BTS says is 'thrilled' ahead of Gwanghwamun comeback showK-pop megastar BTS said Thursday it is "thrilled" to meet fans again ahead of the concert in central Seoul to mark its long-awaited return, expressing gratitude to public officials working to ensure the event's safety. The septet is scheduled to perform at Gwanghwamun Square at 8 p.m. Saturday to mark the release of its new album, "ARIRANG." As the concert is expected to draw some 260,000 people to the area — far exceeding 22,000 ticket holders, the band called for fans' cooperation in maintaining order and safety. "Since many people will be gathering, we ask that everyone enjoy the show safely," leader RM wrote on K-pop fan community platform Weverse. "Please follow the instructions of staff and security personnel. I believe that the respect and consideration of each fan make for a better performance." He added: "We are sincerely grateful to police officers, firefighters, officials from the central and local authorities and everyone who is working to ensure safety." Eldest member Jin also wrote, "Thanks to the many people who helped and supported us, we're able to hold our comeback shoMar 19, 2026By Yonhap
After Heeseung's exit, ENHYPEN at crossroads as it enters 7th yearK-pop group ENHYPEN is facing an unexpected turning point six years after its debut, following the departure of a member and the team’s subsequent reorganization. The sudden exit of Heeseung, the group’s main vocalist and one of its most popular members, has delivered a major shock to both the band and its fandom. For fans, the blow has been even harder since the decision was not framed as a temporary suspension of activities, but as a full departure and a pivot to a solo career. Belift Lab, the group's label, said the move came after “extensive discussions about the group’s direction and each member’s future.” In a handwritten letter, Heeseung expressed both his affection for the group and his thoughts about his own musical path. Many fans say they are still struggling to make sense of the decision, arguing that the agency offered too little explanation and that the abrupt timing and manner with which the announcement was made only worsened the emotional fallout. What it means for ENHYPEN in its seventh year Heeseung’s departure means more than just the loss of one member.Mar 19, 2026By Hankookilbo
Shops, restaurants turn purple to welcome BTS fansShops and restaurants in downtown Seoul were adorned in purple Thursday as businesses eagerly embraced the symbolic color of K-pop group BTS ahead of its highly anticipated comeback show this weekend. The seven-member act is set to perform at Gwanghwamun Square on Saturday to mark the release of its fifth studio album, "Arirang," and preparations have been under way at all levels — from the district government to the prime minister's office — to ensure a safe and enjoyable event. Around 260,000 fans and visitors from around the world are expected to descend on the streets stretching from the square to Sungnye Gate to witness the return of one of K-pop's biggest success stories. Outside a raw fish restaurant found west of the square, a small vase of purple flowers decorated the entrance, while employees of a nearby coffee shop wore ribbons in the five cardinal colors of Korean tradition to welcome foreign visitors in an authentic fashion. "Back when business was very hard due to the pandemic, I was soothed by BTS' songs, so I'm very happy that they will be performing not far from hereMar 19, 2026By Yonhap
A taste of ‘ARIRANG’: 7 limited edition BTS treats for fans in SeoulAre you in Seoul for the long-awaited BTS comeback show? Excitement has been building for weeks, with fans counting down the days to this highly anticipated event. But it’s not just fans that have been preparing. Major cafes and restaurants across Korea are also joining the celebration. From coffee shops to hotels and restaurants, many are offering limited edition BTS menus inspired by "ARIRANG," creating a unique fusion of music and gastronomy. These special offerings are not only a treat for fans but also an opportunity to showcase Korean food culture to the world in a creative and memorable way. 1. Compose Coffee Starting Friday and running through April 13, Compose Coffee is launching two exclusive beverages: THE CITY Ganache Chocolate Latte and THE CITY All-Day Oat. Each purchase comes with limited edition BTS straws and cup sleeves — perfect collectibles for fans. Just be sure to arrive early, as these are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Member V of BTS is the official ambassador for the coffee brand. Check @compose_coffee on Instagram for more information. 2. CucharMar 19, 2026By Kim Sur-hyun
What will ‘ARIRANG’ sound like? Meet the global producers behind BTS’ new albumIn less than 24 hours, K-pop supergroup BTS will release “ARIRANG,” its first full-length album since 2020. Despite one of the largest-scale album promotions K-pop has ever seen, musical details about BTS’ upcoming release continue to remain shrouded in mystery, making the world more curious than ever. Many wonder, what new musical direction will BTS take? It has been six years since the release of BTS’ last full-length album, “MAP OF THE SOUL: 7.” While the band has showcased its musical idiosyncrasies in the past years, with members dabbling in genres like alternative (RM’s "Right Place, Wrong Person") and jazz (V’s "Layover"), many are curious how the seven musicians will come together again for this new record. BTS has only released a 14-song track list and two teaser videos for its upcoming single — turning its dedicated fandom into sleuths as they seek out more clues about the album. Fans noted world-renowned producers credited on the track list, some of whom are known for making some of the most critically acclaimed songs of all time. One of the producers of BTSMar 19, 2026By Inna Christine Cabel
