Fans express frustration as BTS’ Jimin caught up in fresh Song Da-eun dating rumorsBTS member Jimin has once again found himself entangled in dating rumors involving actress Song Da-eun, sparking a wave of controversy among fans ahead of the group’s highly anticipated full-member comeback. Song, a former cast member of the reality dating show “Heart Signal,” has long been at the center of speculation after repeatedly fueling rumors of a relationship with Jimin. In the past, she posted photos of couple items and ambiguous images that drew criticism from BTS fans. After a period of silence, Song reignited the controversy on Aug. 27 by uploading a video on her personal channel showing Jimin’s face. The clip, which appears to capture Song waiting in front of an elevator and greeting Jimin, quickly went viral on social media and online communities. Jimin, seemingly surprised in the footage, was seen interacting with her in a friendly manner, further intensifying speculation among domestic and international fans. The timing of the renewed rumors has heightened fan frustration, as BTS is preparing for a full-group comeback following the members’ military dischargesAug 27, 2025By Xportsnews
Top singer Kim Gun-mo to return to stage after 6-year hiatusKim Gun-mo, one of the most iconic and successful singers to emerge from the 1990s K-pop scene, is set to make a comeback with a nationwide concert tour after a six-year hiatus. The 57-year-old singer’s upcoming concert tour will begin with a show in Busan on Sept. 27, followed by performances in Daegu on Oct. 18 and Daejeon on Dec. 20. The tour is expected to expand to Seoul and other major cities next January, according to concert production company IStar Media, Tuesday. The singer abruptly halted his career in 2019 after sexual assault allegations were made against him. At the time, he was enjoying a career resurgence on the popular TV show "My Little Old Boy." Kim was acquitted of the charges in 2021 after a police investigation, but he has remained out of the public eye ever since. “Kim Gun-mo never let go of his music for a single moment, even though he had been away from the stage,” the concert production company said. "His music never stopped during the hiatus." Fans are eager to see if Kim will address the past six years during his concerts, as he has not given a single inAug 26, 2025By Baek Byung-yeul
Sunmi to release new digital single 'BLUE!' after yearlong hiatusSunmi, one of K-pop's most distinctive solo artists, will release her new digital single "BLUE!" Tuesday at 6 p.m., her first music in more than a year since the release of "Balloon in Love" in June 2024. Sunmi's comeback was initially announced on Aug. 7 through the teaser video "SUNMI Comeback Trailer: Bass(ad)" on her official YouTube channel. The clip features a bass line performed by Sunmi herself, hinting at a new direction in sound. The teaser also introduced a striking visual shift. Sunmi appeared with short blonde hair and black nails for a punk-inspired concept, drawing attention for its contrast with her previous work. Anticipation grew on Monday with the teaser for "BLUE!" The clip opened with the question, "What would you do if your boyfriend became a cockroach?" before cutting to Sunmi in a red outfit, her sharp styling amplifying the moody rock star vibes. Since embarking on her solo career, Sunmi, 33, has solidified her place as one of K-pop's leading individual artists by self-producing a string of hit songs. The singer debuted in 2007 as a member of the now-iconic secondAug 26, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min
Super Junior’s 20-year journey shows what K-pop longevity looks likeIn K-pop, the seven-year contract has long been seen as a finish line. For many groups, it's the point where its members either decide to renew or part ways, with only a handful surviving beyond it — and even fewer managing to thrive. Yet Super Junior, SM Entertainment's first-ever large-scale boy band which debuted in 2005, has not only repeatedly renewed its commitment to stay together, but also set benchmarks for K-pop's global rise. Two decades on, the group now stands as one of the rarest acts to endure the industry turbulence, cementing its place as a model of K-pop longevity. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Super Junior recently released its 12th studio album, "Super Junior 25," in July, before launching the 10th edition of its long-running concert series, "SUPER SHOW." Having opened last weekend with three nights in Seoul, the tour now heads to 16 cities across Asia, Europe and the Americas, running through March 2026. Since its launch in 2008, the series has drawn more than 2 million fans, making it the longest-running concert brand in K-pop. Super Junior's origins trace bacAug 26, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min
YOUNITE’s Eunho sexually harassed during Brazil concert tourEunho, a member of the K-pop group YOUNITE, was sexually harassed by a fan during the group’s overseas schedule in Brazil, sparking outrage among domestic and international fans. According to the group’s agency and videos shared online, the incident occurred on Aug. 17 (local time) after YOUNITE performed at the 18th Korea Culture Day festival in Sao Paulo. While Eunho was leaving the venue, a woman suddenly grabbed his face and kissed him on the cheek. The act happened so abruptly that security personnel failed to intervene, and Eunho, visibly shocked, quickly pushed the woman away. Videos taken by fans captured the startled reactions of Eunho and his fellow members. The footage spread rapidly on X, formerly Twitter, and other online communities, fueling anger over the lack of artist protection. Fans expressed frustration, saying, “Please protect our artist. Incidents like this cannot happen again,” “This is clear sexual harassment and should be reported,” “Thinking about how shocked Eunho must have been breaks my heart,” and “I’m worried this could leave lasting trAug 25, 2025By Xportsnews
