ALD1 member Geonwoo halts activities over hot mic controversyALPHA DRIVE ONE (ALD1) member Kim Geonwoo is suspending group activities indefinitely following a predebut hot mic incident, according to his agency, WakeOne. WakeOne issued a formal apology on Wednesday in a statement addressing the incident. The agency expressed regret for its delayed public response and took full responsibility for failing to properly manage the artist's professional standards. The controversy centers on an incident at a video shoot prior to the group's debut. The agency said Kim used inappropriate language to express dissatisfaction, unaware that his microphone was on. "The relevant remark was not a criticism or personal attack directed at a specific person, and it came out in the form of muttering to himself," the agency said. "However, this was an inappropriate remark in any case. We once again deeply apologize to the staff on site who may have been offended. Also, we are sincerely sorry for causing concern among fans." Kim apologized directly to the production team immediately following the incident. WakeOne said it initially remained silent to avoid causing furthApr 9, 2026By Hankookilbo
ENHYPEN’s Heeseung rebrands as EVAN after exit, unveils raw new identityFormer ENHYPEN member Heeseung has taken a striking turn in his career, reintroducing himself as a solo artist under a new name — EVAN. The artist opened official social media channels Wednesday and revealed his first profile photos, signaling a fresh start following his departure from the group. In the images, EVAN appears with loosely styled hair and minimal makeup, presenting what his agency described as an “unfiltered” and “pure” version of himself. Stripped of flashy styling or heavy concepts, the photos focus on a natural, almost undefined identity — a version of the artist before being shaped or labeled by the industry. Belift Lab, his and his former group's agency, said the concept reflects EVAN in his “most essential form,” before any external interpretation is added. Heeseung debuted with ENHYPEN in 2020 and quickly gained attention for his versatile talents, including his vocal ability, rap technique and stage performance. He also built a reputation as a singer-songwriter, contributing to tracks such as “Highway 1009” and “Dial Tragedy,” showcasing skilApr 9, 2026By Xportsnews
BTS to begin largest K-pop world tour in GoyangSouth Korean boy band BTS will kick off its new world tour "ARIRANG" in Goyang on Thursday, launching what is expected to be the largest concert tour in K-pop history. The three nights of shows at Goyang Stadium in the city just northwest of Seoul will open 85 performances across 34 cities around the world, including Tokyo, Los Angeles, Munich, Paris, Toronto, Lima, Santiago and Bangkok. Staged mainly in stadiums and domes with 360-degree setups, the tour is expected to attract the biggest audience ever for a K-pop act. A total of 46 shows, including the Goyang concerts and the North American and European legs, have already sold out, according to organizer Live Nation. The promoter said BTS sold about 2.4 million tickets for 41 North American and European dates alone. The group is expected to perform new songs from its fifth studio album, "Arirang," which topped the Billboard 200 chart for two straight weeks, along with previous hit tracks during the tour.Apr 9, 2026By Yonhap
DJ Youna hopes to make her mark at CoachellaWith the global success of Peggy Gou, memorable headline shows from DJ Soda and Girls’ Generation member Hyoyeon transitioning into DJing, the electronic and techno scene in Korea has become one of the fastest-growing genres in the country, with female artists leading the way. Another talented DJ emerging in the space is Korean-born Youna, who found a sense of belonging with house and techno music. Despite its ever-growing presence in clubs and bars across Seoul, techno is still considered a niche genre in Korea. When Youna moved to Dubai, she was immersed in a new musical landscape that was unlike anything she had experienced before in her home country. “The sound and atmosphere felt completely different from what I had experienced in Korea, and it fascinated me. One day, I was in a low mood and went to a local lounge, and while listening to a DJ’s set, I suddenly found myself drawn in, almost without realizing it, I was dancing, and it completely lifted my mood,” said Youna. “That moment made me realize music can shift emotions and deliver energy, and I decided I wanted to lApr 9, 2026By Adam Davidson
‘I don’t think I was wrong, but…’ BTS’ Jung Kook apologizes for controversial livestreamBTS member Jung Kook has addressed his controversial “explicit livestream” — a day before his group kicks off its highly anticipated world tour. Jung Kook went live on the fan platform Weverse Wednesday, speaking publicly about the incident for the first time in over two months. “I personally don’t really know if I did something seriously wrong. People on YouTube or streaming industry say these things all the time,” he said. “But since I haven’t shown this side of myself before, some fans may have felt uncomfortable. If any ARMY felt that way, I want to say I’m sorry. I’ll try to be more careful.” The controversy stems from a late-night livestream on Feb. 26, when Jung Kook appeared to have been drinking with friends and speaking candidly — at times using profanity and making blunt remarks. Clips from the broadcast quickly spread online, sparking debate among fans over idol image and authenticity. Reflecting on that night, Jung Kook said, “I was just in a really good mood. For people who are quick to criticize everything, I don’t have much to say.” At the samApr 8, 2026By Xportsnews
