Trial opens for Ador's damage suit against former NewJeans member, ex-CEOA trial for the damage suit filed by Ador, a subsidiary of K-pop giant HYBE Labels, against former NewJeans member Danielle and former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin opened on Thursday, showing no end in sight for the dispute that began in 2024. In December last year, Ador filed the damage suit against the idol, her mother and the label's former CEO, claiming 43.1 billion won ($28.6 mil.) in compensation for causing delay to the resumption of NewJeans' activities. At the preliminary hearing held at the Seoul Central District Court on Thursday, legal representatives of the label and the idol clashed over the pace of the proceedings. "Danielle is an idol, and this is the most brilliant period of her career," her legal representatives said accusing Ador of dragging out the case, also pointing to the inclusion of Danielle's mother in the suit. "If this lawsuit is drawn out, she (Danielle) will inevitably suffer harm. Ador, as an entertainment agency, knows this well." Ador's legal team rejected the characterization, arguing that the lawsuit concerned damages and penalties only and had no bearing on DaMar 26, 2026By Pyo Kyung-min
BTS is back with Jimmy Fallon, performs 'SWIM' at Guggenheim MuseumBTS appeared on NBC's "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" on Wednesday night to talk about its new album and its recent live performance at the heart of Seoul. As frequent visitors to the show, the seven members were visibly at home, chatting with Fallon with ease and warmth. Reflecting on the recent performance at the historic Gwanghwamun Square, which was livestreamed globally on Netflix, J-hope said, "We did everything we could to prepare and show it to you. We have even more to show you going forward." On their fifth studio album "ARIRANG," RM explained the title is a folk song that every Korean grows up listening and knowing. "I think it is the song that represents Korea the most. There are lots of emotions in it, from joy and longing to sorrow and resistance," he said. "We hope that our new songs can carry that same universal appeal (to global fans)." Jin spoke about the joy of being back together as a team, saying, "With the members back by my side, even the same moves felt more powerful and confident. I realized how much they mean to me." The septet also performed "SWIM," theMar 26, 2026By Yonhap
BTS turns cities into stages with ‘ARIRANG’ comeback spectacleThe global return of BTS did not begin with a song alone. It lit up skylines, bridged continents and turned some of the world’s most recognizable landmarks into a synchronized stage. The seven-member group unveiled a sweeping multimedia project, “BTS THE CITY ARIRANG,” late Wednesday, releasing a compilation video on its official YouTube channel that stitched together celebrations in Seoul, London and New York into a single, immersive spectacle. The campaign, designed to mark the group’s comeback, transformed urban centers into what the band described as a shared global festival, blending digital art, drone choreography and large-scale media facades. In London, the South Bank became a focal point of the celebration. The London Eye glowed in vivid red, while nearby buildings displayed towering media facades featuring the group’s members holding traditional Korean lanterns alongside the logo of BTS' new album. Across the Atlantic, New York’s Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline served as a backdrop for a coordinated drone show. Hundreds of drones moved in formation to spelMar 26, 2026By Lee Kyung-min
‘North or South?’ joke sparks backlash as comedian apologizes ahead of BTS’ US appearanceA joke made on a major U.S. talk show has triggered backlash just as BTS prepares for a high-profile American TV return — prompting a swift apology from a comedian caught at the center of the controversy. Seth Herzog, a resident comedian on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” came under fire after making an improvised remark during a Wednesday (local time) taping. While warming up the audience, Herzog asked, “Anyone here from the North?” — a line reportedly intended as a general question about audience origins. However, some attendees interpreted the comment as referencing North Korea in relation to BTS, sparking accusations of insensitivity and racial undertones. Audience members took to social media to share their discomfort, with several posts describing the remark as “offensive” and “inappropriate.” The backlash quickly gained traction online, amplified by BTS’ global fan base and the group’s ongoing promotional activities. According to U.S. outlet TMZ, Herzog later apologized directly to BTS as criticism mounted. The broadcaster is also said to have disMar 26, 2026By Xportsnews
BTS’ YouTube takeover has fans hookedBTS is back as a full group after nearly four years — and instead of sticking to traditional promotions, the global K-pop phenomenon is flooding YouTube with unexpected, personality-driven appearances that are rapidly going viral. The group released its fifth full-length album “ARIRANG” on March 20, marking its first full-group comeback in three years and nine months. Rather than relying solely on music shows and interviews, BTS members have been delighting fans with a wide range of digital content, tapping into the platform-driven viewing habits of younger global audiences. From military stories to viral variety — Jin leads the charge Eldest member Jin appeared on webtoon artist and entertainer Kian84’s YouTube channel “Life84” on March 22, showcasing their off-screen friendship. The two previously worked together on a Netflix variety show, building a rapport that has resonated with viewers both in Korea and overseas. Jin shared an anecdote that quickly gained traction online, saying, “I recently went to reserve forces training, and during breaks, people came up to me saMar 26, 2026By Xportsnews