Stray Kids' 'Karma' sells over 2 mil. copies upon releaseBoy group Stray Kids has achieved double-million-seller status with its fourth full-length album, "Karma," on the day of release, the group's agency said Monday. JYP Entertainment said the album logged more than 2 million sales on Friday, immediately topping Hanteo's weekly physical album chart and Circle Chart's weekly retail album chart. Globally, "Karma" ranked No. 1 on iTunes' Worldwide Albums and European Albums charts for three straight days through Sunday. It also took the top spot in countries including Japan, France and Australia. On the global music streaming service Spotify, the album tallied over 18.26 million streams on release day. Its lead track, "Ceremony," drew 2.52 million streams, debuting at No. 27 on the platform's Daily Top Songs Global chart. The release marks Stray Kids' first full-length album since "5-Star" in June 2023 and serves as a reflection on the achievements the group has made through years of hard work.Aug 25, 2025By Yonhap
Ive to release new album 'Ive Secret'Girl group Ive will drop its fourth EP, "Ive Secret," on Monday, the group's management agency, Starship Entertainment, said. Starship described the EP as "an album that focuses on the flow of emotions hidden behind a glamorous expression." Ive reveals a surprising new attitude while maintaining its confidence shown in previous songs, the agency added. The album consists of six songs, including the lead track, "Xoxz," along with "Wild Bird," "Dear, My Feelings," "Gotcha" and "Midnight Kiss." "Xoxz" is a new phrase created by Ive that means "I love you, good night, and see you in my dreams," according to the agency. The song's tension is driven by a heavy 808 bass, brass sounds, and solid drums, while the low-toned rap and simple vocals create a dreamy atmosphere. Member Jang Won-young wrote the lyrics with lyricist Seo Ji-eum.Aug 25, 2025By Yonhap
Super Junior celebrates 20th anniversary with ‘Super Show 10’Super Junior has proven its staying power once again, marking its 20th anniversary with three consecutive sold-out concerts in Seoul. The group performed from Aug. 22 to 24 at KSPO Dome in Olympic Park in front of 30,000 fans, launching its new world tour “Super Show 10.” The concerts were both a retrospective and a promise of longevity. The setlist reached back to the group’s 2005 debut album “Twins,” and swept through a catalog of hits including “U,” “Sorry Sorry,” “Mr. Simple,” “Black Suit” and “Mamacita.” Fans also heard rare tracks that had not been performed in years, newly reinterpreted for the milestone occasion. The energy inside the dome reflected the bond between the group and its fandom, E.L.F. Each member took turns expressing his gratitude and determination. Donghae acknowledged the final night of the Seoul run by saying, “It’s sad this is the last show. Time goes by so fast, but let’s enjoy it until the very end.” Siwon added, “It’s already the last day — are you ready to have fun until the finish?” Kyuhyun revealed the lengthsAug 25, 2025By Hankookilbo
Ailee and husband Choi Si-hoon address damaging rumorsSinger Ailee and her husband, actor-turned-entrepreneur Choi Si-hoon, have opened up about the persistent rumors that have trailed their relationship, admitting the emotional toll while reaffirming their strong bond. The couple appeared on MBN’s variety show “Let’s Go Go” Season 5 on Aug. 23, where they spoke candidly about their life together. Ailee and Choi registered their marriage in August 2023 and held a wedding ceremony in April this year. On the program, the pair revealed their newlywed home, while Ailee surprised the hosts by disclosing that her mother-in-law lives in the neighboring building. “If I wave, she can see me,” Ailee said, adding that her husband’s mother often sends homemade side dishes, highlighting their close family ties. During the meal segment with the hosts, Choi was asked how he came to appear on Netflix’s “Single’s Inferno” despite his reserved personality. He said that he was originally pursuing acting and was approached through social media. “At the time, I didn’t find it difficult to deal with people, so I joined naturally,” heAug 25, 2025By Hankookilbo
Super Junior’s Kyuhyun injures leg during anniversary concertSuper Junior member Kyuhyun sustained a leg injury during the group’s 20th anniversary concert in Seoul, forcing him to complete the latter part of the performance seated on stage. The group held the third night of its “Super Show 10” concert series at KSPO Dome in Olympic Park on Sunday. While Kyuhyun had performed actively alongside his bandmates during the first half of the show, he later surprised fans when he remained in a chair for the remainder of the set. SM Entertainment said, “Kyuhyun twisted his leg while stepping down from the stage, which caused a muscle strain. His determination to participate was strong, so he continued the show without dancing. He will undergo a medical examination after the performance.” Despite the unexpected injury, Kyuhyun delivered stable vocals and maintained strong stage presence, reassuring fans with his professionalism. With the Seoul leg of “Super Show 10” now complete, Super Junior will continue the world tour with stops in Hong Kong and Jakarta next month, before visiting a total of 16 cities worldwide. This article from the HankoAug 25, 2025By Hankookilbo