JYJ's Kim Jae-joong launches first boy band KeyvitupKim Jae-joong of K-pop duo JYJ launched his first produced boy band, Keyvitup, on Wednesday. According to inkode, the group's agency co-founded by the singer-actor, the five-member group consists of Hyunmin, Taehwan, Sena, Jaein and Rukia. The agency said in a statement that the group's name signifies "opening the door to the world and delivering vitality." Keyvitup will release its first EP at 6 p.m. The album's title track, "Keyvitup," is a song conveying strong confidence to clearly showcase the group's colors and identity, according to the agency.Apr 8, 2026By Yonhap
G-Dragon’s reported $48 mil. payout sparks buzz — and more still uncountedK-pop star G-Dragon is making headlines again — this time not for music, but for the scale of his earnings, with reports suggesting he received more than 65 billion won (about $48 million) from his agency last year alone. A Money Today Broadcasting report released Monday cited an audit report from Galaxy Corporation which showed that the K-pop star’s settlement from the company is estimated to exceed 65 billion won. The figure is based on the company’s 2025 standalone financial statement, which lists approximately 71.4 billion won in “commission expenses” — a category in the entertainment industry that largely consists of artist payouts, aside from costs such as legal and promotional fees. Industry analysis suggests that after excluding those additional expenses, G-Dragon’s share alone likely reached at least the mid-60 billion won range. “Some outsourcing costs from G-Dragon’s world tour last year were also included in the commission expenses category,” the agency said. However, reports said Galaxy Corporation separately recorded about 94.3 billion won in outsourcingApr 8, 2026By Xportsnews
In Seoul for a show? Here's a list of concert essentialsPlanning to attend a concert soon? Whether it’s your first show or your 10th, here are must-have essentials to make your experience smooth, fun and unforgettable. 1. Phone A smartphone with a high-quality camera is a must so you can capture your favorite moments even from far away. If your ticket is digital, your phone also doubles as your entry pass, so don’t forget it. 2. Passport / ID Some concerts require ID checks to match the name on your ticket. Bring a valid ID (especially as a tourist) just in case. 3. Wallet (card or money) From snacks and drinks to exclusive merchandise, you’ll likely want to buy something. Keep a card or some cash for your purchases. 4. Light stick It’s not a K-pop concert without a light stick. Make sure it’s fully charged or has fresh batteries before you go. 5. Power bank One of the most important items for concertgoers is a power bank. Recording videos, taking photos and navigating the area will drain your battery so make sure to keep one on hand. 6. Water Staying hydrated is key for long concerts. Check venue rules beforehand as some places don’t allApr 8, 2026By Kim Sur-hyun
BTS adds 3 shows to Latin American leg of 'Arirang' world tourK-pop superstar BTS announced Wednesday that it will add three concerts to the Latin American leg of its "Arirang" world tour in October. The group said on the K-pop fan community platform Weverse that it will stage one additional show each in Lima, Peru; Santiago, Chile; and Buenos Aires, Argentina. The additions bring its total number of performances in the region to 14 across five countries, which also include Colombia and Brazil. The updated October itinerary features performances in Bogota on Oct. 2-3; Lima on Oct. 7 and Oct. 9-10; Santiago on Oct. 14 and Oct. 16-17; Buenos Aires on Oct. 21 and Oct. 23-24; and Sao Paulo on Oct. 28 and Oct. 30-31. The run marks its first full-group concerts in Colombia, Peru and Argentina. BTS released its fifth studio album, "Arirang," on March 20. The release serves as the band's first full-group project since all its members completed military service. The "Arirang" world tour will launch in Goyang, northwest of Seoul, with shows on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. The tour will continue through 2027, staging a total of 85 shows in 34 cities worldwidApr 8, 2026By Yonhap
BLACKPINK’s Jisoo gifts luxury bags to staff, drawing praise amid industry controversiesBLACKPINK member Jisoo is drawing attention after giving high-end luxury gifts to employees at her agency, in a move that contrasts with ongoing workplace controversy in the entertainment industry. Jisoo, who runs her own agency, Blissoo, recently presented staff with designer bags worth several million won each. The gifts were revealed through employees’ social media posts. Photos shared online showed Dior bags alongside messages such as “I love you, CEO,” “Jisoo is the best,” and “Thank you, boss,” offering a glimpse into the company’s internal atmosphere. The scale of the gifts also stood out. Jisoo, a global ambassador for Dior, personally selected and handed out the luxury items, with multiple bags appearing in the images. Her gesture comes at a time when the Korean entertainment industry is facing a series of allegations involving abuse of power and unfair treatment within management structures. Against that backdrop, Jisoo’s actions are being seen by some as a notable contrast, highlighting a different approach to leadership and workplace culture. Alongside her musApr 7, 2026By Hankookilbo