Sold out in 10 seconds: What can stop macro-driven K-pop ticketing?Barely 10 seconds after pressing the "Buy Tickets" button, fans are met with a blunt message: "No seats available." Even reaching the ticketing page can feel meaningless, because by then, most seats are often already gone. The frustrating experience K-pop fans repeatedly face reflects a growing reality of concert ticketing: getting a seat is no longer simply a matter of luck. Fans are not just competing against one another’s quick hands. Increasingly, they are up against automated macro programs that dominate the process. A recent crackdown by the Gyeonggi Bukbu Provincial Police on an organized scalping ring that used macro systems has cast fresh light on rampant scalping in K-pop concert ticketing. Police said the group made 7.1 billion won ($4.7 million) by hoarding tickets with macro programs and reselling them. Fans, however, say cracking down on domestic scalpers alone is not enough. Attention is increasingly turning to overseas operators — particularly organized scalpers in China — accused of distorting the normal ticketing process by entering queues before sales open or usMar 25, 2026By Hankookilbo
BTS Jin left off ‘ARIRANG’ credits, sparks debate as awkward moment goes viralBTS member Jin’s absence from the credits of the group’s latest album has sparked a debate among fans after what has been seen as a tense moment during a live broadcast went viral. BTS held a full-group livestream on Friday to celebrate the release of their fifth full-length album, "ARIRANG," where members discussed the production process and revealed some behind-the-scenes stories. During the broadcast, RM said, "Everyone’s color is in the album," before adding, "If Jin's tour had ended a bit earlier, he would have been able to join us." V also said, "There was time we could have worked together, but his condition wasn’t good. He kept touring." RM added, "He worked really hard. It was a shame," while Jimin said, "Thanks to him protecting the team, we were able to release the album," adding a note of appreciation. Jin himself said, "I’m happy there are so many great songs." However, the explanation did little to calm fans. Jin, who was the first BTS member to complete his mandatory military service, had been on a solo tour at the time BTS held a group songwriting camp in the UnitMar 25, 2026By Xportsnews
Park Ji-hoon to return as singer with 1st release in 3 yearsPark Ji-hoon, the co-star of the Korean film sensation "The King's Warden," will return to the music scene next month with his first release in three years, his agency said Wednesday. YY Entertainment said Park will release his first single album, "Re:flect," on April 29, marking his first release since his seventh EP, "Blank or Black," released in April 2023. The new record explores "the process of reflecting on his present self by revisiting past times and emotions," the agency said in a statement. Ahead of the release, Park is scheduled to hold a meet-and-greet session for fans in Seoul on April 25 and 26. The historical drama "The King's Warden," featuring the unlikely friendship between a village chief and the exiled King Danjong (Park) of the Joseon Dynasty, has become the third most-watched film of all time in Korea, attracting more than 14 million moviegoers.Mar 25, 2026By Yonhap
Oscar-winning 'Golden' rises to fifth on Billboard Hot 100Netflix's animation sensation "KPop Demon Hunters" saw its original soundtrack climb again on both the main singles and albums charts of the U.S. Billboard after the film won two Oscars earlier this month, the latest charts showed Wednesday. "Golden" from the soundtrack rose two places to No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, logging its 39th consecutive week on the chart. The film's soundtrack album climbed a spot to No. 10 on the Billboard 200, also extending its chart run to 39 weeks. On March 16, the U.S. animated film won Best Animated Feature, while its breakout track "Golden" was named Best Original Song during the 98th Academy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles. Elsewhere on the chart, boy band P1Harmony landed at No. 4 with its ninth EP, "Unique," released March 12. It marked the group's second top 10 entry following last year's English-language album "X," which peaked at No. 9, and its highest position to date. Enhypen's "The Sin: Vanish" ranked No. 43, while girl group Katseye's "Beautiful Chaos" was No. 96. BLACKPINK's latest release, "Deadline," fell to No. 98 from last week's No. 41.Mar 25, 2026By Yonhap
Stray Kids marks debut anniversary with new digital singleK-pop boy group Stray Kids will release a new digital single, titled "Star, Light (Stay)," to mark the eighth anniversary of its debut Wednesday. The track will drop at 1 p.m. to mark the day eight years ago when the group debuted. The release serves as a musical tribute to the group's fandom, also known as Stay, JYP Entertainment said in a statement. Blending band sounds with guitar and piano melodies, the song delivers an emotional message about hope for the future, likened to the universe and stars, made possible through "togetherness." Members Han and Seungmin took part in composing the track and penning its lyrics, while all eight members collaborated on designing the online cover image. Stray Kids will hold its sixth official meet-and-greet event for fans at Inspire Arena in Incheon on March 28-29 and April 4-5. All tickets for the shows have sold out, according to the agency.Mar 25, 2026By Yonhap
