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
Korea bets $108 mil. on AI to fuel next wave of K-cultureKorea has spent more than two decades perfecting the art of the cross-border pop phenomenon. Now, government officials are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) and intellectual property rights to ensure the nation’s cultural juggernaut doesn't run out of steam. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Financial Services Commission (FSC) jointly announced, Wednesday, the launch of a 150 billion won ($108 million) K-Culture Value-Up Fund. The public-private vehicle represents Seoul’s largest target-driven effort to date aimed at pairing state-backed venture capital with emerging technology in the creative arts. Under the plan, the government will chip in 50 billion won from state coffers, flanked by 30 billion won from the state-run Korea Development Bank and the Advanced Strategic Industry Fund. Managing institutions hope to leverage that anchor seed into attracting more than 70 billion won in private capital. The strategy marks a structural pivot for Korea’s cultural policy. Previous state-guided venture funds in media and entertainment hovered around 50 billion won,Jul 22, 2026By Lee Kyung-min
KATSEYE teases dark, cinematic return with new single 'Animal'Global girl group KATSEYE is turning up the intrigue ahead of its upcoming comeback. Formed under a historic joint venture between HYBE Labels and Geffen Records, the group announced Tuesday that it will drop its new single, "Animal," this Friday at 1 p.m., accompanied by a tantalizing music video teaser. Unveiled on the HYBE Labels YouTube channel, the teaser opens with member Megan striding into an office setting, dressed in a striking red mini dress and sleek black leather jacket. As members Sophia, Lara and Yoonchae exchange knowing glances in sharp, tailored office attire, Daniela steals the scene with a playful wink. The visually rich clip effortlessly blends contrasting styles — pairing polished suits and short haircuts with high-fashion stiletto heels and elaborate evening dresses. Adding to the mystery, the word "freaky" briefly flashes across the screen, spelled out across a set of impossibly long, sharp red nails resting beneath a smiling mouth, followed by a fleeting melodic line about keeping secrets safe. Accompanying single art leans heavily into cinematic suspense, shoJul 22, 2026By Jhoo Dong-chan
NCT Wish, RESCENE to headline pool party at Everland's Caribbean Bay this weekEverland’s iconic water park, Caribbean Bay, is dialing up the summer heat this week with an explosive lineup of top K-pop talent, Samsung C&T’s resort division said Wednesday. Returning for its second consecutive year in partnership with Samsung Card, the Water Music Pool Party offers a thrill unlike any other: Visitors can groove to live music while immersed in an artificial wave pool with swells reaching up to 2.4 meters high. The star-studded roster kicks off Friday with rising boy group NCT Wish, followed by boy band The Wind on Saturday. On Sunday, five-member girl group RESCENE takes center stage. Driven by a viral YouTube catchphrase and a social media following topping 10 million across YouTube and Instagram, RESCENE has dominated Korean music charts this year with hit tracks "Love Attack" and "Pretty Girl." Fans online have already dubbed a trip to the water park paired with a RESCENE performance the ultimate summer combo. The momentum continues into next week, featuring girl group Fifty Fifty on July 28 and BTOB's Minhyuk on July 31. Throughout August, weekend festival-goJul 22, 2026By Jhoo Dong-chan
BTS unveils 'NORMAL' live clip amid unstoppable 'ARIRANG' tourThere is a standard physics to modern pop stardom: drop an album, ignite social media, paint the charts red and quietly retreat before saturation sets in. Then there is BTS, a seven-member phenomenon operating entirely on its own cosmic clock. Four months after releasing its blockbuster fifth studio album, "ARIRANG," the group shows zero intention of slowing down. Instead, it is doubling down with an intoxicating blend of quiet traditional grandeur and megawatt global showmanship. At midnight Wednesday, BigHit Music released a live performance video for the track “NORMAL,” filmed at Seonhyewon, a traditional Korean architectural estate. Following the evocative video for their title track “SWIM,” the clip wraps the members in the serene, minimalist aesthetic of classical Korean heritage. Against the quiet winds of the historic courtyard, the group's raw, unvarnished vocals resonate with intimate precision — so crisp you can hear the softest breath before every high note. It is already the fifth music video from "ARIRANG," accompanying a steady stream of extra content that incluJul 22, 2026By Lee Kyung-min
NewJeans signals return as 4-member group with new video, photosPopular K-pop girl group NewJeans released a surprise video and photos featuring four members, including Minji, on the fourth anniversary of its debut Wednesday, signaling its possible return to the music scene. The video, titled "2026 Summer of NewJeans," was posted on the group's official YouTube channel at midnight without prior notice, according to music industry sources. New photos of the four members — Haerin, Hyein, Minji and Hanni — were also posted on the group's official homepage and Instagram account. The release marks the band's first group-based content in one year and four months. The move drew fresh attention because the group had effectively been on hiatus after a bitter dispute with its agency, ADOR, over the dismissal of former CEO Min Hee-jin and the status of its exclusive contracts. NewJeans announced in November 2024 that it was terminating its contracts with ADOR, but the court later sided with the agency in both an injunction case and the main lawsuit, restricting the group's independent activities. Following the ruling, members Haerin, Hyein and Hanni returnedJul 22, 2026By Yonhap
