronto and San Francisco, among other cities, running from Aug. 4-16 (local time).Jul 23, 2026By Yonhap
What to know about rare ear disorder that side-tracked IU's returnK-pop singer and actor IU is drawing public attention for a rare ear disorder after worsening symptoms of patulous Eustachian tube (PET) dysfunction forced her to postpone her upcoming album release and cancel a scheduled September concert. With news of her ear condition already having disrupted her highly anticipated comeback plans, many are asking what exactly PET dysfunction is and why it poses such a devastating setback for a vocalist. On Monday, the 33-year-old artist opened up about her ongoing struggle on the fan communication platform Berriz. "While it does not affect my daily life, the symptoms persist day and night, making it difficult to maintain my condition when singing," IU wrote, apologizing to fans for the schedule changes. PET dysfunction occurs when the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the back of the nose and usually remains closed except during swallowing or yawning, stays abnormally open. This allows air and sound to flow continuously into the middle ear, causing autophony, a condition where a person hears their own voice or breathing abnormally loudlJul 22, 2026By Baek Byung-yeul
