How K-pop drives album sales with lifestyle goodsIn K-pop, the album is no longer just something fans collect. It has evolved into something they use, incorporating music into their daily lives through practical items. Long a cornerstone of the industry’s revenue model, physical albums have survived the streaming era not by combining with digital platforms, but by changing form. What began as CDs bundled with photobooks, posters and randomized inclusions evolved into merchandise such as keychain albums. Now, a new phase is taking shape, one that pushes albums beyond mere display value and into everyday utility. Belift Lab’s girl group ILLIT offers a clear example of that shift. Ahead of its April 30 return with the EP “MAMIHLAPINATAPAI,” the group unveiled a dog-shaped gua sha version of the album, including a functional self-care tool with the upcoming release. The object retains its real-world use while carrying the group’s visual identity. According to the agency, the idea was designed to reflect the B-side track “GRWM (Get Ready With Me),” with the gua sha evoking a beauty routine. The dog-shaped design also nods to aApr 11, 2026By Pyo Kyung-min
Ex-‘Boys Planet’ and ZB1 members show off perfect visuals in new group AND2BLEA new K-pop boy group formed from survival show alumni is already gaining traction — not for its music yet, but for its visuals. Rookie group AND2BLE, featuring former members of ZEROBASEONE and EVNNE, is drawing attention ahead of its debut after releasing a series of concept photos that fans say show “perfect visual synergy.” The five-member group — Zhang Hao, Yoo Seungeon, Ricky, Kim Gyuvin and Han Yujin — unveiled unit photos, four-cut photo booth shots and ID-style portraits through official channels on April 9. In the unit images, the members showcased a cohesive, polished look, emphasizing what fans described as a “golden balance” as a team. Dressed in soft knits and refined shirts, the group projected a classic, almost editorial aesthetic, reminiscent of fashion campaign visuals. A contrasting mood emerged in the four-cut photos, where the members displayed a more playful and relaxed side. Their casual poses highlighted the group chemistry, offering a glimpse into their offstage dynamic and reinforcing a sense of closeness even before their official debut. The ID-styApr 11, 2026By Xportsnews
The Boyz cover concert costs amid legal battle with One Hundred LabelNine members of K-pop group The Boyz said they would proceed with the group’s ninth anniversary concert as planned even while seeking to terminate their exclusive contracts with One Hundred Label. Concert preparations and fan commitment The group is scheduled to hold its "INTER-ZECTION" concert at KSPO Dome in Seoul from April 24-26. The members decided to cover some of the concert preparation costs themselves, including rehearsal space rentals and staff pay, to keep their promise to fans. Some media reported some members even used personal vehicles after the agency allegedly halted transportation support. One Hundred Label said the members are funding the preparations but said the artists actively refused the agency's continued offers of vehicles, managers and rehearsal spaces. Core allegations and disputes The conflict has cast uncertainty over the group’s future activities. Nine members, excluding member New, notified One Hundred Label through their legal representative that they are terminating their exclusive contracts. They cited a complete breakdown of trust and severe breachesApr 11, 2026By Hankookilbo
HYBE’s 1st Latin boy band SANTOS BRAVOS lands in Seoul as K-pop expands global pushA Latin boy band appearing at HYBE Labels headquarters in the heart of Seoul would have seemed unlikely not long ago. For SANTOS BRAVOS, the moment underscores the company’s effort to expand the K-pop production model beyond Korea. The five-member group held a media event Friday at the label’s Yongsan headquarters, introducing itself to Korean press for the first time since debut. The appearance brings the act into the center of the Korean entertainment giant that created it, highlighting the company’s push to build regionally rooted groups beyond K-pop’s home. SANTOS BRAVOS debuted in October 2025 as HYBE’s first boy band under its Latin American branch, formed through a survival program that drew trainees from across Latin America, the United States and Europe. Comprising members from different backgrounds — Mexican-American Drew, Alejandro from Peru, Gabi from Puerto Rico, Kaue from Brazil and Kenneth from Mexico — the final lineup reflects a strategy aimed at building a pan-Latin identity. The group first gained attention through its debut showcase at Mexico City’s AuApr 10, 2026By Pyo Kyung-min
Former NCT member Mark thanks his fans, congratulates NCT on 10th anniversaryFormer NCT member Mark shared a message with fans as he reflected his career. “Today marks the 10th anniversary of my debut. I have been so grateful over the years, and I wanted to express my thanks once again,” he wrote in a message posted on a fan communication platform. He told fans that he has been wrapping things up and thinking about what comes next, while also letting them know that he has not been checking social media and has instead been hearing updates indirectly through close acquaintances. “I heard that fans have been sending support trucks with encouraging messages and posting kind hashtags on social media. When I heard that, I was touched,” he wrote. He expressed his determination to work hard and return, so he could repay the encouragement and affection his fans had shown him. The message also included an apology, as well as his affection for the group. “Once again, I apologize to Czennie and to everyone who went through hardship because of me,” Mark added. “I sincerely congratulate NCT on its 10th anniversary.” On March 3, SM Entertainment announced the termApr 10, 2026By Hankookilbo