ZEROBASEONE split shocks fans as 4 members plan rival debut after contract exitA looming split inside K-pop group ZEROBASEONE is igniting intense debate among fans, after four members opted not to extend their contracts and instead prepare for a separate debut — potentially setting up a direct showdown with their former bandmates. On Wednesday, a representative from YH Entertainment told Xportsnews that ZEROBASEONE members Zhang Hao, Ricky, Kim Gyuvin and Han Yujin are preparing to debut as a new group. While the agency did not confirm specific details, local reports said the quartet is targeting a May 26 debut under the name “N Double.” The move comes as ZEROBASEONE, a nine-member project group formed through Mnet’s survival show “Boys Planet” in 2023, approaches the end of its originally planned two-and-a-half-year run. The group recently extended its activities by two months, with promotions now set to conclude in March. YH Entertainment said in January that it had agreed with the four members to “take time to carefully prepare for their next steps based on mutual trust,” adding that it is “reviewing various directions” to help each artist mMar 19, 2026By Xportsnews
HYBE denies speculation of political motive behind BTS' red-themed comeback eventsHYBE, the K-pop giant behind K-pop supergroup BTS, has dismissed speculation that a plan by the Seoul metropolitan government to illuminate major landmarks in red for the group's long-awaited comeback is politically motivated. The city government recently announced it would light 15 landmarks, including N Seoul Tower on Mount Nam, Lotte World Tower, the Sebitseom islands and Cheonggye Stream, in red on Friday and Saturday nights to celebrate the return of BTS. The decision prompted some fans and internet users to speculate that the move was intended to promote a specific political party ahead of the June local elections, as red is the symbolic color of the main opposition People Power Party, to which Mayor Oh Se-hoon belongs. "The red color theme was chosen to reflect the key visual identity of BTS' upcoming album 'ARIRANG,'" HYBE said in a statement Wednesday. "The Seoul city government is using the color at our request." The agency also urged the public not to excessively interpret mass cultural events through a political perspective. The statement came after a flood of online posts emeMar 19, 2026By Yonhap
Store employee accused of taking vouchers NCT’s Jaemin gave to fansA store employee has sparked controversy after allegedly taking some of the gift certificates a K-pop star had given to fans. The company has apologized and launched an internal investigation. According to the retail industry, Jaemin, a member of K-pop group NCT Dream, sent fans 30 Shinsegae gift certificates worth 100,000 won each ($67) on the night of March 14 to mark White Day. He shared images containing the barcode for each voucher, allowing fans to claim them on a first-come, first-served basis. Some fans who visited an E-Mart branch the next day to exchange the mobile vouchers for paper certificates found that a large portion had already been redeemed at the Gumi branch before the store opened at 10 a.m. The news fueled online suspicion that a store employee had secretly taken the vouchers before opening hours, leading some fans to file complaints directly with Shinsegae Group, which owns and operates E-Mart. After launching an internal investigation, E-Mart confirmed that an employee at the Gumi branch had preemptively redeemed nine of the vouchers. Shinsegae apologized for the incMar 18, 2026By Hankookilbo
Lee asks for public's cooperation in ensuring safety at BTS comeback showPresident Lee Jae Myung on Wednesday asked for the public's cooperation in ensuring safety at K-pop group BTS' comeback concert in central Seoul this weekend. The group is set to perform at Gwanghwamun Square on Saturday, where hundreds of thousands of fans and visitors are expected, prompting authorities to prepare crowd control and other safety measures. "In order for the event to proceed safely, relevant ministries, the local government, police, firefighting and other agencies are making full preparations," Lee wrote on social media platform X. "Please cooperate with directions from on-site safety personnel and report any ticket scalping, which undermines the market order," he added. As part of security measures ahead of the concert, the government plans to raise the official terror alert by one notch for parts of central Seoul from midnight Wednesday until midnight Saturday.Mar 18, 2026By Yonhap
Stray Kids to release new digital single for 8th debut anniversaryK-pop boy group Stray Kids will release a new digital single titled "Stay" next Wednesday to mark the eighth anniversary of its debut, the group's label said Wednesday. The track will be released at 1 p.m. (Korean time) 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. An online cover image of the digital single was posted on the group's official social media accounts earlier in the day. The eight-member group will hold its sixth official meet-and-greet event for fans at Inspire Arena in Incheon on March 28 to 29 and April 4 to 5. All tickets for the shows have sold out, according to the agency.Mar 18, 2026By Yonhap