BTS tackles spicy wings on 'Hot Ones' in record-setting episodeGlobal K-pop group BTS traded polished interviews for fiery chaos as they appeared on YouTube talk show “Hot Ones” Thursday, taking on progressively spicier chicken wings while fielding questions from host Sean Evans. The seven members started off composed, answering questions about their music and global success with the ease of seasoned performers. That didn’t last long. As the sauces got hotter, their reactions became harder to hide, with coughing, occasional shouting and calls for milk. “I can feel the spice coming,” Suga said, as the group passed level seven and reacted by rolling their tongues and shouting. J-Hope and Jin stood up and began “walking off” and “dancing out” the heat after taking a bite of level eight. Evans continued the interview with questions such as, “Who in the group is the best chef?” “Most likely to miss the tour bus because they’re still getting ready?” and “Least likely to make it to the final wing on ‘Hot Ones?’” The members took an ice cream break before moving on to the final two levels. “This should be prohibited by lApr 10, 2026By Jane Han
Girl group NMIXX throws ceremonial pitch at MLB game with Lee Jung-hooK-pop girl group NMIXX took part in a Major League Baseball game in San Francisco, performing and throwing the ceremonial first pitch, alongside Korean outfielder Lee Jung-hoo of the San Francisco Giants. JYP Entertainment, the group's agency, said Thursday that the six-member group performed its latest hit song "Blue Valentine" before the Giants faced the Philadelphia Phillies at Oracle Park on April 6 (U.S. time). Member Sullyoon represented the group as the pitcher, while Lee caught the ceremonial toss. NMIXX is currently on the North American leg of its first world tour, titled "Episode 1: Zero Frontier," and will begin its Asia tour in June with stops in Bangkok, Singapore, Kaohsiung of Taiwan, Hong Kong and Tokyo.Apr 9, 2026By Yonhap
NCT to mark 10th anniv. with albums, tours, pop-upsK-pop supergroup NCT will celebrate its 10th anniversary this year with a series of albums, tours and pop-up events under a new project, its agency SM Entertainment said Thursday. The multi-unit group — which includes acts such as NCT 127 and NCT Dream — made its debut on April 9, 2016, when its first sub-unit NCT U released the debut single "The 7th Sense." SM said the anniversary project, titled "NCT 2026" and promoted with the slogan "Everything, All At Once, Neo," will bring together the group's 10-year narrative while setting the direction for its next phase. NCT unveiled a commemorative logo and launched a promotional website for the project on its official social media accounts. Under the plan released Thursday, NCT 127 will release an album and embark on a tour in the third quarter, while NCT Dream will hold a meet-and-greet event for fans in the third quarter before dropping a new album in the fourth. WayV plans an album and tour in the third quarter, and NCT Wish will start the year with its first studio album on April 20, followed by a Japanese single and another album latApr 9, 2026By Yonhap
BTS launches 'ARIRANG' world tour in Goyang, kicking off record-breaking global runBTS will open its world tour at Goyang Stadium on Thursday, with additional shows scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, marking the start of what the group's label described as the largest concert tour by a Korean act. The tour, which supports the group's fifth studio album "ARIRANG," is set to span 85 shows across 34 cities, including stops in Tokyo, North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia. Additional dates in Japan and the Middle East are being planned, according to group's label, BigHit Music. All 46 shows, including those in Goyang and stops in Tokyo, North America and Europe, have sold out. The concerts will feature a 360-degree stage format, with no designated front-facing section. Members cited the configuration as both a creative challenge and a highlight, saying it allows the group to engage with audiences in all directions simultaneously. Speaking ahead of the tour through BigHit Music, the members shared their anticipation for their return to the concert stage after an extended hiatus due to mandatory military service. "I still can't quite believe it," said BTS leader RM. "TApr 9, 2026By Jhoo Dong-chan
What to know about Goyang Stadium — and why K-pop acts love itAs BTS prepares to kick off its world tour with a three-day concert run from Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at Goyang Stadium, the choice of venue may prompt a certain question among some — why not Seoul? For an act long associated with landmark stages in the Korean capital, performing outside city limits can seem unexpected. The decision, however, points to a broader shift in Korea's concert landscape, where the stadium in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, has emerged as one of the few venues capable of meeting the scale of K-pop today. Goyang Stadium, located in the mid sized city 20 kilometers northwest of Seoul, has become the default home of large-scale live music in the Seoul metropolitan area, a transformation that has unfolded quickly and largely out of necessity. In 2025 alone, the stadium hosted 18 major concerts, drawing 700,000 attendees and generating roughly 10.9 billion won ($8.2 million) in revenue. The roster includes G-Dragon, who launched his first solo tour in eight years there in March, followed by British rock band Coldplay in April. K-pop girl group BLACKPINK opened itsApr 9, 2026By Pyo Kyung-min
